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The first library in the Kossuth County of Bancroft began in 1961 in one room of the Bancroft Public School. The community came together to jumpstart the new organization by donating, cataloging and shelving books. The initial library staff was entirely made up of unpaid volunteers. The present library facility was constructed in 1969 from a combination of private and public funds.
Published November 30, 2011 |
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The Clearfield Lions Club was organized in May 1952, and officially chartered in the Taylor County town in March 1953. Club projects over the group’s 60-year history have included sponsoring town baseball, coordinating a 4th of July celebration, and adding community walking trails. Their signature annual event may be shuttle bus service for the Iowa State Fair, which started in 1964. Popularity of the shuttle buses grew quickly, generating enough profits to construct the pictured Lions Club building in 1967.
Published November 29, 2011 |
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The First National Bank of West Union was organized in 1934, taking over the assets of the defunct Fayette County National Bank, which closed following a bank moratorium declared by President Roosevelt in 1933. First National Bank moved to its present facility in 1935. An additional drive-through location was constructed in West Union in 1966, while a branch office was opened in nearby St. Lucas in 1978. The bank celebrated its 75th year of operation in 2009; at that time, deposits totaled $90 million.
Published November 28, 2011 |
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Concerns began in early 2004 when a mold contamination was discovered in the McCausland Post Office. Services were quickly relocated to a temporary facility, but in April 2006, the U.S. Postal Service notified residents they were planning to let the temporary lease expire and add McCausland residents to a rural route based in nearby Long Grove. Over half of the town showed up for a town hall meeting, and community members were given additional time to secure and prepare a permanent facility.
A replacement building was purchased, and over the next two years, over $25,000 was raised from local residents via fundraising efforts including bake sales, hog roasts, and soup suppers. Just days before a closure date was set, the American Postal Workers Union stepped in with a $30,000 gift to fund remaining renovation work. On September 11, 2009, the new, permanent McCausland Post Office officially opened its doors. Check out the McCausland website to view photos from the community’s fight to save their Post Office.
Update: Less than two years later, the Post Office in McCausland is again being considered for closure.
Published November 25, 2011 |
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Scott County
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The pictured church building was originally constructed in 1875 for the First Congregational Church in the Fayette County community of Waucoma. In 1928, the local Methodist Church merged with the Congregational Church to form the Waucoma Federated Church. Services were continued in this building until 1989, when the congregation disbanded. By the end of 1990, the Waucoma Historical Society was deeded possession of the building. Initial improvements were made to add restrooms, a kitchen, and a dining area, with many fundraising dinners held to raise funds for maintenance of the historic facility.
Further improvements were made in 2008 and 2009, when the interior was repainted, stained glass was restored, and a handicapped accessible entrance was added. The church is available for local groups to hold non-denominational church services and celebrations.
Published November 24, 2011 |
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