The first library in the Winneshiek County town of Fort Atkinson was established in 1964 in a room on the first floor of the former public school building. It later moved to the building’s lower level and then to a portion of the fire department. In 1995, Fort Atkinson Public Library returned to the public school building, which had been fully refurbished. It shares space with the city museum.
Published January 11, 2012 |
Museums, Public Libraries |
Winneshiek County
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The brick Hotel Williams was constructed on Main Street in the Jones County town of Wyoming in 1878. After nearly a half-century of operation, it discontinued operation as a hotel in 1932. The historic building has been repurposed as a local historical museum featuring a wide variety of displays. The collection includes items from early Iowa drug stores, old-fashioned showing machines, farm kitchen items, and a replica dental office and barber shop. It’s open Thursdays through Saturdays, May through September, or by appointment at (563) 488-3975.
Published January 2, 2012 |
Museums |
Jones County
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The first ‘free’ public library in Eagle Grove opened in 1902, when a growing book location was created in the reception room of the local Masonic temple. Shortly after, the community was offered a $10,000 grant to build a public library building in Eagle Grove provided the city came up with a suitable location and a small tax to cover upkeep costs. The community spent $2,000 on the corner lot, construction began, and the new facility was formally dedicated in September 1903. It was used as a library until a new, single-story location was built in 1976.
The historic Carnegie building is now home to the Eagle Grove Historical Society and Museum. A fundraising campaign is underway to provide much-needed restoration to the century-old building.
Published August 10, 2011 |
Carnegie Libraries, Museums |
Wright County
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The pictured railroad depot in the Howard County town of Elma was constructed in 1901, after a fire destroyed the community’s original station along the Chicago and Great Western Railway. As the twentieth century progressed and railroad prominence declined, Elma saw the last passenger train stop at the depot on April 28, 1962. The depot remained open for freight travel purposes until 1971, when several depots were closed in favor of a centralized location in New Hampton. A decade later, freight trains were discontinued on the line, and track was removed in April 1982.
After sitting vacant for over ten years, resident Kenny Stevenson initiated the restoration of the historic Elma depot. The depot now serves as a museum highlighting rail travel in Elma and other local artifacts. It’s operated by the Elma Museum Board and open weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Published August 9, 2011 |
Museums |
Howard County
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Located on the north side of the square in the Floyd County community of Charles City, the Carnegie library building was constructed in 1904 at a cost of $10,000. It housed the Charles City Public Library until 1979, when a new facility was constructed. Fortunately, the historic building has new life as the Charles City Arts Center, which features exhibits, studio and classroom space, and is open to the public four days each week.
Each month works from a regional artist are displayed, with a reception held the first Friday of each exhibition. Community members looking for space to create their art can use the center’s free studio space, open to the public at no cost on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Check out the Charles City Arts Center website for more information, including hours, current exhibition details, and upcoming special events and classes.
Published July 27, 2011 |
Carnegie Libraries, Museums |
Floyd County
