Photos by County | Fayette County, Iowa

Church of Christ (Arlington, Iowa)

The Church of Christ was organized by seven families in 1858 in the Fayette County town of Arlington. The first church building was constructed at a cost of $2,000 seven years later, with a bell added for $500 in 1876. When a new building was constructed in 1896, the bell was moved to the new facility, which still is active in the community today.

Published April 5, 2012 | Churches | Fayette County | Map

First Baptist Church (West Union, Iowa)

 The First Baptist Church in the Fayette County seat of West Union was organized by 11 people on October 23, 1852. Services were held in homes and an old log schoolhouse until 1853, when a small standalone church facility was constructed. The present building was completed in 1867.

Published March 9, 2012 | Churches | Fayette County | Map

Bethel Presbyterian Church (West Union, Iowa)

Bethel Presbyterian Church in the Fayette County seat of West Union was officially organized in June 1867 with 12 charter members. The congregation first met in an old church facility and then the Fayette County Courthouse before a new brick building was constructed and dedicated in 1872. The first church was remodeled in 1893, but plans for an addition were interrupted when the building was destroyed by fire on February 11, 1922.

Prompt action was taken to construct a new church on the site of the old one, with the cornerstone laid on September 17, 1922 and dedication services held the following year. A basement was added in 1951, while an education wing was added (in the lighter brick) in 1961.

Published February 2, 2012 | Churches | Fayette County | Map

Public Library (Arlington, Iowa)

The first account of library services in the Fayette County of Arlington dates to 1883, when resident O.H. Osborne made his personal collection of books available to readers within the town’s post office. Books were later stored in a downtown jewelry store before the community came together in 1928 to remodel a room for library use in the City Hall. The present building was constructed in 1982 at a cost around $62,000. A grant covered one-third of the cost, with the remaining funds raised from donations by local citizens and organizations. The 1,800-square-foot building was dedicated November 21, 1982.

Published January 25, 2012 | Public Libraries | Fayette County | Map

First National Bank (West Union, Iowa)

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 | Banks | Fayette County | Map