When the Buena Vista County Sesquicentennial committee came to Marathon residents Lois and LeRoy Lind in 1994 for suggestions, LeRoy shared his vision to hold a sanctioned marathon to the town of Marathon. Along with other committee members, LeRoy researched several marathons and worked to get the 26.2 mile route from Storm Lake to Marathon officially sanctioned. LeRoy passed away in January 1996, but his efforts proved successful as the first Marathon to Marathon event was held that summer.
The tradition continues, with the 16th annual Marathon to Marathon slated for June 16, 2011. For more information on the festivities, which include food, entertainment, and a 5K walk/run, check out the official event website.
The Stacyville Public Library debuted in May 14, 1968, inside the City Hall. The library was housed in the portion of the City Hall that formerly held two jail cells. The wall between the cells was torn down and bookshelves were installed for library use. A year later, as the collection grew, discussion began around the idea of using the entire City Hall building for the library. Funds were secured to remodel the facility and books were moved to the nearby beauty shop as the library space was renovated. The upgraded building of 1,050 square feet opened April 1970.
By 1995, the Public Library determined that more space was needed and fundraising efforts began for a new library building. Annual corn mazes were held between 1999 and 2002 to generate funds, and two large donations were received for use in the library project. The $285,000 building was completed in 2004 with a large crew of volunteer labor. On December 4, 2004, a large crew of volunteers moved books and materials, and the new library was officially opened.
When the post office closed in the unincorporated Audubon County community of Hamlin in May 2006, Pastor Joseph Rose saw an opportunity to purchase a permanent location for his church congregation. For $13,000, they were able to take possession of the 1,200-square-foot building to begin interior remodeling in early July. Walls were torn down, carpet was replaced, and drywall was repaired in time for the first official service in the new building on October 1, 2006.
On May 30, 1840, the Van Buren County Commissioners awarded a $6,500 contract for construction of a new courthouse in Keosauqua, which had edged out the village of Bentonsport in the county seat election two years prior. The courthouse was finished in September 1843, making it the oldest courthouse in Iowa to be in continuous operation since its opening date. A major interior restoration project was completed in 1983 and exterior improvements were made in 1997.
Though the main courthouse building has changed little since its initial construction, additional buildings have been added to the courthouse complex, including an additional county office constructed in 1896 (expanded in 1979) and a separate Law Enforcement Center built in 1993.
In December 1965, the U.S. Postal Service awarded a contract for a new post office to be constructed in the Sioux County community of Ireton. The 1,584-square-feet building, which featured a loading dock along and dedicated parking space, was officially dedicated October 1966. The dedication ceremony included a speech from U.S. Congressman Stanley L. Greigg, an Ireton native. He said the new building was “like a shiny penny on main street.” Around 100 residents attended the ceremony.
Featuring a new Iowa photo each weekday; dedicated to discovering and documenting the best of small-town Iowa.
