08/21/2008
By Pat Baker Part three of a three-part series. Dakota City School (now Mease elementary) was built in 1919, with classes from Kindergarten to 10th grade. The old red brick school in the center of the town square was converted for use by small businesses and made into apartments. The building burned in 1937, with a fire so bright it appeared as if all Dakota City was going up in flames. Financing improvements in Dakota City was more difficult for Dakota City residents than those in Humboldt. One long-time resident recalled, "We had to pay a higher rate of interest to build in Dakota, but we wanted to be here, near family." Dakota City passed through WWI and the depressions of the 20s and 30s. As Ruth Barrett reported, Dakota City began to grow. With the coming of the automobile and Highway 10 through Mill Street (now Main Street), an unbelievable six filling stations were going full-tilt at one time. In 1919, the town water system was put in. The main street was paved in 1920. At the same time they made the Dakota City hill less steep. In 1925, the Willing Workers became the Park Improvement Club, equipping the Dakota City Park with tables, play equipment, stoves, a well, and electricity. In 1929, the group became the Worthwhile Club. Its purpose: to remember the sick and shut-ins, provide for the needy, and conduct campaign drives. The old brick courthouse was still there in 1923, and in even poorer condition. The new proposition was to build a courthouse for $225,000. This time it would be in Dakota City. "Humboldt didn't want it," the Humboldt Republican editorial said. Times were changing and transportation to the courthouse was easier. But hard economic conditions had its impact, and the issue was soundly defeated 1,715 to 485. Improvements were made at the courthouse. Dakota City offered to connect the town's water system to the county jail and sheriff's house. Rooms were rented in Humboldt for the offices of County Engineer and County Superintendent of Schools. In 1927, an office building with toilets was built close to the courthouse, so the supervisors could meet there. However, the 55-year-old brick building was still heated with stoves in each room. In 1936, the Works Projects Administration helped the citizens of Humboldt County build a new courthouse for $185,000. A bond issue of $95,000 was easily passed by the voters. The W.P.A., a grant and transferred funds took care of the rest. The building, placed northeast of the original courthouse, was ready for occupancy in 1939. The auxiliary buildings surrounding the courthouse were removed and the entire block was landscaped. The Humboldt County courthouse is an imposing, three-story building, distinctive and well-constructed. Like a sentinel it stands and keeps watch over both towns and the whole county. Among the several gifted men and women from Dakota City was Harry Reasoner, who was born in 1923 in a middle-class house on 1st Avenue North, across the street north of the school. His father was Dakota City principal, his mother a teacher, and the family did not stay long in Dakota City, moving on to other small towns. Harry usually claimed Humboldt, where his beloved grandparents lived, as his hometown. In later visits, he toured Dakota City and remarked about improvements, (see photo). Downtown Charles Bergk served as postmaster for 15 years, followed by Cruikshank, then Youngling and in 1877, W.J. Smith. The post office was located in their general stores. Here is a list of businesses on the south side of the main street, starting from the west: The Humboldt County Bank was built across the main street from the courthouse in 1872. It was moved to Humboldt four years later. In the next block east, in the 1940s, Homer Erickson ran an oil station and Rita's very good café was next to it. Then Merlin Fort had an oil station there. The Hughes Bakery sold great homemade rolls in the old café. After the oil station closed, the building was used for car repair, a car wash, an electric shop and storage. It was razed in 1989. On the corner east in the same block (20 - 4th Street S.) is a private home surrounded by trees. Al Adams lived at this location and built his Humboldt County Independent newspaper office west of there (306 Main) in 1875. Odenbrett's oil station was located at about 404 Main Street. It was taken down in 2006. In 1896, there was a grocery store there. Ruth Barrett remembered that about 1900 a Mr. Locke bought the grocery from Jack Fahey. Mr. Locke moved the building to "the corner east of the Star Ballroom," probably 409 Main Street. Eldon Collins had a small oil station in the 400 block before Odenbrett built his building there. Cran's Electric Shop and Dowlings Car Wash were also in this location. East of the alley east of the Odenbrett property, there was a large store at 404 Main Street in 1896. A single story building was there from 1912 to the1930s, used as a variety store and post office. Russell L. Christensen says this is where Boothroyd's meat market was located in the 1930s, operated by his grandparents. Don Sawyer bought the store in 1938 and it was used as his law office until he moved to California in 1943. East of that was a two-story store building, shown in 1915 and 1930 maps. This was where John Brodsack's Barber Shop was. Don Sawyer remembered, "a haircut for kids cost a quarter in 1934." A one-story frame building was next at 406 Main in 1915. In the 1950s, Bob Naeve had a barber shop there, followed by Irv Larson's TV and Radio. In 1974, two new stores replaced these, built by the Naeve family. The Fancy Pants women's clothing store was at 406. Later it was Marso's ice cream store. The Iowa Department of Transportation Materials Lab is now located in that building. The other building is the new post office located at 408 Main Street. "The McFarland Drug Store" stood for many years at the corner where the new VFW building was built in 1978, 412 Main Street, (see photo). It was constructed in 1872 by John T. Fockler, who had the first drugstore in Dakota City. Dr. James C. Sprague had his office upstairs. During the hard times of 1874, E. D. Nickson bought out Fockler's stock of drugs and added it to his own drugstore in Humboldt. William Cragg then took over the drugstore in Dakota City. He was not a pharmacist, and, like Fockler, sold wine and whiskey along with the usual drug store merchandise. Nicholas Lucas accidentally drank poisoned wine there in December 1881 and Cragg's drugstore was sold to Osborne and Franklin, who also had a general store. A.W. McFarland, Dakota City's first lawyer, began the practice of law in 1864. In 1872, McFarland had his law office in "Cass' new building," wherever that was. In 1883, McFarland took over the troubled drugstore, moving his law office upstairs. He was joined in the 1870s by W.H. Locke and in the 1880s by his brother-in law, A.D. Franklin, abstractors. When McFarland died in 1905, the complete drug store and law office sat for years, locked up. The rickety outdoor staircase was removed a few years later. In 1934, Don Sawyer moved his first law office from the old courthouse to the second floor of the McFarland Drugstore Building at 412 Main. The post office was downstairs. When the building was being torn down in 1976, bottles of medicines and other drugstore products were still on the shelf. Casey's General Store is on the corner of the next block east. The Henry Kirchhoff family home was on that corner after Dr. Russell's large brick hotel was taken down. The Roffler Family Hair Center is located next, at 504 Main Street, then Ted Brown's old house, where Iowa Municipal Insurance is located, 506 Main. Ted Brown's Texaco (later City Service) station, located at 508 Main Street, is a remarkable building. During the 1920s there was bootlegging in the basement. Ralph Heath, George Engquist, Jane Schuchmacher, Louis Soppeland, Fred McFarland, Wayne Miller, Louis Collins, Gordon VanGronigan, Billy Buckingham, Merlin Fort and Ole Weiss had a hand at running the gas station. Then it was Frank Rathke's Electric Motor Sales and Service. Geoff Mickelsen operated his R & G Electric there, then Kevin Skow bought the building. Pete Holt has it now, but more about that later. Otto Schultz The entrance of Otto Schultz upon the scene assured Dakota City's continued existence. In the 1920s he operated a small food stand in the Dakota City Park and used to take lunches out to nearby farms to sell. In 1932, Schultz had saved enough to open a garage and then a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership, (see photo). He began buying lots on the north side of Main Street, at $100 per lot, and built a total of seven brick buildings. Because of Otto Schultz's investments in time and money, Dakota City survived. Roller Country Skating Rink is located at 403 Main Street. Otto Schultz's auto dealership was there first. Jim and Marcia Lenning's Sales and Service was there for a while in front, and Head Start was in the back. Then Bill Patterson and his wife operated a ceramic shop in the back. In 1946, Schultz built what he wanted to be a theater. It turned out to be the Star Ballroom, a very popular dance hall for two decades. Here Louis Armstrong, Lawrence Welk and Stan Kenton played to enthusiastic audiences from all over the area. A bowling alley, operated by Max Gibson, was in the basement in the 1950s. In 1975, the Al Hadar family bought the ballroom. The last dance was held in 1992. Dan Dodgen ran a bar and dance hall after Al. It was also called the Dog House. Melinda Witzke purchased the building in 1997 and it is now her school of dance. The building east of the ballroom is vacant now. It was Denny Doocy's bar in the 1960s. Other bar owners included J.E. Colwell, Sal and Meg Odenbrett, Mel Thorn, Jim and Marlene Hamilton, Lyle Taute, and Don and Joan Jacobson. It was also a beauty shop. Busy Bee Day Care is now located on the corner at 409 Main Street. Locke's grocery store was there, beginning about 1900. Elmer Ulrich ran the store for several years while Mr. Locke managed the mill. Don Sawyer remembered, "Bill Locke's Grocery store was the big deal when I was a kid. Everyone gathered there to talk and get the latest news from the first radio in town." The place became Whitmer's grocery, then Ulrich's grocery. Joan Jacobson ran a small grocery there. Dr. Beryl Michaelson had her office in the building. There was a beauty and barber shop there, too, as well as Carl Lippolt's investment firm. Around the corner, on 5th Street North in 1984 was Tony's Pizza and Schwan's Sales and Service, at 28 North 5th. Today Beebe Plumbing and Heating is there. Don Sawyer and J.T Sawyer ran an oil station for 13 years on the corner where Trinkets and Treasures Boutique is now located, 501 Main Street. Gasoline was one-half cent per gallon wholesale in 1944. The station burned in 1944. Otto Schultz soon built a corner grocery at 501 Main Street. DeGrootes, Bowens, Dan Fowler and Craig and Bonnie Locke had businesses there. Gerald Heim had a bar at that location, and also Jim Hamilton, and Mac McCullough owned it. It later became Sherry Carlson's M & M used clothing and is now T & T. B & B Sales and Service is at 503 Main Street. There was a small post office there in 1896, and Walt Hawkins Bakery and Hawkins Jewelry were located in this area in 1915. For a few months in 1940 Byron Fjetland operated Byron's Blue Front Grocery there, east of Sawyer's station. During the war, Elmer and Zula Ulrich (Herb's parents) had their grocery in that building, (see photo). After the war Otto Schultz built a brick building at 503 Main Street. Russell L. Christensen remembers watching Saturday night wrestling at Ferry's Hardware there on the first TV in downtown Dakota City. Romaine Lee had his first hardware store there. In 1983, it was a bookstore, then Dale's Shoe Service. It is now, B & B's, owned by Jerry and Brenda Kramer. The east portion of Vinny's Barbecue, 507 Main Street, was built in 1936, by Otto Schultz, the middle part, where the bar is located, is older. The new addition to the building is on the west, where Vera Miller's cream station used to be. Before it was Vinny's it was Gordy's, and before that it was Carl Weigert's cafe. The corner east of Vinny's, at 509 Main Street, was where Newbrough had an oil station, followed by Ben Schulze, then Fred McFarland had his DX station. Elmer Peltz owned it in the 1950s, then Gordon Laing closed it in 1969. Frank Zigrang and D. Williams rented out the back part of the building to mechanics. Bob Amlie's Auto Body Repair was there in 1984. Tony Russell owns it now. In the next block east is Kellner's Auction Service. First on that corner was an oil station built by Otto Schultz, perhaps the re-built J.T. Sawyer Phillips 66 station. It was sold to Robert Jacobson in 1946. There was a lunch counter in front. Then the Supreme Bread Company distributed bread from this place. Then it was a grocery, Bowen's Food Market, operated by Harold DeGroote, with Walt Cody cutting meat. Next it was remodeled into Elsie's Café. Then Rita and Henry Haas operated the restaurant. Soon Rita's daughter, Val, made it into Val's Café, which later became Todd's Café. Now it is Kellner's Auction Service. Henry Haas had a feed place next to Elsie's. It was also an apartment house owned by Kevin Skow and a Day Care Center. To the east at 605 Main Street is a new very large building that was a beauty shop for a short time. Jim Gronbach Construction is located at 703 Main Street. For several summers about in the 1950s, a roller skating rink used to be set up in a tent east of this in the empty lot. Further east in 1984, at 707 Main Street, Excel Printing did business. Off-main street businesses were a Fabric store south of Pete Holt's Station, Mrs. Skow's stained glass business, Fortner's Furniture Repair, Oaks Garden Spot, Shadle Salvage, Patterson Service Center, Dot's Beauty Service owned by Dorothy Robinson, Irv's TV, Barb McDonough's pre-school, Wayne Jennings' stockyard, Marso Excavating and Martin Well Company. Today we also have Gord's Auto Upholstery and the Richard Cleaning Service, which are located away from Main Street. Industry Dakota City has been home to industries. An alfalfa feed mill was built on the NE corner of (now) 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street South. Built of concrete block, it has also been used for storage of honey and Dittrich dairy equipment. In 1991, LeRoy Witzel bought the property for storage and fixed it up. The J.F. Miller and Sons Elevator by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad bought, processed and sold corn and beans. They also sold coal, and there was a stockyard there. Henry Hansen began his honey factory in 1939, supplying 500 55 gallon drums of honey per season to the Sioux Honey Association for over 40 years. His apiary employed eight people and was located across the street from the current city hall. It was torn down in 2006. Another Dakota City industry is Gunder Manufacturing. In 1952 Paul Silbaugh purchased the business from Everett Gunder and moved it to the former VFW hall in Dakota City, located just west of the courthouse. Additions were made in 1957 and 1968. The plant, known for its quality church furniture and extended area of woodworking, employs about 25 workers. Bob Mickey had the brick Smith mansion near 6th Avenue and 7th Street North demolished in 1973 for the RAMS investment company. The north plant of the Chantland-PVS Company purchased the property in 1978 for its north plant. Chantland-PVS Company originated in 1943 in Badger. The original product line consisted of a small wood frame belt conveyor. The south plant is located three miles south of Humboldt on highway 169. The MHE Automatic Bag Palletizer Company was moved to the north plant in 1994. Products manufactured there are shipped to customers worldwide. Celebrate! Dakota City celebrated its 125th Anniversary in August 1983. Jean Hinkle spoke for the Quasquicentennial Committee: "As we think back over the past 125 years, we can take pride in the tough spirit of those who came before us and the independent feelings that have helped keep this town together." She remarked, "The tall blue water tower proudly declares that this is Dakota City and serves as a landmark to the weary traveler for many miles around. The face of Dakota City has changed over the years. The vacant lots are being filled in and shacks and old houses have given way to the buildings we see today. There is a neighborhood atmosphere about the town that is enhanced by its many comfortable homes, surrounded by tall trees, wide, neatly-kept lawns and productive vegetable and flower gardens." Hinkle noted, "There is a quiet, unhurried pleasant atmosphere that hasn't altered despite the increase in population. The people are concerned with bringing up their families, and indeed there has always been a family closeness about this town and a sort of tough pride in its history that I know will be carried into the future." Juanita Boswell remembered spring walks and the gathering of flowers in the ravine, school picnics and carnivals, the skating rink, and the haunted A.W. McFarland house south of J.C. McFarland's house (602 Main). Locked up for 40 years, it burned down in 1961. Many people go to the greenhouses the Boswells built, where Humboldt County's lawns, flower and vegetable gardens often get their start. Dakota City is no longer on the wrong side of the tracks. The tracks are gone, replaced with hiking trails. The two towns are one except for boundaries. Things on the hill are looking good. New streets have been put in. Parks and civic improvements have created an environment where newcomers are eager to live. Many lovely brick homes have been added since 1983, and whole residential blocks look like parks. A small playground is located west of the new water treatment plant. It was named in memory of Pfc. Herbert O. Zinnel, Jr., who was killed in Viet Nam on his first mission in 1967. A scholarship is also awarded each year in his memory. Street signs were put up with the Boy Scouts helping in 1969. The houses were numbered, so visitors could find Dakota City addresses. In 1981, all the street names were changed to numbers, except for Main Street, which used to be called Mill Street. Sharing Slowly the two rival cities began to share. In 1937, the Worthwhile Club supported the wading pool at Taft Park, and they gave $150 to the Hospital Fund in 1947. By combining the school systems of Humboldt and Dakota City, the towns demonstrated cooperation for the betterment of all. Clyde Mease Elementary School is now part of the Humboldt Community School District, housing kindergarten through second grade. Head Start is next door. Dakota City pays for fire protection and library services from Humboldt. They give a substantial donation each year to the Aquatic Center. Trash collection in Dakota City is provided by independent contractors. Representatives of the whole county work together in the Humboldt County Emergency Management team. The sharing of county and city law enforcement facilities has also worked well, with the Humboldt County Law Enforcement headquarters, which had been on the third floor of the courthouse, moved to its own place in Humboldt. The two towns give Community Spirit Awards together, honoring those who serve the area. Recently, the two city councils met to discuss combining the water and sewer systems. Sharing of equipment, coordinating timing of street improvements, garbage and recycling were also discussed. These proposals were in the formative stages. It was made clear that Dakota City would continue to be a separate town with its own unique identity. Mayor David Lee believes about half of the current population consists of life-long residents. The majority is older citizens, but, he said, more and more younger families are moving in. Dakota City has good water and sewer rates, cheaper housing and a lower cost of living than what can be found in other cities. Families and businesses take pride in their appearance, undertaking remodeling projects to make the town beautiful. Many in Dakota City are thankful to Peter D. Holt who took an eyesore and turned it into an attraction. Pete collected gas station memorabilia. He bought and restored Ted Brown's old Texaco building on Main Street, one of the first architecturally designed gas stations west of the Mississippi. Although it is actually a place where Pete stores his treasures, the gas station has become a place where people stop by all the time. Work done by a group of people from the city to revitalize the town's park has spurred others into action. The Des Moines River Restoration Committee spent one Saturday a month cutting brush, clearing trees and just trying to bring it back to life. What was once a park that nobody really cared about now has playground equipment, 14 campsites, bathrooms, showers, benches, picnic tables, shelter houses, boat ramps, a beach and many visitors. Additional playground equipment and a volleyball court have been added recently. The money raised for this project was done by several fundraisers. New entry signs into town, painting the water tower, and increasing the recycling program were accomplished without raising taxes. Each Christmas thousands of tourists view Merlin Fort's "hillside spectacular" holiday light display, giving Dakota City its "15 minutes of fame" in statewide media. The city purchased land on which they built a recycling depot, a sand shed, and a large maintenance shed. They updated some of their equipment, and resurfaced the main street. They take pride in the appearance of the city and work hard to keep it a friendly clean town. Several houses have been condemned and demolished. On Aug. 8, 2007, and again in June 2008, Dakota City's community spirit surfaced when downpours of rain inundated the town. Neighbors helped one another, and folks from Humboldt joined volunteers from across the state to help clean up wet basements. Jim Gronbach won the "Outstanding Good Neighbor Award" for volunteering much time and energy to help many in the community during that emergency. As he was in the firehouse, he took calls and sent men and trucks to help those in trouble. He helped out in Dakota City. Then, after learning that the Humboldt South Care Center's electrical system was out and all the residents needed evacuating, Jim went there to lead and assist. He demonstrated the neighborly helpfulness he learned at home in Dakota City. Having the courthouse and being the county seat of Humboldt County has always been a source of pride to Dakota City citizens. Recent efforts to place the courthouse on the historic registry, restore the original frescoed artwork on the walls and ceilings, and replace unique, solid bronze light fixtures outside the front door have been successful. Mayor David Lee said, "Our little town is the oldest town in Humboldt County. We are the county seat with the courthouse. We are proud of our heritage and are looking forward to having a great celebration of our 150 years. Our first Dakota City Days celebration was enjoyed by many and we are hoping to provide that same type of event in 2008." *** Our appreciation to those who have helped research this history of Dakota City: Russell L. Christensen, Gordon Van Gronigen, Shirley Vinsand, Mona Sawyer Hill, Ron Stone, Don Vest, Angelique Berry, Janean Smith, Bill Fort, David Lee, Joe Hadar, Nathalie Schulze, Virginia Griffin, Eugene Smith, Donna Cooper, Earlene Davis, Bernie Eckberg, Laurie Carlson, Marilyn Dodgen and Martha Schmidt. Thank you. |
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The Humboldt
Independent • Official paper of Humboldt County
Telephone: (515)
332-2514 |
