Semi-Centennial Souvenir of Northwood
Northwood, Iowa, June 1907
Fifty years ago on the 5th of July Hon. Lemuel Dwelle platted the town of Northwood, then containing but a few small houses scattered promiscuously about.
Now after fifty years of growth and development the compiler of this little book has taken up the burden of preserving in permanent form the evidence of this progress together with the living features and life history of the passing and the present generation. We feel that we are in a great measure working for the future generation, for it is by the children of today that this little book will be the most highly prized. When those who have lived and toiled are laid in their final place of rest then their pictured features and life’s history will be dear to those for whom they labored while here on earth.
We have worked hard on this little book. Few realize the amount of toil and care necessary to produce a work of this kind with the limited equipment of a news paper office. We are placing this book upon the market at a nominal price so that all who wish may purchase it. In so doing we forego that element of profit which is deemed so essential in this commercial age.
If the book proves a success we shall feel amply repaid. And if it does prove successful it will be because of the loyal hearty support which our citizens have given to this enterprise. Especially do we wish to express our gratitude to the publishers of the Worth County Index for the generous loan of many valuable cuts which has so materially enhanced the pictorial value of the work.
In closing this little preface let us say that we have striven to treat all justly in these pages and to show no partiality to anyone. The outlines of biography have of necessity been furnished by the individuals themselves. But the expressions of commendations and appreciation are the editor’s own and have been neither requested or inspired by any living man. And in this regard we have no apologies to make. Northwood is a beautiful little city, populated by as good a people as the world affords. It would take a more eloquent tongue or a more facile pen than ours to tell in too glowing phrases the story of their virtues. Very truly yours, L. L. Thompson
[Photo of Northwood]
The above cut represents Main street as it looked in 1871. The photo was taken from a point near the corner now occupied by the First National Bank, and is looking west through the principal part of town. The little building in the center with the woodpile by its side is the B. H. Becket store, the pioneer store building of Northwood. Behind the flag pole stands Andrew Gray’s blacksmith shop, where he sho oxen in those days and where he shoes horses now. Those in the foreground are B. K. Walker, Duncan McKereher, R. C. Pike and Mr. Campbell.
The Charming City of Northwood, Iowa.
FIRST THINGS, GREAT THINGS, AND UNUSUAL THINGS
G. O. Mellem was the first settler of Worth County.
Ole G. Mellem was the first white child born in the county.
B. H. Beckett was the first merchant of Northwood; his store building still stands in the rear of the Worth County State Bank.
Hon. Lemuel Dwelle is the oldest living business man of Northwood, having maintained an office constantly for more than fifty years.
Andrew Gray holds the palm for continuous service in our location, he having had a blacksmith shop at his present place of business for 39 years.
O. V. Eckert is the banner mayor of Northwood he having held the office five terms, no two of which were succession.
the first three permanent pioneers of Northwood were G. O. Mellem 1853, Simon Rustad 1854 and I. M. Bolton 1856. These three reared 26 children, a record that is hardly being maintained by the present generation.
The first election of Worth County was held at the home of B. H. Beckett in Northwood Oct 13, 1857. 74 votes were cast.
The first death in Worth County was the drowning of a surveyor in the Shell Rock River near Northwood in 1853.
The first wedding was in 1856, A. T. Bolton and Felinda Bliton, uniting their fortunes.
The first saw and feed mill was built by Chas. Wardall in 1857.
The first flour mill was erected by Lemuel and A. J. Dwelle in 1860.
The first court house was located at Bristol in 1857. The nest four have been located in Northwood. It is hoped there will be no more or many years to come.
The first post office in the county was established at Northwood in 1857. Dr. D. D. Franklin being postmaster.
The first hotel was opened in 1858 by Landlord John Becker.
The first church edifice erected in Northwood was the Presbyterian church which was completed in 1872.
The first school in Northwood was taught in the old stone court house by Catherine Hostetler in 1858.
The first lodge organized in the county is still flourishing. It is Northern Light Lodge A. F. & A. M.
The fire department was organized in 1883 and has just celebrated its 24th birthday by the installation of a new fire alarm system.
The first bank in the county was established in 1869, then known as the Worth County Bank, now known as the Worth County State Bank.
The first newspaper in Worth County was the Northwood Pioneer, issued in October 1869, by P. D. Swick.
Here are some of the unusual terms of office as regards length: Duncan McKereher, treasurer, 8 years; T. L. Ringham, recorder, 8 ½ years; A. C. Blackmore, auditor, 9 years; G. A. Lee, sheriff (when completed) 9 years.
The Worth County Agricultural Society was organized in January 1879.
The first elevator was built in Northwood in 1871.
Recorder John M. Slosson and Supt. H. A. Dwelle are the only persons who have been elected to county office whose fathers held county offices also.
The first railroad in Worth County was built in 1871, the first trains entered Northwood in October. |
