Celebrating Decorah - 175 Years

G N I T A R B E L CE

h a r o c De

17 5 Y E A R S d the 175th anniversary of its “On June 15, Decorah celebrate yoral commemorate the event with a ma founding. It was my pleasure to stantially in its history and now sub wn gro s ha ah cor De n. tio ma procla c and cultural development. It is has achieved significant economi kes s and ideologies. The history ma trie ces an e ers div of ple peo to home rs that e and to share with all the visito Decorah a beautiful place to liv enjoy what the city has to offer.”

Mayor — Lorraine Borowski, Decorah

To officially kick off Decorah’s 175th anniversa ry celebration, Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski read the proc lamation of the city’s anniversary to an audience of about 50 peop le earlier this June.

(Decorah Leader photo by Zach Jensen)

Looking back at Decorah’s 1949 centennial

These are just some of the m any keepsake tos captured du phoring the 1949 ce ntennial parade in Decorah. To m T. Henning took the pictur from the Weis es GMC location on College Drive.

The pictures w ere submitted

by Sarah Iverse of Decorah. Iv n ersen said, in many cases, names of thos the e who ordered copies of the ph tos at that time o— some of whi ch were record on the reverse ed of the original prints — are th only indication e of who the subj ec ts in each photo may be. The photos of the D ecorah Theate and Army/Airfor rs ce floats bore no such indication, but several othe rs did. The reve rse of the Luth College float bo er re the name W ill Larson. (Pho courtesy of the tos Decorah Genea logy Family an Local History R d esearch Cente r)

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 BY THE DECORAH LEADER

PAGE B-2 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

A brief survey of the early beginnings of Decorah from 1849-1857

By Kevin Lee and Midge Kjome Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center

It doesn’t seem like 25 years have passed since the Decorah sesquicentennial, but they have, and a new generation has grown to adulthood in that time. So, we want to remind our audience/readers of the early history of our fair city and introduce that new generation to some of the people who have made our community the envy of northeast Iowa.

William Day, from Tazewell County, Virginia, came to the Decorah area in the fall of 1848 and, on a spot somewhere on the southeast border of Washington Prairie, put up a crop of wild hay. He then returned to Beetown, Wisconsin, intending to bring his family before the winter set in. They planned to set out about the middle of November, but a snowstorm came that, in half a day, made traveling by heavily loaded wagon impossible. They gave up their plan to leave at that time and remained at Beetown over the winter. Early in the spring they set out for their new life in northeast Iowa.

Mrs. Day was not satisfied with the place William had chosen and insisted they looked further. On June 10, 1849, William and Elizabeth Day with their seven children found their way to the banks of the Upper Iowa River between where the John Cline Elementary School and the Winneshiek Hotel now stand. There, a little spring bubbles up and they first put down the roots to what would soon become the town of Decorah.

A temporary shelter, a cabin 16-by-16, provided a stable and dwelling and also provided a shelter for other wayfarers passing through.

As the story goes, William Day was having a look around and heard the sound of someone chopping wood. Following the sound, he came across one William Painter.

William Day and his wife Elizabeth and family came to the Decorah area in 1849. (Photos courtesy of the Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center)

Painter, in company with 10 others from Grant County, Wisconsin, had set out on an expedition to northern Iowa in March of 1849 to look at the new territory just opened for settlement. Being struck by the beauty and fertility of the country, he determined to make it his home. Painter, with his usual decision of character, made a claim and built a cabin on the Upper Iowa River.

Painter’s first wife had died while the couple resided in Paintersville, Ohio, in June of 1844. He remarried the following year and continued to farm in Greene Count, Ohio. He obtained an interest in a grist mill in Clinton County, Ohio, in March of 1847 — successfully operating the mill without any previous apprenticeship. He also oversaw the building of houses, pumps and machinery during that period, but in September of 1847 he, his wife and their one child set out in a twohorse wagon for Wisconsin.

They arrived and pitched their tent in Grant County, at the head of the Platt River, where Painter purchased a farm and built a cabin. The family lived there, farming and following Painter’s mechanical pursuits for which his genius seemed to be peculiarly adapted.

In June of 1849, he commenced the erection of a

gristmill, an arduous task in northern Iowa at that time for anyone, but especially so for one with very limited means, and without a mechanical education. In spite of all the difficulties, he succeeded in starting a mill and in 1852, with one run of stones, was capable of grinding between 15 and 20 bushels of wheat per hour — this was planned by himself and built with his own hands.

Though farmers were obliged to come there to dispose of their grain or to get it floured, Painter was never known to take advantage of their necessities by overcharging or extortion. He would always lend a helping hand to the poor, was associated with the benevolent movements of the country and was a strict temperance man. He was often seen about his mills, dressed in his plain clothes and large bone buttons.

William Painter and William Day filed claims which included much of what is the business district of Decorah today. They each claimed half, the dividing line being what is Court Street today. Painter owned the western half of Decorah and Day owned the eastern half.

The first child born in Decorah was George Patten Painter, named for two of the sons in the Day family, He was born in the fall of 1849. The only other

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Decorah Jour nal Oct. 30, 1986

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William Painter scouted the Decorah area in 1848, eventually claiming half of the county — the other half was claimed by William Day. (Photo courtesy of the Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center)

adult woman living nearby was Elizabeth Day. She was likely called to help Elizabeth Painter with the delivery.

These two families were soon joined by other settlers, some would stay and others would soon move on. By the time the first county census was taken in October of 1850, there were 600 individuals in 100 households in Winneshiek County.

The county’s foreign-born population included Upper Canadians, Norwegians, Rhinelanders and Irish. Most of these newcomers were farmers looking for good land.

Among the first to join Day and Painter was Phillip Morse.

The Morse family were “the third family” in Decorah, according to Sparks’ History of Winneshiek County, 1877. Mores, his wife and two children moved in with William Painter but soon built a cabin on the back portion of the lot on which the Vesterheim Museum now stands. That same summer “Uncle Phillip,” as he became known to many, bought a portion of the Heivly waterpower from Painter and commenced a sawmill upon it. He and Painter also built the dam and race together. Painter built a grist mill around that same time — the Bernatz Mill stands near the site today. At that time the E. Dunning and his family arrived.

Painter’s Spring Mill was sold to Dunning — making a total of three mills, two grist and one saw mill available to the growing community. The mills also served to improve prospects for other manufacturers to come to the area.

A year or two later, Morse built the first frame dwelling in town — at what is now 109 North Mill Street. The home was still standing until a few years ago when it was torn down and replaced with a new house. The town’s first marriage was within the Morse family when Henry T. Morse married Hannah C. Chasen on Aug. 22, 1852.

In 1851, the first steps were taken to organize a county government. A vote was taken upon the location of the county-seat which resulted in the choice of Decorah. That election was disputed and for several years efforts were made to remove the county-seat from Decorah, which delayed the building of a courthouse until 1856. The stories about the disputed election and another dispute with Freeport over the same issue, can be read in all three published histories of Winneshiek County, with more details added in each account. In any case Decorah remained the county seat.

County officers chosen were David Reed as judge — he held

the position until 1855 — Joseph Brown as clerk; George Bachel as sheriff and David Kuykendall as recorder and treasurer.

The first term of court was held in September of 1851 at the log house of William Day in Decorah. There being no business, it adjourned to the first Monday in October, when the first marriage license was granted.

Carpenters were needed to build Decorah’s houses, and soon there was a supply of them, beginning with a man named Stevens. He soon left for California, selling his tools to William E. Taylor, who arrived in November.

Aaron Newell and a fellow named Derrick arrived early that summer to sell various supplies. They opened their stock of goods — about a wheel-borrow full — in the Day family’s smoke-house. Soon they fought for better accommodations — a kind of shanty — until they could build a real frame building. Their first store, the Pioneer Store, was located on the corner of Water Street and Washington Street, where Impact Coffee is today. The building had a second story, which was a public

Decorah beginnings continued on page B-3

r e v o c s i D the journey

Published by Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission

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COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE B-3

Chief Waukon Decorah (Portrait by James Otto Lewis, painted at the 1825 First Treaty of Prairie du Chien conference.)

Judge Eliphalet Price of Clayton County is said to have been the person who first suggested the name Decorah for the settlement. (Photo courtesy of the Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center)

Decorah beginnings continued from B-2 hall called Newell’s Hall.

Next to arrive was the gospel in the person of a Methodist preacher. This fellow presented himself at the cabin of “Uncle Phillip” Morse, saying he was looking for the lost sheep of the House of Israel. Morse assured him he had found them and that very night Elder Bishop preached in the town. He made arrangement to preach monthly, taking the gospel also to Lansing and Monona and in all that area east of Decorah. It was only a few weeks later that the second preacher arrived, this time a congregational minister named Eastman, who established monthly meetings in Day’s log tavern. The Methodist and Congregational churches of Decorah eventually sprang up from those early meetings — First Methodist Church was the first church building in Decorah, and it’s wooden structure was replaced by a brick building in 1874 at a cost of $13,000.

That building’s original steeple was destroyed by hail in 1908.

The town’s first blacksmith, Alonzo Bradish, arrived in 1852. He carried on the tin trade but also dealt in real estate. He had a hired journeyman named George C. Winship. An enterprising Welchman named George Phelps arrived in Decorah in 1854. He was a blacksmith by trade, but his name would come to represent a great deal more in the history of Decorah.

Decorah recorded its first death in the fall of 1852. A Mr.

Chase — possibly a relative of Henry Morse’s wife Hannah Chase — passed away and, with no city cemetery established, was buried in the brush on private property as was typical at that time.

Day and Painter laid out the present site of Decorah in 1853 and, under their fostering care, Decorah grew to be the largest town in northern Iowa over approximately five years.

Judge Eliphalet Price of Clayton County is said to have been the person who first suggested the name Decorah for the settlement. Chief Waukon Decorah, whose name is associated with two northeast Iowa cities, was one of several offspring to bear the name Decorah, an Americanization of the word DeCarre. The native chief was a fourth-generation descendant of Sabrevoir DeCarre, a French soldier and fur trader who died in St. Foye, Canada, in 1760.

His mother was Glory of the Morning, a daughter of a prominent Indian chieftain.

Ammon, Scott and Co. came to Decorah in 1853, adding steam power to the city’s water-powered industries. They built a foundry and a machine shop.

A schoolhouse was built in 1854 in which T. W. Burdick gave instructions. The school was built on the present site of First Lutheran Church and was a wooden building of insignificant architectural design. It was in service for many years until a new school, a three-story

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brick building on the northwest corner of Winnebago and Vernon streets, was built in 1866.

After teaching that winter, Burdick was for four years the acting treasurer of the county. He was elected to that office for three successive terms until the Civil War, when he served as Captain of Company D, Sixth Iowa Cavalry. He later became cashier of the First National Bank. Burdick kept a list of his scholars, about 46 in number, with the names of their parents.

He boarded around, living with different families so he could teach their children.

The Winneshiek House was built in 1854 by William Day on the site where the Hotel Winneshiek stands. It was a prominent and popular hotel, its reputation far-reaching.

A fellow named Spencer established a harness shop in Decorah. Kenyon and Dickerman opened a livery barn — Dickerman doing a little other business on the side. E. I. Weiser and Bro. opened the first drug store.

Late in 1855, a United States Land Office called the Turkey River Land District, was established in Decorah. Before that time, the public had to go to Dubuque to register their

First Methodist Church was the first church building in Decorah. Its wooden structure was replaced by this brick building in 1874 at a cost of $13,000.

(Photo courtesy of the Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center)

The 150 year old First Methodist Church pictured before the restoration project began this summer. (Photo courtesy of the Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center)

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Magpie Cafe & Coffeehouse is located in Decorah’s historic 202 W. Water St. The building was likely constructed in 1875 by John Hexom. Hexom first operated a grocery store (early 1900s) and later a shoe store, Hexom Shoes. In 1949, Bill Jansen operated Jansen Shoes.

Later, the building housed several bakery operations. Hart’s Bakery & Coffee Shop (opened in 1966 and operated by Larry, Don & Lucille Hart) was purchased by Paul & Darlene Woodhouse (June 1997), known as Back Home Bakery & Coffee Shop.

Jim Juve purchased Back Home Bakery in 2008, and later sold the bakery to Magpie Coffeehouse owners Rod & Kathleen Ritner.

The Ritners already operated Magpie at 118 Winnebago St., and after purchasing the bakery in 2014, they moved Magpie to the 202 W. Water St. location, coining the name “Magpie Coffeehouse and Bakery” and now “Magpie Cafe and Coffeehouse”.

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Thurston Kjome opened a music store at 126 E. Water St., Decorah, in the 1930s. The actual construction date of the building is up for debate, as features like a gable roof and dirt floor basement reached only by trapdoor lead historians to believe the building could have been built before 1885.

In 1960, Kjome sold his music business to Russ and Lynne Kephart who operated Kephart’s Music Center. Upon renovating the building, the Kepharts found evidence of charred studding on a wall from a devastating April 1, 1951, fire at the nearby Commercial Hotel. Had the fire burned hotter or longer, the Kephart building could have gone up in flames.

Mark Muggli photo

claims. Though the new office remained in Decorah for less than a year, it brought people to Decorah in streams, and entrance to the office was gained by brute force. Office hours were from 9 a.m. to noon only.

The strongest and most persistent men often waited from midnight on to be the first admitted. That winter and spring, nine banking houses were in full swing. Decorah was the chief center of trade for the region, bringing plenty of cash into the city at that time.

The first plat of the original Decorah was made in 1856. A census around that time found the county contained approximately 2,000 inhabitants — Decorah was well-established as the county seat and the center of trade in the northern part of the state.

Decorah was legally organized in April of 1857 but was not incorporated as a city until 1871. Construction of the first county courthouse began in 1857.

West Decorah, sometimes known as the settlement “on the other side of the river,” was growing at the same time as Decorah. The two settlements merged into a single unit in 1902.

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PAGE B-4 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

Descendant of Decorah’s namesake speaks on native culture

By Denise Lana Staff Writer Prosper Waukon has devoted his life to keeping his tribe’s traditions and practices alive, including a long-standing respect for every living thing.

The indigenous leader and community figurehead — himself the great-great-great grandson of Ho Chunk Chief Waukon Decorah, for whom the city of Decorah is named — visited the city earlier this June during the its 175th anniversary celebration.

Waukon, his wife, daughter, three grandchildren and great-grandchild, Prosper also addressed a small crowd of local history aficionados at the World’s Smallest Church in Festina. Prosper spoke slowly but with confidence and power, describing his lineage and sharing anecdotes from his childhood.

“There is a lot more in common that people want to admit, but the spiritual life of a Native American is far greater,” Waukon said. “It is in our thinking. How many white folks go around a do a sun dance?”

He went on to question the crowd on the meaning of community and who is involved in fostering such a group. Several audience members chimed in with responses — families,

friends, neighbors, churches, towns.

“So, you’re talking about a human community,” Waukon said, as he slowly eyed the crowd.

But he indicated his cultural view of community extends beyond just humanity to include plants, insects, animals and flying creatures.

“They are all a part of our community,” he said. “Our community is a lot bigger than just people – that’s the way we think. Everything we do affects everything else. It touches and involves a much wider community.”

Gazing up at the trees, he continued to explain his cultural perspective.

“You’ve got all these elders out here around us, he said.

“These trees are older than us, so we go to them. Those animals out there have more knowledge than we will ever have, so we go and watch them. We observe how they treat each other.”

Waukon’s granddaughter Ciarrah Reine Waukon-Latraille said her own daughter Luna, at the age of 2, would place her hands against a large palm tree in the family’s front yard each day “and be one with it.”

“Many people believe that things that happened in our physical earth are separate than our spiritual world,” Wau-

kon-Latraille said, asking the audience if they too believed that to be so.

“That’s what many have been taught, but in the Indian world, the spiritual and physical world interact.

Through different ceremonies, you get to see and visit those realms and realize there is only one world.”

Wa u k o n - L a traille has numerous visible tattoos on her arms and hands, and she said many are symbolic and represent her family’s culture — she pointed to a tattoo which wraps around her arm and ends in a snake symbol.

“It’s in our traditional appliqué style,” she said. “When we have pow wows, we have a traditional dance style specific to the Ho Chunk people. Our last name is Snakeskin, and the snake is a huge significance for that with our family.”

Others have a more literal connection to loved ones who have passed on, such as her fiance who passed away last summer.

“Some of his ashes are in the

Congratulations 

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DECORAH

In the opening ceremony of Decorah’s 175th anniversary celebration, Prosper Waukon, the great-great-greatgrandson of Chief Waukon Decorah, introduced himself and his family and gave a summarized version of what he shared Saturday night at the Hotel Winneshiek. (Decorah Leader photo by Zach Jensen)

tattoo ink,” Waukon-Latraille said. “My grandmother’s ashes are also in this tattoo as well, but the tattoo itself is not symbolic of anything.”

She explained that even the colors used in items of clothing can be symbolic. She herself wore items which are representative of the Indian medicine wheel. She said the wheel’s four colors can symbolize multiple ideas — such as the seasons, natural elements,

Ciarrah Reine Waukon-Latraille, granddaughter of Prosper Waukon, wore earrings representative of the Indian medicine wheel. She said the wheel’s four colors can symbolize multiple ideas — such as the seasons, natural elements, cardinal directions or even differing human races. (Decorah Leader photo by Denise Lana) cardinal direc- tions or even differing human races.

“Like my grandfather said,

we are all about being connected to everything around us,” she said.

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Prosper Waukon and his family are pictured during a visit to the St. Anthony of Padua Chapel near St. Lucas in June. Pictured l-r: wife Jan Waukon, Prosper Waukon, daughter Margaret Mary Waukon, great-granddaughter Luna Lazulie Waukon-Martinez, granddaughter Ciarrah Reine Waukon-Latraile, granddaughter Hannah Dream Waukon-Wolf and grandson Takotah-Spirit Waukon-Latraile. (Decorah Leader photo by Denise Lana)

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COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE B-5

Decorah better off because of Ben Bear

By Elizabeth Lorentzen Winneshiek County Historical Society

Ben Bear was a Decorah clothier and philanthropist who operated his business for more than 60 years in the building formerly occupied by Donlon Pharmacy. Bear came to the United States in the 1860s as a 13-year-old. This young German Jewish immigrant had a job as an errand boy by the next morning, and this energetic, conscientious attitude became a lifelong characteristic.

“Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Bear’s record in regard to growth and improvement is one of which any good citizen might be proud,” Edwin C. Bailey wrote in his 1913 biographical sketch of Bear. “He has been identified with every movement that has tended to upbuild the city and, liberal in the expenditure of time and money, has taken the initiative along many lines. He was president of Decorah’s first electric light company, was active in promoting the building of the Winneshiek County Courthouse and was an important factor in making possible the erection of the Grand Opera House of which he is associate manager.

He was one of the leading spirits in the building of the Winneshiek Hotel and is president of the company that operates this first-class house. When the question of a federal building for Decorah came up, it was he who materially helped in securing the desired location now occupied. For several years Mr. Bear was president of the Winneshiek County Fair and, under his direction, it was an unqualified success. At present he is treasurer of the Decorah Commercial Club, and in fact anything that is undertaken for the good of Decorah and Winneshiek County finds a willing spirit in Mr. Bear.”

The town expressed its high regard for Bear when it held a celebration honoring him on his 80th birthday. The Bear family was said to have actively

Ben Bear operated his business for more than 60 years at the corner of Water and Winnebago Streets. Donlon Pharmacy was the most recent occupant of the building, until early 2024.

(Decorah Leader archive photo)

Ben Bear (Photo courtesy of the Winneshiek County Historical Society)

practiced the Jewish teaching of tikkun olam — the concept of improving the world through positive actions.

In 1918, the Winneshiek Coounty Red Cross organized a Pig Club fundraiser — people donated a pig and fed it until it was ready for market, with proceeds designated for the Red Cross. At market time, 2,171 hogs were sold, including 1,901 shipped on a special train of 27 cars to Chicago. Mr. Bear accompanied the train to Chicago, influenced firms to waive their commissions and handled the pig club so efficiently that $67,644 was raised for the benefit of the Red Cross. The second instance recounted a time when the Lutheran church body in Minneapolis planned to move Luther College to the Twin Cities. The Rev. Vilhelm Koren and Luther College President Laur Laursen protested vehemently, maintaining that the college was located where it belonged and that it should remain in Decorah. Koren wired Bear, asking him to convince

the city to contribute $10,000 to Luther and provide free water service for a period of 10 years in an effort to entice the church body to let Luther remain in Decorah. In short order, Bear did just that, wiring back to Koren that his request was granted.

And Luther remained.

After a speech by Luther’s President Oscar L. Olson, which recounted Bear’s many contributions to Decorah’s progress, Bear himself rose and said, “I can think of only one day that meant more to me than this occasion and it was July 15, 1884, because on that date I was united in marriage with Miss Antonia Homberger, who has been my constant companion ever since. And I want to take this opportunity of saying at this time that it was her influence and loving companionship at all times that, more than anything else, has been responsible for whatever success has been mine.”

Antonia Bear was raised in a wealthy, cultured Jewish who made their home in a fashion-

able area of New York City, along the East River, on 57th Street. Known affectionately as Tony, she married Ben Bear and came to Decorah as a young woman. Decorah was a rough, frontier town at that time with dirt streets and lacking in the amenities she was accustomed to, but Tony embraced Decorah and its residents fully. They in turn welcomed her and loved her. Tony was credited by others in making “an important contribution to the quality of life in Decorah and the cultural level of life in the community.”

The couple first lived at 402 Mechanic St. in Decorah. Ben had fresh flowers delivered from the Symonds greenhouse every morning before 7 a.m. so that Lizzie, their maid, could put them on Mrs. Bear’s breakfast tray — 10 cents worth of parsley was also delivered almost every day to their home.

They later moved to a spacious home at 918 Pleasant St. The home and grounds there served as a capacious venue for entertaining guests. Mrs. Bear was described at the time as a genteel, soft and dignified lady, and invitations from Mrs. Bear were much coveted.

“It was considered great so-

cial climbing to be on her invitation list,” the Sept. 13, 1900, edition of the Decorah Republican said. “Mrs. Ben Bear served luncheon last Thursday at 1 o’clock to a large company of ladies. The lawn was set with tents where the tables were laid, and several hours were spent by the guests in a very pleasant manner.”

The Bears had a cook, a chauffeur, and a maid all of whom were treated very well.

Tony Bear generously shared her recipes — such as chopped liver on lettuce and lentil soup — with other community members. The couple also had the first telephone and the first electric car in Decorah. Tony used the electric car to deliver food to families in need in the area.

The Bears were the only Jewish family in Decorah, devout in observance of their faith, and devoted to one another.

The Bears had a mezuzah — a small decorative case containing scripture passages which Jewish households often attach to the right doorframe of the entrance to their home — posted in their front entryway, and it remained there after they moved out. Their three children did not attend high school

in Decorah but received their education at private boarding schools elsewhere so they could become acquainted with other Jewish students.

Ben Bear passed away on March 16, 1938.

An author identified only as J.C.H. wrote an article in the March 29, 1938, Decorah Journal, recognizing Bear’s passing. The author said it was not Bear’s 62 years of business “on the same corner in the same city” which endeared him to the residents of Decorah, rather, the author said, it was his heart.

“Unashamed tears are streaming down my cheeks as I try to write of this man among men, Ben Bear, the news of whose death just was conveyed to me in a telephone call from Decorah to Des Moines,” the author wrote. “Ben Bear’s first ideal in life was to be useful to his family, to his fellow men and to Decorah.”

Bear’s funeral was held in the C.K. Preus Gymnasium at Luther College — the thousands who came to pay their respects a testament to his position in the hearts of the people and his place in the history of Decorah.

J. Tupy’s on Water Street opened its doors on April 13, 1999 under ownership of Joan Tupy.

Tupy was the manager of Seiferts Store from 1980 until its unexpected closing in January 1999, spurring Tupy to open her own retail store on Water Street.

Now in its 25th year, Tupy is a familiar face to shoppers as her J. Tupy’s storefront has been a long-time fixture in downtown Decorah.

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Joan Tupy and her longtime colleague Robin Romelton are pictured in March 1999 as J. Tupy’s on Water Street prepared to open its doors in the former Seiferts building.

1974

1978

1984

1994

1007 Paine. St.

421 W. Water St.

521 W. Water St.

415 W. Water St.

At Plan 1, we are proud to be part of Decorah on the community’s 175th anniversary.

175 years of existence is a long time for anything; and we are honored to be part of helping the community grow. We feel here at Plan 1 we’ve had a share in the prosperous and successful years for our clients, providing friendly counsel through many decades.

Greg and Marty have more than 60 years of combined investment experience, and they look forward to serving the community in the years to come.

PLAN 1

2

Flashback to 1973...

Greg & Marty with parents, Tom & Lorraine , and siblings, Jerry, Suzanne & Jeff.

To now in 2024!

Financial

403 W. Water St., Decorah 563-382-8258 | plan1financial.com GREGORY T. WEIS, LUTCF General Securities Principal Graduate - College for Financial Planning

MARTIN T. WEIS, LUTCF General Securities Rep.

Investments provided through LaSalle St. Securities LLC (LSS) Member FINRA/SIPC

Marty and wife, Gail, and Greg and wife, Roz.

312 W. 0 0 8 W at e St. Oneota Community Food Co-op builds vibrant communities and ecosystems by providing local, organic and bulk foods, a thriving wellness department, and gifts that are sustainable for those who consume and produce them. The Co-op’s existence has been a positive consideration for many choosing to relocate to the Decorah area for the past 50 years.

What began as a small buying club of like-minded individuals is now a diverse group of over 5,000 member/owners. Today’s store is centrally located in downtown Decorah and spans roughly 6,000 square feet.

Membership is welcome, but is not required to shop the Co-op.

The Oneota Co-op Board of Directors oversees the organization’s mission, bylaws and organizational Ends. The Co-op supports multiple regional nonprofits through a robust round up at the register program. It prioritizes local farm systems with an approximate 26% of annual sales gained from operations within 100 miles of Decorah. Oneota Co-op is the second largest employer on Water Street.

Learn more about Oneota Co-op in its most recent Annual Report here: oneotacoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-Annual-Report_FINAL_web.pdf

312 W. Water St. Downtown Decorah 563-382-4666

oneotacoop.com OPEN DAILY 9 AM - 8 PM

PAGE B-6 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

A look at the John and Mary Jane Ammon family

By Elizabeth Lorentzen Winneshiek County Historical Society

An agricultural machinery business was established early in Decorah’s history near the west end of Water Street. The three-story, brick Italianate building now housing part of the Vesterheim Westby-Torgerson Education Center at the corner of West Water and Mechanic streets was built by John Ammon and his business associates in 1866.

Born in Indiana, John Ammon lived in Illinois. As a young man, he journeyed to the California gold fields via Panama. The route was a common one before the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 — it provided a more direct, less time-consuming route across the United States. A steamship took Ammon to Panama, where he rode across its interior on horseback, then resumed steamship travel to California from Panama’s Pacific side. After working in the gold fields for a time, he returned to Quincy, Illinois, where he married Mary Jane Treat on Dec. 24, 1851. They first settled in

Iowa’s Allamakee County in the spring of 1852, where they had taken a claim near the town of Waukon, and they moved to Decorah in June of 1853.

John Ammon was an industrious blacksmith, an early riser and a hard worker. The Decorah Republican reported “in the long days of May, June and July the clang of his hammers began three and four hours before the storekeepers and others desired.” He built up his business with a succession of business partners, and in 1866, he constructed the long, brick three-story building we now know as the Vesterheim

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Copyland resides in a late1800s two-story, red brick, Italianate corner building, constructed by one of Decorah’s earliest merchants, cabinet maker/ furniture dealer Charles Golz.

Education Center, where he manufactured plows, wagons and bobsleighs. By 1874, their output included 500 wagons, 800 plows and 500 bobsleds as well as a large amount of work on machinery and turbine water wheels. He also bought the stone mill behind the present Vesterheim’s main building, and he and his associates added the milling of flour to their repertoire in 1870.

They produced 40,000 barrels of flour a year, shipping it to eastern markets on the new railroad line which arrived in Decorah in 1869. But hard times were ahead. The quality of the wheat crop was impacted by two droughts, one in the summer of 1876 and the other in 1878. Matters were compounded by the cinch bug invasion —resulting in poorer grades of flour and loss of markets. Although his businesses had always made money, “the ‘burn up’ of the crops of 1876 and 1878 almost financially ruined the country,” and Ammon’s businesses could not collect on accounts due. Ammon, Scott and Co. went bankrupt in 1879, and the once prosperous business was sold at a sheriff’s sale.

The abstract record shows he deeded his house to wife Mary on June 4, 1879, perhaps to prevent its loss when his business went under.

In 1880, they moved to Estherville — on the opposite side of the state in Emmet County

Mary Jane Trea t Ammon (cente r, standing) was tographed with phoher sisters. (P hoto courtesy Winneshiek Cou of the nty Historical S ociety)

— where he and his wife secured a homestead adjoining the town. He also bought and operated a small mill on the Upper Des Moines River. Later he was manager of the working department of the Mandt Wagon Works at Stoughton, Wisconsin, for several years and was described as “putting it on its feet by his skill as a mechanic and executive capacity.” Ammon also served on the Emmet County Board of Supervisors and was active in local politics.

He was described as a man who had suffered many reverses in life but who had met them with courage, integrity and honesty.

Mary Jane Treat Ammon seems an equally strong survivor. She bore seven children in 17 years. Their first son, Junius Leroy, was born Aug. 1, 1853.

There is some disagreement in the records, but twins, Minnie (Millie) and William (Willie), were apparently born on July 26, 1855, with William dying at one year on Sept. 24, 1856.

Daughter Mary Evelyn was born on Aug. 11, 1857. The 1860 Federal Census lists Junius, age 7, and Mary Evelyn, age 3 — it’s unclear whether Minnie died at birth or some-

time before 1860. Twelve people were also listed as living at the Ammon residence at that time, including two domestics, three of Ammon’s workers and John Ammon’s brother, Grandville Smith Ammon, wife Ellen and 6-year-old son George. The tree rings of the log and handhewn basement beams in the Greek Revival style house they lived in — located at 602 W. Main St. — indicate they were cut in the spring and summer of 1854. The property is listed as having been sold to John Ammon on Nov. 15, 1854, so it may be concluded that the house was built around that time. Son Chauncey Rufus was born on Sept. 13, 1860. Another son, John Treat Ammon, was born on Oct. 21, 1861, but died at age 3 on Aug. 16, 1864.

Their last son, Richard Ernest, was born on May 13, 1870, but died at 14 months on July 25, 1871. The 1880 census lists the Ammons as living in Estherville with Chauncey, age 18, and daughter Minnie, age 20 — although Minnie is given as a name of the apparent twin born in 1855, there are instances in this family and in others of the same name being given

to a later-born child if their older sibling had died. It’s unclear whether the 1880 census entry is referring to Mary Evelyn, born in 1857, with the census taker potentially being in error regarding her age. The Ammons also had their nephews — 26-year-old George Ammon, 20-year-old Matthew Archer and 16-year-old Frank Ammon — listed as living at their residence. Matthew Archer was the son of Mary’s sister, Sophia Treat Archer.

Mary Treat Ammon’s brothers, Sylvester and Sidney, as well as her mother, Lucy Chapman Treat, also lived in Decorah. Sylvester C. Treat was a baker with his place of business in the 400 block of W. Water Street. He and wife Eliza A. Dunn lived at 410 W. Main St. with their three surviving children, son George Henry and daughters Ella and Lucy. The family is also listed as living in West Decorah for some of their years in the area.

Mary Treat Ammon and Sylvester Treat’s brother, Sidney Tennant Treat, died at 33 and is buried in Phelps Cemetery. The Treats’ mother, Lucy Chapman Treat, died at 82 and is also buried in Phelps Cemetery. Her husband, Chauncey Treat, had died in 1840 in Illinois, and the 1850 census lists her as keeping a boardinghouse there. She later moved to Decorah, perhaps to be near some of her children.

Mary Treat Ammon died in Estherville on Aug. 22, 1905, and her husband, John Ammon, died a year later on Aug. 3, 1906. Both are buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Estherville. It was noted in John’s obituary that Ada Hughes Ammon, wife of John Ammon’s son Chauncey, and her mother, Mrs. D.H. Hughes, had taken the train to Decorah for a visit and were there notified of John Ammon’s death. Mrs. Hughes was the widow of Col. David Henry Hughes, local Decorah attorney and judge, who died in Louisiana during the Civil War.

AUTO • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

Celebrating 48 years in Decorah

Golz operated his furniture business from the building, and the cabinet shop and some barn buildings near the shop, through at least 1894, and likely through mid-1900.

The Kjome & Ness grocery store was the next tenant (1900).

This Decorah Public Opinion rented the building from 1910 until around 1940; following that the Decorah Journal occupied the building until 1951.

HAPPY 175TH, DECORAH! Canoe Ridge Kennels has provided pet care and grooming services to northeast Iowa and southern Minnesota for 21 years.

In later years, an office supply business was in the building.

Copyland opened in 2000 and continues to provide printing and design services to the area.

COPYLAND

Since 2003, over 6,484 pets have called Canoe Ridge their home away from home. Thank you for trusting us with your furry friends!

DEB OLSGARD & JEAN BERG

563-382-0401 • 224 West Water Street, Decorah info@copylandpro.com

Advertisement from 1976.

Deb Batchelder, owner

2773 Lannon Hill Rd., Decorah | 563-382-0400 | www.canoeridge-kennels.com

SINCE 1976

Full-service glass shop

Decorah Mobile Glass, Inc. was established by Tony Lea in 1976 and has provided a wide variety of glass services and products for auto, residential and commercial customers ever since.

Through the late 1970’s Decorah Mobile Glass continued to grow and in 1981 Tony built a building and moved the business.

By the late 1990’s the business had outgrown its building and in 2000 the building was expanded to accommodate new needs and to better serve customers.

Toby and Clarissa Einck took over the business in 2020 and continue to offer glass services to northeast Iowa.

1818 Hwy. 9, Decorah • 563-382-5878 decorahmobileglassia.com 209 W. Broadway St. Decorah, Iowa 563-382-2661

decorahucc.org

Congratulations Decorah on 175 years!

Gundersen 32 years of caring for the community From our humble beginnings to our large multispecialty Gundersen Decorah Clinic, we are proud to serve the community for more than 32 years. Whether it’s primary care, vision, surgery, behavioral health, rehab or specialty care, we are here for you. Our dedicated team of medical providers and staff deliver Love+Medicine to Decorah.

Decorah’s Congregational United Church of Christ was established June 24, 1854 at a meeting held at the first schoolhouse of Decorah, at the site of the First Lutheran Church.

The first pastor was Rev. Wm. A. Keith, preaching to a 35-member congregation. Services were held at the log tavern (the original Winneshiek House) or in homes until the courthouse was built in 1858 when services were held in the courtroom.

Land was purchased by subscription for a brick church built on the hill south of the courthouse. The church, costing $4,122.84, was dedicated Nov. 17, 1861.

Another new church was constructed in 1893. The new church was built by subscription for $12,149.70 on the old site with only four months between services. The nameplate “First Congregational Church, 1895” can still be seen above the entrance. The church formally opened and was dedicated Feb. 16, 1896.

In 1957, the Congregationalist tradition merged with other traditions to become the United Church of Christ.

In 2012, the church became an Open and Affirming UCC congregation and proudly proclaimed not only its history but also its hope for the future.

Excerpts taken from the Oct. 11, 1979 Decorah Journal article highlighting the church’s 125th anniversary (shown above).

Decorah Congregational UCC continues to be a place where everyone is welcome to be a part of its life and ministry.

COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE B-7

Rude arrived in Decorah just in time to witness centennial celebration

By Seth Boyes News Editor Marion Rude wasn’t familiar with Decorah when she set her sights on attending Luther College on the late 1940s, but she arrived just in time to witness the city’s centennial celebration in 1948. And it wasn’t long after her graduation that the northeast Iowa called her back to make her home there.

Rude was born Marion Bjerke in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and her pastor happened to be a graduate of Luther. Rude said the pastor’s stories of his time there peaked her interest in attending the college herself. The Norwegian Lutheran Church of American had passed a resolution less than two decades prior, allowing Luther College to admit “a limited number of girl students” at the discretion of the college’s incoming president — the Decorah Chamber of Commerce passed its own resolution in support of that change the same month.

But first there was the matter of paying Luther’s application fee.

“I didn’t dare tell my dad I wanted to go to Luther, and I needed the $10 to send in,” Rude said.

The topic came up later during a chat with her grandmother, and Rude explained the dilemma of somehow paying the $10 fee without her father’s help — her grandmother gave her $10 on the spot, telling her granddaughter it could remain a secret for the time being.

“She was a woman’s liber long before the Women’s Lib came into fashion,” Rude said with a laugh. “She encouraged me really, so that’s how I ended up at Luther.”

Eventually, Rude shared her plans with the family, and her father agreed to pay for her expenses on the condition that Rude in turn pay for her younger sister’s college education — Rude may have had the better end of the deal, as it turned out her sister would graduate in three years.

Rude stepped onto Luther’s campus as a freshman in 1948.

The city of Decorah would celebrate its centennial in less than a year, holding a parade and other weekend events, such as the Whisker Judging Contest.

The festivities were later estimated to have drawn 35,000 people — Decorah’s official census population didn’t top 6,000 until 1950.

“During this period, the men were all clean-shaven,” Rude said. “And I came to Decorah,

Marion Rude of Decorah was a freshman at Luther College when the city of Decorah celebrated its centennial in 1949. Rude spent a year teaching on the west coast before returning to the Midwest and eventually making Decorah her home. (Decorah Leader photo by Seth Boyes)

and the men were all growing beards to get ready for the parade and measure their beards so they could win a prize. That, to me, was very strange.”

The June 6, 1949, edition of the Decorah Public Opinion said local accountant Frank Barth was granted only $5 credit on his $13.70 “fine” from the Decorah Chamber of Commerce for the contest — chamber officials evidently found the mustache and goatee he’d grown “blond and a little hard to see,” according to the Public Opinion, but the atypical facial hair aided Barth in advertising the city’s centennial as he travelled for work.

“People in Chicago didn’t pay much attention to the whiskers, but people in towns within a radius of 50 miles knew what the score was,” the Public Opinion said. “Barth said that he could hear people saying, ‘He’s from Decorah’ whenever he passed with his $8.70 beard.”

Rude also recalled many of the local women preparing for the centennial by sewing bonnets and dresses similar to those worn during Decorah’s

early days. Such costumes were captured in photographs of the city’s centennial parade.

Rude said she doesn’t remember many details of the parade itself, but she can recall many of the downtown storefronts and businesses, including its two theaters — the Grand and the Lyric. The two theaters were owned by Hod Engbertson at that time, according to archives of the Decorah Public Opinion, and the Lyric scheduled a special “Centennial Show” that weekend for only a 25-cent admission. The theatre ads promoted the screening as “one hour packed full of songs and laughter,” which the theatre said was “guaranteed to put you in the centennial mood.”

“As college students, we walked down there to the theaters,” Rude said. “I think there were only two or three cars on campus that students owned compared to now, when you can hardly find a parking space.”

Rude eventually graduated from Luther in 1952, after majoring in math and physics.

She had hoped to teach high school courses, but few jobs

Centennial parade

The McArthur family float in the 1949 centennial parade displayed fashions of the early days in Decorah. (Photos courtesy of the Decorah Genealogy Family and Local History Research Center)

were available in cities of any significant size, and Rude fell back on her elementary education minor.

“I thought, ‘Why not have a little adventure?’ and I wrote to all the cities on the coast of California,” Rude said. “Lo and behold, I got a contract back from Santa Maria for teaching sixth grade.”

But it was only a year or so before she returned to the Midwest to be closer to her family, while her mother was in ill health. Rude originally reached out to her alma mater to see about any open teaching positions in the area. The college staff didn’t know of any right off, but Decorah’s superintendent spoke to Rude the next day, offering her a position teaching fourth grade at West Side Elementary. Rude agreed to act as principal as well, and she was assigned fifth and sixth grade in subsequent years — teaching the same graduating class for several years in a row.

She married Leslie Rude in 1954, went on to become a travel agent, and later clerked for the district court.

The Rudes

Marion (Bjerke) and her husband Leslie Rude are the parents of two sons Greg and Eric. (Decorah Leader archive photo) The local store fronts have changed, and Rude admits she has changed over the years herself, but she feels Decorah has developed a new atmosphere for itself over the last decade or so. A positive shift she attributed to the efforts of private citizens, local business entities and Luther College, specifically noting Luther’s admittance of international students and saying it’s not uncommon for Lu-

Then (Fjelstul Funeral

Celebrating 175 years of

ther graduates to ultimately call Decorah home, just as she did.

Rude feels the area’s scenery, friendly people and attractions like the Vesterheim museum are part of the proverbial pull which calls people to Decorah.

“If you compare it to a town with a large population, where people don’t know one another and it’s not that easy to get acquainted, Decorah’s very appealing,” Rude said.

Now

Home at 306 E Water Street, prior to 1986 building edition)

(Helms Funeral Home at 306 E Water Street)

Decorah!

Did you know?

The Whippy Dip originally opened as a Tastee-Freez in the early 1950s that was owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Durwood D. Baker.

Advertisement from the Decorah Journal in 1987.

The

Whippy Dip

History a e b Proud to S ’s h a r o c e part of D rich history!

121 College Drive, Decorah

cott Helms came to work for Mark Balik and Karen Schluter at Schluter-Balik Funeral Home.

In 2017, Scott and his wife Teesha purchased the business from Karen and Mark.

In March of 2022, Scott and Teesha purchased the Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah from Scott and Ann Fjelstul.

They consolidated the two businesses into what is now Helms Funeral Homes.

assisted living | nursing & rehab | memory support

1866 Winneshiek County Care Facility

2002 Oneota Riverview Care Facility

Step into style.

Step into comfort.

2006 Wellington Place

A history of ‘Wellness’

Pictured above are pieces of Wellington Place history, showing Oneota Riverview Care Facility Assisted Living building construction in 2002, and an aerial of the facility located on the site of the former Winneshiek County “Poor Farm” at 2479 River Road, Decorah.

Providing specialized care for 158 years

Ossian Bee, 2002 The Oneota Riverview Care Facility’s Board of Directors approved changing the facility’s name to “Wellington Place”, effective Dec. 1, 2006.

The name is a spinoff of the word “Wellness”.

The name change reflected an ongoing facelift at the facility that included renovation of the building expected to be complete by December 2006, and the extension of the Wellington Place campus to include an assisted living facility in spring 2007.

Once known as the Winneshiek County Care Facility, the care center became a private institution in 1988 and became the Oneota Riverview Care Facility. In 2002, Healthcare of Iowa became the management consultant for the facility, which remained under the operations of a board of directors.

The remodeling at Wellington Place’s main building included new carpeting, painting, wallpapering and furniture upgrades. The assisted living building is connected by a vestibule to the existing facility.

Paving the way with more upgrades Wellington Place underwent major additions and opened a rehabilitation addition in 2018 – a first in the area – featuring 17 private suites for rehab clients that are separate from the long-term care residents.

The Memory Support Assisted Living Units opened in 2021, featuring 12 assisted living suites and staffed with employees specially-trained in Alzheimers and dementia care.

2479 River Road, Decorah, IA | 563-382-9691 | www.wellingtonplacedecorah.com

Double Windsor Clothing Co. is a top-tier men’s clothing store located in the heart of downtown Decorah featuring a wide selection of highquality clothing, accessories and shoes.

Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM | Sun 10AM-4PM

309 West Water Street, Decorah | 563-277-1317

doublewindsorclothingco.com

Find Florsheim shoes here!

Decades of menswear in Decorah For decades, Decorah has housed menswear stores, and as early as 1900, a full line of mens clothing could be found at affordable prices right downtown.

Shoppers could find bargains on popular footwear brands like Florsheim, Weyenberg, Scholl’s Arch Support and Red Wing. Men’s loafers could be purchased at Decorah’s K.L. Hamre Shoes for the discounted price of $7.95 and boys’ shoes for as low as $3.

In 1900, Ben Bear’s advertised suits for men and boys, as well as designer overcoats by Hart, Schaffner & Marx stating:

the kind advertised in all “They’re the leading magazines and worn by good dressers everywhere. ”

PAGE B-8 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

Winneshiek County Courthouse holds heaps of history Compiled with permission from the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission The Winneshiek County Courthouse peers over the rooftops of Decorah from its hilltop perch, where it has stood for more than 160 years — though two different courthouses have occupied that location.

The title of Winneshiek County seat was in dispute a little more than a decade after the city of Decorah was established. The city was named the county seat following an election in April of 1851 — local newspaper archives from 1909 claimed “there has always been a story of ‘shady’ transactions in connection with this election, and it is quite probable that Decorah was not the choice of the majority of the vote,” adding the vote likely favored the

city Moneek, about 12 miles to the southeast.

Following the vote, court was held in Decorah for the first time inside the pioneer log home of William and Elizabeth Day. The Day family as well as William Painter — who was described as Decorah’s first industrialist — eventually donated land for the construction of the county courthouse. Construction began in 1857 and was complete the next year. That first courthouse featured two stories and four rooms in addition to a stone basement, which housed the county jail and the sheriff’s residence.

The need for a larger courthouse had become increasingly evident toward the end of the 19th century, gaining enough public support to be approved in 1902. The original courthouse was demolished, and citizens were encouraged to reuse

the building’s cut limestone — many of the blocks can still be seen in a number of nearby retaining walls. In addition, about 20 feet of dirt was removed from the site on which the current courthouse stands, which eliminated the original terracing and resulted in the open city block which exists today.

The new courthouse was designed by the Minneapolis firm Kinney and Detweiler, and it was completed in 1904. However, the building was not officially occupied until the following year. The building exemplified the neoclassic Beaux-Arts style common to many of the firm’s designs at that time.

The Detroit Bronze Company created the war monument which still stands outside the courthouse today. The monument is topped with an 8-foot bronze statue of a Union soldier, which was complete in

1886 — the statue was said to be the company’s largest and most elaborate project up to that time. And a miniature statue of liberty – a common addition to many courthouses — was dedicated by the Boy Scouts of America in 1951.

Today, the Winneshiek County Courthouse continues to serve not only as a local government facility, but as a mainstay of Decorah’s historic community, serving as the backdrop for many local events, such as the opening ceremonies of the annual Nordic Fest.

the Winneshmbled outside A crowd asse ar ahead of rthouse this ye iek County Cou e 57th annual remonies for th the opening ce photo by Seth ecorah Leader Nordic Fest. (D Boyes)

NEWSPAPERS RECORD HISTORY

Decorah-Posten

One of the longest-running foreign-language newspapers in the state of Iowa – also among the largest Norwegian newspapers in the nation – was published right in Decorah.

The Decorah-Posten, established by Brynild Anundsen (Anundsen Publishing Co.) in 1874, was published in Decorah from Sept. 18, 1874 to Dec. 28, 1972. The paper focused on local news and items of interest from Norwegian and Danish communities around the U.S. By its second decade, the Decorah-Posten’s circulation grew to over 20,000.

DECORAH, IOWA

The Decorah-Posten continued to prosper, absorbing the Minneapolis Tidende in 1935 and Chicago’s Skandinaven in 1941. After three more decades of publication, the Decorah-Posten ceased publication in 1972 when it was purchased by the Western Viking, now The Norwegian American.

Decorah Newspapers

OVER A CENTURY OF HISTORY

Our newspapers have told the story of Decorah and the surrounding area for more than a century.

The Anundsen family remained in the publishing business for decades. They acquired Decorah’s local newspapers, the Public Opinion and the Decorah Journal, in the 1940s-50s from Arthur Clay (A.C.) Bishop, who published the papers since 1930.

The 1800s and early 1900s were the a golden age for newspapers – before commercial radio, newsreels, television or internet. The local newspapers – delivered by a large force of capable paper carriers around town – captured the subscriber’s attention with stories focusing on government, commerce and politics.

The Anundsen family operated the Decorah Newspapers until 2019 when Driftless Multimedia began publishing the twice-weekly papers.

Decorah’s historic Water Street, featuring newly-installed streetlights.

The local newspaper was where folks got their national news, too. In later years, reporting focused more on local news, human interest stories, sports and court reports. The occasional scandal also drew the reader’s attention.

In 2024, the publications were acquired by Enterprise Media, rebranding the Public Opinion to the Decorah Leader and the Driftless Journal to simply, The Driftless (weekly shopper).

PUBLIC OPINION

The longstanding Decorah Public Opinion newspaper was started by Fred L. Akers, initially titled the Cresco Public Opinion. Akers relocated to Decorah, and the newspaper name was changed to the Decorah Public Opinion. The first issue was printed Oct. 4, 1895.

Harry J. Green later became sole proprietor, buying out Akers in April 1900.

The Decorah Public Opinion later merged with the Decorah Republican (1929), forming the Decorah Public Opinion & Decorah Republican. The Calmar Courrier was added to the list in 1942. The title changed back to the Decorah Public Opinion in 1954.

Thursday,

The Decorah Journal saw numerous changes of ownership and names in its early years. Initially established as the Decorah Republic (1860) and later the Decorah Republican (1866), the newspaper was published by Wesley Bailey & Son. Later as the Decorah Journal (1893), the newspaper was under proprietor C.C. Coutant until 1906, when Mead & Meyers took over, followed by Meyers & Holmes (1907), Holmes & Biermann (1908), Fred Biermann (1911), and later Arthur Clay (A.C.) Bishop (1930) who also owned the Public Opinion.

Both the Public Opinion and the Decorah Journal were later acquired by longtime area publisher Anundsen Publishing Co., followed by Driftless Multimedia and presently, Enterprise Media.

(1874-1972)

Decorah Republican (1866-1928)

n foods, of Scandinaviafun for all A blend ainment and dancing, entertted to make for a win-c ages is expec n at the 2024 Nordi inatio July 25 in ning comb ng Thursday, Fest openi more than Decorah. since 1967, Decorah Each year to rs flock 10,000 visito full weekend of July n last Scandinavia during the all things to embrace Fest. c during Nordi Fest Board of Direc c The Nordi up for the celd tors has geare ng regularly ebration, meeti hout the throug past year

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www.driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, July 9, 2024 | Vol. 6 Issue 28

Sunflower Child Development is meeting a growing community need

Sunflower Child Development has been serving Winneshiek County for more than four decades, and they now have a new home. Families were officially welcomed to the spacious, new multi-million dollar center Monday, June 10. The area’s largest area for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and after-schoolers, Sunflower boasts modern classrooms, playgrounds and specialized facilities. (Photo by Samantha Ludeking)

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By Stephanie Fromm Executive Director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism The Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center, an exciting addition to Winneshiek County’s community services has recently opened part of its facility. After years of project planning, fundraising and finally construction, the childcare of the facility Priceportion One opened its doors Dol on Monday, lar June 10. The milestone marks the accomplishment of a project that not only addresses the critical need for more childcare slots in the area but also promises to enrich the lives of young children through public access to the innovative indoor play areas in the Discovery Center.

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The purposefully designed neshiek County Development and Tourism more than five building provides a clean, reliable and safe environyears ago, was noted ment for children in as one of the most the community pressing chal“What I like and features a lenges facing about the new fully-operafamilies in center is that there is tional kitchen Winneshiek and 13 cozy County. With more space and all classrooms the complethe new equipment divided by tion of this in the gym.” age and named project phase, after woodland the Sunflower Sloan, 10 creatures such Child Developas ducklings, ment and Discovchipmunks, ery Center is helping “I like to sit otters, owls, to alleviate this issue in our new foxes and by adding much-needchairs.” wolves. ed childcare slots in its Sunflower beautiful state-of-the-art Eleanor, 3 is excited to facility. This multi-milshare the buildlion dollar initiative taken ing space with the on and supported by dozens of organizations in the county, not local HeadStart pre-school proonly supports working families gram. Sunflower will also offer but also contributes to the over- summer care and before/after all well-being and development school care for school-age children (ages 5-12). This facility of children.

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will provide care to more than 200 children, ages 0-12 years old.

Through successful fundraising and grant writing efforts, the facility offers amenities that include an indoor gym space, a learning kitchen, which is sized for students, and beautiful outdoor play spaces. The facility made energy-efficient decisions when building, and has included a 210kW solar array, 60kW SolarEdge battery Sunflower’s “light fixture crew” assembled the mason jar light system, 22kW Standby display in the lobby of the new facility. Pictured (l-r): Stephanie Generac Generator, Solar- Fromm, Hannah Tulgren, Maddie Putnam and Merlene Brown.

Flower Array and a Daily (submitted) Educational Solar Proinal locations within the city of duction and Monitor Display Returning “home” to its Decorah due to a four-acre land System that will help visually roots educate children and visiting The opening of the Sunflower donation from WinnMed. This families about the positive im- Child Development and Dispact this setup has on both the covery Center marks a poignant Sunflower nonprofit’s operating budget moment for the organization, continued on page 4 and the environment. as it returns to one of its orig-

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BY SETH ry. The ge are proverbi positions S EDITOR this year beinthat g honored eliminalate 20 unfilled. g and NEW ’s ge plans to celebrat atcurrently thin r Colle public hearin ion ofare Scandin which Luthegs all between the date, saying by of Luther’s 25-27.

Officials with chang applicaon es are part es are on avia n chang on July 2023decisi days of the atically the decisi The for staff ’s 30 work ission of a within say some gic Frame n as part to M-2 Aug. 1. or be autom to the law the commbased on informaaimed Strate and will take affect plan agricultural ission tion date be the near horizoHol planGro gictan according from A-1 needed to the July 9 strate uws - 2025 selecte gic staffing while Comm approved,” the July 16 meetted during multi-year Decorahdinstitu “The strate e that Luther JENSEN industrial, y Stevens, John tion presen as of any research at ensuring therec

BY ZACH minutes from ation for rezonMeeting a critical need ensur l ipie hearing and thentneedsSka ER ll its Chair Wend sa O’Rourke and will help commission tion is able to meet The applic and a public Access to childcare, a priority ues to fulfi STAFF WRIT The 202 ge, Melis Com- ing. on June 19, was the individual objecation.

College contin conducted 4 Nor gener ty Berla issue initially adopted by Winagainst it. was made ent Recipiee Presid dic Fest n and strategic the issue ers may have ver, No- the next eshiek Counis- DJ Friest voted Meyer was ab- ing nt is Jeni 16 missioSkål Colleg t momenhearing on ing memb The Winn Luther Dec tly. Howe Dave a July Holtantives, orahin build on recenneeds of a s to public 9, during the Plann Zoning Comm . Org said missioner independen Grouws Hill felt Ward July the aniz r now move r next Mark Rec ’s would O held Planning and 16 against a remeet matte ers said betterof ipie ission staff co-CE is- Jenife and nt is some sent. The July tum,the Fest thatexce an on villa County Board and Zoning Comm of students reasons comm others sion voted st for a proposed statement ed e, indi ation vidualnew gener Skål renewed focolleg ptio ng. Discussion the Winneshiek for further apthe some of the gave for voting or nal to meeti reque r indi g a and three vidu with regula zonin ers way. be added Sinceed200 visors continu forwa nearly consolidator 9, ty,” who near Ridge sion memb ing supp rd als al al of Super— the board of super- the project lasted t contradicted d go be chang havnabili Hol sustai biodigester e demonst tan Gro a limite nanci able Natur and the deci- against the projec during the would soundshe fiort l of called of on public Nor prova a the night, Renew cus uws l la dic ratthat year uled whatcer has cont ation, Fest Novil specia sched ly celebrat be elimthroughWard ation shared felt some ed and Danothers Sunflower Child Development + Discovery Center would biodi- hourswas tabled until the visors has itted the applic ctor for ion. inte said. ributed to ofplus dire is- inform g, and he the proposed Gas subm sed facility woudl numbersix10 xys appro The comm ay, sion years, a gral roles – serv the spirit and emplo Jeni Hol hearing on r year public hearin s, anders, a.m., Mond . July 16 meeting. be misplaced. inated— . Luthe Nor er cuts ing as and the propo land owned by in the festimemb tan Gro as aand for 10:30 couldn’t wait concerns seemed ing a Nordic mus Luthdic Fest on uws 460 staff val’s ente “decided it ng’s e — gester5 in the courthouse annex se of rezon 10 be located nt said ician — with boardonmem imatelyHol tan page ,” the meeti of the sion “The purpo ber for Gro nceme rtain Aug. and Deb Storli thre s annou ued e atement lineupcontin week’ ry complaint plan- to take action Craig Bohr the area near the fielimin last enth usiastic uws rst expe Young each of different band The prima the encoto fair e plans s the onsrienced Nor colleg uragpositi was that instruct- Biodigester vote minutes said. specifically, 275th Street and Nordic thethe animals exhibitors wal ement ive dic Fest last 14 years. ission was of naysayers Dancers from at the g commissionh compare non-instruct The comm and Zoning Adintersection on page 5 eight 2024 Win ked side by and zonin d to othe — a group her parents to in 1996, with ay 9. continued side with given enoug Planning is- ning not from ’t mak that nes by to r ed festi Iowa Highw ps comm weren e was note heik Cou the sure ers Philli sal. vals’ offe vote, d for bein to see nty Fair adults through to beco start, this year In the split Mary Hoffman membto research the propo nce ministrator Tony t with anyone

BY SET min ’s honoreerings and trad . (Photo g unique the bar time ers ordina H BOYES s the projec Ella’s succ g a Nordic ns

by Set later foun itions. Imp voted to sion memb y’s zoning NEWS Dan h Boyes) as they care made discus ressed The count Rasmussen d hers EDITOR also join essful audition cers director on must be d for thei and Donna rezoning , followin elf saying yes the program ed to states “a decisi company’s r g herchang “I’m veryas a member of join the grou ed as support the land’s use Looping Winnesh specialist with cs daughter p. Her the Nor change the prou specifi Grouws daughter s passe d, but request to grass are tire tracks the said Dancer and Univers iek County Iow said. “Th d to have been dic Some Lillian in orchmonth one of ity selecte Nordic Serving a weeks estra. ually gering Fest hon the few the reach offi Extension anda State You Winneshiek Cou Dancers part of that was event evid ah grou th Coordin Northeast lin- Cou ce, said orees reallyDecor nty 4-H this year’s OutWinnesh ence of this p,” for on Hol areasspec ator Ash gen. “Th locati nty is hom Winnesh tan m Iowa since ed theial, ley Hor at fair end iek County Fair year ’s club and Hickenbotto andpeop - Dr. Decorah | 563-382-4194 s — serv e to a dozen iek somebo could be708 ed Satu 1955 le us day Commerce . The just training. He the previo dy 4-H nize help ing rday show derg chil rs say , site or even ing the less but orga- — arten through dren in kin- coming to the arrived on nal details fair part Engineering Design Consultant for Building Site just ons you BOYES continu d out the fi encing fairCivil icipants and exp

BY SETH ng of as well as seve 12th grade and worke the anim ed on g event — Deroy the wee learned eriOR the page 6 als.” ral k-lo NEWS EDIT of the trainin hills and bluffs Pau last them ng event will during ica whoFuture Farmers chapters ty Horgen said the ah’s l Scott fair a ann of the like Decor millifet part Am for of ual is said ly ime as toward t terrain ct profiles they look county fair icipate in the er- young an opportunity counthe nex The distin dozens were the perfec local students t chapter lives. for the and the “We hav each year. projects of to trucks ise. thei Guard memshowcase itary exerc e som r that Kendra than 50 National e exhibito work intowhich they’ve don Crooks, A total of more were divided of uniformed g about near poured rs for a maj a farm ’t necessar 4-H you 294th millin ority of h to th peri , but they stillily live on members of them bers of the the were enoug ence show teams, each 4-H Yo get of passPulpit Rock into eight uth ing live to ex— a piece concern from But, stock,” draw some using a litter r to a stretchay morning. simila continu ersby Mond energetic shouts equipment a medical ed on transport page 3 despite the the hillsides, the ng trails er — to BYwindi the ZAC BOYES HPulpit JENSEN echoing from a simulated one. dummy along STA near

BY SETH ParkFF WR OR erred situation was al ComITER in Will Baker then transf NEWS EDIT RNG, s 294th Medicunit from They — LLC Iowa’ sked nt Rock. a rt t to Rur renewab , a Michiga al Ridgew of patien Decorah resideaf- pany Area Suppo le n-based piece the mock thedurab was conA former week ny, subm natural gas Washington ise near and hom le of usedaytomay soon Agency guilty this com itted the the city of a flexible facility.cane be a new pleaded not g exerc biodiges be plication which rezoning pa- sometim – the facilitie acand ducting a traininark. s are equipment Aalong the ground. ter the es call ter being t public new faci hopes to construap- digestio ed anae also pose nhearwith the local landm drag a patien n systems d digester, durithen lity on ing was ct cused of sexrobic by ng a tasked Matthew Hicke were g or anae be heat main Picture held nearCraig Bohr and land owned digesters.

Staff Sgt. County d July mann9equin patient They ed and where it wouThe leader in ually abusin robic d Winnesh the 294th’s the secure simulated Planning Novilla stirred ld r biogas one learnmitted) is a Novilla biod iek Stre the intersec Deb Storlie, bottom said e — and near sliding Commis hillsid lugged a to prod consisti a teen earlie ort unit morning was patient. liams and co-CEOs Jare steep sion mee winet and Iow tion of 275 igester Will Baker Park uce ng of methan goal that forting Zoning down the Area Supp a to faci hills rah’s use s th any a this year. the move Hig Child Development lity Deco often A area’ rly proposed Mark Hill d Wil- diox e and 45 perc 55 percent biodiges hwa to liste cal Comp locals public’s which in West Bra the point within to train amonginthe ing to prope said n orga ide. ter contain y 9. ent Courtney faci and concerns the terrain s 294th Medi ningng, nch. (Suwhich erezo rah thetical exit nisms a piec r & Discovery Center s micro- ny’s second lity, the com the then be That biogas carbon ding about He explained area — about Members of Iowa’and toward a hypo b- thesleddi tertim whi trip to Deco e “sked of the tran Rae Turne ch man the in Iow purpose property pawou d dubbe unit made ed of g the for ronmure in an oxy break down duce approximat a, would pro- gas upgradi sported into the ld the Washington of Decorah — across the grass 294thbiod nal Guard was charg strucompullincon igesting ng plan gallons ctin bioely 1.5 ent, prod gen-free env before iles south . The Natio bran g the — s) such two one g and t via Rock 140-m faci hill” e, t Boye of mill sked which iucin g lity. Nov natu with Pulpi renewab ion es. flat, makin o by Seth separate a memse for it.” weight of the of part in trainin le natu

BY SET illa U.S ral gas, acco g renewable gas per year. is relatively ely easy. He said and bluffs. (Phot s the gascounts simulate adver le ral into Natural gas is The unit takes and First Lt. bined rding to HtoBO . Environ is relativ All Rae g e the goal YES ing NEW man then tney year, trainin “Our S EDI much as possib a pipeline the dair mental ure from injected third- degre Cour d to train ness of events each said he and others Guard train Protecti , what’s two loca the narrow d of conditions asTOR officials wante without much Turner in adverse Ethan alleging on ed y herds would known leaving behind 2425 Tamarack Dr. Rd., Decorah, IA • 563-382-8093 Deroy sexual abuse on page 5 l it based on areas ay’s exerif you’re not be via pipe theingboa in the now, instea s soCou continued Mond that, easier prop plann 294th in industry For all your home improvement flooring project needs! rd year ago. like that found the trail — and in mid-Janline into transport- Biodigest nty offi that much erly it’s d imfooting — it’s 100 meter forw cials are ely aacte er con- began byximat The instruct the procondi ardtions, g 10 feet, of hav- even uary. in adverse ing last appro ciseyear ah. you are to remove ing him late torney Andrew is accused ifwith in- movin has a real-world appli- men red had a possiblemov —t or continu in a lega 30-year-old relationship with in Decorn you’re on a steep more prepa Van to proc materia plac settleget real and from ed on dy — that l s, you’re ls he eed with Der Maaten “Whe dition of way ed in the cou page 7 when things the unp l case stemmin ing a sexua boy — identified offer in e that’s unstea nty righ neshiek along a nbottom said.tion of ermitted the case a settleme g Stre when cation cline or declin portion t County a 14-year-old erosion et. terrain, and e on difficult,” Hicke of 360th en said Mon . Van Der Maa nt impossi “made control installaalong a with rocky ble it peopl day near The tof four mea for rura that the ly the pote includin cou have sures regu Homeow l road. you can’t ney den nty’s defense g delivery lar traffic, stones typicall Abuse en’t avai ntial settlemedetails ente ied a num y attortail eros r his vehicle a petition ner Jeffrey labl on page 10 nt allegati s, to Pee ion — placed to curcontinued ons agai ber of Peel’s matter will e, but he hopes ar- idence” private drive as well iek Cou against the Win l filed in a be reso and res- er materials nst the filing as oth- Peel began disc nty Boa lved with the of 202 prior to the neshalon board matter of wee sors in 3. His board ussions the boa earlier this summer the rural road g a portion in a the ks. mid-De rd of Supervi year, and of supe with the rd of petition of without unperm cember argued the proper perm itted inst seeking the same time rvisors arou A rocky of 2023, unanimousl supervisors vote erosion Peel’s y last alla nd roa Fitch lodg complai d thorize petition its to do Peel alle d “necessa control measuretion of an ns, and Winnesh week to auged adjacent went on to so. the cou Peel askeed her eik Cou nty con use that ry for the day s was nam nty At- petition that in his Decemb prop sider vaca d that erty ownsay portion ed is requ the con er den 360th of ired for to day com Mary Fitch ce.” dition Street plaint to submitted er tentially 360th Street ting a a resiin nort of — mak the cou The hern Win a 360 summer nty th Street ing a portion po- state landowner’s alleged of 2023 regardin in the s he plac a private own fi of Pee

BY ZAC obst ling l’s ed g road “the ruct riprap — petition . tenant H JEN STAFF farmer’s ion” limited SEN large questio a by farm WRITE ned access Unpermit land. The R to near his car petition on ted roa Decorah ‘That kid a trailer, I notes d work thou been raci ’s Dan Hov said Les will never mak ght Nat continu den ional Cha ed on Hov e it,’” the 31-y ng for 16 year has who page 6 mpionsh betw owns the den, Dan’s fath ips. So, his way ear-old is alre s, and store er, two een the both NAPA to winning ady Aut of in Dec tional orah. “Bu o Parts not -stall racing gara them, their his first on done alrig title this just ge is t, he’s naht.” won the The you parts but with tires and filled B-Mod year. Hovden nge 9, duri over-siz countless trop spare ng the main event July ed racing hob r Hovden star hies and ed Weekly Summit by tand in “The lastwinners’ chec 2013, stock in 2008, at the WinRacing Seri USRA B-M ks. he swit few year es ods. ched to been giving s, Decorah neshiek Rac event my trop I’ve just “My dad that com eway . The race hies to 175th e down kids marked in Todd and used to help the care in his our Scott Hal days late er win, and out enjoraces,” Hovden the pit after garage verson y said them . win whe r, he earned his three got at “They in home, my brot n he took 176th and that Tuesday nigha lot more. I flag in gave “And, wha her into it,” t’s trop son Ron West Uni the checkere he hy teve said d I wan ey.” to Jack on.

“The first ted to do r my brother did,.

While time he many race too. went to load MitHovden said ” rs are just Hovde ch has his n won eigh brother t USR A continu Left to right are ed on page 3 ka Sch 2024 Win mel his 175 th zer, Dan and neshiek Cou nty Fair Jade Hov career win the Prin night of den, Josh Hag cess Addison July 9 eman Wic at the Winnes and Les Hov klund, Fair Que den hiek Rac en eway in after Dan had AnniDecora ear h. (Submi ned tted)

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Pictured right: Recent publications of the Decorah Leader and The Driftless.

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DECORAH JOURNAL

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July 25, 2024

2024 Nordi

After several mergers and name changes, the newspaper, now the Decorah Leader, is still published today.

Pictured above right: The first edition of the Norwegian language Decorah-Posten newspaper, published Sept. 18, 1874. The Sept. 20, 1934 edition of the Decorah Public Opinion & Decorah Republican, featuring an article on the 60th anniversary of the Decorah-Posten and increasing enrollment at Luther College (290 boys, 50 girls).

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Driftless Journal (2019-2024)

Decorah Leader (2024-present)

The Driftless (2024-present)

Other publications included: Decorah Republic (1860-1866), Decorah Bee (1875-1878), Daily Republican (1883-1886), Saturday Evening Journal (1976), Decorah Weekly Journal (1857-1858), Decorah Journal and Press (1883-1885), Decorah Gazette (1859), Decorah Radical (1880), Ventilator (1876) and The Bee and Decorah Journal (1876).

COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE C-1

When the first attorney came to town

FA M I LY L AW Three generations have made Lynch Law Office a Decorah fixture

By Roz Weis Staff Writer Decorah residents have been getting married, buying homes and retiring for 175 years, and for more than 100 of those years, the Lynch Law Office has provided legal services to folks during those various stages of life. What began as a part-time law practice in 1920 has evolved over three generations to become one of the many dedicated, family-owned businesses rooted in the heart of Decorah.

Hanging the shingle The Lynch Law sign has been around Decorah since 1920, when Archibald C. Lynch opened his law practice.

The business first hung its proverbial shingle on the second floor of the old National Bank Building in Decorah’s downtown business district.

Born in the Iowa community of Blairstown on May 8, 1892, Archibald was the son of Patrick J. Lynch, whose parents had immigrated from County Cork, Ireland. Patrick had run away to join the Army during the Civil War at an early age of 14. He was caught and sent back home. He was a selftaught lawyer, and practiced law in Blairstown.

Archibald was more commonly known as “Archie, Arch and AC”. He attended school at the University of Iowa, where he played baseball for the Hawkeyes and attended law school at the University of Chicago. He was admitted to the practice of law in Iowa and Illinois in 1920.

He moved to Decorah, where he opened his law practice on a part-time basis. At the same time, Archie taught English at Decorah High School, and he coached the high school baseball team. He married Lora Royce of Naperville, Illinois, who also was a teacher in the Decorah Schools. They had three sons, Robert, Thomas and Donald.

During his many years in the practice of law, AC also served as city attorney for Decorah.

At the time of his death on

Sept. 12, 1954, this resolution was written: “Mr. Lynch was an excellent lawyer and his work was characterized by industry and thoroughness,” Winneshiek County Bar Association Secretary Floyd Pearson said in an excerpt of a resolution the group wrote. “His character and code of honor were inflexible and unyielding. His sense of professional ethics was keen.

He was persevering and stable in his character. His work and studies were often interspersed with unmatchable humor and wit. He was loved and respected by all members of the bar and judiciary who knew him.”

Retired attorney Tim Lynch sits with a number of historic photographs showing multiple generations of his family, several of whom practiced law in Decorah. (Decorah Leader photo by Roz Weis)

The second generation AC welcomed his son, Thomas C. Lynch, to the family law practice in 1949.

Thomas Campbell Lynch was born Jan. 5, 1923 in Decorah. He attended the Decorah Schools, where he graduated salutatorian of his high school class. He went on to Luther College for a year, before entering the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, graduating June 7, 1944, with an electrical engineering degree. On that same day, he married Florence Nelson, a Decorah native.

Florence’s parents managed the Nordness General Store in rural Winneshiek County.

During his stint in the Navy, Lynch was assigned as skipper of amphibious ships, starting with the rank of lieutenant. His entire Navy service was in the Pacific. At the end of World War II, he opted to retire from the Navy and went on to earn his law degree at the University of Iowa. Upon graduation in 1949, he joined his father’s law practice in Decorah. He was later recalled into the Navy during the Korean War, where he earned the rank of lt. commander. He returned to Decorah to again practice with his dad, until AC’s death in 1954.

During his years as a general practice attorney in town, he also served as both city attorney and as county attorney for several terms, and had a solo private practice.

The Lynch’s had three chil-

dren, Lawrence, Timothy and Julie.

He passed away on Dec. 18, 1979.

Archibald C. Lynch

The third generation Thomas Lynch’s son Tim became the third generation to join the local law firm in the mid 1970s.

Born in Decorah on March 11, 1950, Tim was educated in the Decorah Schools, graduating from Decorah High School as salutatorian in his class in 1968. He graduated with honors with a BBA degree from the University of Iowa, where he was designated as a “Distinguished Military Graduate” in Air Force ROTC. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation in May of 1972. Before entering the Air Force, he was granted an educational delay to attend law school at the University of Iowa, where he graduated in May of 1975. He earned his license to practice law upon passing the bar exam on June 12, 1975.

The third-generation lawyer returned to Decorah to practice law with his father in the upstairs of the former Anthony’s Department Store building on Water Street.

It was there that the firm shared office space with other historical fixtures in Decorah

Thomas C. Lynch - Cliff and Jeanette Schrubbe, who operated the Credit Bureau, and local city engineer Lowell Erdman.

Lynch received orders to begin his Air Force service in September of 1975.

He served with Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, holding the rank of captain, serving two years at Webb Air Force Base in Big Springs, Texas, and two years in the claims and tort litigation division of the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force JAG in Washington, D.C. Those years in Washington were memorable for Lynch.

He recalls meeting with Gov. George Wallace in his Alabama office, and also met Muhammad Ali in Washington, D.C. Tim completed his Air Force career in September of 1979, and returned to Decorah and joined his father as partner in the Lynch & Lynch Law firm.

His father passed away later that year, and Tim took over the firm. He continued in private practice from that time until his retirement last year. He and his wife Mary Kay have one son, Patrick.

Most of Tim Lynch’s time as a Decorah attorney was in the Lynch Law Office location on Main Street, across the street from the Winneshiek County Courthouse. Prior to his retirement, he joined the Anderson Law Firm, practicing there from 2018 to 2023.

Lynch has provided a wide spectrum of legal services over the years, including estate planning, real estate, tax work, corporate law and family law.

Retirement hasn’t slowed Lynch down. He has served for 44 years as the secretary/treasurer of the Phelps Cemetery Board of Directors (a position of his father and grandfather be-

fore him), working with finances, legal documents, correspondence, burial deed preparation and tax returns as well as assisting people with the purchase of burial plots – the history of Phelps Cemetery is a story of its own. The cemetery was the first in Decorah, established back to 1896.

Lynch has also served on the Decorah Library Board and been active on committees, councils and boards including First Lutheran Church, Oneota Golf and Country Club, Decorah Chamber, Elks Lodge, Spectrum, Aase Haugen Home, Jaycees and American and Winneshiek County Bar Associations.

“The years have gone fast,” Lynch said reflecting on both the century of law his family has practiced as well as the 48 years he contributed to that total. “It has been a privilege and honor to work with my clients, the people of Decorah and surrounding communities, fellow lawyers, judges and their staffs in the community I call home.”

Archibald C. Lynch is pictured standing (third from right) in the back row in this photo with the University of Iowa Hawkeye baseball team back in the 1920s.

(Submitted photo)

Bring

Congratulations, Decorah!

Timothy C. Lynch

The story of the first attorney to make an appearance in Decorah is from July of 1851. According to the Jan. 8, 1875, edition of the Decorah Republican, the city’s first lawyer made an appearance July 3, 1851.

“Undertaking to walk out from Lansing, he got lost by the way and stopped the first night at a Norwegian’s house 6 or 8 miles east of town. Starting out the next morning, he came along about noon to the log tavern, and inquired the way to Decorah. He rejoiced, no doubt, to be at his journey’s end as he had found it!” His name was John B. Onstine. The second of this profession who came to town was Dryden Smith. The third was A.B. Webber. The fourth was John L. Burton. The fifth was L. Bullis, and the sixth was E.E. Cooley, who came in October of 1854.”

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Happy 175th, Decorah!

PAGE C-2 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

This essay is based on a presentation for the Decorah 175th Celebration, given June 15, 2024,

by Decorah Historic Preservation Commissioners Judy van der Linden and Mark Z. Muggli.

That presentation was a chronologically-ordered slideshow on 45 Decorah properties. The presentation can be viewed through the city of Decorah’s website by visiting decorahia.org/commission-and-boards/historic-preservation/historic-tours. The essay which appears here categorizes and generalizes about some of those properties. The author has included property addresses for identification and notes, as with the June presentation, the commissioners have relied on previous research conducted by others.

What’s still here Decorah’s surviving properties

By Mark Z. Muggli Decorah Historic Preservation Commission When Judy and I first said that we wanted to highlight what survives from Decorah’s earliest years, someone said, “Well, there isn’t much.” But we identified 45 period properties, even though we mostly included only buildings with integrity — a National Register of Historic Places evaluation which basically means, “Would someone from the original time period still recognize the property?”

For comparison, we counted the buildings visible on the 1870 Decorah birds-eye map.

This was challenging — the buildings along Water Street are nearly indistinguishable, and the barns and outhouses often resemble small homes.

Still, Judy and I counted separately and came up with close to the same number, roughly 500. That means that around 10 percent of the 1870 Decorah buildings survive in their origi-

nal locations.

Really, that’s quite amazing.

So rather than lamenting the many great Decorah buildings that have been lost, we are celebrating those that have been preserved — those survivors that inspire us daily with our common history in this beautiful place.

Water No structures remain from the native peoples who inhabited this area for millennia, although when the European settlers moved in there were Ho-Chunk mounds on Mound Street — as the street name indicates — as well as other places. Current evidence is only archaeological.

But the first non-native settlers were actually drawn by the same water —the river, springs and streams — that made this area popular for the native peoples. The Steve Johnson History of Mills and Water-Powered Sites of Winneshiek County booklet and the much more extensive Shay Gooder online report document eight mills constructed in Decorah before

Painter Mill, 1851

Vesterheim Heritage Park

1870 Birdseye map of Decorah (All photos courtesy of a slide show presentation by Decorah Historic Preservation Commissioners Judy van der Linden and Mark Z. Muggli)

1870. Remarkably, of these eight, two are well-preserved, two are partly preserved, and two others are still somewhat visible.

The most striking survivor is the 1851 Vesterheim Painter Mill. In his Tour of Stone Structures of Winneshiek County, Shay Gooder notes that it was the last fully water-powered mill in Iowa.

The three-story Decorah Woolen Mill — 107 Court St. — has been used for apartments since 2002 and is also a notable survival, even though the original 1867 mill was four stories.

The top story was lost in the 1908 Decorah tornado, and included only the western half of

the current building.

In addition to these two well-preserved buildings, there are two partially-preserved sites. The 1857 stone vaults of the Klein Brewery and Mill are still visible at 203 Quarry St., near the Dunning’s Springs entrance. The 1867-69 Addicken Twin-Springs-powered flour mill is gone, but the nearby 1866 Addicken Brewery and House — 1400 Oneota Dr. — still convey some feeling of the original semi-rural, industrial, water-powered complex.

It is worth identifying the other two surviving mill sites, even though the visible remnants don’t meet our presentation’s standards for integrity.

The Tavener Mill, built around 1870 and located just downriver from the current Fifth Ave.

Bridge, is slightly visible in the concrete ruins of the dam and the millhouse basement wall.

According to Shay Gooder, the early 1850s Union Mill is identifiable by its stone foundations, which are still visible near Twin Springs creek.

Commerce Of the many stone commercial buildings that dotted downtown Decorah before 1870, the beautifully preserved 1855 Bernatz Grocery — 523 W. Water St., Vesterheim — is the sole complete survivor, although many other downtown buildings still have their original stone foundations or walls hidden behind later brick coverings.

Similarly, the 1856-57 Dayton House — 516 W. Water St., Vesterheim — is the single survivor of Decorah’s many

Bernatz Grocery, 1855

Surviving properties continued on page C- 3

Henry Schultz Kiln, 1870 Phelps Park

523 W. Water St.

Happy 175th, Decorah!

first-generation wooden commercial buildings. But there are similar buildings hidden beneath later wood, brick or stucco facades.

The 1855 Winship Tinshop — 701 Mound St. — is a notable stone and wood structure that for 150 years was part of the Decorah Greenhouse. It represents many early small-scale industries, including another tin shop in the early 1860s Bradish House — 301 W. Broadway St. — and a tailor shop within the 1867 Kornmeyer House — 210 East. St. In its early years, Decorah also had some larger-scale manufacturing. One notable surviving building is the 1853 brick Ammon Warehouse — 502-

Decorah Woolen Mill, 1867 301 W Day Spring Ln.

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After spending years as an artist and recognizing a need for local artists to have an outlet for their work, Decorah native Gail Bolson-Magnuson opened Agora Arts in 1992. At the Aug. 6, 1992, grand opening, 35 area artists displayed their work.

Now in its 32nd year, Agora Arts continues to bring quality, handmade items to the midwest and features the very best of the craft, including jewelry, pottery, glass, prints, cards and more.

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“Decorah’s Oldest Real Estate Firm” The A&J Agency advertised real estate and insurace in the Sept. 6, 1949 edition of the Decorah Journal.

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An Aug. 4, 1992, Decorah Public Opinion article and accompanying advertisement highlights the Agora Arts grand opening.

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COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE C-3

Egge-Koren Cabin, 1852

Ole Engebretson House, 1864

Vesterheim Heritage Park

Logan/Painter Octagon House, 1857/1858

401 E. Water St.

William & Elizabeth Day House, 1860

408 W. Broadway

Surviving properties

112 Riverside Ave.

continued from C-2 04 W. Water St. — that now contains the Vesterheim gift shop and classrooms. Another striking industrial building is the 1870 Henry Schultz Kiln on Park Street. The Broadway-Phelps Park National Register nomination of 1976 noted the Kiln’s “deteriorating condition.” But in 1983, the Iowa Historic Preservation Office funded a restoration effected by local mason Ted Wilson.

The kiln now stands as a beautiful symbol of Decorah’s early years and of the power and importance of historic preservation.

After the first stone and wooden buildings, Decorah’s Commercial District rather dramatically sprouted many brick buildings, including the 1868 Relf Building — located at 128 W. Water St. and which was expanded and redecorated in 1891. The 1869 Rudolf Building at 206 W. Water St. is similarly striking.

Smaller Homes A large percentage of the surviving 1849-70 Decorah buildings are homes of many different sizes, materials and styles.

The 1852 Egge Cabin is the sole representative of the many log buildings in early Decorah, although this particular cabin was built at Washington Prairie, southeast of Decorah. Because of its Luther College connections, the cabin is preserved at Vesterheim Heritage Park.

A number of Decorah people have reported that their house’s wooden lapsiding covers an original log core, most of which are probably pre-1870.

The 1856 Norris Miller Stovewood House was one of two stovewood houses constructed in Decorah, both by Miller. It is now said to be one

of only three such houses surviving in the U.S. — the other two being in Wisconsin. The house was originally in West Decorah — 217 Ohio St. — and was occupied until it was moved to Vesterheim in 1976.

Another unique survivor is the 1857/58 Logan/Painter Octagon House at 408 W. Broadway Street, which was inspired

by Orson Squire Fowler’s 1848 book “The Octagon House: A Home for All.” There are hundreds of existing octagon houses across the U.S., although in Iowa very few of the original 27 survive. Archaeologist Shay Gooder believes the Decorah house’s outer wall is stone, with stucco added in the 1920s.

The beautifully-preserved 1864 Engebretson House at 401 E. Water St. is important because its straightforward stone structure represents what must have been typical of many early Decorah stone houses. Darrell Henning has argued that the house mimics the Norwegian three-room Akershus plan. And as with the stone commercial buildings mentioned earlier,

there must be many Decorah homes with now-hidden stone walls and foundations that date to this earliest period.

In addition to these four unique houses, Decorah still has a number of simple pre1870 wood-frame houses with good integrity. The 1869 Archa Dennis House — 409 E. Main St. — was renovated/restored

by David Wadsworth in 2018 and sets a high standard for early home preservation. The 1860 Parliman House — 206 Lloyd St. — has recently been renovated by Lois, Dean and Chanda Humpal. The 1865 Joseph Steyer House — 601 W. Broadway Street — was built by the German immigrant who constructed the Steyer Opera House just a few years later.

There are undoubtedly many pre-1870 wood-frame houses like these three that have yet to be identified or studied.

Expanded Houses Some area houses that are now quite large and prominent actually began as small houses that were later expanded. Ac-

cording to the Vera Harris notebook, so beautifully edited by Elizabeth Lorentzen in 2010, these include the large brick pre-1860 William Day House — 112 Riverside — and the brick 1860-63 Bradish House — 301 W. Broadway.

The prominent two-story Ammon House — 602 W. Main St. — is dated to about 1854 and originally included only the smaller single-story section on the west.

The current owner of the 1867 Italianate brick Kornmeyer House — 210 East St. — has recently discovered 1875 newspaper articles announcing the home’s considerable expansion and the addition of a porch, sidewalks and sod. The 1866 Simeon Leach House — 902 Maple Ave. — on the other hand, is dominated by its original steep Gothic Revival gables and elaborate window hoods, even though the front bay window, the rear addition and the renovated porch are early twentieth-century additions.

Estates Some of Decorah’s surviving houses from its early years were from the beginning much more expansive. The 1866 Dahly House — 513 Locust Rd. — was the farmhouse for the large land area which became the 1950s Dahly subdivision. And the late 1860s Ashmore Barn, located along North College Drive near Luther College, was the first building on the extensive Ashmore/Jewell farm — Peter Joregensen performed a restoration miracle on the farm buildings in the 1990s.

The 1856 Gothic Revival

Surviving properties continued on page C-4

Luther & Catharine Griswold House, 1856 308 Leif Erickson Dr.

Happy 175th, Decorah!

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN 2025

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Happy 175th Anniversary!

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507 W. Water St., Decorah 563-382-3990 decorahareachamber.com

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024.

With the increasing population and employment opportunities through 1900, Decorah became an attractive cultural and entertainment center. The community and the businesses always worked hard to grow and expand the opportunities in the area.

Since 1924, the DACC’s focus has been to continue keeping the Decorah-area business community strong. Today, the chamber represents more than 300 area businesses. Memberships span every sector including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, restaurants, wellness, service and visitor attractions.

Thank you to all Decorah-area businesses for making our community strong!

Contact Us

Griswold House — 308 Leif Erickson Dr. — included what the Griswolds called their “country estate…Lindeswild.” It originally had park-like gardens on the hillside below the house. In 1862, they sold the house and six lots to Luther College’s U. V. Koren. It has been owned and lived in by a striking number of Luther people and was for a year used as a classroom after Luther’s Main II burned in 1889.

563.582.1331 MEMBERS@DUTRAC.ORG

Pictured clockwise from top: An undated view of Water Street looking east; Ben Bear Square Dealing Clothier which operated for 60 years in downtown Decorah; Bob’s Standard Service Station pictured in the 1970s, located at the College Drive and Fifth Avenue intersection; Mabel’s Lunchroom located in the 400 block of College Drive operated by Mabel White - her pizza recipe lives on at Mabe’s Pizza; the first location of the Oneota Food Co-Op at 1007 Paine St. where the co-op resided in the early 1970s; a bakery, book store and news depot are visible in this 1880s photo of Main Street; an aerial photo of the historic downtown area.

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Visit us at 915 Short Street!

CL IN TO N | D ECO R AH | D UBU QUE | DY ER S V IL L E ELD R ID G E | M AQ U O K E TA | MO N T I C EL LO | Q UAD CI T IE S

PAGE C-4 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

Henry Paine House, 1867

William T. Baker House,1869

301 Upper Broadway

601 W. Main St.

Surviving properties continued from C-3

John Driggs House, 1865 208 Leif Erickson Dr.

Actual Decorah Journal advertisement from a Nov. 11, 1920

HAPPY 175TH DECORAH!

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The 1865 Italianate style John Driggs House — 208 Leif Erickson Dr. — also included a sizable surrounding yard. The well-preserved house is especially impressive now because of the striking belvedere, which local carpenters Dan Sand and John Kjome recreated for Stan and Lorraine Fullerton in 1998 using an old engraving. Most Decorah roof-top structures like this have been removed, including the one which once stood atop the Octagon House for example.

The 1867 Henry Paine House — 301 Upper Broadway — is identified as a Gothic Revival Villa, partly because it included an extensive landscaped yard with terraces and topiary that Paine continued to expand into the early 1870s. And when the Brandt Parsonage was built in 1867, the only other building on Luther College’s extensive 32-acre campus was the recent 1865 Main I building — the ex-

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pansive surrounding fields were dotted with native bur oaks and shrubs.

Broadway also contains a number of other large, mansion-like buildings. The Italian-Villa style brick Porter House — 401 W. Broadway — was built in 1867 by local builder/architect H. O. Ball. In that same year Ball also built the well-preserved, mixed-style 305 Grove St. house for banker, businessman and mayor E. E. Cooley, who had arrived in Decorah only a decade earlier.

According to Judy van der Linden’s research, Ball also built the large brick 1867 Dickerman and Paine Commercial Building at 116-18 Winnebago St., and perhaps the prominent 1869 house at 601 W. Main St. for the English immigrant William T. Baker.

Why do these properties survive?

Most of us are saddened by

the many marvelous Decorah buildings that have been lost in the last 175 years. But we should also be heartened by the buildings that have survived.

For this, we must be thankful, first of all, that Decorah has organizations committed to preservation.

A full six of the surviving pre-1870 properties are part of the Vesterheim complex, although each building has its own unique preservation history. The Porter House and the Winneshiek County Historical Society Heritage Center are in such marvelous condition because their volunteers have generously given time and money. The Luther College Brandt Parsonage is well-preserved because it is a handsome, useful building that is a strong reminder of the college’s earliest history. The college has not, alas, found continuing use for the Luther College Farm buildings. Almost two-

thirds of the surviving 1849-70 buildings are included on the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as part of Decorah’s three historic districts. The National Register is overseen at the local level by the Winneshiek and Decorah Historic Preservation Commissions.

But most of these buildings have been preserved because individual owners — too numerous to mention here — have seen their continuing value as homes and businesses. The mechanical systems, kitchens and baths are new, and the interiors are often remodeled, but many buildings retain much of their original exterior finishing as well as window and door openings, interior floor plans, millwork, doors and stairways.

These buildings are living properties that continue to serve our needs, but they also embody our shared story in this historic place.

Happy 175th Decorah!

Pictured are past (1950s) and present views of Decorah’s historic Water Street.

Real Estate!

SERVING THE AREA SINCE 1988 Jim Friest (pictured above) began Friest and Associates Realtors at 110 Court St., Decorah, on June 1, 1988, along with Nancy Morris, Jerry Stortz, Orval Bruvold and Marilyn Hanson.

Now under leadership of Broker D.J. Friest (1994), the business includes agents Kevin Gossling, Al Peake and Dave Huinker.

110 Court St., Decorah | 563-382-3227 | www.friest.com

HAPPY B I RTH D AY DECORAH !

The Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Company was founded as a thriving ice cream distributor in Northeast Iowa, based in Decorah, and located at the corner of Mechanic and Water Streets. Original company officers were Ed Shima, B.M. Graham and Julia Dahl. Former Decorah Mayor E.C. Landsverk was also later an officer of the company.

In the late 1940s Sugar Bowl was sold to the Borden Company.

708 Commerce Dr., Decorah 563-382-4194

Contributing to Decorah’s changing landscape since 1955

305 East Water Street Decorah, IA 563-382-4279

decoraheye.com Oneota Valley Family Eye Care is deeplyrooted in the history of northeast Iowa.

Sugar Bowl opened at its current location in 2008

by Craig and Marcia Running, and was sold in 2017 to current owners Nathan and Brittany Todd.

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Above: A March 3, 2013 “Open House” advertisement in the Decorah Journal announcing the completion of Oneota Valley Family Eye Care’s facility at 305 E. Water St. Above right: A Jan. 23, 1997 advertisement invited all to a grand opening and open house at the 805 Montgomery St. location.

410 W Water St, Decorah Open Daily 12pm-10pm

Originally established in the early 1900s, the eye clinic has transitioned through generations of doctors at several Decorah locations.

The clinic, then Meehan, Leeper & Schwartz Family Eye Care, rented space on the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital campus at 805 Montgomery Street from 1996 until the present facility, located at 305 East Water Street, was constructed in 2012.

HAPPY 175TH, DECORAH!

COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE C-5

e Luther Colleg

Phelps Park features a number of structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression era. The park also offers scenic views of Upper Iowa River and the Decorah Community Prairie. (Decorah Leader photo by Seth Boyes)

Phelps Park is a Decorah staple tain. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Broadway Phelps Historic District and

Compiled with permission from the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission Originally known as City Park, Phelps Park is the oldest and largest public park in the city of Decorah.

The park is named after George Phelps, who built up his wealth in Decorah as a wagon-maker and grain dealer before returning to his native country of England in the early 1900s.

Phelps Park was first established in 1911 as a 12acre area established with public funds — Phelps being one of the contributors.

The park was expanded in 1922. Today it encompasses 56 total acres bounded by Park Street, Upper Broadway street and Vernon Street. Much of the stonework in Phelps Park was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and as part of the Works Progress Administration’s projects. The programs employed millions during the Great Depression and built much of the nation’s public infrastructure at the time.

Phelps Park currently features a gazebo, bandstand, recreation house and foun-

provides scenic views of west Decorah as well as the Upper Iowa River valley.

Back in 1857, the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America decided to organize a college and started a building fund. In the summer of 1862, the school was transferred from a temporary spot in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Decorah. In Decorah, the college’s first home was the building which still stands at the northwest corner of Winnebago and Main streets. The first building on the college campus was “Main,” which was dedicated Oct. 14, 1865. The first graduating class was that of 1866. (Decorah Leader photo by Seth Boyes) Pictured left: A 1942 Christmas season advertisement from Decorah Posten’s Book Store (Anundsen Publishing Co.) offering Bibles, Devotional Books and more.

Below: The Master’s Touch grand opening under ownership of Roberta Melaas was held in November 1984.

reglious book and gift shops or decades, severalhave F called Decorah “home.”

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In 1874, Anundsen Publishing Co. and the Anundsen Book Center began. Books were originally sold to subscribers, and later Christian literature was emphasized.

Roberta Melaas Blekeberg took over the Anundsen Book Center in 1984. Called “The Master’s Touch”, the 209 W. Water St. store featured Christian literature, gift items and music. The business was later sold to Carolyn and Del Fure in 1989. After 24 years of operation, the Fures sold Master’s Touch to Shari Brink in 2013.

Ushering in a new era, Kate Nelson Rattenborg Scott bought Master’s Touch from Brink in 2019. The 104 W. Water St. store was rebranded, now called “The Silver Birch”, offering Christian gifts, jewelry, books and more – just as Decorah has seen for decades.

Happy 175th, Decorah!

GOODS FOR INNER ELEVATION @jubileedecorah

Thank you for supporting our mission!

104 W. Water St. | 563-382-4432 | silverbirchdecorah.com

If you’re seeking an opportunityw here you can grow professionallya nd be a part of a stable and supportive company, apply online today!

223 College Dr., Decorah | 563-382-2968

donssalesandservice.com

www.geminicareers.com 1719 Moellers Dr. Decorah, IA, 52101 563-382-4235

Don’s Sales and Service opened in May 2003, and featured used car sales, a service center, Texaco Xpress Lube Center and Don’s Towing Service.

Owner Don Rude purchased the College Drive location in December 2002, which formerly housed CT Farm and Country. The 10,035 sq. ft. building was constructed in 1948, originally serving as Ford dealership R.W. Klinker, Inc.

Happy 175th, Decorah!

Let’s continue to keep Decorah clean!

Prevent recyclable items from entering our landfill by recycling the following items:

• CARDBOARD • PAPER • HARD PLASTICS • METALS

Recycling Reminders Winneshiek County Recycling cannot accept soft plastics or Styrofoam.

Don’t bag recyclable materials.

Ensure beverage containers are empty and the caps are removed when recycling.

1

2

Monday-Friday 6AM-3PM

563-382-6514 2510 172nd Ave. Decorah, IA

Serenity Fitness opened in January 2021 at 305 College Drive. The business relocated to its historic Water Street location in fall 2023.

Appliances and electronics are accepted at the recycling center during business hours (6AM-3PM Monday through Friday) and a staff member will need to assist with this. Do not drop off after hours.

A small inclusive gym, Serenity Fitness continues to provide top-notch training and high-quality equipment, helping clients to reach their health and fitness goals.

There is a $20 fee for appliances that contain refrigerant. This fee also applies to televisions and computer monitors. Payments must be made with cash or check only, and cash transactions must be for the exact amount owed.

Rechargeable batteries must be taken to the recycling center during business hours and given to a staff member. Never put these in the trash. They can cause fires in garbage trucks and at the landfill.

winneshiekwaste.com

Thank you for recycling responsibly!

The Winneshiek County Landfill no longer accepts electronics or appliances.

563-382-4709 | 415 W. Water St., Decorah, IA

serenityfitnessdecorah.com

415 West Water Street is the former home of: Alberts Plumbing & Heating 1930s-1980s

The Window Antique Mall & Gift Center 1980s

Oneota Community Co-op 1990s-2000s

Red-Roxy Quilt Co. 2010s

Congratulations, Decorah!

PAGE C-6 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

History of the Decorah Community School District from 1949 to present Compiled by Superintendent Tim Cronin Decorah Community Schools Post-war growth and consolidation (1949-1959): Following World War II, the Decorah Community School District experienced significant growth. This period saw the construction of new facilities to accommodate the increasing student population, including additions to existing school buildings.

Expansion and modernization (1960-1969): During the 1960s, the district continued to expand its infrastructure, reflecting the nationwide emphasis on education during this decade. The Iowa Legislature passed laws requiring all school districts to pro-

vide education for Kindergarten through grade 12 by June of 1967, resulting in the closure of Winneshiek County’s one-room schoolhouses. John Cline Elementary School was dedicated on January 26, 1964. Construction of Decorah High School started in August of 1963, and it opened its doors to students the following fall. Existing facilities were modernized to include science labs, libraries and updated classrooms. The curriculum was broadened to include more advanced subjects.

Emphasis on academic excellence (1970-1979): The 1970s marked a continued focus on academic excellence and innovation. The district introduced new educational programs and teaching methods aimed at improving student outcomes. Special education services were expanded, and more resources were

In 1885, parish pastor Peter Garraghan invited the Sisters of Mercy from Cedar Rapids to open The Immaculate Conception Academy, the first school outside of their order, located on Decorah’s John Street. Their leadership was present in the local parish until 2008.

In September 1885, four Sisters began with almost 200 students in 12 grades.

Later changing to “St. Benedict School”, the facility originally housed all grade levels but switched to its present grade school status in 1919.

The nextdoor convent connected to the school was later remodeled to accommodate for growing enrollment. The first section of the present facility was opened in 1964 on Rural Avenue. More classrooms were added (1985) as well as a media center (2001).

402 Rural Avenue Decorah, Iowa 563-382-4668

Top: The original school building on John Street.

Above: St. Benedict’s School K-2nd graders pictured in April 1935.

www.st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us

h Decorah Hig

School , 1955

erts Building

Thomas Rob

le School

d Decorah Mid

2006

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Carrie Lee Ele 1922

allocated to gifted and talented programs.

Community engagement and technological advancements (1980-1989): In the 1980s, the Decorah Community School District placed a strong emphasis on community engagement. This decade also saw the introduction of computers and other technologies into the classroom, preparing students for the rapidly changing technological landscape.

Infrastructure improvements (1990-2009): The 1990s saw the district pass a bond issue to make additions to John Cline and West Side as well as construct an auditorium for the high school. The early 2000s saw significant infrastructure improvements across the district.

Decorah Middle School was constructed in 2006, and the former middle school, originally built in the 1922 as Decorah High School, reopened as Carrie Lee Elementary school in 2007.

Innovation and sustainability (2010-2019): In the 2010s, the district embraced innovation and sustainability. New initiatives were launched to integrate cutting-edge educational technolo-

lementary

John Cline E 1962

gies. Solar panels were installed on the high school auditorium, and the curriculum was updated to include STEM — or science, technology, engineering and math — education. During this time, Decorah schools also earned numerous academic accolades, including Decorah High School being named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2011 — Decorah High School has been consistently ranked among the top high schools in the state by US News in the 2020s.

Adapting to new challenges (2020-Present): In 2023, the district purchased property in Freeport to house its transportation facility and the district administrative office. That same year, the district purchased land on the west end of the property locally known as Heivly Island and the land where the varsity baseball and softball fields are located. The COVID-19 pandemic

ood Center h d il h C ly r a West Side E

1939

posed unprecedented challenges to the Decorah Community School District. The district swiftly adapted by implementing remote learning solutions and ensuring the health and safety of students and staff.

Post-pandemic, the district has continued to innovate, focusing on mental health resources and bridging the digital divide.

Future outlook: Looking ahead, the Decorah Community School District remains committed to providing

a high-quality education which prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. With the 2024 bond issue close at hand, the district hopes to construct a new elementary school to replace John Cline and West Side Elementary.

Through decades of growth, change and innovation, the Decorah Community School District has continually adapted to meet the needs of its students and community, maintaining a tradition of excellence in education.

Hammel Jewelers’ Grand Opening 1996

Happy 175th Decorah!

Serving the Decorah community for over 25 years as a full service jewelry store, offering watches, bracelets, earrings, gold, silver, and even diamonds – as well as repairs and sizings.

108 W. Water St. Decorah • 382-8440 www.hammeljewelers.com

A

s Decorah celebrates its 175th anniversary, we at Luther College are proud of the deep and enduring bond we share with our hometown. For over a century and a half, Luther has been more than just a college nestled in the bluffs; it has been woven into the fabric of our town.

Decorah has embraced Luther College with open arms.

Warm smiles of local shop owners, welcoming meals for students, and inclusive friends encourage students to embark on the incredible adventures ahead.

112 W. Water St. Decorah | 563-382-4275 | dragonflybooks.com

Dragonfly Books is located in the John Curtin building, at 112 W. Water St.

Below: Pictured in the center is “Fine Footware”, located in Decorah’s 112 W. Water St. building in approximately 1899.

Curtin acquired the building on this lot in 1887 and constructed the present building in 1894. The brick building features “1894” and the name “John Curtin” at its peak, still visible today.

Notable occupants include Fine Footware, Smith & Dixon Shoe Store, Bromley & Co. Shoes, Lang’s Shoes, Helping Hands, Trendz Clothing and presently, Dragonfly Books.

The second floor offices included grain dealers, an attorney, the “board of trade” and livestock dealers.

Dragonfly Books, founded in 2011 by Kate Nelson Rattenborg Scott, now occupies the Water Street space.

In turn, we are quite proud of the achievements of our hometown. While we celebrate the past, we know that the vibrancy of Decorah is essential to our shared future.

Luther is a place of educational excellence, transformative curiosity, and community spirit. We see that reflected and reinforced by Decorah. We both benefit from the youthful energy and dreams of students from across Iowa, 40 states, and 62 countries.

Our faculty, staff, and alumni not only educate and nurture the next generation, we are your neighbors, friends, and leaders, investing in the future and sustainability of Decorah. Here’s to the next 175 years of friendship between Luther College and the town we all hold dear.

Soli Deo Gloria, Jenifer K. Ward

COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE C-7

Class of 1974

Class of 1974 recalls Decorah at 50th reunion

By Roz Weis Staff Writer The Decorah High School Class of 1974 had some homework to do during their recent 50th class reunion — treasuring lifelong friends and reminiscing of fond memories.

The Class of ‘74 gathered in early August, and several classmates responded to the Decorah Leader’s inquiry for this special 175th Decorah anniversary commemorative edition. The alumni were asked to share special memories of people or events which stood out as they recalled the community’s history.

Whether it is recalling the old snow-covered ski hill near town, the scenic bluffs or a favorite quotation from a beloved coach or teacher, the former students had plenty of memories to share half a century after turning their tassels and tossing their mortar boards.

Here are a few of their responses: “For me, growing up in Decorah was such a blessing. The teachers I had helped me grow and made such a difference in my life. The friends I made became friends for life, even after we all left or stayed in Decorah.

Town friends, farm friends and Luther friends all contributed to who I am today (and Mabe’s too)!” — John Linnell ~ “Decorah’s many parks, swimming pool, Nor-Ski (ski hill) and the community made it a special place to grow up.”

– Muffy Moore Aschim ~ “The same thing that drove me crazy about Decorah when I was young is what I love about it today – I’m always running into someone I know.”

– Dave Sollien ~ “Decorah has so many memories that I will always treasure, from the scenic beauty, charming downtown, outdoor activities to the great school system.

But what I treasure the most

are the people and the lifelong friends. I always enjoy returning to Decorah to spend time.”

– Les Kinseth ~ “What makes and has made Decorah special is the ability of all the local families and friends to make you feel welcome. This has occurred over the 55 years I have either lived here or visited. This is the D-town vibe. The surroundings and views are incredible, and the biking, tubing, camping, trout fishing and gathering spots around town gives Decorah a small-town feel, but with an extensive amount of offers to choose from.”

– Mark Lynnes ~ “In recent years I’ve come back for a visit, including a swim at Decorah pool, where I spent almost the entirety of my formative years. What a delight it is to see Joanne Kjome still there and going strong.

She taught me how to swim 60 years ago! We’ve had the pleasure of chatting about the good old days and the new ones. In that same vein, I’ve met several women who swim laps or take Joanne’s class who knew my mother Ileen Torvik as students and cheerleaders at South Winn. What a joy to have affirmations that beloved memories of her rest with more than my family. As I live in a neighborhood in Austin, where houses are bought and promptly torn down to make way for McMansions, it’s been gratifying to know that the houses we all grew up in are not only still there but have been kept up and often improved upon. They are also — somehow — miniatures of what I imagined we grew up in. Ha! Decorah will always be home. I don’t intend to live there, but I know it will always be there, and I will always come back.” – Randeen Torvik Ragan ~ “Such a great place to grow up – little league baseball, swimming pool and biking up the Minowa Heights

hill on a hot summer day.”

– Steve Kester ~ “Perhaps Dunning’s Spring might provide a point of continuity for many in Decorah.

A never-ending stream of water. Exuberant children excited over the noise of loud and rushing icy water. Over time, they return to picnic by day before evening settles in for teenagers exploring their way to adulthood. Then, after what seems like a flash, the children have become adults with children, and the cycle repeats Dunning’s Spring is left full of cherished memories.” – Terry Larson ~ “Going home to a wonderful little town is always such a comfort, but now to add all your friends from 50 years ago – that is a joy. Seeing all the changes like my dad’s office going from a place to heal to a place to stay healthy – biking. And seeing our old house on the hill change from a house with six kids to a day care center for kids. All that is a joy as well. It changes, but it’s always home. Thank you for giving us a perfect childhood, a great introduction to the bigger world with tools of respect and smarts — top numbers in the ITEDs, though I was not a great contributor. We had a class of distinction in sports and arts.

I’m very proud to be a part of you all.” – Ellen Dolan ~ “One of my favorite memories of Decorah is the 30 years I worked for the Fred Carlson Company. The Carlson families treated each and every one of us as if we were part of their family. As a matter of fact, they still do. The Carlsons have been so generous to the community.”

– Penny Mestad ~ “The Class of ’74 excelled in academics, athletics and shenanigans. Mr. Marvin Cooper was an exceptional teacher.

He managed to make learning fun and entertaining.”

– Amy (Smith) Knox ~

“Very hurriedly, very briefly and very interesting.”

– Daniel Sersland ~ “Taking great pride to be in the Class of ’74. Decorah is home always to us, but it is clearly home to the classmates from afar every time we get together. It remains the most beautiful town in Iowa, and we are the lucky ones that enjoy it every day.” – Roger Dahlen ~ “One place that is special to me is Nor-Ski Runs. It embodies all that is special about growing up in Decorah in the 1960s and 1970s. It occupies a unique place geographically and historically that existed for a finite window in the spacetime continuum. Geographically it represents the fact that Decorah resides in the Driftless Region of Iowa. When I tell people that I learned to ski in Iowa, they laugh because they think of Iowa as being flat and filled with cornfields. The cornfield part is right, and it will always be affectionately known to people that skied there as “Korn Kob Knob.” The once prevalent snowfall and snow cover that lasted throughout the winter is now likely lost forever to climate change. Some of my closest childhood friendships were formed on the hills of Nor-Ski. As a farm kid learning to ski in junior high, I was always playing catch up to keep up with my friends from town who started skiing very early.

Many of us journeyed together via Amtrak train to Bridger Bowl, Montana, in our senior year of high school — a trip filled with memories that none of us will forget. My love for skiing influenced my decision to go to Colorado State University, where I took downhill skiing for phys. ed. at the now defunct ski area Hidden Valley near Estes Park. I have remained out west in Colorado and New Mexico. Colorado is home to my wife, and New Mexico is now home to my daughter and granddaughter.

Fortunately,

my ties to family allowed my daughter to experience life on the farm and the unique nature of Decorah. Skiing ties me to my Norwegian heritage. I knew I was the product of Norwegian immigrant farmers. Because of technology, I have been able to confirm my heritage and trace all my ancestors back to Norway, including that of my third great-granduncle Engebretson Pedersen Haugen, one of the first Norwegian-immigrant settlers in northeast Iowa and brother to two of my third great-grandmothers, Olaug Pedersdatter Tveiten Fulsaas and Helge Pedersdatter Tveiten Moen. The likelihood of being born in Decorah to parents that can trace their ancestry back to Norway maybe wasn’t too uncommon during my childhood, but I would be surprised if that window in time hasn’t closed as well. As one observer on Ancestry.com noted, because of immigration and intermarrying, I am more Norwegian than many people living in Norway today. Uff Da!” – Dean Rovang ~ “‘In other words’” – three of the most iconic words used by, arguably, the best high school

baseball coach of all time – the revered Denny ‘Ole’ Olejniczak during his many postgame, hour-long speeches to his teams. Those speeches were some of the most memorable times” – Stan Willer ~ “We had some really awesome teachers throughout the years. My one regret is that I never went back to see them and say thank you” – Erik Gillman ~ “Decorah – the nature, the people, the Nordic heritage. Everybody’s hometown is unique, defined by the character of its family genes — my life experience uniqueness ‘growing up’ in a pool hall in the 1960s and ‘70s, beating the Luther College champ and riding in the ‘Mudda hearst’ in the Luther homecoming parade. My dad was manager of the Luther rec room for a few years, while operating the Blue Cue downtown and went on to manage the billiard room in Maucker Union from the day it opened in 1966 to the day he achieved tenure; while my mom and I ran the Cue during the weekdays. I was 9-years-old.”— Kevin Lange

Built in 1898, 212 W. Water St., Decorah, was home to various grocery stores (1902 & 1914), Western Auto (1949-1995), Elaine’s One Size Up and Sports World.

The Getup moved into the historic Water Street space in 2022.

Shop our secondhand + vintage items!

HOURS: Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM Sun 11AM-3PM

212 W. Water St. Decorah, IA 563-419-8511

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207 College Dr. Decorah, IA 563-380-3610 [W111, in e

pulpitrockbrewing

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o. World where we lifhf1

Built out of an old dairy facility and originally situated next to a laundromat, Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. opened its bay doors in summer 2015.

Founded by four Luther alumni, the brewery is located right on the Upper Iowa River, ensuring a peaceful stop for Decorah-area visitors.

to evet1one'r

307 W. Water St., Decorah • 563-382-9968

Your Place is located in a small shop building at 307 W. Water St. It is among the last of the wood-frame shops from the earliest generation of Water Street stores.

A watercolor painting from 1882 shows the building existing at that time.

In 1894, a grocery store occupied the space, followed by a series of markets.

The Haas Meat Market operated in the late 1800s thru early 1900s.

Bollinger & Co. Meat Market (also known as the City Meat Market) was founded by John Bollinger and Frank Golz Sept. 1, 1907. Alex Hotvedt bought the market in 1938 and later sold to Jake Becvar in 1942. After Jake’s passing, George Becvar took over Becvar’s Market July 1, 1946.

The building later housed bars Silver Dollar and Eddie’s.

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Why “Pulpit Rock”?

In a nod to Norway, the mother of brewery founder Peter Espinosa is from the an area in Norway called Preikestolen (“The Pulpit Rock”, a cliff rising 1,982 ft.). Espinosa’s goal was to honor Norwegian heritage while also locally-aligning the brewery’s name – find Decorah’s own Pulpit Rock at Will Baker/Pulpit Rock Park!

Pictured at left is the crew at Norway’s Pulpit Rock.

HAPPY 175TH, DECORAH!

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STORYPEOPLE

113 E WATER ST· DECORAH 563-382-8932 · STORYPEOPLE.COM OPEN M-F 9-5 • SAT 12-4

Becvar’s Market (left) shown in the Oct. 26, 1950 edition of The Public Opinion.

Your Place opened its doors in the early 2000s under ownership of Tom and Teresa Bockman. Present owners Julie and Adam Simiele took over in 2020. The small-town Iowa bar continues to provide cold drinks and a friendly atmosphere.

PAGE C-8 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER C

Echoes of the Past

By Roz Weis

175th anniversary of Decorah Celebrating a rich history

By Roz Weis Staff Writer Looking back at 175 years of Decorah, the newspaper is the best source for researching the town’s rich history. It seems appropriate the same paper that brought all the news to folks in those early years will continue to deliver the community’s storied history to readers in this special commemorative edition.

While searching the archives for my regular “Echoes of the Past” column, I am continually amazed at the signs of the rapid growth in the area.

The town’s past is colorful, so it’s very interesting to a history buff like myself.

We had a railroad back in the early days (the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad opened a branch here in 1869), and back then, having a railroad defined a community as a hub. Having a college helped too. Luther College opened in 1861, placing Decorah on the map for many college-bound students.

Decorah quickly became a center for Norwegian-American culture due to the high number of Norwegian settlers beginning in the 1850s. The town continued to grow, and the strategic placement of Highway 9 and 52 linked Decorah to the tri-state area. Expansion would include a hospital, factories, housing developments and schools. The milestones for Decorah during the last 175 years are immeasurable.

Over the years, Decorah has maintained a small-town character treasured by locals and visitors alike. Our city council has promoted both residential and commercial growth over the years, adopting incentives for developments. The historic churches, schools and businesses are community partners, contributing to the quality of life here.

I moved to Decorah 45 years ago, and I think it’s a premier spot to raise a family and a great place to call home. I feel blessed.

I’ll share some of the historic moments I’ve uncovered in the archives for this special commemorative edition:

1849 175 YEARS AGO: Decorah is founded on the site of a HoChunk village. James Knox Polk becomes the first sitting president of the United States to have his photograph taken in New York City. The 11th president of the U.S. passes on June 15 …The Minnesota Territory is established. …The U.S. Department of Interior is formed. …The Gold Coinage Act was passed by Congress, allowing minting of gold coins. …Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman doctor in the United States. She was awarded her medical degree by the Medical Institute of Geneva, New York. …In March of 1849, Zachary Taylor becomes the 12th President of the United States. Millard Fillmore becomes the 12th vice president. Both refused to be sworn into office on the Sab-

bath (Sunday), so are sworn in on a Monday, March 5. …Decorah is founded in the spring of 1849. William Day settled Decorah, followed by William Painter a month later.

A survey was conducted later this year, and the area is named Decorah after a famous Winnebago chief. …Fort Worth, Texas, is founded. …Dolley Madison, First Lady of the U.S. from 1809 to 1817 as wife of James Madison, passed away July 12. …In September of 1849, Harriet Tubman emancipates herself. …In November of 1849, the Constitution of California is ratified. …The papers back in 1849 quoted “our farmers are intelligent and businessmen are energetic and honorable.”

h Posten ofin front of the Decora Anundsen employees rth from the undsen is pictured fou fice in 1942. B.B. An Anundsen is w, and his son, Jack right in the second ro s) Leader archive photo to his right. (Decorah

1899 125 YEARS AGO: The newspapers back in 1898 recall the year as one of marvelous growth throughout the country. The newspaper in Decorah continued to publish brief fragments of the great commercial growth, saying “The year was one of victory, of important increase in territory and of incalculable expansion of the influence of the United States among other nations, but also surpassed all other years in financial and industrial results.” …A Businessmen’s Association has been organized here. …The marriage of P. Carolan of Bluffton to Miss Effie Wilson of Canoe is celebrated. …A District Court has opened here in Decorah. …The return of Nelson Burdick from Klondike is announced. …J.J. Tavener is injured at his mill in Decorah. …A fire destroyed the barn of John Asseln. …The trout streams of the area are stocked with 10,000 trout in the spring. …A burglary was reported at Rubie and Jansen’s Cigar Factory here in town. …The Decorah Post Office has moved to the Soverson Building. …The Decorah Elks Hall and Club rooms have opened in August. …A convention of the National Norwegian Old Settlers met here in October. …The Freeport Paper Mill burned down in the fall. …The Rifle Club reported a good turnout for the big squirrel hunt in town. …Locals took in the big Merchants’ Carnival in December.

1949 100 YEARS AGO: Decorah’s 100th birthday was the story of the year in 1949. The celebration as big news, with a 72-page newspaper commemorating the event. The special edition as called the Public Opinion Centennial Edition. It is the largest paper ever printed in Decorah. A copy of the milestone paper was placed in the “Century Vault” at ceremo-

B. Anundsen leans out a second story window, while employees of the publishing company gather outside the front door of the Posten building on Washington Street, most recently the home of Anundsen Publishing.

nies commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Des Moines Register. Decorah’s celebration chairman was W.F. Baker.

A four-day grand observance was planned in June. The celebration included a “Whisker Judging Contest.” An estimated 35,000 people attended the celebration June 9-12. …The year 1949 was also an election year. Floyd Hexom was voted in as the city’s mayor. …Ernie Sivesind picked up a television in Decorah for the first time. …Plans were announced for the reorganization of a drum and bugle corps in Decorah. …A new marker for Malanaphy Springs was being prepared. …Housewives across the region joined in a fund drive for the town’s anti-fly campaign. …The final phase of Decorah’s Dry Run Flood Control Project was started. …The city budget for Decorah was placed at $131,303. …The Decorah Quarterback Club was formed. …Decorah’s Bill Reichow was the winner of the Wheelbarrow Derby from State Road to the Wonder Cave. …A new hot lunch program is introduced at Decorah High School in the fall. …The Decorah Jaycees received their charter. …Fort Atkinson voters approved a $38,000 bond issue for the erection of a gymnasium for the high school.

1974

50 YEARS AGO: Decorah is celebrating its 125th birthday, but with no pomp and circumstance. The local civic leaders have passed on a special recognition of the historic anniversary due to the extensive planning efforts in staging the annual summer Nordic Fest. …Dwight Seegmiller, 21, of rural Decorah, was appointed

by President Nixon to the National Voluntary Service Advisory Council. He is past national president of the Future Farmers of America. …New Decorah City Council members were sworn in, including Joyce Epperly, Tony Larson, Rolfe Haatvedt and Bert Kalsow. …Decorah Betterment Association voted overwhelmingly to proceed with one-way traffic on Water Street and Main Streets between State and Court Streets. Diagonal parking will be instituted in the area. Cost estimate is $53,000 over a fiveyear period. …The city council votes to have a special census taken of several acres of a proposed annexed area, including about 100 dwellings in Minowa Heights, Rosendahl Addition and Locust Road. …A survey taken of local dealers shows that although the nationwide shortage of gasoline has pushed up prices, there

is still an ample supply of gas available locally. Gas prices are at about 53 cents per gallon. …The Luther College Board of Regents authorized Decorah Architect Don Gray to complete final plans for the proposed new Center for Faith and Life, despite the fact the estimated construction costs doubled from $1.5 to $3 million since the projected was first proposed a few years ago. …The story of the year in 1974 was the shopping center controversy. Proposed shopping center developers requested the Decorah City Council rezone 23 acres of land on the south edge of town from Agricultural to a new C-4 designation for construction of a shopping center. Debate was exuberant to say the least, and the council denied the request. But the issue wasn’t over. …Pamida, Inc., an Omaha-based discount store, plans to build a new store on three acres of land on the southeast edge of town, purchased from Carlson Bros. …Dale Evans Rogers, wife of famed cowboy movie star Roy Rogers, was the main speaker at an Iowa District ALCW Convention that attracted 3,500 people to Luther College field house. …Jon Hart opened a dental practice on College Drive in Decorah. …The Winneshiek County Hospital reported a new record with three sets of twins born within a 50-hour period at the local hospital.

…The old Aase Haugen Home, which was located 5 miles southwest of Decorah, was ordered closed in November by order of the State Department of Health.

Homes for the 37 Aase Haugen residents were found in private nursing homes in 10 cities. …Hospital room rates were increased to $50 per day for a private room. …The new Iowa Education Broadcast Network began beaming educational television into Decorah in 1974. …A new self-service Iowa liquor store opened in a concrete building owned by Roy Carlson of Decorah and located next to the Viking Theatre. …The base salary for Decorah teachers was raised from $7,400 per year to $8,200 per year. …Rich Gaard is voted Outstanding Young Educator of the year by the local Jaycees.

Floyd Ashbacher is named Outstanding Young Law Officer.

Brothers Chuck, Jim and John Gipp shared Outstanding Young Farmer honors. …The Decorah Vikings football squad won the state Class AAA championship at Ames.

The win climaxed a great comeback season for the Vikings after an opening loss to Cedar Rapids Prairie. …Longtime veteran Decorah merchant Leo Tekippe has sold his Coast-To-Coast Store on Water Street to Gerald Aulwes, a native of Guttenberg. …Security Bank and Trust Company of Decorah purchased the Winneshiek Hotel-Motor Inn and Apartments at 104 East Water St. for $112,762.28 at a sheriff’s sale at the courthouse.

COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE D-3

‘Out of the ruin of the waters will rise a new city’ orah

ec D m o o d t o n id d 2 0 9 1 f o d o Flo

Waters recede, Decorah rebuilds Most of the bridges in and out of Decorah were destroyed, and the flood waters also toppled telephone and telegraph lines — still, reports of Decorah’s sudden isolation in its time of crisis were reported on the other side of the state within a week.

By June 10, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors had been informed of 41 bridges destroyed by the rushing water.

More were damaged.

Conservative estimates at the time put repair costs at $30,000 — the total property damage to Decorah was estimated at $500,000.

But the city’s Washington Street bridge was still whole.

The bridge was also able to withstand the three previous floods as well, and it became critical during the 1902 flood, when a fire broke out at the Wilber and Ingvoldstad Lumber Yards — the Journal staff supposed much of Decorah might have been reduced to ashes had firefighters not been able to cross the bridge. The Decorah Public Opinion said the fire started in the yard’s lime storage building, and firefighters battled the blaze in waist-deep water.

Railway companies quickly pushed for the repair of their washed-out segments of track, and a temporary bridge was to be put in place over Trout Run before a more permanent steel structure could be built. Train service between Decorah and Calmar was restored in early June — a construction train arrived on June 5, and conductors were soon able to make three stops per day, “though, of course, not on schedule time,” the Journal noted in its June 10 edition.

Decorah Mayor F.W. Daubney issued a notice in that same edition, cautioning residents in the flood zone against the use of well water without first boiling it.

“Free use of city water will be granted to all parties, and it may be secured from any tap free of charge,” the mayor’s notice said.

The city also formed a flood relief committee within days of the flood, as unaffected citizens “rallied to the material relief of those who had been left destitute.” The committee was able to raise $2,600 by the time the May 28 edition of the Decorah Public Opinion went to press.

Other archives noted the committee declined a $100 donation from State Sen. Dennis Lyons

The Decorah Public Opinion published a photo showing a view of Dry Run Creek as seen from the Milwaukee passenger depot, following a major flood in May of 1902. (Decorah Leader archive photos) Debris and a trestle can be seen blocking Decorah’s Main Street. The 1902 photo was taken near the intersection of State Street.

of Cresco. The lawmaker was a former resident of Decorah and felt compelled to contribute, according to the archives, but the committee had previously agreed to only accept local donations to the fund.

“There is no call for outside assistance,” the Public Opinion said. “The people of Decorah will prove sufficient to relieve immediate wants, which is all that is necessary.”

By August of that year, the community had made notable strides in restoring the city’s businesses and homes. Low lying cottages in the formerly flooded area had been raised by several feet, and more solid foundations were put in place.

“Out of the ruin of the waters will rise a new city, much safer, cleaner and happier than before,” the Aug. 13, 1902, Pub-

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lic Opinion said. “In all parts of the city, there seems to be a general disposition to improve.

The city council has been especially diligent in clearing up the wreckage, regrading the streets and causing sidewalks to be repaired. Work is being pushed on

Thank You

the new bridge on Winnebago Street and the others will rapidly follow, so that a year form now will see the city in much better condition than before the awful catastrophe came upon us.”

71

for

YEARS MABEL WHITE, founder

A fourth-generation local operation

1785 State Highway 9, Decorah

A Standard Oil wagon was among the wreckage of the 1902 flood which heavily damaged much of Decorah.

1953

A destructive deluge The newspaper said the creek essentially became a river, with “a great wall of water 12-15 feet high, sweeping down upon Decorah with hardly a moment’s warning.” The overflow was said to have begun near a pump house southwest of the city, spilling over both banks.

Areas uphill saw some damage, but the majority of the water wove a path about 1.5 miles long through the city.

“The streets were flooded with water running almost as rapidly as the main current itself,” that same day’s edition of the Decorah Public Opinion said. “A number of houses were almost totally destroyed, many were swept from their foundations and are now blockading the streets. Traffic is now at a standstill.”

The home belonging to a Mrs. Haskel on Winnebago Street was said to be “split in two by Joe Hawes’ barn being jammed up against it.” M.T. Torsen’s barn was found in the center of Washington Street after the flood. He himself nar-

the inspection of visitors,” the Journal said. “

1980

The people of Decorah were still sleeping when the courthouse bell chimed one morning in 1902. Soon, the blare of the city’s new fire whistle spiraled through the air. Dry Run Creek had spilled its banks, and water was quickly sweeping through the city. The flood would ultimately kill at least two people and cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

The next week’s edition of the Decorah Journal called the literal wave of destruction “the greatest disaster in the history of the fairest town in northeastern Iowa.”

Decorah had previously experienced major floods in 1875, 1890 and 1892 — coincidently, each had occurred on June 23.

But the 1902 flood was preceded by about 10 days of stormy weather, according to archives of the Decorah Journal. The rainy streak culminated with an intense cloud burst in the early hours of May 21. Locals estimated 6 inches were suddenly added to already swollen waterways, and Dry Run Creek was said to overflow its banks after about 15 minutes. A pair of night watchmen had the foresight to keep an eye on Dry Run that morning, according to the Journal, and one ran for the city’s fire whistle “at breakneck speed” just before the creek broke its banks around 3 a.m. that day. Meanwhile, Otto Arneson, who lived on Winnebago Street, was of the same mind and ran to the county courthouse to ring its bell and alert his fellow residents of the impending danger.

“Then the whistle let forth unearthly screeches that aroused everybody in the town,” the Journal said.

rowly escaped his own tragedy.

“In attempting to take his horses out of danger, he was swept away into D.A. Reed’s yard, where he managed to get hold of the pump handle and saved himself from drowning,” the Journal said. “After some time had elapsed, Mr. Reed heard his cries and rescued him.”

And Richard Bucknell and his family were still inside their home when it suddenly began moving off its lot.

“The only impression I had was that we were going to be drowned as the house was dashed down the railroad track,” Bucknell told the Journal. “We did not know where we were. It was all so sudden and so dark.

We climbed into the attic, as the lower part of the house was full of water.”

The Bucknell house came to rest against the home of Mike Curtin. The Bucknell family was able to eventually get Mrs. Curtin’s attention, and she opened her house’s second story window to bring the Bucknell’s and others in that house to relative safety. Piles of floating debris built up behind the stranded homes and barns — 10 feet high in some places, according to reports from that time.

“Fences and porches were broken by sidewalks being thrown against them, and it will be weeks before all the debris spread over half the town can be removed,” the Journal reported.

The local papers reported only two deaths during the flood.

The family of Charles Clark mourned the loss of their 3-year-old daughter, who was swept away by the waters as the family fled their home on Mechanic Street to shelter in a tree — the girl’s body was found the next day near the Milwaukee freight depot.

A man named John Garver was initially reported to have drowned in the flood, but the Journal later learned he had died of a heart issue while the waters rose. Garver and his wife had been attempting to herd their chickens uphill before he “dropped to the ground under the excitement and fear and instantly expired.” His wife tried unsuccessfully to move her husband’s body before the flood waters reached their home, and the man’s body was carried “some rods into his neighbor’s yard.”

The Journal said local authorities reported some looting while residents were forced to leave their homes unoccupied, but soon “a large force of men and teams worked like beavers” to bank up the dike, and most if not all the displaced homeowners were able to return that Thursday.

“The rubbish is being hauled from the streets as fast as men and teams can gather it up and move it away, and it will not be long before Decorah is once more in a presentable shape for

TODAY

By Seth Boyes News Editor

of Mabe’s Pizza Mabel’s son DON and wife MAMIE operated Mabe’s upon Mabel’s retirement in the early 1980s at age 77. Mabel’s grandson, STEVE, and his wife CONNIE, took over Mabe’s in 1999. A fourth generation of the White family, Mabel’s great-grandson COLLIN is general manager.

Collin and his wife, JENNY, have a son DAWSON and a daughter, named after her great-greatgrandmother MABEL.

Happy 175th Decorah!

Thank you for your support! We look forward to continue serving up square slices and food you love!

110 East Water Street Decorah 563-382-4297 mabespizza.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 11AM-9PM (til 10PM Friday + Saturday)

PAGE D-2 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

Decorah woman’s compassion reshaped Iowa law

By Elizabeth Lorentzen Winneshiek County Historical Society Lovina Blackmarr Benedict — a petite woman often dressed in the Quaker manner with black bonnet and simple dress — met evil head-on, successfully lobbied to change a law which meted out punishment unequally, righted wrongs in the lives of countless women and protected vulnerable children and their futures. The frail and unassuming woman achieved all this when she was in her 60s, and believed herself unable to rise to the challenge because of fragile health and lack of advanced education.

“Mother Benedict” as she was called in later life, originally came to Winneshiek County in 1863 from Ohio, settling at Springwater, where her husband Harvey Benedict engaged in milling. Several years later, they moved to Decorah.

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The couple lost their firstborn and, in 1871, her husband was blown from the roof of a house on which he was working, and he died the next day.

Lovina lived in a house which still stands on the corner of Franklin and Grove streets in Decorah, and she was a minister in the Quaker congregation in Decorah. She was also a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, an organization devoted to social reform, curbing the consumption of alcohol, preventing domestic violence, advocating for prison reform and promoting women’s suffrage. Lovina felt moved to challenge not only the institutions of the saloon but that of the brothel as well. She learned that one of the latter existed a stone’s throw from her own home in Decorah. She asked a minister’s wife to go with her to investigate the situation, found the lady unwilling, but finally secured another woman’s as-

sistance. The pair visited the neighboring home in question one evening, offering their help and protection to the woman in charge in the form of prayer and Bible study. The woman of the house made excuses, but Lovina and her friend returned the next evening — Bible and hymn book at the ready. Their presence disrupted the usual activities, causing the woman to become irritated with them, but Mother Benedict and her companion made their point and returned to their homes.

That night, a shower of eggs administered by some of the upright men of the community convinced the occupants of the house this was not the place for them, and the home’s occupants were on the first train out of town the next morning. Although Lovina said it was not what she would have prescribed as a remedy, “the work was done” and they were not heard from again.

Lovina became interested in the plight of the “fallen woman” and began to canvass the state of Iowa. She spoke to groups in

Mother Benedict as she started forth on her mission with only her faith and her bible. (Photo courtesy of the Winneshiek County Historical Society)

all of Iowa’s 99 counties about the need for working with fallen women, unwed mothers and their babies. She asked for donations for a home to accomplish this. Along with her speaking engagements, she would fearlessly knock on the doors of the brothels in the towns and cities she visited

Salú Sauna + Wellness Spa is located at 110 Washington Street in a 1988 building built on the site of a large livery. The building previously housed a grocery store, tavern consignment shop, physical therapy and dance and yoga studios.

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Happy 175th, Decorah Happy 175th Decorah!

Then

Now

Established in 1914

Preserving our heritage while looking to the future.

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Ronnies DECORAH'S FAMOUS

FIND RONNIE 'S ROLL S AT THE LANDIN G MARKE T!

Photo courtesy Kevin Lee

The Chiropractors is located in Decorah’s former Milwaukee Road depot building. The depot and tracks nearby were discontinued in the 1970s and the depot was renovated for non-railroad use.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you over the past two years.

We appreciate you and look forward to having you “Scoot on around”

Kelly Reagan, D.C. 563-382-4411

BLASTPAST from the

History of the roll Known for decades and throughout the region as “Ronnie’s Rolls,” these giant cinnamon rolls are made from a recipe invented by Martha Griebenow, originally of Harmony, MN, and named for her son, Ronnie.

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The rolls were sold for years by Vivian Barth at Ronnie’s Café; when that closed, the recipe was purchased by Jo and Harry Olson who served them at Ruby's Restaurant until it closed in 2022. Sweet, gooey and delicious, the rolls are a staple treat in Decorah and can now be found at The Landing Market.

Pictured at left is Vivian Barth with new "Ronnie's Roll" recipe-owners the Olsons, who bought the recipe for $425 on auction at the close of Ronnie's Café.

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Baggage stands loaded and ready to go on the station platform in this early1920s view looking southwest toward the Water Street business district.

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and, if she gained admittance, she would speak with the prostitutes themselves, offering to remove them from their situation and help them gain a better life.

She founded the Benedict Home in Des Moines, “one of the best benevolent institutions in the state,” and remained at its head until the board of managers disagreed with her policy and outnumbered her. She then retired from her position there and returned to Decorah, where she established the Benedict Retreat in her own home. There she gave unwed mothers a place to stay until their babies were born, helped them find respectable employment after the birth of their babies and arranged for adoptions of some of those babies.

Lovina’s eventually wrote a book entitled “Woman’s Work for Woman,” in which she shared her experiences working with and for fallen women.

There were girls as young as 14, girls who were orphaned with no place to go, others who had gone to the city to escape an intolerable home situation, and still others who had kicked over the traces at home. But none were prepared for the predators they found when they thought they were escaping to a more independent life or simply seeking employment to sup-

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port themselves — many were caught in the net of prostitution with little hope of escape. Alcoholism and drugs were used as a means of withstanding the life they were forced to live — abuse from both procurers and clients, sexually transmitted diseases and human trafficking all existed in the late 1800s and cut many of their lives short.

During her work in Decorah, she helped more than 200 young women birth their babies, nursed both mothers and babies through illness, arranged for the funerals of some, shared her love and kindness, and always lived out her Christian principles in her care for all of them. To shield the identities of the young women from public view, Lovina did all the chores necessary outside her home, including gardening, milking the cow and tending to the yard work. Despite the care she took to remain unobtrusive and private, an “upstanding Christian woman” petitioned the Decorah City Council to declare Mother Benedict’s home a nuisance to Decorah. Lovina related that, of the unwed mothers sheltered in the Benedict Retreat in Decorah and the Benedict Home in Des Moines, very few returned to their former lives, saying most became upright, contributing members of their communities.

Lovina also lobbied successfully for Iowa law concerning prostitution to be revised. The law had previously charged women with prostitution as well as those who procured women for prostitution, but there was a reluctance on the part of law enforcement to deal with those that procured, and they often escaped judgment. The women prostitutes were also incarcerated with men in the same penitentiary. A separate prison for women resulted from the revision of the law. Those that procured were charged and punished equally with the prostitutes, and the evidence necessary to convict was more clearly spelled out.

Iowa’s updated law became a model for other states to follow.

Better

WITH Age

Cheers to you, Decorah!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT The buildings that house Rubaiyat were built in the early 1890s by Decorah architect Charles Altfillisch and contractor A.R. Coffeen. The original stores housed everything from a mail-order dry goods store to a ladies ready-to-wear boutique.

In the early-to-mid-1900s, the buildings housed a jewelery store, a hardware store and the original Donlon Drug. The upstairs was also used as a speak-easy during prohibition.

In the early 1950s, Bill Brickley opened a five and dime store. He sold out in 1960 to Ben Franklin Stores and the buildings were combined into what is now one storefront.

The Ben Franklin closed in the early 1990s, and the building then housed an office supply store, antique store and a dollar store.

Rubaiyat purchased the building in 2007. The original tin ceiling and brick walls were exposed, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the history and work of art created at Rubaiyat.

117 West Water St. Decorah, IA

563-382-WINE

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COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE D-3

Dunning’s Spring Park was once site of early local industry Compiled with permission from the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission Visitors to Decorah’s Dunning’s Spring Park might not immediately realize the site was once home to a grain mill.

A man named William Painter — one of the first two settlers of Decorah — was traveling through northeast Iowa in 1848, seeking sites for a potential water-powered business venture.

He returned the next fall, bringing with him a pair of buhrs he had secured in Cincinnati to grind grist. He then built a small mill at what was at one time known simply as Mill Spring.

Painter sold the mill to E.C. Dunning and a Mr. Chase approximately two years later — Painter also built the stone mill which today stands at the corner of Mill and Heivly Streets in Decorah. The new owners

of the spring mill replaced its original log structure with one of hewn oak and boards, which was equipped with a wheel — a second wheel was later added to take advantage of the potential energy provided by the spring’s steep elevation. Local newspaper archives from 1946 say it was believed Dunning ordered a custom wheel which measured only 6 inches in width due to the steep fall of the spring.

“A larger wheel, early residents said, would have generated too much power for safe operation of the mill’s machinery,” the Sept. 4, 1946, Decorah Public Opinion said.

The mill was retrofitted in the early 1870s to saw locally quarried rock, and it was sold again in 1880 to a Norman Willett, who is credited with operating the mill at full capacity.

The machinery at that time consisted of 20 saws which were capable of cutting between

4 and 6 inches of stone an hour — the business was capable of sawing a block slightly large than 300 cubic feet. The sawn stone was shipped all over the country, but it was also used in many local buildings which still stand today — local limestone, which often contained fossils and was described as having a greenish-gray hue, was marketed as “Decorah marble” and was often used for ornamental pieces, such as tabletops and fireplace mantels.

The stone sawing business was discontinued around 1897.

The owners of the land at that time continued using the former mill as a barn until it was torn down in 1907. The city of Decorah attempted to buy the property several times in later decades. Decorah Park Commission Chair Fred Biermann secured a purchase agreement with then owners Ole Void and his son Henry for the spring and about 13 acres of surrounding

Dunning’s Spring became a public park after it was sold to the city of Decorah in 1946. The spring previously powered a mill during the early 1850s. Local newspaper archives from 1946 say it was believed the mill required a custom wheel measuring only 6 inches in width due to the steep fall of the spring – a wider wheel would have likely generated too much power to safely operate the mill’s machinery, the archives said. (Decorah Leader photos by Seth Boyes)

CHEERS

Happy 175th Anniversary!

Decorah!

­ ­

Construction of the first St. Benedict Church at 512 East Broadway took place in 1864, with Rev. Clement Lowery supervising the project. The stones for the church were hauled from McGregor by area farmers. The completed cost of the church was $7,000.

cel ebrating DECORAH

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ST. BENEDICT'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 307 W Main Street 563-382-9631 www.stbenedictcc.com/

Our roots are deep in Decorah!

Thornton’s Feed & Grain is a fourth-generation family business, now owned by Adam and Lana Thornton who purchased the company in December 2019 from Adam’s father, Al.

Our location has seen miles and miles of hair cut since at least 1910, the ground floor has housed a barber shop, Richard Bucknell's, who bought the building in 1910 but Amy Burg & Dennis Smock may have rented it earlier.

Later, the barber shop was operated by George Krumm and Bob Smock followed by Bob’s nephew Dennis Smock.

After Dennis retired, Amy Burg open her doors at Rootz Salon in 2017.

Andrew and Glen Thornton built the business from the ground up, opening the 201 E. Broadway location on Feb. 1, 1947.

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property in 1946 for a price of about $1,340. Biermann then presented the property to the city in August of that year — the paper noted Biermann still owned Winneshiek Spring at that time, which was located north of Decorah’s Hotel Winneshiek and was said to be the reason the William Day family chose to settle on the future sight of the hotel in June of 1849. The newspaper went on to say Biermann had been “the principal factor in the development of the park system, largest in Iowa for a city of this size.”

Today, the Dunning’s Spring is a part of a public park, featuring a walking path, scenic overlook and a bridge crafted by local stone mason Ted Wilson.

Wilson crafted the entire bridge of dry-laid stone — specifically pink dolomite, also known as Mankato stone, which was repurposed from the 2007 demolition of Decorah’s East Side School.

Celebrating 160 years in Decorah

Construction of the present St. Benedict Church took place in 1917, under the direction of Rev. Martin Hogan. The cost was $60,000 and the parish consisted of about 100 families.

William Painter created the original mill at Dunning’s Spring in Decoarh, but he sold it to E.C Dunning approximately two years later. Dunning and his business partner replaced the original mill with one made of hewn oak and boards.

The mill initially ground grist, but it was retrofitted in the 1870s to saw locally quarried limestone — dubbed Decorah marble. (P (Photograph courtesy of the Winneshiek County Historical Society)

The Grand and Lyric Theaters are pictured at right on historic Water Street in approximately 1940.

A history of theater in Decorah Ushering in a new era of entertainment was the Grand Opera House, which opened Jan. 6, 1892, and put Decorah on the map as the “best” for traveling stage groups. The opera house was destroyed by fire and a new, larger opera house was opened Nov. 19, 1898.

The first silent picture was shown in 1913 at the now-renamed Grand Theater, at 221 W. Water St. “Sound projections” were incorporated in the late 1920s. The theater was later remodeled to the plans of architect Charles Altfillisch.

Thornton’s continues to provide customers with their livestock feeds, seed, pet and wild song bird needs.

A second theater, The Lyric Theater, opened in September 1914 at 217 W. Water St.

Happy 175th, Decorah!

We thank you for your continued support!

201 E. Broadway, Decorah 563-382-3358

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Viking Theatre Corp., spearheaded by local co-owner/manager Lyle Sheller, bought both the Lyric and Grand Theaters from Decorah’s Hod Engbertson. Viking Corp. purchased Engbertson’s drive-in theatre on Old Stage Road in early 1968.

The Water Street properties then sold, and a brand new state-of-the-art theatre was constructed at 111 N. Mechanic St. The Viking Theatre opened Dec. 9, 1968, as a singlescreen theatre. The theatre now has three viewing screens and is operated by Fridley Theatres.

PAGE D-4 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

Former beer vaults hint at one of Decorah’s earliest breweries Compiled with permission from the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission A pair of aging doorways set into constructed limestone walls hint at the brews once produced using the water from nearby Dunning’s Spring.

The doors, which face Ice Cave Road in Decorah, are remnants of the Kline Brewing company — the doors themselves once lead into what’s left of the brewery’s beer vaults.

German immigrant Diedrich Addicken constructed original brewery as a two-and-a-half story saltbox-roofed structure in 1857. Fresh water from Dunning’s Spring was carried to the nearby brewery using wooden troughs and pipes to both cool the brewery and power its machinery. The brewery, which fronted Ice Cave Road, opened in the rear to its three limestone vaults, the largest of which is nearly 60 feet long — and a portion of that vault has since collapsed, obscuring the entrance to the third and final chamber, which extended to the west.

Jospeh Kline — sometimes spelled Klein — and a Mr. Johnson purchased the brewery in 1866 for $12,000. Other historical accounts indicated Addicken began building another mill and brewery that September near Unionville — Addicken died in July of 1875 due to complications from a broken leg after he was thrown from

a wagon.

Kline married Elisa Addicken, and the couple lived on the brewery property in a small frame house. They later built the 11-room Italianate brick home which still stands above the former brewery’s vaults to this day.

The home is said to have at one time contained a passageway to the beer vaults, which could provide escape from authorities during the Prohibition era.

The brewery became one of Decorah’s most productive businesses of the mid-19th century, distributing beer through the city by four or five-mule teams. Local lore has it the brewery’s beverages were hauled into town and given away for free on hot summer days, and the constable was said to always have a good supply on hand to dish out freely.

Kline and his brothers, Henry and Huber, purchased the Hencke’s soda water business in 1877, producing strawberry, lemon and sarsaparilla soda. Local historians said Joseph Kline may have moved to Minnesota with his family around that time.

Despite the brewery’s success, it suffered foreclosure in 1882, likely due to the rising temperance movement and Iowa’s passage of Prohibition laws — Addicken’s family had continued to operate the brewery near Unionville until the Iowa Supreme Court closed it on Dec. 20, 1887. The Kline brewery was taken over by the

Winneshiek County Bank and was subsequently rented to a P.S. Smout, who had started the Decorah Creamery. The dairy used the brewery’s supply of spring water to cool milk and cream in its former beer vaults. The dairy produced nearly 1,000 pounds of butter a day at its peak — it’s unclear when the dairy closed, but the brewery building was demolished by 1897.

Yet the vaults endured. Several businesses used for a variety of purposes such as a pork-packing establishment, an extension of a local stock farm and winter storage for trees and nuts. The limestone vaults were even featured as part of Decorah’s Troll Hike during the Nordic Fest celebrations of the mid-1970s.

An illustration of Decorah’s Kline Brewery — sometimes spelled Klein — depicted the early Decorah business from across the Upper Iowa River. The brewery’s former beer vaults can still be seen along Ice Cave Road. The image was originally published by the Andreas Atlas Company of Chicago.

Coast-To-Coast hardware store opened in Decorah in A 1945 ad (left) shows weekly bargains at November 1929.

Coast-To-Coast.

Leo TeKippe operated the Coast-To-Coast hardware store in Decorah for 44 years until his retirement in 1975. Coupons (right) highlight sales at the TeKippe began working at the store in 1930 and he hardware store in bought the store in 1932.

March 1983.

TeKippe sold the store to Gerald and JoAnn Aulwes, who in 1988, constructed a new Coast-To-Coast Hardware Store at 110 Washington Street.

Ace Hardware bought out Coast-To-Coast in the early 2000s. Steve and Julie Spilde bought the business from Julie’s parents, Gerald and JoAnn, making them the second generation!

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Doors to the former brewery’s beer vaults are still visible along Ice Cave Road, though the building has since been removed. The home situated above the vaults was constructed by brewery owner Joseph Kline, and it was rumored to contain a passageway to the beer vaults as a means of escape from authorities during the Prohibition era. (Decorah Leader photo by Seth Boyes)

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PLUMBING & HEATING INC.

Pictured right: A photo of Decorah’s historic Water Street shows the now-Hacker Nelson & Co. building located on the corner of Water and Winnebago streets.

Below: The Hacker Nelson & Co. building today.

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Hacker, Nelson & Co. of Decorah is housed at 123 W. Water Street in a beautifully preserved, turn-of-the-century bank building on the corner of Water and Winnebago streets.

123 W. Water St. Decorah, IA 563-382-3637

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The building was constructed in 1897 for Citizens Savings Bank on a lot in the center of the Water Street business district. It had served early on as a dry goods and hardware store, and later as John Finn’s hardware store.

Among well-known renters on the second floor over the years were Dr. Conover’s Dental Office and Hansen Loan Office.

In 1924, Citizens Savings Bank ceased doing business, and the building had various occupants since then, including Interstate Power Company.

In the early 1960s, A & J Agency Insurance and Real Estate moved from Winnebago Street into the first floor of 123 W. Water St., and Hacker, Nelson & Co. occupied the second floor. Decorah Savings and Loan occupied the combined areas of the three Winnebago Street shops.

Now, the entire building is occupied by Hacker, Nelson & Co., and the branding above the doorway carries that name.

Hacker, Nelson & Co. was founded by Darvin Hacker and John Nelson in 1963 and incorporated in 1975. The firm received the Decorah Historic Preservation Commission’s 2016 Historic Preservation Award for the exterior rehabilitation of their building.

1994- Les Askelson, does the morning announcements from the original KVIK-FM studio at 201 E. Water St. (formerly the Viking 1 Stop, presently Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant) (Waterloo Courier photo 1994)

Fun Fact

The current site of KVIK’s studio, 501 W Water St., Decorah was once the home of Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Co. and Kentucky Fried Chicken!

COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER | PAGE D-5

Ice Cave Mill was once the largest in Winneshiek County Compiled with permission from the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission The former Ice Cave Mill was considered the largest and most modern mill in the county when it was built in 1874.

The mill was established by John Greer and James Hunter at a cost of about $40,000. The three-story brick building was constructed on the east edge of Decorah, near the Upper Iowa River north of the Winnesh-

iek County Fairgrounds. Local newspaper archives said the businessmen purchased rights to the use of the water to power the mill from Howell Power, and they expected to begin operations at the mill in the fall of that year. A dam located about a half-mile above the Ice Cave Mill allowed the operation to produce as much as 40,000 barrels of flour each year, which was used exclusively for eastern trade.

Greer and Hunter operated

Ice Cave Mill was at one point capable of producing as much as 40,000 barrels of flour each year, which was used exclusively for eastern trade. (Photocourtesy of the Winneshiek County Historical Society) the mill for a few years, and the business was later sold to John Lawler and Peter Doyle around 1880. The mill’s success soon called for a railroad line to be extended to the mill for ship-

ping purposes. Anthony Bernatz purchased the mill about four years later and converted it to a roller system, operating it both night and day — average output at that time became

The “Swinging Bridge”

about a train carload of flour each day.

The mill closed for a time in 1931, and a fire in early April of 1938 destroyed its interior as well as its roof.

SIMPLY

These old photos show the historic “swinging bridge” across the Upper Iowa River which was once an attraction near the road leading to Ice Cave across from Dunnings Spring. Marietta (Moe) Dennstedt submitted the picture of the bridge, and the other photo (with people walking on the bridge) is from the Decorah Leader archives.

ANTIQUES

Currently operating 17 locations, Farmers Win Cooperative is committed to serving rural communities with top-tier products and services.

Bremer • Burr Oak • Caledonia • Cresco East Cresco West • Florenceville/Granger Fredericksburg (Main Office) • Hawkeye Houston • Ionia • Jackson Junction • Mabel Ridgeway • Rushford • Spring Grove Sumner • Waucoma

Wishing you wth continued gro your & success on 175th anniversary!

For decades, Simply Antiques owner Nancy Lerdall has sold antiques and vintage items from her home, located at 801 East Water Street, Decorah.

Nancy seeks out and sells high-end furniture pieces and items with a Norwegian flare.

Thank you for your support!

110 N. Jefferson, Fredericksburg, IA • www.farmerswin.com

5th 7 1 y

a H

Chicks were first hatched in 1923 at Decorah Hatchery. In 1926, the hatchery moved into its current Water Street storefront.

In the 1990s, The Hatchery turned a new leaf, adding outdoor gear and clothing to its historic Water Street location.

Celebrate Decorah every day!

Decorah!

A century later, the Hatchery continues to inspire a love for community and outdoor exploration.

PLAYING IN THE DIRT FOR DECADES SINCE 1992 A family tradition, the Hollands have been in the construction business since the 1940s with JB Holland continuing the dirt legacy of their founding fathers in 1992.

Based in Decorah, JB Holland serves customers in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

406 W. Water St. Decorah, Iowa Top left: A 1940s World War II-era ad shows the Decorah Hatchery advertising in Norwegian “Kvalitet Kyllinger” or, “Quality Chicks.”

801 EAST WATER STREET, DECORAH, IA • 563-382-8806

You’re invited to an

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, Sept. 26 Stop in from 4:30-7PM to check out our new office + shop!

2191 US Hwy. 52, Decorah

2191 US Hwy. 52, Decorah 563-382-2901

www.jbholland.net 817 S. Mechanic St., Decorah, IA 563-382-2964 Mon-Sat 6AM-8PM • Sun 6AM-2PM

Nothing fancy, just good food The Family Table started as a root beer stand at least 65 years ago. No one knows for sure when it was opened. Many people say, “It's just always been there." It was just a small building with picnic tables until 1972. And some say, a hundred years ago a family raised race horses on the land.

In 1972, the current building was constructed and housed Decorah's A&W. As ownership changed, the A&W franchise was dropped and the restaurant was renamed the “Family Table”. In November 1993, Scott and Stacey Gossling purchased the restaurant. In fall 2003, the restaurant was completely remodeled and an addition added.

Exactly 30 years later, in November 2023 the Family Table was purchased by Corey and Amanda Sabin. No changes were made to the business except “Sabin” was added in front of the Family Table name.

Left: The A&W Root Beer Stand serving Decorah in the 1970s.

Right: A A&W ad from Sept. 7, 1947, shows the root beer stand occupying the 817 Mechanic Street space.

As they have for decades, family and friends continue to gather at Sabins Family Table for “nothing fancy, just good food.”

Shop our Decorah & Iowa merch online!

A small, family-owned business, LetterWerks Sign City has served the area since 1999. The business evolved from a small garage operation to a location on Highway 52 north of Decorah, offering signage, logo design, screenprinting, embroidery, laser engraving, awards, printed items & more.

Celebrating 25 years!

Thank you for your support!

2957 US Hwy. 52 | 563-387-0330 | www.letterwerks.com

Celebrating

Years in 2024

Serving Northeast Iowa & Southeast Minnesota since 2004

BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL IT CONSULTING SERVICES WRIGHT WAY TECHNOLOGIES

WRIGHT WAY COMPUTERS

117 E Water St., Decorah | 563-382-4726

wrightwaycomputers.com

PAGE D-6 | COMMEMORATING DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY 1849-2024 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 | DECORAH LEADER

Decorah Fish Hatchery constructed around area’s early landmark spring Compiled with permission from the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission The site of the Decorah Fish Hatchery was once home to a furniture factory, woolen textile factory and a grain mill — all before the end of the 19th century.

Siewers Spring served as the source of power for each of those industrial endeavors. The spring is the second largest in the state, capable of discharging more than 6,000 gallons of

water a minute — enough to fill a modern Olympic swimming pool in less than two hours. The spring has served as a northeast Iowa landmark since it was first plotted on a map of neutral territory along the Upper Iowa River by Nathan Boone, son of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone.

The state of Iowa purchased 16 acres of farmland at the site, which was allotted for a landscaped playground and a fish hatchery comprised of eight large ponds, two smaller ponds, three spillways and an 835-foot

flume which would feed spring water to the ponds.

The hatchery project employed labor from the Civilian Conservation Corps, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt had developed during the Great Depression. CCC Company 1751 arrived in Decorah Nov. 27, 1933, and the hatchery was fully functional by the end of 1935. The Siewers Spring hatchery was initially developed to primarily raise smallmouth bass for use across the region, while the Twin Springs hatchery southwest of Dec-

Officials at the hatchery say many anglers frequent the nearby spring, and some make a stop at the hatchery to see the various groups of trout before heading out to hopefully catch some of their own. (Decorah Leader photos by Seth Boyes) orah was originally intended for trout. The limestone office building and superintendent’s residence on the property are believed to be the last CCC buildings constructed specifically as hatchery facilities. The

hatchery was the largest in the state at that time, and likely one of the most important as well.

Today, the hatchery continues as the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery. Visitors can observed and even feed the

rainbow trout raised in the raceways and ponds. The property features recreational trails and picnic areas, and visitors can often see bald eagles soaring over the valley.

! h a r o ec D , th 5 7 1 y p p a H ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY LAW OFFICE

Officials at the Decorah Fish Hatchery don’t keep strict tallies on how many visitors stop at the local landmark, but the hatchery generates approximately $14,000$16,000 a year from its 25-cent fish food sales.

FIND YOUR PLACE IN

Mike Harman 563-380-9136

Ben Harman 563-380-8530

Decorah’s history!

Elise Jenny Skellenger Harman 563-380-1388 563-379-8127

Winnebago Street, Decorah

Call our team today!

Sara Katie Milburn Schweinefus 641-780-6092 563-380-4882

712 East Broadway St. Decorah, IA

212 Winnebago Street Decorah, IA

andersonlawdecorah.com

563-382-2959

Since 1957

Ben: 563-380-4153 | Ed: 563-380-4152

Darwin Christopher began Christopher Construction in 1956 with just a cable bantam digger.

As business grew, Darwin’s sons, D. Edward and Michael Christopher, took over the business in 1988.

While still a very active part of Christopher Construction, Ed began turning over the business to his son Ben in 2014.

Carrying on the family tradition, Ben’s boys can be found on the jobsite today learning the ropes of the nearly 70-year-old family business.

A May 1977 “Soil Stewardship Week” article highlights terrace construction

by Christopher Construction on Timbercrest farm north of Decorah.

563-382-2020 • harman2020.com

120+ Years of Hospitality The Hotel Winneshiek was constructed in 1904-05 by Chicago architectural firm Turnock & Ohrenstein.

The beautiful Beaux Arts-style building remains today, featuring elegant terrazzo floors, marble walls, cherry woodwork and grand staircase.

Opening ceremonies were held April 27, 1905.

Purchased in the 1930s by the Boss Hotel chain, the Winn’s turn-of-the-century ambiance was compromised in a remodeling effort that included covering up the stately atrium and octagonal lobby.

Jim & Cathy Wadsworth opened Jim’s Appliance in Waukon in 1975. In 2007, the Decorah location opened its doors.

Theola Haugen and her husband purchased the building for use as apartments in the mid-1970s.

In 1997 the Haugens sold the hotel and the adjacent building to Decorah native Helen Basler who had a vision for restoring the property to its former glory. She began interior demolition in early 1998, with rehabilitation work following. The restored Hotel Winneshiek opened April 13, 2000, looking similar as on its opening date in 1905.

As Decorah continues to grow and prosper, so does the Hotel Winneshiek. In 2010, new ownership hired Rebound Hospitality, a family-owned hotel management company committed to preserving and protecting historic properties. With their expertise, Rebound Hospitality has preserved the hotel’s charm and historical significance, ensuring it remains a cherished community landmark.

The Hotel Winneshiek is one of few in the U.S. that boasts an Opera House.

Joseph B. Steyer built the stucture that now adjoins the hotel on its west side in December 1870.

Jim’s Appliance JW Kitchens has been serving the area for nearly 50 years. Thank you for supporting local!

The facility housed commercial establishments on the first floor, apartments on the second and the opera house on the third. The opera house was used for performances, community gatherings and political rallies. Later it functioned as a bowling alley, wrestling arena, basketball court, rollerskating arena, dance hall and a stage for plays and other events.

Falling into disrepair and abandoned until 1997, then hotel-owner Helen Basler purchased the property and began a two-year project to restore the opera house. Today, the space is used for private events, theatrical/musical performances and more.

104 E. Water St., Decorah, IA 563-382-4164

www.hotelwinn.com

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1975 802 Short St., Decorah, 563-382-5592

402 Rossville Rd., Waukon 563-568-3130

www.jwkitchens.com