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ISTORIC GENERAL DODGE H OUSE

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ERHAPS ONE OF COUNCIL BLUFFS’ most famous residents, Gen. Grenville M. Dodge has been called “the greatest railroad builder of all time.” A Civil War veteran, Dodge’s involvement in political, financial and military affairs made him an associate of many of the most influential Americans of his time and counsel to presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. During his lifetime he engaged in the mercantile business, organized a bank, surveyed the Missouri River Valley to the west for the Transcontinental Railroad, served a term in the U.S. Congress, and served with distinction in the Civil War, attaining the rank of Major General. It is said that he was the youngest general in the U.S. Army until WWII. Grenville Dodge achieved fame, fortune and historic importance by being a renowned railroad builder.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:

In 1855 Dodge started a land office, and in 1869, Dodge built his handsome Victorian home at 605 Third Street at the cost of $35,000, a lavish sum for that day. The house was designed by William Boyington, a Chicago architect. The 14-room, three-story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley, and displays such architectural features as parquet floors; cherry, walnut and butternut woodwork; and a number of “modern” conveniences quite unusual for the period. General Dodge was deeply involved in the planning and building of his home, making several modifications such as central heating and hot and cold running water. Despite the home’s elegant appointments, it is important to remember that it was built on what was essentially the frontier.

Tour guides – Do you love history, people and sharing your knowledge with groups? You would be a perfect tour guide!

Become a Dodge House member! Not only will you support the Dodge House, but you receive priceless benefits.

• Personal Memberships • Business Memberships • A Matching Gift – will double your donation! If your employer has a matching gift program we can provide you with details on how to apply.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We’re always looking for volunteers here at the Dodge House. We currently have a need for:

History Seekers – Do you like puzzles, are you naturally curious about why events turned out the way they did? We’re always in search of people who like history and are interested in research and would like to assist with special events. Interested in volunteering? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Danette at (712) 322-2406 about any of these volunteer opportunities.

Special programs: • The Meaning of Underwear: Contrast Victorian life with modern day through clothing. A selection of students will try on the successive layers of men’s and women’s clothing from the Victorian era. Participate in lively discussions on the purpose of each layer, and what this meant about Victorian society and our own. Take plenty of pictures of this rollicking good time (3rd-5th grade 1-1.5 hours.) Includes a short movie about General Dodge and quick walk through the Dodge House. • A Servant’s Life: Walk in the steps of a servant in the Dodge household and view life from their eyes. Take the servants’ staircase carry in the afternoon tea, and try your hand at the Victorian way of doing laundry or polishing the silver. Learn firsthand how a servant lived in the Dodge Home. HISTORIC GENERAL DODGE HOUSE 605 3rd St. • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Phone (712) 322-2406 www.dodgehouse.org • GMDodge@DodgeHouse.org To volunteer or donate contact: Danette Hein-Snider GMDodge@DodgeHouse.org • (712) 322-2406

2018

THE GIVING GUIDE

From the Publisher

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2018

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