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Spring 2022

Sweet Treats

Sully bakery oﬀers delicious bites & more

One of the Midwest’s largest independent clinics... because you deserve a choice in health care

Paul Ruggle, M.D. Family Practice

Steve Hill, M.D. Family Practice

Pat Edwards, M.D. Family Practice with OB

Orville Bunker, M.D. Family Practice

T. Y. Chan, D.O. Internal Medicine

Min Pak, M.D. Family Practice

Mureema Solberg, M.D. Family Practice

Zack Alexander, M.D., CCD Family Practice

Duane Jolivette, M.D. Family Practice

Andrew Cope, D.O. Family Practice

Jeff Olson, DPM Foot/Ankle Surgeon

Darryl Johnson, OBGYN

Nicole Ferguson, D.O. Family Practice

Luke Perrin, M.D. Family Practice

Tara Gravenstine, M.D. Family Practice with OB

Laurie Siddall, ARNP, FNP-C Family Practice

Beth Preston, ARNP, FNP-C Family Practice

Jodi Holloway. ARNP, FNP-C Family Practice

Kelsey Tish, ARNP, FNP-C Family Practice

Sarah Neal ARNP, Urgent Care

Christy Lester, ARNP, Urgent Care

Past

Future

Present

Always

Our roots were established as far back as the 1920s. The providers of Newton Clinic have been caring for this community for more than 80 years.

We want to make you better when you are sick, keep you healthy when you are well, help you grow your family when a little one is on the way, and help you say goodbye in peace when your journey is done.

Our clinic continues to grow to meet your needs. Whether you want a male provider or a female one, a new graduate or a veteran doc, we have the right health-care provider for you.

Every patient has a choice. Thank you for turning to Newton Clinic. Thank you for letting us treat you... like family.

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon Same-day appointments always available!

(641) 792-2112 • 300 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton • www.newtonclinic.com • www.facebook.com/newtonclinic

STARTING WITH

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thereafter

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Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Services Supported Community Living Psychological Testing Children’s Behavioral Services

641-236-1818 • GreenState.org *APR is Annual Percentage Rate. Introductory rate is fixed for 6 months from the loan origination date. At that time, all balances will convert to the fixed rate of the loan program that you have chosen. Options include a fixed rate loan or fixed rate line of credit. All loans are subject to approval. Offer ends March 31, 2022. Rates as of Feb 1, 2022 are as follows: **Fixed Rate Home Equity Line of Credit as low as 3.75% APR for a 5-year credit line. An example of monthly payment for $25,000 loan is $250. The payment example does not include taxes or insurance and the actual payment obligation may be greater. If paying the minimum monthly payment only, a balloon payment may result at the end of the term. Rate is based on credit history and loanto-value (LTV). Rate assumes an LTV of 80% or less and a FICO score of 700 or above. Proof of homeowner insurance required. Closing costs are $350 in Iowa / $450 in Illinois unless full appraisal needed (appraisal estimate $495). No internal refinances. Consult tax advisor on tax deductibility. Rate and loan approval are subject to credit qualification and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio. ***Home Equity Loan rates are as low as 3.24% APR for a 5-year term, 3.99% APR for a 10-year term, 4.49% APR for a 15-year term. For example, 60 monthly payments of $18.08 per $1,000 borrowed at 3.24% APR. The payment example does not include taxes or insurance and the actual payment obligation may be greater. Rate is based on credit history and loan-to-value (LTV). Rate assumes an LTV of 80% or less and a FICO score of 700 or above. Proof of homeowner insurance required. Closing costs are $350 in Iowa / $450 in Illinois unless full appraisal needed (appraisal estimate $495). No internal refinances. Consult tax advisor on tax deductibility. Rate and loan approval are subject to credit qualification and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio. Offer excludes Freedom Loans and interest only home equity products.

YOU CAN JOIN if you live or work in Iowa. 4

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

STARTING WITH

1.75

6 month introductory APR*

HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT as low as

3.75

% APR**

thereafter

HOME EQUITY LOAN as low as

3.24

% APR***

thereafter

1123 1st Ave E Suite 200

641.792.4012 CAPSTONEBH.COM

Mental Health Services Substance Abuse Services Supported Community Living Psychological Testing Children’s Behavioral Services

YOU CAN JOIN if you live or work in Iowa. 4

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

BEE-COMING BUZZWORTHY

Busy bees in Lynnville are making honey used in many Iowa products Phil Ebert’s bees aren’t actually brewing beer, baking pastries or infusing coffee drinks with a natural simple syrup, but their honey is commonly used by many local businesses in the state for those exact same products. The Lynnville honey man showed us a list of about 30 businesses that regularly order Ebert Honey. Everything from Big Grove Brewery in Solon and Iowa City to Jaarsma Bakery in Pella use the locally made honey in some of their products. Even the nearby Van Wijk Winery in Sully has ordered Ebert Honey by the buckets. Ebert said each bucket of honey

distributed to these local businesses weighs about 60 pounds. “Collaboration with other people just helps get more local products out there,” Ebert said. “And it gives them a marketing ploy.” Lion Bridge Brewing in Cedar Rapids uses the honey for glazes in its kitchen. Bootleg Hill Meadery in Davenport ferments it into a tasty and refreshing libation. QDogs BBQ in Cedar Rapids uses it to make barbecue sauce and honey butter. Edgewood Locker has a long history of using honey to sweeten meat sticks. Several business have taken to so-

cial media to emphasize their use or sale of Ebert Honey. Rustic Hearth Bakery, of Cedar Rapids, on March 3 said its house made granola and Ebert Honey are for sale at the shop, and staff recommended combining them with yogurt and fresh fruit for a “delicious start to the day.” Jaarsma Bakery exclaimed it loves its bee friends in a Feb. 19 post on Facebook, saying, “Did you know we use local honey in many of our recipes? Taste the sweetness of Ebert Honey in our sprouted wheat bread,

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

continued page 21

The Newton

American Legion Book our Ballroom for 2022 for your next event! The Legion is all on ground level with complete kitchen, ample parking and OPEN to the Public. Great for wedding receptions, reunions, family gatherings, & graduations!

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

Get to know: Linda Klepinger Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Newton when “neighborhoods” were the hubs of most activities. My sister, Diane Wheeler Martinson, and I still hold dear those families who surrounded us. (Your mother was whoever’s yard you were playing in at the moment...and you respected that welcome.) Those of us who survive agree those were of the best times of our lives. Our back yard was the gathering point — the ball field! In our front yard, was a very large cottonwood tree. This was base for all games that included one person to be “IT”, and then go search for our hiding friends. Our mother, Ruby, and father, Francis, always felt that if we played in our own yard, they could keep a handle on us. To this day, the collective survivors of that neigh-

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

borhood are still close at heart, and love to reflect on the tales yet close to the surface of our essence. The majority of my time in the arts came from being proprietors of a very small art gallery and custom picture framing service in a neighborhood that my husband, Nick and I operated for close to 30 years. The catalyst for this was that he entered the Iowa Duck stamp competition twice plus the Iowa Trout Stamp competition, and was awarded the honor of creating limited edition collectible prints from those designs. The flurry that followed was that clients wanted them custom framed, and Nick suggested that I develop those museum quality skills to assist him in “keeping pace” with the demand. That also brought my family

into the Klepinger Galler y as “all hands on de ck” support. My dad on the vise, my sister assembling and book keeping, and my mother cleaning. Later to bring on more assistance by family and friends. How did you become involved with the Centre for Arts and Artist? After years of being a board member of the local arts organization, originally named Jasper County Arts Council (and later Arts Connection), I was asked by Don Byers to help him in his new organized idea of an Iowa Sculpture Festival. At that time, there were four professional sculptors in Jasper County. Don and his wife, Dori, had seen the evolution of Loveland, Colo. continued page 21

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DON’T BAG ON BAGS A 17-year-old high schooler is cultivating the cornhole scene in Newton

The popular lawn game found at it is an easy game for anyone nearly every tailgating party is gaining to pick up, but there is also momentum, legitimacy and more than room for the more competjust a cult following. Locally, 17-year- itive players to hone their old high school student Ethan Walker skills. Some compare it to is leading the charge to grow cornhole bowling in that regard, but — also known as bags — by organiz- Walker sees it differently. ing weekly leagues and tournaments “They say it’s never going in Newton. to get as big as bowling was, but For the past four months, Walk- you can’t put a bowling alley in er has hosted cornhole leagues. The your backyard and start bowlgames are held 7 p.m. every Thursday ing, you know what I mean? at Revel & Rind, 1611 First Ave. W. (With cornhole) you can just set Suite 1. The high schooler estimates up and start throwing with anybetween 15 to 25 people come to the body,” Walker said. “You can set indoor leagues each night. The fee is up boards anywhere. You can set $10. Walker sets up the boards and up outside or your living room.” folks are ready to play. ANYONE CAN PLAY Organizing the Newton league Walker has been playing cornhole was a no-brainer, and it al- for almost a year-and-a-half, picking lowed Walker and oth- it up casually at first with a few of his er players in Jasper buddies. After playing those earCounty to practice ly rounds with friends, he somewhere closer. realized he was pretty To balance the good at it. There casual games, was something the league about it that organizes a just clicked. large doubles It took tournament, W a l k e r which have about six drawn up to 22 teams. continued Walker said page 23

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

• Thousands of Used Books, CD’s & DVD’s! • Inventory Changes Daily • 6 Tanning beds, lotions and eyewear available

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

2022 Spring/Summer Events

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

La Rose Marie Bakery in Sully, owned by Karli Nikkel along with a helping hand from her mom Julie Roozeboom, features not only delicious bakery items, but floral bouquets, a clothing boutique and much more. Since opening in 2017, the downtown shop has become a staple for the quaint Central Iowa community.

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

What native plants to include in your garden this spring Newton Arboretum’s horticulturist gives home gardening tips for vegetables, flowers, grasses Gardening has bloomed in popularity over the past few years. And these new gardeners who have stopped to smell the roses haven’t gone unnoticed by staff at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Leah Busch, a horticulturist at the arboretum, says starting and maintaining a garden was an escape for new gardeners, especially during the pandemic. But even when restrictions have almost come to an end, interest in gardening has not. “People wanted to get outside. And when you’re stuck at home, gardening of any kind is a great option,” Busch said. “It’s kind of its own brand of therapy.” SPRING VEGETABLES Iowa and Jasper County are located in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Hardiness Zone 5. This means that residents can expect the last frost of the season to be sometime in late April or early May, Busch said. While the arboretum doesn’t grow any vegetables on its property, that doesn’t mean staff lacks the knowledge on what plants will be best for early spring planting. For the best results, Busch recommended seeds should be started indoors and planted in the ground after the threat of frost has passed. “If you plant before frost you’ll be out in the garden covering everything with sheets trying to keep your plants alive,” Busch said. For early spring, the ideal plants for a vegetable garden are any plants that thrive in colder weather. Leafy plants such as spinach, lettuce and cabbage will do well, Busch said. “You should hit the nurseries in April, keep the seedlings indoors for a few weeks if you want to get an early start,” Busch said. Other vegetables such as radishes, carrots and sweet peas will also thrive

during the early spring season. “My favorite spring vegetable is the sweet peas. You can just take them off the vine and snack on them while you work,” Busch said. NATIVE FLOWERS A favorite of the arboretum and hobbyists alike are the wide variety of flower species native to the Midwest. “It’s important when planting flowers to consider all pollinators, not just honey bees. There are butterflies, wasps and other types of bees are all vital to our ecosystem,” Busch said. During the spring and summer months, the arboretum hosts a wide variety of flowering plants. “Soon we’ll be expanding our programming and start hosting a monthly tour of our gardens from May until October,” Busch said. “If someone comes every month they’ll get to see how everything changes throughout the year and when different plants are in season.” For butterflies and other local pollinators, Busch recommends different kinds of prairie flowers such as purple coneflowers, purple spike, goldenrod and butterfly weed are all excellent options for a smaller garden. “It’s really important to do your own research. If you’re looking for plants and flowers to support the local ecosystem anything from around North America would work,” Busch said. And if gardeners want a large statement piece, prairie docks always impress. These tall and bright flowers can help add height and texture to any gardener’s flower patch. For any additional advice, the arboretum will be hosting its annual plant sale on May 6 and 7. A wide variety of plants will be available for purchase. All profits will continued page 23

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

Newton Serving The Area Since 1981!

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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pellahealth.org Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

continued from 5

Andre cookies and even brownies, just to name a few!” CUSTOMERS DEMAND LOCAL It is not by accident that these local businesses are using local ingredients in their products. Ebert said the customers are demanding such things these days. Large grocery store chains also recognize people are wanting more locally sourced items on shelves. But it wasn’t always this way. “People are looking for local products. The attitude has really changed over the years, particularly at Fareway. They wouldn’t touch you. And this is going back 30 years. Hy-Vee was kind of OK with it. But starting out we literally had to beg these people to let us in,” Ebert said. “Now, they call us.” Why the shift toward local ingredients? Ebert said the fears of “food fraud” have certainly contributed. A lot of imcontinued from 7

success in amassing a public art collection through an annual event that brought artists and the public to this small town annually. The result was a boom for this town just a bit smaller than Newton. Hence, Don established ISF to be held at our beloved Maytag Park annually. The goal was for the revenue from the event to purchase a bronze sculpture annually for siting in Newton. To date, if one counts the murals, there are approximately 120 items of 2 and 3-D art items in our Community. What are you most proud of through your work with the Centre? Don Byers, a lawyer and recreational painter, pointed out that Newton had a core of creatives that needed “a PLACE” to create. Through the assistance of FNNB Bank and building owners Dan & Patty Skokan, the “Centre for Arts & Artists” was established as an additional non profit organization. (The former DEWARCO building, a

ported honey, he claimed, has been polluted with rice syrup or corn syrup. The problems extend beyond just honey, and Ebert said people are becoming more aware of these issues. The push to support local producers from legislators and economic development groups is prevalent in almost every Iowa community, and its history dates back decades. While the initiative may not have clicked early on with Iowans, it has certainly seen a resurgence as of late. “In the past five years, our business has increased dramatically,” Ebert said. “They had a ‘Taste of Iowa’ program — they had these little ‘Taste of Iowa’ stickers you could put on — that was an attempt to focus on Iowa products. And that was the beginning of the local emphasis. But it took a long time to catch on.” THERE’S HONEY, THEN THERE’S HONEY Ebert has been very vocal about the

former distributor of door’s and windows, was turned into an art center... With seven working artists’ studios, classroom plus clay and kiln rooms.) I became the executive director, with a strong bevy of diverse artists and level headed skilled organizers who were key to all successes. Without Don Byers, this effort would never have come to fruition! His tireless organization, with support of key volunteers like Maurice Phillips, artists seeking space to create finally had “a home plate.” It was suggested that I become Executive Director, as I was familiar with many artists, and like to “play well with others.” That sand box quality is most likely what I would hope to have brought to CAA: A place to create where all shapes and forms can be validated as art, and those who create there can co-exist. I feel that my strength is connecting others in the community and beyond for “the good of the whole.” I have given countless art

struggles beekeepers are facing these days. Between keeping colonies alive and trying to reproduce bees with desirable characteristics for better honey, along with all the environmental and habitat issues, it’s a tough life out there for a bee. “We’re fortunate here in this area that we just seem to have the right mix of flowers that produce really nice honey,” Ebert said. “Although the floral is changing.” There are other issues, too, that come from changing flora. The pollen the bees retrieve can change the color and flavor of the honey. Still, even with all those factors stacked against the honey company, Ebert is committed to putting a quality product in the jars for local consumers. But what makes Ebert Honey so gosh darn sought after? Ebert pauses to think about that question. Then it hits him. “Well, there’s honey, and then there’s honey,” Ebert said with a sly smile. — Christopher Braunschweig

tours of Newton on Motor Coach buses and school buses. I have led a long caravan of PT Cruisers all over Newton on an art tour. Thanks to former Newton Elementary Art teacher Julie Saugstad, I have been blessed with the opportunity to help enrich the school art programing through an annual fifth grade art tour. Docents were sited at various art sites to tell the students about each art installation, based on the elements of art. This day annually helped art educators reach some of their goals in art education. I also believe this education has kept the public art more respected and more safe from vandalism. Students also visited artists in their studios at CAA during those tours, learning some of the processes of creating art more hands on. In April 2022, the Centre for Arts & Artists will celebrate its 15th year of establishment! I feel that the artists have been enriched by being able to bounce ideas off each

other, and there is a sense of “family” within. Since 2007, I have found that those who profess to “know nothing about art” can be the most ardent of volunteers. What are you most excited for in the future? I am anticipating our CAA traffic and state support to increase as the Legacy Plaza area is developed more and that we are now annexed as a “Main Street” business district. Also, I am excited that this new development around CAA will bring more guests into our Geisler Penquite Gift Shop. One hundred percent of our profits are put back into the community for free comprehensive art/sculpture maps for students, and for providing grants needed by teachers for additional art supplies. Perhaps in the near future, these funds may assist in bringing another Opera Iowa group from Indianola into the Newton Community School District for elementary school performances. — Jamee A. Pierson

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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or seven months to really get into the sport. To amp up their play, Walker and a friend looked for cornhole leagues and found one in Ankeny by the name SoCo Baggers. Every week the group would travel almost 35 miles to get their butts whooped. Walker admitted he and his friend were “terrible” early on. They would lose to team after team. But their competitive spirit and positive mental fortitude kept them afloat. They played more. They won a few. And then they won some more. “It was just like, ‘Well, I’m going to get better at this, because I hate losing,’” Walker said, noting he and friend Damon Reynolds continued honing their skills. “Eventually we got better and better and started going to some big tournaments …I started actually traveling a little bit for tournaments.” continued page 17

go towards the arboretum. Guests can ask for advice on what plants will be best for their specific garden. NATIVE GRASSES People wanting to fill out their gardens with less demanding plants can also look into native ornamental prairie grasses, some of Iowa’s most iconic and recognizable plants. For advice on these plants, one of the best resources is the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which has dozens of pamphlets and informational charts on the planting and care for a wide variety of prairie grasses. Grasses are a great way to fill empty spaces in a garden and almost every single one has become accustomed to the ever-changing Iowa climate, which means that they can survive for multiple years with minimal attention, Busch said. When people think of prairie grass they think of tall, plain green and brown blades that come up to your shoulder, but there are a wide variety of different native species to the plains of the Midwest that can fill almost any niche one could think of. And while most people don’t have the land to plant themselves a fully reconstructed prairie field, according to

Competing in an open nationals tournament in South Dakota landed Walker a second place finish in his bracket. During the tournament, he felt accomplished after beating another player whose skills were broadcasted on ESPN in the past. Walker felt even more accomplished when he beat that same player again. ANYONE CAN WIN The slogan of the American Cornhole League (ACL) is: “Anyone can play, anyone can win.” That accessibility is partly why Walker thinks the sport’s popularity is growing so much. According to Google Trends, “cornhole” is trending upward every year and spikes in searches in the summer months. Although usually seen as a party game, Walker argues there is some real strategy and smaller intricacies to the sport. The bags the pros use are vastly different than the bean bags thrown at a barbecue, for instance. There is a draw to the competitive

side of the game all across the country. As a golfer, Walker has cultivated that competitive drive, and it seems to have carried over into cornhole. At a March open nationals in Cedar Rapids, about 400 people competed in a venue equipped with 70 boards for continuous play. Walker placed high in three different events. Every large tournament Walker competes in just seems to get bigger and bigger, which bodes well for the longevity of the sport. “With the ACL getting the sport on ESPN and having a professional division — that’s really what I think has grown the sport,” Walker said. “…It’s growing and growing and growing. It’s crazy the amount of people who are just now getting into it. My dad just started to get into it. Now he can’t stop playing. “People just need to try it and they’ll see why it’s going to grow.” — Christopher Braunschweig

the Iowa DNR several different ornamental types of grass can actually help to support the soil health of any patch of land, no matter how small. On its website the Iowa DNR provides a complete list of native grasses of all varieties. From grasses that barely graze someones ankles to reaching the top of their head, information about it all can be found with just a few quick searches. Busch provided a few recommendations for each kind of grass for people looking to fill in small garden sections with grasses. Some of the smaller ornamental varieties recommended include prairie drop and little blue stem, both of which only grow to around three feet tall. These grasses will help break up the visual monotony and add some new texture to an already established garden. For those looking for taller varieties, other favorites may include switchgrass and bluejoint grass, which can both grow up to around six feet tall. But prospective planters should be warned: the DNR says during the first year of sowing prairie grass seed, one may not see many results. It may take several years for taller grass varieties to reach their full heights, so some patiences will be necessary. — Abby Knipfel

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

WE ENCOURAGE THE “LIVE, WORK, PLAY” DOWNTOWN MENTALITY. WHEN YOUR DOWNTOWN IS STRONG, YOUR COMMUNITY IS STRONG. WHO ARE WE?

We believe that everyone deserves access to a vibrant neighborhood – a place that has a thriving local economy, is rich in character, and features inviting public spaces that make residents and visitors feel that they belong. Newton Main Street is a 501(c)3 economic development that focuses on historic preservation organization. We operate under the IEDA but are fully funded by the community. We are one of 54 Main Street communities in the state of Iowa and one of thousands nationwide!

ALL THIS HAS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF INVESTORS, PARTNERS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS LIKE YOU!

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF NEWTON MAIN STREET TODAY!

INVESTMENT INFORMATION: I would like to man an investment in the name of: __________________________________ I would like to sign up for a 3-year pledge (2022-2024) with an investment each year of:  $5,000  $2,500  $1,000  $500  $250  $100  $20  Other $____  I would like to make a 2022 investment of:  $5,000  $2,500  $1,000  $500  $250  $100  $20  Other $____  I would like to make an in-kind investment of the following services or products: ______________________________ ___________________________________________________________  3-year pledge (2022-2024) in-kind investment |  One-time in-kind investment In-kind investment has an estimated market value of $_____

PAYMENT INFORMATION

 Enclosed check (made payable to: Newton Main Street)  Total included: $ _________  Mail invoice to investor address listed below

Signature: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ INVESTOR INFORMATION: Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Business/Organization: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: __________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: _____________________ Zip Code: _____________________ PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO: Newton Main Street 113 1st Ave. W. Newton, Iowa 50208 Newton Main Street is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions about your deductions.

Learning the century-old history behind the buildings in Newton’s historic downtown

This photo from the 1930s shows the property at 107 First Ave. W. (the white building at center) between the Emmel Building, which housed the J. C. Penney Company, at 103 First Ave. W., and the Modern Woodmen of America Hall, which housed the Nollen South Side Drug Store, at 109 First Ave. W. At the time this photo was taken the building housed the Patterson music store. (Jasper County Historical Society)

By Larry Hurto — Newton Historic Preservation Commission & Main Street Design Committee After being discharged from the service, Carrol C. Warford (19141983) came to Newton in 1946 to establish Larchwood Flower Shop. His brother, Otto L. Warford (1917-1990), also a veteran, worked for him as a designer before becoming co-owner. In 1956, the Warford brothers purchased the building where they were located from former Newton businessman Lee F. Patterson.

A new front was put on the store, located at 107 First Ave. W., and in 1965 Meyer Construction, of Newton, paneled the interior walls and installed a drop ceiling for use as an office and sales room. By then it was known as Larchwood Florists. On April 1, 1973, Richard Dean “Dick” and Connie J. Knoot became owners of the business. Knoot came to Newton from Pella in 1968 to work

for the Warford brothers as a designer. Larchwood’s thrived under Knoot’s management, and he saw the need to move to larger quarters. In the spring of 1981, the business was moved to 326 First Ave. W. The 107 property, which dates from before 1883, is listed in the 1910 City Directory as the firm of Behner &

Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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Spring 2022 • Jasper County Living

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Behner-Adolph M. Behner and Charles E. Behner, jewelry and pianos. These men were brothers who learned the watchmaking trade in Winona, Minn. A. M. Behner is listed in the 1899-1900 City Directory at 105 W. Main; his brother was here by 1903 and the firm became Behner & Behner. The firm of Decker & Ragan purchased the jewelry store of Behner & Behner in 1911. “We have a new and complete stock of everything, and have also added a fine dark room for optical work,” an ad boasted. In 1913, A. J. Decker was the South Side Jeweler here. Forrest Taylor Patterson, former United States Express Company agent, opened a piano and music store where he sold (and repaired) musical instruments, the New Brunswick phonograph, and four lines of radios. He also tuned pianos. By 1920 his son, Lee Patterson, a graduate of Iowa Business College in Des Moines, was selling shoes from this location. The Pattersons were co-owners of the shoe and music store for many years. In 1939, Mrs. Elna E. Meyer was listed selling ladies’ and children’s wear here. By 1945 Newton Office Supply Co. was in with Mrs. Meyer, replacing the music store at 107. Mrs. Meyer is listed through 1964. Later in 1981 building owners

Doug Fisher, Denis Wilcox, and Knoot remodeled the interior of the old Larchwood Florist building and installed a rear exit at a cost of $6,000. Then for a dozen years thereafter it was Tober’s for Fashion, a ladies’ ready-to-wear retail outlet, managed by Karen Guffey, Patty A. Thoma, Shelley Kragel, Patty J. Castings, Robin Swisher and Melinda Herwehe. Thereafter Quality Name Brand Furniture; Computer Pro, computer sales, service and repair; and the Jasper County Republican headquarters (2020) were at this location. Since May 6, 2021 the store has been home to Farmhouse Creation (“We Breathe New Life into Old Things”), which specializes in upcycled home décor pieces. “The store itself has been upcycled,” Christopher Braunschweig of the Newton News observed, “with a number renovations to breathe new life into the space and also accentuate the older character buried underneath.” “It was pretty extensive,” owner Mike Sell, who established the business in 2016, told the News. “From the ‘beautiful’ green carpet that we had to get rid of, to the removal of the drop ceiling to expose the awesome tin ceiling (and) then the painting. And then putting it all back together.” The front part (north) of the

property that presently houses Farmhouse Creation is a two-story building of solid brick construction; the back part is single-story. There are adjoining commercial buildings to the east and west. The store front has a single door in the middle and large display windows on both sides and two small second story windows on the north side of the structure. The building retains a generally good level of historic integrity related specifically to a significant modernization movement of the mid-twentieth century, which drastically altered the building’s façade. Because the façade alteration dates to 50 years ago, and because it reflects a significant historic period in the history of the community, the present façade is considered historic and its level of integrity as it relates to design, workmanship, and materials is good. As it relates to integrity of location, setting, and association, the building contributes to the integrity of feeling created by the generally intact commercial district found in Newton. The building is considered a contributing resource to the Newton Downtown Historic District. The building is eligible for its association with the history of Newton commerce, significant in its ability to contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the business district and its impact on the economic success of the community of Newton.

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