WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public. MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Independence, Iowa. July 31, 1856. The first church service held in Independence by a group of Episcopalians was on July 31, 1856 in the Methodist chapel. The Right Rev. Henry Washington Lee, D.D., L.L.D., bishop of Iowa officiated. In February, 1858, the Rev. Benjamin R. Gifford held services for the group in the WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public. MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Independence, Iowa. July 31, 1856. The first church service held in Independence by a group of Episcopalians was on July 31, 1856 in the Methodist chapel. The Right Rev. Henry Washington Lee, D.D., L.L.D., bishop of Iowa officiated. In February, 1858, the Rev. Benjamin R. Gifford held services for the group in the

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

SITES & STRUCTURES

Fontana has been a dam and mill site for more than 140 years. The first dam was build on Otter Creek, in what is now Fontana Park, in 1849 by Ike Richmond. The dam provided water power for a sawmill, and was later used to power a gristmill. Frequent wash-outs INDEPENDENCE ICE COMPANIES Newspapers of Buchanan County, 1856 to present which include Jesup, Lamont, Winthrop, and Independence (papers and microfilm) Federal Census 1850,1860,1870,1880, 1900,1910,1920,1930 (also some of the surrounding counties in Iowa) State Census 1856,1885,1895,1905, 1915, 1925 (Buchanan County, all indexed but 1905 and 1915) Probates

1850-1941.

LINKS OF INTEREST

Links of Interest. History of Buchanan County Historical Society. The First Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1941, with R.J. Hekel, President. Because of WW 11 many of the early efforts were abandoned, but the donated artifacts at that time are still in our archives.

WAPSIPINICON MILL

WAPSIPINICON MILL . The mill you see today was built in 1867-1870 by Samuel Sherwood and it is the foremost cornerstone of our community. The six story structure is 112 feet long by 62 feet wide by 102 feet tall and was used at first as a flouring mill. SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical WALKING, HIKING & CYCLING Begin at Wapsipinicon Main St. Bridge (2 groups=one each side of street) Need two historians or tour guides. One takes each group. Walk up street to ‘bank corners’ and then cross street and back down to bridge. Then to awaiting tour guide at Wapsipinicon Mill for additional tour. (takes around 2 hours) Read More>. The Heritage

Trail.

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

THE VILLAGE OF NEW HAVEN The village of New Haven was platted Feb. 27, 1854. It was a complete town including a grist mill or sawmill, blacksmith shop, stores and a cemetery. There was no bridge across the Wapsi in those days and it was a complete village. The dam and sawmill were constructed by Samuel Sherwood, mill owner, in the fall of 1846 and the summer of 1847.

MALEK THEATRE

The Grand burned to the ground in 1945 and its owner, Bob Malek, decided to build a new theater and named it, aptly, the Malek Theatre. The new theatre was the patron’s dream for that era, containing two rooms for private viewings, each with doors and thick paned glass to eliminate sound in or out. The building measures 60x140 feet and is 42 WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public. MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Independence, Iowa. July 31, 1856. The first church service held in Independence by a group of Episcopalians was on July 31, 1856 in the Methodist chapel. The Right Rev. Henry Washington Lee, D.D., L.L.D., bishop of Iowa officiated. In February, 1858, the Rev. Benjamin R. Gifford held services for the group in the WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public. MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Independence, Iowa. July 31, 1856. The first church service held in Independence by a group of Episcopalians was on July 31, 1856 in the Methodist chapel. The Right Rev. Henry Washington Lee, D.D., L.L.D., bishop of Iowa officiated. In February, 1858, the Rev. Benjamin R. Gifford held services for the group in the

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

SITES & STRUCTURES

Fontana has been a dam and mill site for more than 140 years. The first dam was build on Otter Creek, in what is now Fontana Park, in 1849 by Ike Richmond. The dam provided water power for a sawmill, and was later used to power a gristmill. Frequent wash-outs

LINKS OF INTEREST

Links of Interest. History of Buchanan County Historical Society. The First Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1941, with R.J. Hekel, President. Because of WW 11 many of the early efforts were abandoned, but the donated artifacts at that time are still in our archives.

INDEPENDENCE MILLS

The Mill was placed on the bed rock of the Wapsipinicon River. The 1870 Mill stands isolated like a boat in the ocean, while the present day Mill is surrounded by earth. Sometime in the past 146 years, over twenty-five feet of earth has been added to raise the ground level. In the 1914 Buchanan Co. History it states “Independence in the Early SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical

WAPSIPINICON MILL

WAPSIPINICON MILL . The mill you see today was built in 1867-1870 by Samuel Sherwood and it is the foremost cornerstone of our community. The six story structure is 112 feet long by 62 feet wide by 102 feet tall and was used at first as a flouring mill.

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

THE VILLAGE OF NEW HAVEN The village of New Haven was platted Feb. 27, 1854. It was a complete town including a grist mill or sawmill, blacksmith shop, stores and a cemetery. There was no bridge across the Wapsi in those days and it was a complete village. The dam and sawmill were constructed by Samuel Sherwood, mill owner, in the fall of 1846 and the summer of 1847.

MALEK THEATRE

The Grand burned to the ground in 1945 and its owner, Bob Malek, decided to build a new theater and named it, aptly, the Malek Theatre. The new theatre was the patron’s dream for that era, containing two rooms for private viewings, each with doors and thick paned glass to eliminate sound in or out. The building measures 60x140 feet and is 42 HISTORY OF RUG HOOKING In its earliest years, rug hooking was a craft of poverty. The vogue for floor coverings in the United States came about after 1830 when factories produced machine-made carpets for the rich. Poor women began looking through their scrap bags for materials to employ in WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed

HISTORY'S ATTIC

Very much a part of a local museum collection these days seems to be the fanning mill. They were as much a part of the farm of the old days as the old oaken bucket. At least a few years ago, it could be found sitting forlornly in back of the barn, long since for ( read more)

Archive.

MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical

ONE ROOM SCHOOL

The only source of heat in a one-room school came from a wood stove located in the center of the room. Some families supplied the school with wood for the stove. The children had to walk to school carrying an armful of firewood. Each morning a different child was responsible

for

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed

HISTORY'S ATTIC

Very much a part of a local museum collection these days seems to be the fanning mill. They were as much a part of the farm of the old days as the old oaken bucket. At least a few years ago, it could be found sitting forlornly in back of the barn, long since for ( read more)

Archive.

MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical

ONE ROOM SCHOOL

The only source of heat in a one-room school came from a wood stove located in the center of the room. Some families supplied the school with wood for the stove. The children had to walk to school carrying an armful of firewood. Each morning a different child was responsible

for

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

SITES & STRUCTURES

Fontana has been a dam and mill site for more than 140 years. The first dam was build on Otter Creek, in what is now Fontana Park, in 1849 by Ike Richmond. The dam provided water power for a sawmill, and was later used to power a gristmill. Frequent wash-outs

HISTORY'S ATTIC

Very much a part of a local museum collection these days seems to be the fanning mill. They were as much a part of the farm of the old days as the old oaken bucket. At least a few years ago, it could be found sitting forlornly in back of the barn, long since for ( read more)

Archive.

MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

LINKS OF INTEREST

Links of Interest. History of Buchanan County Historical Society. The First Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1941, with R.J. Hekel, President. Because of WW 11 many of the early efforts were abandoned, but the donated artifacts at that time are still in our archives. LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVER The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

CAPTAIN D.S. LEE MANSION The Capt. Daniel S. and Fannie L. (Brooks) Lee Mansion located in the 800 block of First Street East in Independence, Iowa, is a classic example of the Italianate Style and is locally significant. Its simple square form and symmetrical proportions speak of a formal, yet gracious, style of living. WALKING, HIKING & CYCLING Begin at Wapsipinicon Main St. Bridge (2 groups=one each side of street) Need two historians or tour guides. One takes each group. Walk up street to ‘bank corners’ and then cross street and back down to bridge. Then to awaiting tour guide at Wapsipinicon Mill for additional tour. (takes around 2 hours) Read More>. The Heritage

Trail.

MALEK THEATRE

The Grand burned to the ground in 1945 and its owner, Bob Malek, decided to build a new theater and named it, aptly, the Malek Theatre. The new theatre was the patron’s dream for that era, containing two rooms for private viewings, each with doors and thick paned glass to eliminate sound in or out. The building measures 60x140 feet and is 42 HISTORY OF RUG HOOKING In its earliest years, rug hooking was a craft of poverty. The vogue for floor coverings in the United States came about after 1830 when factories produced machine-made carpets for the rich. Poor women began looking through their scrap bags for materials to employ in WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

THE MILL BROCHURE

On March 7, 1867, one woman Clara B. Snow and 32 business men, all residents of Independence, organized the Independence Mills Company. The purpose of this company was to buy the water power and build a merchants flouring mill. This company later purchased the flour mill at Quasqueton, Iowa, in April 1871. In June of 1867, millwright Samuel

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical

ONE ROOM SCHOOL

The only source of heat in a one-room school came from a wood stove located in the center of the room. Some families supplied the school with wood for the stove. The children had to walk to school carrying an armful of firewood. Each morning a different child was responsible

for

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVERWAPSIPINICON RIVER LEVELWAPSIPINICON RIVER LEVEL CURRENTWAPSIPINICON RIVER LEVEL INDEPENDENCEWAPSIPINICON RIVER FLOODINGWAPSIPINICON RIVER FISHINGWAPSIPINICON RIVER MAP The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

WELCOME TO BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

PIONEER CEMETERY COMMISSION A Pioneer Cemetery is a cemetery that has had less than 6 burials in the preceding 50 years. Most in the county are over one hundred and fifty years old. We owe it to the early settlers and to those who passed away on their way West, the respect of maintaining their burial sites. These pioneers met the loneliness of a new country, crossed MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

THE MILL BROCHURE

On March 7, 1867, one woman Clara B. Snow and 32 business men, all residents of Independence, organized the Independence Mills Company. The purpose of this company was to buy the water power and build a merchants flouring mill. This company later purchased the flour mill at Quasqueton, Iowa, in April 1871. In June of 1867, millwright Samuel

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to SUMMIT ONE ROOM SCHOOL The one Room School House Project was the original idea of Richard Krone, 5th Grade Teacher at South Elementary school in Rowley, Iowa. Mr. Krone, other faculty and employees at South Elementary had the idea of moving and restoring a one-room school house. The one – room school house would be unique in that it would not only be a historical

ONE ROOM SCHOOL

The only source of heat in a one-room school came from a wood stove located in the center of the room. Some families supplied the school with wood for the stove. The children had to walk to school carrying an armful of firewood. Each morning a different child was responsible

for

LEGEND OF THE WAPSIPINICON RIVERWAPSIPINICON RIVER LEVELWAPSIPINICON RIVER LEVEL CURRENTWAPSIPINICON RIVER LEVEL INDEPENDENCEWAPSIPINICON RIVER FLOODINGWAPSIPINICON RIVER FISHINGWAPSIPINICON RIVER MAP The romantic Indian legends of Wapsi and Pinicon make for interesting folklore, but are not well-founded historically. The literal translation of the beautiful name is White Potato River or Swan Apple River. The translations refer to the white artichokes which grew along the banks of the river. The spelling of the name was not settled until

1850.

HISTORY OF THE FEED SACK QUILT Feed sacks were initially made of heavy canvas, and were used to obtain flour, sugar, meal, grain, salt and feed from the mills. They were reusable, with the farmer bringing an empty sack stamped with his mark or brand to the mill to be filled. This changed when the North East mills began weaving inexpensive cotton fabric in the late

1800’s.

SITES & STRUCTURES

King’s Hall, known formerly as King’s Opera House was built in 1876 by Charles King at an estimated cost of $10,000. Opening night, October 3, 1876 saw .75 seats or reserved seats for $1.00. For many years the great and non-great actors and actresses of the nation

visited the

SITES & STRUCTURES

Fontana has been a dam and mill site for more than 140 years. The first dam was build on Otter Creek, in what is now Fontana Park, in 1849 by Ike Richmond. The dam provided water power for a sawmill, and was later used to power a gristmill. Frequent wash-outs BUCHANAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The First Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1941, with R.J. Hekel, President. Because of WW 11 many of the early efforts were abandoned, but the donated artifacts at that time are still in our archives. The Second Buchanan Co. Historical Society began in 1961 with a Certificate of Incorporation being filed April, 24, 1961 with

the State

HISTORY'S ATTIC

Very much a part of a local museum collection these days seems to be the fanning mill. They were as much a part of the farm of the old days as the old oaken bucket. At least a few years ago, it could be found sitting forlornly in back of the barn, long since for ( read more)

Archive.

MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE Contact 319 334-2583 or writing to the Mental Health Institute, P.O. Box 111, Independence, Iowa 50644 for making tour arrangements. Included on the tour, if desired, is a visit to the “Days of Yore” museum which is a repository of items and equipment on display from another era that draws attention to the history of the hospital.

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

The Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed by members of the local Order of Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and the Sisters of the P.E.O.. The purpose of the association was to assist in the care and upkeep of the cemetery and to raise funds. Every year a house call was made on every citizen of Independence to WALKING, HIKING & CYCLING Begin at Wapsipinicon Main St. Bridge (2 groups=one each side of street) Need two historians or tour guides. One takes each group. Walk up street to ‘bank corners’ and then cross street and back down to bridge. Then to awaiting tour guide at Wapsipinicon Mill for additional tour. (takes around 2 hours) Read More>. The Heritage

Trail.

CARRIE NATION

CARRIE NATION VISITS INDEPENDENCE. At the Buchanan County Fair in 1904 one of the nation’s biggest headline makers – Carrie Nation – spoke at the county fair before a crowd of 7,000 persons.

RUSH PARK ERA

RUSH PARK ERA ‘AXTELL’ THE STALLION ‘ALLERTON’ THE STALLION. AXTELL “Axtell” was foaled on March 31, 1886. His sire was William L., a son of George Wilkes, who was one of the best producing sons of Rysdky’s Hambletonian, the founder of the trotting horse family of

America.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Independence, Iowa. July 31, 1856. The first church service held in Independence by a group of Episcopalians was on July 31, 1856 in the Methodist chapel. The Right Rev. Henry Washington Lee, D.D., L.L.D., bishop of Iowa officiated. In February, 1858, the Rev. Benjamin R. Gifford held services for the group in the

Fanning Mill

December 27, 2016 at 06:00:00 pm: Remember the old time 'fanning mill'? Very much a part of a local museum collection these days seems to be the fanning mill. They were as much a part ... (read more ) Brandenburg's Jewelry December 27, 2016 at 06:00:00 pm: It was in August of 1924 that A.R. Brandenburg came to Independence and opened his jewelry store at 205 1st St. E (The Brandenburg store in Waverly go... (read more ) The purpose for which this Historical Society is organized is to discover, collect, conserve and secure for the future Generations properties, artifacts, and information significant to the heritage of Buchanan County, Iowa and to serve the educational needs of its citizens by preserving these historical resources and making them available to the public. Click on the map to view it larger

Silos & Smokestacks

The seed of a dream sprouted in 1991 when Silos & Smokestacks was formed. In 1996 the dream bloomed as a National Heritage Area. Countless devoted people have nursed that dream into a welcoming

reality.

Visit Silos & Smokestacks Home :: Sights & Structures :: Walking, Hiking & Cycling :: Historical Museums :: Links of Interest Schedule of Events :: Contact Us :: Admin login

:: Facebook

� 2007 Buchanan County Historical Society, All Rights Reserved free search engine submission service