THE WINTER OF 1978-79

Many articles have been written about the winters of 1915 and 1936-37 and from photos that I have seen, they were quite severe.  When I hear someone talk about a bad winter, however, my thoughts always turn to the worst winter I have ever experienced -- that of 1978-79.  My thanks to my mother-in-law, Irene Kramer, for sharing her photos of that time with me.

My husband and I had been married for several years and our first child had been born in May of 1978.  We lived in an old farmhouse about five miles southwest of Algona.  Not well insulated and with old leaky windows, it was heated with an oil burner in the living room and a wood stove in the kitchen.  We were on the old Irvington power line which frequently went down when high winds arose.  With a six month old in the house, we did our best to keep it as warm and cozy as possible. 

WINTER BEGINS

By the middle of November of 1978, winter had settled in with a six inch snowfall on the 17^th.  Traces of snow continued to fall for several days after that without leaving any measurable amounts.  Temps began to dip lower, with highs hovering around 15 degrees and lows in the single digits.  Thanksgiving Day brought two more inches and another inch on the 28^th finished out the month.

My brother-in-law and his wife lived just a mile north of us and were expecting a baby in early December.  Due to some issues with the pregnancy, it was recommended that the baby be delivered in Mason City which meant at least an hour long trip.  Several of the November snowfalls were accompanied by high winds.  The ditches along our gravel road at the time were shallow and narrow and it didn’t take long for them to fill in causing large drifts to accumulate on the road.  Although a date was set to induce labor, as each storm created more road problems, we worried that if she went into early labor she might not be able to make it to Mason City.  The day before the scheduled induction, five inches of snow was added to the growing piles increasing our concern.  We were thankful that everything went as planned with her safe arrival at the hospital on the 4^th and the delivery of their healthy baby boy later that day.

Electric line poles February, 1979

The December snowfalls were just beginning though.  A two-day blizzard arrived on the 8^th.  Although not much new snow arrived, the snowflakes that did fall were described as being “cotton ball-sized.” Those along with what was already on the ground were swept up in 30 mph winds creating large drifts and zero visibility at times.  Highs of -1° contributed to dangerous travel conditions.  School classes and all related activities were cancelled.

Although wind seems ever present on this prairie that we love, it didn’t even take a fresh snowfall for the winds to create problems that winter.  Drifting seemed to be a constant complication.  Then just a few days before Christmas we received another 4 inches of snow.  Besides creating travel difficulties, large drifts blew into farmsteads blocking entrances to farm buildings, clogging up feeding floors and endangering livestock. 

At that time we only owned one tractor with a cab on it which was not heated.  It did provide welcome relief from the prevailing winds, however, and my husband was thankful to have it.  All snow was moved with a bucket loader or by hand—no fancy snow blowers or other conveniences that we take for granted today.  Allen would usually move snow for a while and then come in the house to warm up near the wood stove where his gloves would be laid to dry. 

By this time our son was beginning to pull himself up and look out the window.  He loved to look out our south kitchen window where he could see Allen in the tractor moving snow.  The bitter cold kept us housebound and so those low placed windows provided much needed entertainment for him.  He delighted in seeing his daddy working outside.

JANUARY ARRIVES

We all looked forward to the beginning of 1979 in the hope that winter would have done her worst and we could begin the countdown to spring.  That turned out not to be the case. 

Snow plow going by on Jan. 14, 1979

A three-day blizzard began on January 11^th.  Eight inches of snow fell over that period.  Visibility was nil due to the high winds.  East-west traffic was non-existent.  Multiple vehicles, including a snow plow, became stuck in the drifts blocking Highway 18.  Local stores—Alco, K-Mart and Hood’s Super Valu—closed midafternoon on Saturday due to the severity of the weather and lack of shoppers.  On Saturday night, January 13^th, the thermometer read -17°.

An article in the January 18, 1979 edition of the Algona Upper Des Moines relates the story of the Ed and Judy Otis family who provided food and shelter to 27 stranded motorists during that storm.  Living along Highway 18 just east of Wesley, their home became a safe haven to storm weary travelers who considered themselves lucky to have found the driveway to the Otis home in white-out conditions.

Drifts between buildings

Piles of snow along the roads and in yards were getting higher and higher.  Roads drifted shut on a regular basis whether there was new snowfall or not.  Not that we lacked for additional snowfall—three inches on January 26th and two inches on the 27^th added to the growing snowbanks.  We could not count on regular mail delivery any more.  If and when you were lucky enough to get to town, you picked up the mail at the post office. 

In late January I went back to work for a local law firm, working in their tax department.  By this time the gravel road leading north from our home was almost impassable.  It was now a one lane path through a mountain of snow.  The few times that I had to take that road I prayed until I was more than half way through because that meant if I met another car, the other driver would be the one that would have to back up until it could get out of the way to let me to pass.  That winter my normal route became turning south out of my drive, turning east onto the blacktop at the first intersection, and catching Highway 169 to take into town.

One lane on gravel road

FEBRUARY BLAST

Snow plow going by 2/9/1979

The month of February arrived with cold temps but relatively little snowfall—a half inch on 3^rd and an inch on the 8^th.  About the time we got our hopes up, Mother Nature decided she wasn’t through with us yet as another blizzard blew in on February 15^th, lasting two days.  Both major highways were closed due to seven to eight foot drifts blocking all lanes.  Abandoned cars blocked roads leading to chain reaction pileups.  Clearing roads was nearly impossible and the State of Iowa called in their plows at 1:44 pm the first day of the storm.  Temperatures plunged over 50° in less than 24 hours with the mercury at -20° and wind chill at -70°.  Emergency calls took hours for response.

The severity of the weather caused a ripple effect throughout the area.  School closings had extended the school year well into summer.  Fuel and electric bills were at all-time highs.  Area businesses suffered as shoppers were unable to get into town except to prepare for the next round of storms.

FINALLY MARCH

Mailbox and road heading north

Toward the end of February, temperatures began to moderate and snowfall lessened to just an occasional trace.  March came in like a lamb with a high on the 1^st of 34° and a low of 19°.  However, Old Man Winter laughed at us once again.  On the weekend of March 4^th and 5^th, he dumped 8 more inches on us.  Rain had fallen before the snow began, creating an ice covering over all surfaces.  The blizzard conditions, coupled with the ice, created a treacherous travel environment.  Mayor Harold Van Allen made special arrangements with the city crews to keep the streets leading to Good Samaritan Center plowed and with the local police to transport workers to and from the nursing home so that care of the residents would not suffer.

WINTER ENDS

Snowfall for the winter finally stopped by the end of March.  In all, the area received more than 55 inches that season.  Kossuth County ended up spending $500,000 that winter for snow removal.  With their original budget estimate of $75,000 completely blown away, the excess funds that were spent had to be taken out of other parts of the budget causing the postponement of some road and bridge projects originally scheduled to be completed in 1979.  Spring flooding also caused a number of issues as the mountains of snow began to melt.

As for me, I was thankful to see that winter come to an end.  Our little boy hated to be bundled up to leave the house and he was anxious to get outside and explore the farm without the need for snowsuit, boots, caps and gloves.  I was ready for travel on our gravel road to return to normal and my husband to be relieved from the constant battle of moving snow.

We didn’t know it at the time, but 1979 would go on to be known for a much greater weather event than its hard winter, but that is another story for another day.

Until next time,

Jean, a/k/a Kossuth County History Buff

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THE PICTURESQUE SIMPKINS HOUSE

One of the most distinctive homes of its day is located at 504 East McGregor in Algona.  It is another of the houses featured in the book “Picturesque Algona.”  Most recently it has served as an apartment house, but at the time of construction, it was considered a “model of architecture and an ornament to that part of our growing young city.”

The owner at the time of publication of “Picturesque Algona” in 1900 was George Simpkins and his wife, Hulda.  They had purchased the home in 1889 when they retired from the farm. 

THE VAUGHN FAMILY

The house itself began its life in 1884 when it was built by attorney H.S. Vaughn and his spouse, Ella.  Harrison Samuel Vaughn had been born in New York State in 1846.  He enlisted in Company A of the 8^th New York Heavy Artillery, completing his service as a Colonel, but not before losing his right arm at the battle of Cold Harbor.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, Harrison went to law school at Wisconsin State University.  He came to Algona in 1870 and hung out his shingle.  The 24 year old was soon busy building his reputation as a litigator.

Vaughn’s personal life was blossoming as well.  In 1872 he married Maine native, Ella Delano, and their lives were soon filled with a growing family.  First daughter Mary Winifred was born later that year, followed by sons, Sidney, in 1876, and Harold in 1882.  With three children, it was definitely a busy household.  The young couple also enjoyed entertaining and often hosted gatherings including ice cream socials to raise funds for the Ladies’ Aid Society of the M.E. Church.

By 1884, it was time for a larger house.  Construction began soon after the Vaughns purchased the lots.  The new residence was described as 26 x 40 foot with 20 foot posts.  The cost of creation was estimated at $3,000.  The family moved in to their new dwelling in October, just in time for the birth of daughter, Florence, on December 20^th.  One more son, Courtland, would join the family in 1888.  The home was filled with the noise of their busy, bustling clan.

They were busy in the community too.  Harrison served one term as county auditor, helped to organize the Northern Iowa Normal School and served as president of its board, was on the committee to bring the Iowa Central railroad to Algona, and was a member of both the local G.A.R. post and the Odd Fellows’ Lodge.  It was a true loss to the community when the family decided to move to Denver, Colorado in 1889.  A farewell banquet was held at the Thorington Hotel in their honor, a silver berry dish was presented to Ella by her friends as a token of remembrance, and her Sunday school class from the Methodist Church (which consisted of all young men), arranged to have their photo taken with her at the Hudson & Shadle Photography Studio.

The house next passed to Charles Dexter who, it appears, never lived in the house.  Within a few months of purchase, he rented the house to George Simpkins who desired to rent for a year before purchasing.  He and his wife would go on to reside there for 10 years.

THE SIMPKINS FAMILY

George Simpkins was born in England and traveled with this parents to Wisconsin at the age of 7.  The journey was indeed precarious.  The drunken captain caused a shipwreck while on Lake Ontario and the family lost all of its worldly goods.  Devastated by this loss, the seven children went without shoes and had very little clothing the first winter spent in Wisconsin.  All of the children who were old enough were required to work to help support the family and at a young age George got a job on a farm.  While oiling a threshing machine, his clothing became entangled and he was pulled into the contraption, severing his left arm above the elbow.  Much like Harrison Vaughn, he would never let his disability hamper his future.

On July 4, 1864 he was married to Huldah Peck in Madison, Wisconsin and they moved to Kossuth County seven years later, settling in Union Township.  They went on to acquire 400 acres of land and built a large cattle operation despite the devastation caused by the grasshopper plague in 1872-73.  The couple had four children:  Henry, Nellie and Nettie who reached adulthood and little Charlie who died in infancy. 

The family was very active in the Baptist church.  George served on the building committee in 1892 when a new church was constructed and Huldah was active in its women’s group.  George was also an enthusiastic member of the Odd Fellows for 25 years. 

After spending almost 20 years on the farm, the couple moved into the Vaughn house on McGregor Street.  They enjoyed living in the beautiful home.  Unfortunately, by 1900 Huldah’s health began to fail.  It was recommended that she move to California in the hope that the moderate temperatures would be improve her situation.  By the time the book “Picturesque Algona” was actually published, the Simpkins had sold the house to E.J. Gilmore and left for California.  The move proved to be successful.  The Simpkins enjoyed their years there until Huldah’s passing in October of 1919.  After her death, George wintered in California and came back to Algona in the summer to spend time with their daughter, Mrs. Hugh Herman, until he died in December of 1923.

THE GILMORE FAMILY

Edwin J. Gilmore had come to Kossuth County from Illinois in 1881 with his parents, settling on a farm in Riverdale township.  He married Minnie Smith in 1884 and they farmed together for a few years.  In 1888 they came to Algona where E.J. opened a grocery store.  The turn of the century was indeed an eventful time for the Gilmores.  Besides purchasing the large attractive new home, Gilmore sold his store and opened a real estate and insurance agency in partnership with his friend, Archie Hutchison. 

Ed and Minnie were described as “staunch” members of the Methodist Church in Algona where Ed served for decades on the board of trustees, had served as church treasurer for many years and also was on the committee when the present church was constructed. Minnie participated in all activities of the congregation wherever she was needed.

The two had one child, Harold Gilmore, and two very loved grandchildren, Edwin and Mary Louise. 

The Gilmores spent the rest of their married life together in the home on McGregor Street until E.J.’s passing in 1939.   Minnie moved to a smaller cottage on South Minnesota Street where she died in her sleep in December of 1950.

The house in 2016

As I research these stories there often appears one or two facts or incidents that pull at my heartstrings.  In this particular situation, I find it interesting that this home served two men with devastating disabilities—the first who lost his right arm in battle to preserve our union and the second who lost his left arm working as a child to build a better future for his family.  The lives they went on to lead are a testament to their courage and resilience. The house itself has had many other residents since their day and will likely serve many more in the future, but none more remarkable than Vaughn and Simpkins.

Until next time,

Jean

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THE TRAGIC LIFE OF PROFESSOR F.M. SHIPPEY

Professor Francis M. Shippey moved to Algona 1884 to become principal of the Algona school system.  At 30 years of age, he would be leading a growing school district, receiving $80 per month salary.  This must have been a fairly generous salary as it was twice the amount most teachers in the district received.  By the end of October, his wife, Joyce, and their son, Claude, joined him in Algona and the family settled in to await the arrival of their second child.

Shippey appears to have been a good administrator.  He met regularly with the school board and made various recommendations such as dividing the primary department into two divisions to each attend one-half the time.  He dealt with employee issues, the purchase of various instructional books, and budget issues.  He also was an instructor at the Kossuth County Normal Institute for area teachers.  The school board was quite pleased with his performance and by March of 1885 they voted not only to renew his contract but also gave him a $20 per month raise beginning the next school year.

TRAGEDY STRIKES

The Shippey family were settling well into their new home.  In addition to four year old Claude, an infant daughter, Delta, had joined them in January.  By the time summer arrived, they were ready for an outing on the river.  Boats were available to the public on the south bank of the river above the mill.  The family chose a boat and settled in for a lovely early afternoon ride.  The professor paddled out into the river.  

An area known as “the washout” was located a few rods above the mill dam where several years earlier high water had made a new channel.  Although a dam had been constructed there, at times when water was high, as was the case on this day, water would forcefully rush over the dam, producing a strong draft several feet back into the pond. 

Unacquainted with the river, Mr. Shippey rowed nearly due north and came almost immediately to a point directly above the north dam.  His back was to the approaching danger.  Soon he was within about three feet of the dam and it was too late to avoid calamity.  When Mrs. Shippey realized what was about to happen, she stood up and jumped overboard, clutching her infant to her chest.  Their bodies disappeared into the foaming waters at the bottom of the dam.

Old Mill

Both Professor Shippey and Claude were thrown from the vessel as it passed over the dam.  Shippey resurfaced and began desperately searching for his family.  He swam until he was exhausted, finally drifting to a small island several rods below.  He was able to attract the attention of a farmer who was crossing the bridge.  Sounding the alarm at the mill, word was sent to town for more help and several mill workers rushed to the location.  Soon a crowd had gathered on the bridge overlooking the scene.

Despondent, Professor Shippey was taken to his home while a search of the waters was conducted.  A large number of men began dredging the river using every means possible to locate the bodies.  After several hours of searching, the body of Mrs. Shippey with little Delta still clasped tightly to her was found firmly wedged in between some rocks directly below the falls.  So tightly were they stuck that it took sometime before they could be brought to the surface.  A news report published in the July 1, 1885 edition of the Algona Republican states, “The bodies of the mother and babe were laid side by side in a platform wagon, their upturned faces wearing a natural and peaceful expression, the babe seeming to smile as sweetly as though sleeping in its cradle, and thus they were taken to the now desolate home, where the husband had preceded them.”  The body of Claude could not be located.  The search would go on for several weeks without reward.

The funeral service for Joyce and Delta Shippey was held at the family residence on Thursday, July 2^nd.  A huge crowd attended, only a third of which were able to actually enter the house.  The room where the bodies lay in state was filled with flowers.  A large cross of white was placed at the head of the coffin and another lay tenderly on the bodies.  The sorrow that surely enveloped Francis Shippey must have been overwhelming.   

QUALIFICATIONS QUESTIONED

A controversy concerning Professor Shippey’s continued employment began to arise a few weeks later.  It seems that at some earlier point the local school board had passed a resolution requiring the principal of the school to secure a state certificate.  For unexplained reasons, Shippey did not attend the certification process in Fort Dodge.  The board then rescinded the resolution regarding certification as they had already entered into a contract with Shippey for the 1885-86 school term.  This met with some disfavor with the public.

Just a few weeks later an article entitled “About Prof. Shippey” appeared in the Upper Des Moines.  A letter from the superintendent of the Iowa Industrial School at Eldora was printed at the request of a school board member.  This school was a home for delinquent juveniles.  The correspondence addressed a question regarding possible dismissal of Professor Shippey as principal because he was once an inmate of the school.  The superintendent encouraged the board to make their judgment based on his success and failure rates while in their employ and not on circumstances of his youth which he had overcome. 

Given his recent devastating loss, I found the discontent swirling around Professor Shippey to be unexpected.  His employment was not terminated so there must have been some support for him in the community.  Reading between the lines, my impression is that he had offended a board member or two and they were searching for a way to remove him from his position.

SEEKING POLITICAL OFFICE

Shippey became quite active in politics which appears to have remained a lifelong interest.  That fall he was nominated for the position of county superintendent on the Democratic ticket.  His opponent was Ben Reed, well known in the area and a member of an early pioneer family. 

Several scathing editorials were written about his candidacy including one printed in the October 28, 1885 edition of the Upper Des Moines which states, “Shippey, besides being a stranger has not made any enviable record as an educator.  He is not popular in Algona and he will not receive his party vote where he is known.”  One must be careful about judging a person based on the opinions expressed in political editorials so it is hard to determine the true sentiments of the electorate.  Perhaps there was some truth to commentary, however, as Reed was victorious. 

CLAUDE IS FOUND

In mid-May, almost 11 months after the boating accident, Dr. A. F. Dailey and his wife were out for a row boat ride on a Sunday morning when he noticed a shoe lodged on a grape vine suspended several feet above the water.  Upon investigation, he found the shoe still contained a sock and the remains of a foot.  He summoned Marshal Tuttle and Dr. Garfield to the spot.  They found Claude’s badly decomposed body directly under the limb on which the shoe had been found.  Professor Shippey was able to identify the clothing and shoes as those of his son.  Although once more overcome with grief, he expressed his relief that the body had been recovered and could be buried next to the child’s mother and sister. 

With Claude’s body now laid to rest and his contract not renewed for the next year, the Professor moved on. 

SO WHAT HAPPENED TO PROFESSOR SHIPPEY?

Francis Shippey married Anna Seaman on March 6, 1887 in Van Wert, Ohio.  The family resided in Lansing, Iowa, for several years where Shippey served as principal.  That marriage produced two children, Ralph and Jessie, but ended in divorce. 

According to information on Find A Grave, the professor married for a third time in 1896 to a woman named Jessie.  The 1900 census shows them living in Waterloo with a daughter, Marion.  The professor’s two older children are listed as residents of their household.  By this time Shippey had become a school book salesman and traveled extensively.  A second daughter, Francis, was eventually added to the family.

Tragedy struck once again when Marion contracted spinal meningitis.  Given little hope of recovery by her physicians, the family turned to their belief in Christian Science but to no avail.   The patient succumbed to the illness at the age of nine years, six months and 23 days.

Shippey Family gravesite
in Riverview Cemetery in
Algona

The 1915 census lists F.M. Shippey as a general superintendent and finds him living in Des Moines at the Iowa Hotel.  Shippey died alone in Des Moines on February 4, 1925 after a long battle with liver cancer.  He was 70 years old.  Although survived by two daughters, a son and a brother, his body was unclaimed by relatives and so it was placed in a morgue in Des Moines.  Friends and former students raised the necessary funds for burial and his body was brought back to Algona where it was received by local Masons.  Though no record of him having been a member of the Masons while in Algona, a Masonic pin was found amongst his final belongings.  Ten local Masons attended the funeral as his only mourners.  Professor Francis M. Shippey was then interred next to the family members he tragically lost so long ago in the swirling waters of the Des Moines River.

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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ALGONA'S UNITED STATES SENATOR

I am not sure how many local citizens are aware that Algona at one time could boast that it was the home of a United States Senator.  L.J. Dickinson was a local attorney who first served as a U.S. Congressman before being elected to the Senate in 1931.

LESTER J. DICKINSON

Son of Civil War veteran Levi Dickinson and his wife, Willemene, Lester J. “Dick” Dickinson was born October 29, 1873 in Derby, Iowa.  He was a hard worker, milking and doing other farm labor while growing up on the farm.   He clerked at a hardware store as a high school student before graduating from Danbury high school.  He continued to work odd jobs while earning his way through Cornell College at Mt. Vernon.  L.J. dropped out of college after his sophomore year to attend a business college in Des Moines where he took stenographic training.  He then returned to Cornell and became secretary to the college president while continuing his studies.  Graduating from Cornell in 1898, Dick received his law degree from the University of Iowa the following year.

The 26 year old brand new attorney came directly to Algona and formed a partnership with Timothy P. Harrington.  Getting their law practice established took some time.  Their first year in business they earned less than $200 so their office served as their sleeping quarters as well.  Dickinson enlisted in the National Guard in which he served as a Second Lieutenant in the 52^nd Infantry between 1900 and 1902.

FAMILY LIFE

The new young lawyer must have created quite a stir among the eligible single women in the community.  Tall, broad-shouldered, good looking and friendly, it is likely that many hearts were atwitter when he walked into a room.  He only had eyes for one young maiden, however.  L.J. began to court Myrtle Call, the youngest daughter of Ambrose and Nancy Call. 

The two were united in marriage on August 21, 1901, in an 8:00 p.m. ceremony at the brightly illuminated Call home on Hall Street.  Rev. W. J. Suckow conducted the service before family and a few intimate friends with nieces Dorothy Hutchison and Florence Cowles serving as ribbon girls and nephew Donald Hutchison as flower bearer.  Unfortunately the day was not without incident.  Levi and Willemine, parents of the groom, were on their way to the ceremony from their home north of town in the middle of a thunderstorm.  It was raining heavily.  Their one horse carriage hit a bus while driving west on State Street, causing a wheel to come off their carriage.  They were thrown from the vehicle, sustaining only minor bruises and abrasions but leaving them unable to make it to the ceremony.

The following Tuesday, a lavish reception was held at the home of Gardner and Florence Cowles, the bride’s sister.  A large crowd attended this gathering including many of Dickinson’s fellow National Guard members.  It was said that the “spacious rooms were crowded by a throng of visitors” and that “elegant refreshments were served.”

In 1902, the young couple commenced the construction of a new home.  The lot chosen was just a block north of the Call family residence.  A seven room cottage with a stone foundation in a colonial style, it was outfitted with all the modern improvements of the time.  An article in the August 27, 1902 edition of the Upper Des Moines-Republican describes it as “one of the prettiest, best planned and most comfortable and convenient of the modern houses so far put up in our town.”  The beautiful home still stands at 308 South Hall Street.

POLITICAL CAREER

In addition to their busy law practice, both L.J. and his partner, Tim Harrington, were very active in local politics.  A staunch Republican, Dickinson became chairman of the county central committee in 1901.  He served as city clerk for Algona from 1900 to 1907 and then became county attorney from 1907 through 1913.  His involvement increased his exposure and he was beginning to establish a fine political reputation across the state.  Tim Harrington successfully ran for election in 1916 and served as a state legislator from 1917 to 1920.

Upper Des Moines
Republican
Feb. 13, 1918

In 1917, an opportunity presented itself and L.J. was ready.  He declared his candidacy for Congress from the 10^th district when incumbent Frank P. Woods’ seat came up for election.  In 1918 World War I was slowing drawing to an end.  Congressman Woods, Dickinson’s opponent in the primary, did not have a voting record of supporting our military.  He voted against the resolution to declare that a state of war existed between Germany and the United States; failed to support legislation to increase the standing army; and failed to appropriate funds for naval support.  Dickinson campaigned hard on these issues and received many endorsements from district newspapers. 

The local area showed him unwavering support at the primary.  Even area Democrats cast their vote in his favor in hope of having a local man represent them in Washington.  Dickinson’s primary victory was the upset of the election and made headlines throughout Iowa.

Next up was his campaign against J. R. Files, the Democratic nominee for Congress.  Dickinson had a great affinity for and was a strong proponent of farming.  After tracing his roots back to 1630, he knew that he came from a long line of farmers. In fact, he discovered that he was the first generation not to farm.  His support of the agricultural sector put him in great favor as well as his support for funding for the war.

A local editorial published in the Kossuth County Advance on October 24, 1918, said, “He is a man of congressional size in all respects, and will, with his fine oratorical ability and clear-headed, patriotic statesmanship, give the grand old Tenth a reputation in the halls of Congress that will reflect credit on Kossuth County and its people.”

He defeated Files in the November election to become the U.S. Congressman from the 10^th district of Iowa winning in every county except Carroll and Crawford, where he lost by only four votes.  He went on to serve six terms before running for Senate in 1930.  L.J. was a dark horse candidate for the office of vice president on the Republican ticket in 1924.

Dick defeated two primary opponents before winning the fall election against incumbent Daniel F. Steck by a margin of 50,000 votes.  During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Senator Dickinson was an outspoken opponent of the New Deal.  Described as a “loud, earnest orator” he had been a keynote speaker at the 1932 Republican national convention calling for “sane, honest, industrial and agricultural programs” and a return “to the ideas of our New England forefathers.” At the 1936 Republican national convention, the Senator was once again a dark-horse candidate, this time for the presidency.  It would go to Alfred Landon who was defeated by FDR.

Dickinson’s opposition of the New Deal worked against him in the 1936 senatorial election and he lost in a narrow margin in a Democratic landslide across the nation, ending his senate career after one term.  (In 2016, his seat is held by Senator Joni Ernst).  He and Myrtle moved back to Iowa, living a short time in Algona.  They then settled in the Des Moines area where their children, L. Call Dickinson and Ruth Daugherty, lived.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Call had become a lawyer and had a successful practice.  L.J. joined the same firm.

PASSING OF AN ERA

Myrtle Call Dickinson suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in December of 1955 after which she was bedridden until her passing on September 8, 1956.  She was the last surviving member of the Ambrose and Nancy Call children.  Her body was returned to Algona for burial at Riverview Cemetery.

The Senator went on to survive his wife by almost 12 years, dying on June 4, 1968.  He fell several weeks before breaking his hip which, at the age of 94, proved too much for him to endure.  He was buried next to his wife.

It is said that Dickinson always maintained a connection with Algona, coming back here to live when Congress or the Senate was not in session.  He was also proud of his agricultural roots, always trying to do what was best for farmers.  He chose not to take public appointments after he left office, opting instead to re-enter the private sector where he went on to practice law for many years.  His legacy lives on in the Dickinson Law Firm in Des Moines, one of the largest—if not the largest—attorney firms in the state of Iowa. 

Until next time,

Jean

 

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ALGONA HARP ORCHESTRA

Old news clippings may be my Achilles heel.  When I come across a stack of them, I just can’t resist thumbing through them in the hope that I will come across something that I haven’t seen before or that sheds light on a subject that interests me.  I happened upon one that did just that recently.  It was all about the Algona Harp Orchestra.  I had read about the orchestra playing at the opening of the Durdall Hotel in 1900, but had no idea of its history until this clipping came to light.  It reignited the spark to find out more about them.

Pat Cady, August Sterzbach, Fritz Granzow,
Mart McCall and Joe Powers

THE FORMATION OF THE ORCHESTRA

Although it is not quite clear exactly when the Algona Harp Orchestra was organized, by 1896 it was managed by August Sterzbach.  By day Sterzbach was a butter maker at the Algona creamery, but was a violinist with the group.  The harp was played by Mart McCall who was a registered pharmacist and worked at Ehlers Drug Store.  Other members included G. W. “Pat” Cady on cornet, Fritz Granzow on clarinet and another unidentified member on bass. 

The orchestra had a steady following.  They had to have an extensive repertoire of musical selections as they played at a wide variety of occasions.  The group played on a traveling “circuit.”  Travel was by train and their circuit covered a large area.  In addition to Algona, they played at all of the smaller communities in the county and cities outside the county as far away as Hampton and Ceylon, Minnesota. 

PERFORMING

No occasion was too big or too small for the ensemble.  They became a staple at

Algona Courier, October 15, 1909

store openings or holiday celebrations, special events such as the Chrysanthemum Show put on by the W.C.T.U. each November, and private parties held in local homes.  They played at the grand opening of the Durdall Hotel in 1900.  Each Thanksgiving they would furnish the music for the grand military ball held at the armory hall.  The New Year’s Eve ball was also a big community event each year at which they shared their music.

Members of the orchestra changed from time to time.  A violinist by the name of Joe Powers played with the group for a period of time.  He lived at the Durdall Hotel and the orchestra would perform at Sunday dinners at the hotel to pay for his room and board.

They often played during various stage productions presented at the Call Opera House.  The entertainment at the theatre would range from Shakesperian plays such as Othello to comedies and the harp orchestra had to be able to play whatever music was necessary for the occasion.  When playing at the Call, the group would sometimes expand to include one or more of the following:  John Scott, violin; Kate Smith, violin; Oscar Johnson, violin; Charles Nicoulin, clarinet; Moore Smith, cornet; Glen Brunson, Euphonium; Mr. Jones, cello; Mr. Kyle, French horn; Prof. Benjamin, piano; and Frank Ostrum, drums. 

Back:  Hugh R. Smith, euphonium; and Mart McCall, harp
Front:  Moore Smith, cornet; John Scott violin; Chas. Nicoulin, clarinet
Algona Advance, January 19, 1905

Dance clubs were popular at the time and most communities formed one.  The Algona version was called the Ideal Dance Club and many well-known citizens were members.  They had regular gatherings, but on several occasions each year a very special event was held.  On one occasion in February of 1904, the Algona Harp Orchestra was the musical entertainment at a Ladies’ Masque Ball in honor of Valentine’s Day held in the ballroom of the Durdall Hotel on the west end of State Street in Algona.  The grand march began at 8:30 in the evening. Over 100 people were in attendance, all clad in a variety of costumes.  Spanish girls, Indian maidens, Little Red Riding Hood, Japanese ladies, and the Queen of Spades were in attendance as well as Uncle Sam, police officers, clowns and dominos.  The crowd danced to the strains of the music offered by the Algona Harp Orchestra in the beautifully decorated ballroom until the unmasking at 10:30 p.m.  A luncheon of sandwiches, coffee, cake and ice cream followed.  Many of the more notable names in the community were members of the club – Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Chrischilles, Col. and Mrs. Robert Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Dewel, Dr. and Mrs. Sheetz, and many others.

Several times a year the group would present a sacred concert at a local church, usually the Congregational Church or the Methodist Church.  Often they would join their talents with the church choir and organ.

THE MUSIC ENDS

Members came and went.  Although the group usually consisted of five musicians, at times it would be as few as three.  The orchestra would reorganize several times through the years and others who also shared their talents with the group were Edith Bowyer Whiften, Charles Crammond, Hugh Smith, Glen Brunson and Durwood Walker. By the early 1920s, the ensemble had disbanded for the last time and the Algona Harp Orchestra was no more.

The orchestra brought a lot of enjoyment to the area during its existence.  From the most relaxed events such as a barn dance to black tie affairs at the Call Opera House, the ensemble managed to entertain audiences far and wide.  As an article published in the Algona Advance on January 19. 1905, stated, “The orchestra have a fine repertoire of music and are constantly receiving all the late popular pieces as fast as they are published.  Our citizens are, and should be, proud that Algona possesses a musical organization of such rare merit.”

Until next time,

Jean

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LINCOLN SINGLETON, KOSSUTH COUNTY'S FIRST BLACK RESIDENT

Does the name Link Singleton mean anything to you?  It didn’t to me either until a post was made on the Kossuth County Historical Society’s Facebook page which talked about a black man by that name who had settled in Kossuth County not long after the Civil War.  Of course my interest was piqued and so I pulled up his obituary which began with the headline, “Beloved Negro Passes Away.”  His story began many miles from here. . . 

WHO WAS LINCOLN SINGLETON?

Lincoln Singleton was born in Alabama in 1856 to slave parents.  They were owned by a railroad company and so they moved from place to place, taking Link with them.  They both died when he was quite young.  He and his younger sister were taken in by an aunt who was a cook in the railroad camp.  Although just a boy himself, Link too was owned by the railroad and worked caring for animals and doing other jobs assigned to him. 

The Civil War was raging at this time and news came to the railroad camp that a squad of Yankee soldiers were on their way.  To protect their horses, mules and other provisions from the enemy, they were immediately gathered up and moved deep into thick woods in the hope they would not be found.  Link was left with three white men to tend to the animals.  Armed with shotguns, the men boasted about what they would do to any Yankees that appeared.  When a portion of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry burst into their fortress, one of the men immediately took off running.  Ignoring cries to halt, he was killed in a barrage of bullets. 

Soldiers surrounded the two other white men and questioned them about their allegiance to the cause.  When they had finished with the rebels, they turned to Link who thought his time had come.  He was but a boy of 8 or 9 years.  When asked if he knew where the horses and mules were located, he pointed to the ravine where they had been left to graze along with the other supplies.  As he led them to the site, he heard one of them say, “If this little black devil is lying to us we will kill him.”  Fear gripped the lad, but he had no choice but to keep moving.  Once the Union soldiers had pillaged all of the capable horses and mules and carried off the provisions, they burned the rest.  They were fearful that Link would be killed by the Confederates for giving them information so they asked him to go with them.  Though desiring to remain at home but fearful of refusing, he consented to go with them. 

A soldier did explain to Link’s aunt the danger he was in for cooperating with them and so she consented to let him go.  Their last moments together were heartbreaking as the weeping of his aunt and little sister touched him deeply.  He never saw either of them again.

The cavalry placed Link on a horse and instructed him to follow the forced march.  When darkness settled, exhaustion set in and Link lost control of his horse.  It wandered off the road and when Link awoke, he found himself among strangers.  They were the Fourth Iowa Cavalry.  The frightened boy burst into tears.  A kindly soldier by the name of Peabody came to comfort him.  When it was discovered that his home was too far away to return him that night, Peabody gave him some hard tack and meat and fixed a place for him to spend the night.  Link ate his food and then cried himself to sleep. 

COMING TO KOSSUTH COUNTY

Instead of returning home, the boy stayed with Mr. Peabody and at the close of the war accompanied him to Kossuth County where they settled on a farm in Riverdale township.  Link received good care and went to school.  When Mr. Peabody decided to move to California a year later, Link went to live with the Addison Fisher family with whom he stayed the next two.  He then spent the next twelve years in the home of Thomas Robison, just south of Irvington.  Link proved himself to be a truthful and well behaved boy.  He became a great favorite both at country school and at singing school held in the old Irvington town hall.  He especially loved and respected Mr. Robison who had cared for him and treated him so kindly.

Singleton was a talented runner and, when he moved to Algona in the early 1880s, he took on many competitors and became the area champion.  A local man, Lee Horning, was his “promoter” and won considerable money on the events. 

Link’s racing career came to an end after a deceitful scheme to embarrass him and to cheat Horning out of some of his winnings.  A match was arranged between the local hero and a “ragged stable boy” from Emmetsburg.  It was to be run on Diagonal Street.  When the day of the race arrived, Link was discouraged to see the “ragged stable boy” wearing spiked racing shoes and professional tights which displayed the muscles of a trained athlete. Following his defeat, Link never raced again.

Link was always well liked by everyone.  As a young man he began to take care of horses for different owners.  He served as a stable boy for A. D. Clarke and the Wadsworth brothers, prominent citizens of Algona. 

 
MARRIAGE AND SINGLETON HILL

At the ripe old age of 40, Link took a bride.  He was married to a colored lady, Miss Fannie McQuiddy of Emmetsburg, on November 18, 1896.  She had been employed by Col. and Mrs. E. S. Ormsby as a servant for a number of years and was highly respected in the community.  The couple were soon happily settled into a house built by Link on land he owned just south of the fairgrounds in an area which would become known as Singleton Hill.

Singleton Hill

The couple were never able to have children of their own.  They adopted a son named Harold.  Although the Singletons were well liked, it was difficult for their son growing up here.  Teased and ridiculed, he became frustrated with pent up anger.  He began to get into trouble and ended up dropping out of school.  At the age of 19 while working for S. H. McNutt carrying for his horses, Harold used a sharp stick to puncture the intestines of two of the animals causing their death.  He was later sent to prison for the incident, much to the sadness of his parents.

The Singletons were dedicated members of the Baptist Church, with Fannie

Baptist Church

especially active in their women’s group.  Their farm was quite versatile as were many of the farms of that day.  They raised chickens and sold eggs, had a few head of cattle and some hogs.  Link was locally known as an animal expert.  He regularly won awards at the county fair for his livestock.  

WELL-RESPECTED CITIZENS GONE

In the spring of 1918, Link’s health began to fail.  No one was able to determine the source of the problem and he died on June 26.  A postmortem examination discovered an abscess of the liver.  His funeral was held at the Baptist Church in Algona and was largely attended.  During his eulogy, Rev. J. W. Jeffries recounted the story of the small boy who rose from slavery to become a free man who owned land and made his own way.

Shortly after Link’s passing, Fannie obtained a job as a housekeeper for Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence C. Jones in Piney Woods, Mississippi.  Mr. Jones was the founder of Piney Woods Country Life School for the higher education of the Negro race.  Fannie had been a long-time supporter of the school.  Three hundred men and women of color attended the facility. Besides a literary education, the institution offered classes in industrial areas such as farming, blacksmithing, weaving, wheelwrighting, broom-making, and millinery among others.  In addition to her housekeeping duties, Fannie baked the bread and headed up the poultry department.  

A group of singers called the “Cotton Blossoms” toured to promote the school.  Through the efforts of Fannie Singleton, they performed here in Algona several times raising much needed funds.  Mrs. Singleton visited Algona frequently through the years and loved to receive news from the area.

After suffering a stroke, Fannie’s health gradually declined.  She passed from this life in her sleep on October 19, 1940, and was buried in the Piney Woods Cemetery, many miles from her husband who rests in Riverview Cemetery here in Algona.  Link lies next to his white neighbors, a sign of real acceptance at the time.

Unfortunately I have been unable to locate any confirmed photos of Lincoln Singleton.  It would be wonderful to find one to preserve his important place in Kossuth County history.  Link’s story is one of both luck and hard work.  He was forever devoted to the officers and soldiers of Co. L of the 4^th Iowa Cavalry and frequently received letters from them.  He never forgot the kindness they showed to him. A hardworking person who made the most of opportunities as they came along, he was always proud to have been known as Kossuth County’s first Negro resident.

A PERSONAL NOTE

It is hard to believe, but it has been one year since I set up the Kossuth County History Buff site and started publishing historical posts.  I had set a personal goal of publishing an article every week for one full year which I have achieved. However, in addition to being an amateur writer, I am also a farm wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer and full-time employee.  Harvest is approaching and everyday life is calling my name.   Although I intend to keep writing historical articles, at least for now they will no longer be published weekly.  I have been so touched by all the comments and compliments I have received over the past year that I want to thank all of you who take your precious time to read the stories that I post. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy researching and writing them.

I have lots of stories yet that I want to share, so keep an eye on your Facebook feed for future posts or, if you want to be sure you do not miss a single one, go to kossuthhistorybuff.blogspot.com and sign up to have the posts sent directly to your email address.  

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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Reminder:  The posts on Kossuth County History Buff are ©2015-16 by Jean Kramer.  Please use the FB “share” feature instead of cutting/pasting.