THE PICTURESQUE MCCOMB HOUSE AND LAUNDRY

If you have been following this blog for a while, you may remember other posts featuring homes and businesses that were included in the publication, “Picturesque Algona.”  This post will tell the story of F.L. McComb and his business, McComb Laundry.  By 1900 when “Picturesque Algona” was published, F. L. McComb had been in Algona for five years.  Photographs of both his home and his business, McComb Laundry, appear in the book.  McComb’s name may not be one that is extremely familiar in our local history, but for a short period of time he ran a very successful steam laundry business. 

Franklin Lewis McComb was born in Genesee County, Michigan on February 3, 1855.  He had been an Iowa resident for just a short time when he married Sarah Ardelia Elliott on January 30, 1889 in Des Moines.  By 1895 he and his family were living in Clay County.  In that year he traded his 240-acre farm to Elihu Wright in exchange for the Wright residence in Algona and a smaller farm near Wesley.

McComb came to Algona with brand new steam laundry equipment from Chicago and set up business.  An article from the Upper Des Moines published on June 26, 1895 stated:

“If anyone believes that getting a collar ready for wear is a simple process he should visit the laundry building back of Heise’s block.  It is washed in a patent washer, wrung in a machine which revolves like a milk separator and throws the water out, dried in a kiln heated by steam to 250 degrees, starched in a patent machine, ironed on a fancy brass ironing machine, and all but wrapped up and delivered by automatic action.”

THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE

The house that the McCombs traded for had been built by James McLaren in 1880 in anticipation of his upcoming nuptials to Miss Mary Patterson.  The structure was a large frame building with two uprights, one 16 x 32 feet and the other 16 x 22 feet, with an additional wing 14 x 16 feet in size, all of which were covered by a hip roof.  McLaren worked as a “confidential clerk” at the J. J. Wilson store and Miss Patterson had been employed as a school teacher prior to her marriage.

The following year the McLarens welcomed a son who brought them much happiness and contentment.  Sadly, their precious utopia would not last.  Mrs. McLaren became ill with a stomach ailment in the summer of 1885.  She passed away on August 9^th, leaving her husband and 4-year-old son to mourn her loss.  The funeral was held at the couple’s home.  The room where the viewing and service took place was filled with floral tributes created by many friends, including drapes of evergreen and flowers over door arches.  Rev. W. H. Burnard spoke on a selection from the New Testament and Mrs. R. H. Spencer and several others rendered beautiful hymns in tribute to the deceased.  Mrs. McLaren was laid to rest in Riverview Cemetery.

McLaren’s sister, ElizabetH, stayed for several months after the funeral to care for the grieving husband and son.  On November 11, 1885, she was married to W. B. Harter at the house which this time was joyfully bedecked in wedding flowers and greenery.  James McLaren remained in Algona until November of 1887 at which time he and his son moved to California where he went into banking.

THE HOUSE BECOMES THE MCCOMB RESIDENCE.

The house had several other owners before it was traded to F. L. McComb as part of his transaction with Elihu Wright.    

The McComb family moved into the Wright house in October of 1895.  The couple had two active young boys, Arthur and Carl, who filled the house with noise and laughter.  Just a year later, however, the house was once again permeated with darkness and despair when five-year-old Arthur became ill and succumbed to diphtheria a short time later.   

The McComb house in 2021

THE LAUNDRY BUSINESS

The steam laundry was considered a model establishment in the city of Algona.  From lace curtains to shirt, collars and cuffs, they were known to do excellent work.  Special rates applied for family laundry which they were happy to handle in bulk. 

By 1898, McComb desired to move his business to State Street.  Finding nothing suitable there, he decided to construct a building to suit his needs on a side street.  He bought a lot at 113 North Dodge Street where a flour warehouse stood.  He moved that building to the back of the lot and erected a one-story front next to the office of the Algona Republican.

When the new site was completed, McComb filled it with the latest laundry equipment, including a $700 ironer that was wide enough to iron a bed sheet and warranted to iron everything but barbed wire.  He then moved the old equipment to Blue Earth, Minnesota, where he opened another laundry establishment.  The new equipment was tested in mid-June of 1899 and was soon fully up and running.  The business employed a dozen people either working in the laundry or doing pickup and delivery.  As they began to pull in custom work from neighboring towns more workers were needed and it was expected that their staff would grow to 20.  Mr. McComb must have been a good employer as his staff presented him with a handsome office chair for Christmas in 1899.

THE MCCOMBS MOVE ON

Business continued strong for the next few years.  A small fire in the building and a break in at his home which resulted in the theft of a gold watch and $20 added some excitement to the regular routine, but the best news of the McComb family was the birth of their daughter, Ruth, in 1902.  The new baby girl brought much joy to the family, but her arrival also made Frank realize that his drinking had gotten out of hand.  A few months later he began treatment at the Murray-Lange Institute for his alcoholism.

McComb sold his business to Will Lacy in 1904 and he and his family moved to Sioux Falls where he opened another laundry.  A short time later they moved to Cass County, Iowa, where they remained.  Frank became a prominent farmer in the Lewis area.  He died in 1928 and Sarah passed away on November 1, 1947.

The old post office building built on the 
site of the McComb Laundry

In 1934 the laundry property was purchased for the purpose of building a new post office and was demolished.  The McComb house still stands at the corner of Jones and Kennedy.

A note to those of you who have signed up to receive emails when a new story is posted:  The email feature in Blogger which has been handled by Feedburner is being dropped in July.  I have not yet found a new provider to handle the email service and it may be some time before I do.  I apologize for this delay and appreciate your understanding as I work through this problem.  You can always find the link to stories on the Kossuth County History Buff Facebook page.

Until next time,

Jean

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THIS TOMBSTONE TELLS A STORY

 I enjoy walking and often during the warm months of the year, I spend my lunch hour walking through Riverview Cemetery.  It is a good work out with its rolling hills, but it is also a feast for the eyes.  I often refer to it as an outdoor museum because so many of the tombstones are works of art.

Standing by itself near a bend in a road is a stone that always catches my eye.  It appears rather lonely, marking a single grave, and bears the name of Rachel Elliott Baldwin.  It is quite distinctive.  The scroll on which her name is written is attached to a tree trunk.  Ivy twists and turns around the trunk and at the base are fern leaves.  A smaller tree trunk sits alongside.  In the world of gravestone symbolism, each of these icons have a deeper meaning.  

Photo of gravestone
from Find A Grave

A tree is an enduring symbol of eternal life and protection.  When only the trunk of the tree is used as a headstone, it represents the brevity of life.  The scroll is a sign of life and time depending on how much of the scroll is unfurled.  Rolled up ends indicate a past or future that is hidden.  A scroll can also honor and commemorate the decedent’s life.  Ivy indicates friendship, fidelity and immortality and fern leaves show the person’s humility and sincerity.

So, who was this woman that lies beneath this ornate stone?  The headstone would indicate that the deceased was loved and honored, humble and friendly, and that her life was cut short.  The rolled upper portion of the scroll indicates that perhaps part of her past was hidden.  With my curiosity peaked, I decided to find out if the tombstone did in fact reflect Rachel’s life story. 

Rachel A. Elliott was born in Poweshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of James and Margaret Elliott.  She had eight siblings, including a twin brother, Elisha.  Although her tombstone shows her year of birth as 1850, the 1850 census shows the age of the twins as one year old, so it is possible that she was born on February 27^th in 1849.  She spent her youth in Jasper County, Iowa, where her father was a farmer.

On July 1, 1866, at the age of 17, she was married to Orlando Salvadore Baldwin, who was ten years her senior.  Census records reflect that through the years he was a farmer and a laborer and Rachel was a homemaker.  Four children were born to their union:  Anne, Fred, George and Cora. 

Rachel Elliott Baldwin
Photo found on Family Search

By 1895, Rachel was operating a millinery store in Fort Dodge and living with Cora who was a seamstress.  Anne was operating her own millinery business in Webster City and in 1897, newspaper articles show that Rachel was living with her.  In 1899 Rachel moved to Algona and opened a millinery store just south of the courthouse, two doors west of the location where the new Durdall Hotel was being completed.  Advertising indicates that she carried a full range of hats for all ages.  A few months later, Cora joined her, locating a dressmaking parlor in the store.  Throughout this period, there is no mention of Orlando or what happened to him.  The 1900 census shows Rachel as head of household and a widow. 

It appears that the business was going well, at least well enough for Rachel to purchase the store building in late 1899.  The next year she even displayed merchandise in Mrs. Eddy’s gallery to make purchasing more convenient for shoppers in Wesley.

Near the close of 1902 Rachel suffered a stroke.  She was left with some paralysis and began to lose her vision.  Her eyesight faded slowly until she was totally blind.  Her physical health followed the same decline.  Despite her infirmities, it was said that Rachel was “patient and uncomplaining to a rare degree.”  Cora provided her care the last years of Rachel’s life until she died on the 22^nd day of February, 1907, just 5 days before her 57^th or 58^th birthday.  Her obituary states that the funeral was held at Cora’s home in Algona and describes the scene as follows: “The home was filled with sympathetic neighbors.  The casket was covered with beautiful floral wreaths, contributed by loving friends.”

So, were the clues on Rachel’s gravestone accurate?  Cora’s devotion to caring for her mother certainly showed that Rachel was deeply loved and she demonstrated great humility bearing her final illness with patience and an uncomplaining attitude.  The floral tributes and large gathering of friends and neighbors at her funeral speak to the close friends she made during her relatively short residence in Algona.  And passing away in her late 50’s confirms that her life span was shorter than many.  That leaves only the possibility of a hidden past represented by the partially rolled top of the scroll.

Photo of gravestone
from Find A Grave

What was Rachel’s secret?  There is only one of which I am aware.  Although Rachel had shown her marital status as “widowed” on the 1900 census, her husband, Orlando Salvadore Baldwin, was still very much alive at her death and lived until June 17, 1914.  It is unknown if they were legally divorced or merely separated, but it is likely that due to the mores of the time, Rachel did not want to inform the census taker (or others for that matter) of the truth.

Orlando Salvadore Baldwin
Found on Find A Grave

Orlando listed himself as a “lecturer” in the 1905 Iowa census and a brief description of his life given on Find A Grave expands on that term stating that he was an evangelist who road a circuit in the late 19th and early 20^th centuries, spreading the Good News to the rural churches of Hardin County.  He is buried in the Radcliffe cemetery.

Perhaps Rachel Baldwin had a few more hidden secrets which accompanied her to the grave 114 years ago.  They will likely remain a mystery.  But her hauntingly beautiful tombstone lives on and, all things considered, tells her story quite well.

Until next time,

Jean

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THE ALGONA CHAUTAUQUA OF 1911

Going through some things that need to be scanned for the genealogical society, I came across a booklet entitled, The Algona Chautauqua.  I had heard of a Chautauqua before and was aware it was a type of educational program, but thumbing through this booklet made me want to learn more.  

Chautauqua was an educational and social movement which originated in the late 19^th century.  It was a method by which the average person could continue their education by listening to nationally-known speakers that covered a wide range of topics as well as enjoy some musical and light-hearted entertainment.  Scattered throughout were sermons or lectures with a moral or religious message.  These events were especially popular in small towns without access to the variety of speakers and entertainments in larger cities. 

The fourth annual Chautauqua which took place in Algona from June 24^th to July 2^nd in 1911 was just such a program.  Beginning at 3 p.m. each day with the exception of Sundays, the presentation would commence with a musical prelude which would be followed by a speaker.  After a break for dinner, a similar format was followed starting at 7:45 p.m. with musical entertainment after which the same speaker from the afternoon program would expound on another topic or a new lecturer or entertainer would present.  On Sundays a musical interlude followed by a sermon was added at 10:30 a.m. 

With no local venues large enough to hold the expected crowd, an enormous tent was erected on the playground behind Central School. Adult season tickets were priced at $2.50 and entitled the bearer to the entire nine-day experience.  Season tickets were available for children for $1.  You could also purchase day tickets for 50¢ each or single admissions for 35¢.  More than 300 season tickets had been sold in advance and the committee had hopes of selling another 700 at the opening.

The event schedule included 18 programs and 36 separate entertainments during the Chautauqua.  When the complete program was announced, the locals were delighted to learn that the Williams Jubilee Singers would once again be providing the musical productions during the first four days.  Their previous concerts here had been very well received and the planning committee knew they would attract a large crowd. This troupe of black singers was highly trained and extremely talented.  Their advertisement states, “Our selection of songs varies from the Opera to the Negro Boat and Cabin Songs” and included a large repertoire ranging from classic selections to plantation songs and even ragtime.  They had performed all across the United States and Canada with much success.

Speakers for the event included a United States Senator (W. S. Kenyon of Iowa), two state governors (Mississippi and North Carolina), a congressman from Indiana, a Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church as well as several other clergymen.  Other acts featured included a humorist, ventriloquist, and a lecturer.  Perhaps the most unusual speaker was Tahan, the White Savage, whose presentation almost did not take place.

Train travel in those days was not always the most reliable.  With all of their celebrities coming in by rail and sometimes scheduled to arrive only an hour or two before their scheduled presentation, it was common for one or more presenters to either arrive late or not show up at all.  Such was the case for Tahan, the White Savage.  He was expected to arrive on the 1:27 p.m. train on Tuesday afternoon, but the train itself was an hour late.  He was to give his presentation at 3 p.m.  When the train finally pulled into the depot, he was not on it.  The audience had gathered.  What was the committee to do?  Thankfully, humorist Opie Read had arrived in Algona early to have some quiet time to work on a book he was writing.  He was not scheduled to present until Friday.  Read was willing to go on and gave the same lecture he had the year before.  It was well received by the audience, many of whom had not heard it before.

And, just as Opie finished his speech, Tahan arrived on the late afternoon train.  He had simply missed his connection in Chicago.  The committee asked him to stay and promised him a spot if any other speaker did not show.  He agreed and when W. S. Battis, the interpreter of Dickins, failed to arrive on Thursday, the opportunity presented itself.  He appeared on the platform in full Indian dress and proceeded to tell his story.

Joseph K. Griffis was born in the frontier near where the city of Gainesville, Texas, is now located.  His father was a well-known United States scout known as “California Joe” and his mother was a quarter Osage Indian.  When he was two years old a band of Kiowas raided the Osage settlement where he lived with his mother.  She was killed trying to protect him.  It was the intent of the young warrior who killed his mother to kill him too, but he reconsidered and the child was presented to Kiowa Chief Zepkho-eete and his wife, Tsilta.  When she learned he came from Texas, she named him “Tahan” which means Texas man.  He was accepted into the family and raised with the chief’s other children.  As his life unfolded, at age 10 he was returned to an uncle in Texas but growing homesick, he returned to the Kiowas.  He served as a scout in the Army, was court martialed when he refused the order of a young officer to polish his boots, and sentenced to death.  While awaiting execution, he escaped from prison and wandered for three years, suspicious and afraid.  It was while he was in London, Ontario, that he was befriended by a member of the Salvation Army and became a Christian.  He learned to read and write, became a Presbyterian minister, and received a pardon from President Grover Cleveland.

Joseph K. Griffis a/k/a Tahan

The audience found Tahan’s presentation very pleasing and many complimentary remarks were received.  Senator Kenyon’s speech was also a highlight of the event.  Some other speakers did not receive such glowing remarks.  Thomas Brooks Fletcher spoke on the topic, “The Martyrdom of Fools.”  The Algona Courier described him as follows: “He is young, impulsive, and conceited and possesses a good deal of natural ability.  He talked fast and furious and worked himself into a frenzy and a sweat. . . His talk was at times highly dramatic and was interspersed with wit that kept the audience in good humor.  But he didn’t know when to stop.  He talked a good half hour too long and made the audience tired and added nothing to the essence of his lecture.”  The newspaper also panned the performance of Magician Hal Merton stating that “It pleased the children though it was not a very good exhibition of magic art and was scarcely worth what it cost.”  

Rounds Ladies Orchestra

The other two other musical groups, the Rounds Ladies Orchestra and the Castle Square Entertainers, were found to be quite entertaining.  The orchestra consisted of nine women who played a variety of instruments as well as performed vocal solos, duets and quartets.  The group was directed by Herbert O. Rounds and featured his wife, Flora Sprague Rounds.  The Castle Square Entertainers billed themselves as “a first-class quartette of popular entertainers with excellent voices, whose ensemble work has been perfected by several seasons of successful concert work.”  Their repertoire ranged from humorous songs to Irish monologues, and dramatic readings.  Both were well received by the audience, but it was mentioned that neither measured up to the Williams Jubilee Singers.

On the last evening, the Castle Square Singers closed the event with a concert of sacred music.  Members of the Chautauqua committee then addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for their patronage which allowed them to cover all of their expenses leaving a modest balance.  The audience gave the committee a standing ovation in thanks for the excellent experience and unanimously expressed their favor of continuing the Chautauqua another season.

The Chautauqua events continued on for many more years, coming to an end in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s.  Times were changing and the programs no longer attracted the crowds of the past.  But they were long remembered for bringing culture and high-quality entertainment to small town America.

Until next time,

Jean

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THE ALGONA THEATRE

It seems that whenever I come up with a topic for a new post, it never turns out the way I initially pictured it.  Sometimes my research takes me down a rabbit hole or leads me down twisting and turning paths.  Such is the case in point.  My original idea was to do a story on the Algona Theatre, but that research led to the New Call theatre which led to the Old Call Opera House and so my story takes you further back in time . . . 

THE OLD CALL

Most of us are familiar with the story of the building known originally as the Call Opera House located on Thorington Street just across the street from the courthouse.  Built by Ambrose Call and business partners in 1893, it served as an event center for the area hosting many types of entertainment, including live performances of all kinds, political rallies, school plays, graduations, and on and on, until settling into its final role as a motion picture theater.  It met its demise in a fiery inferno on April 28, 1937.

The marque of the Iowa Theatre
can be seen two buildings down
from the Old Call Theatre
(Kossuth Co Advance 7/1/1954)

N.C. “Norm” Rice had taken over management of the Call Opera House/Theatre in 1916.  One of the first things he did was to install equipment for the showing of motion pictures.  In 1929 Rice installed a sound system in the Old Call which rivaled many fine theaters in the state.  The Rice family, which consisted of wife, Harriett, and daughter, Mary Janice, lived in an apartment located in the Call.  Harriett was an exceptional pianist having attended the Boston Conservatory of Music.  She worked closely with her husband managing the Call.  When it burned, the Rices also lost all of their worldly possessions.

Plans for a new 700 seat facility began to be discussed while the embers of the old Call still smoldered.  The plans never got beyond the discussion stage though and the remains of the opera house continued to be an eyesore for more than a year.  Occasionally, a brick, window pane, or piece of mortar would fall to the sidewalk below, sometimes narrowly missing an unsuspecting passerby. 

Although the loss of the landmark Call was a devastating blow to the community, Algona was not left without a theater.  Rice also managed the Iowa Theatre which was located several doors north of the old Call site.  The motion pictures that had been booked at the Call were able to be screened there.  

THE NEW CALL

A few blocks to the north Gail Pettit had built a new motion picture theater at 216 East State Street which had opened in 1936 under the name “State Theater.”  When plans to rebuild at the old Call site did not materialize, Norm Rice and other investors purchased the building and business, renaming it “The Call.”  With its imposing façade, it became a hallmark of downtown Algona.  Unfortunately, it too would meet the fiery demise its namesake had.

Kossuth County Advance 12/21/1950

During the afternoon of December 20, 1950, a blaze broke out which soon engulfed the theater building.  Embers were flying everywhere putting other structures in danger.  The Duryea house on Call Street caught fire on the roof which fireman were able to put out.  Fire, smoke and water damage occurred to neighboring businesses which included Pratt Electric, Moose Hall, and the Kent Garage. 

The Whittemore Fire Department was called to help fight the inferno.  It was estimated that 1500 gallons of water per minute were being sprayed on the fire.  The street became coated with ice, making it very slippery for those on the scene. The back of the building collapsed and power to the area went down when utility poles and lines were damaged. 

It had been a very tough few days for Norman and Harriett Rice.  Mr. Rice had fallen earlier in the week and injured his leg.  Losing another theater to fire must have been very discouraging and then, to put the icing on the cake, Harriett fell the morning after the fire and broke her shoulder. 

THE ALGONA THEATRE

Plans to build a new theater began almost immediately.  A few years before Norm had entered into a partnership with Central States Theatre Corporation of Des Moines.  An architect by the name of George Becker from Minneapolis was hired to design the new building before the year was out.  Once again, the old Iowa Theater came to the rescue and the movies that had been booked to be shown at The Call made their debut at the Iowa instead.

Construction of the new facility, which would be named The Algona, began soon after the building permit was issued at the end of June.  The cost of the project was estimated at $60,000, a handsome budget in those days.  The final design plan provided for seating of 780 and promised every guest optimum viewing pleasure. 

Norman Rice was involved in the initial plans, but on August 1, 1951, he announced that he had sold his interest to Central States Theatre Corporation and he officially retired after 35 years in the theater management business.  He was well known in the industry, not only as a pioneer developer of sound in motion picture, but also in his ability to bring first-run films to the local screen upon release while other small-town theaters waited months to book the same movie.  He would not have long to enjoy his retirement as he died in September of 1952.

The new theater was a modern wonder of stainless steel and glass and was touted to be the most fireproof building in Algona.  A large canopy extended out over the sidewalk in front.  Huge neon letters spelling out “ALGONA” were attached to the top of both program boards which were mounted on the canopy.  The program boards were positioned so that the name of the latest feature could be seen from either direction on State Street.  Posters of upcoming attractions were displayed in glass cases on the front of the building.

Kossuth County Advance 7/1/1954

Doors of glass lined the front entrance.  The ticket office was on the right.  Its location allowed for ticket sales to be made either inside or outside, depending on the weather.  The concession booth was next to the ticket office and contained confections of many varieties and of course popcorn and soda could be purchased there as well.

Concession stand and
ticket booth

Across the lobby from the concession area was a passageway that led to an exit.  It was separated from the lobby area by a glass partition.  Another row of doors led to the inner foyer from which you would enter the auditorium.  At each end of the inner foyer were stairs that led up to the balcony which extended over the front lobby and could seat 195.  There was also a door on the west side of the inner foyer which was the entry to the manager’s office.  The office itself was located behind the concession stand. 

On the east side of the inner foyer were the entrances to the “luxuriously furnished powder and smoking rooms.”  They were quite spacious and the powder room featured cushioned chairs and mirrors all along one wall.

The auditorium could be entered on either side of the inner foyer near the balcony stairs.  The room was lined with figured acoustic board for optimum sound quality.  The screen covered a large portion of the south wall and was covered by gold curtains which swept back as the lights dimmed when the show was about to begin.  

Almost 600 sponge cushioned, form fitting, velvet upholstered chairs were mounted on the gradually pitched floor to ensure good vision from any seat.  The chairs were described as “push backs” which allowed you to push back your seat to allow someone to pass in front of you without standing up.  They were the latest thing in theater seating at the time.  Aisles were covered with burgundy carpet and rope lighting ran along the edge to guide you to your seat after the lights had been dimmed and the previews begun – or for that trip to the concession stand for a refill.

The projection area was directly behind the balcony and contained a state-of-the-art twin projection machine to provide the ultimate in technicolor viewing.  The storage room next to it provided easy access to the front canopy to allow the program boards to be changed as needed.  

The Algona Upper Des Moines 9/13/1951

The new manager, William “Bill” Schleiger, was the host at the grand opening of the new theater on September 13, 1951.  Crowds lined up down the street to have an opportunity to be in the first viewing audience.  The opening feature was “On Moonlight Bay” starring Doris Day and Gordon MacRae.  Admission prices were 60¢ for adults, 45¢ for juniors (ages 12-16) and 14¢ for children.  Having separate prices for juniors was a new innovation and was well received by area families.

Kossuth County Advance 9/18/1951

PERSONAL MEMORIES

My memories of the theater date back to the 1960's.  We did not frequent the theater much as a family but as I grew older, I was often allowed to attend a movie on Saturday afternoon.  One of my favorites was “Sound of Music” and I sang every song I could remember as I slowly walked home, replaying every scene in my mind.  I was often pressed into taking my little brother to shows and free merchant movies and though I sometimes protested having to be his babysitter, I had to admit that I enjoyed the shows we went to almost as much as he did.

If I was lucky, I would have enough money to buy a treat and I remember looking at the variety in the concession case while waiting my turn to order.  There were many good things to purchase and I would go back and forth, trying to make a decision in advance so I didn’t hold up the line when it was my turn.  Although many brightly wrapped packages would catch my eye, nine times out of ten I would default to my favorite, Sugar Babies, and then ration them out so that they would last me through the show, which of course they never did.

The Algona in 1980

As I grew older, the theater was a frequent destination, whether with friends or on a date.  James Bond flicks, Kramer vs. Kramer, All the President’s Men and The Sting were so entertaining on the big screen.  And before too many years passed, I was taking my own children to the Algona Theatre to make their own memories of watching Disney movies, Jurassic Park, and Home Alone.

The Algona Theatre building in 2020

In July of 2005, a tri-plex movie theater opened just a block down the street and after 54 years of service, The Algona closed.  Today the building stands vacant, having outlived its usefulness as a theater.  It has been the home to several bars/restaurants during the intervening years and I hope that it will one day open its doors to serve the public once again.  For now, my memories will have to be enough.

This post is dedicated to my late sister, Kathy, who worked in both the ticket booth and concession stand at The Algona while in high school.  It was there she met her future husband, Dave.  Miss you, Sis!

Until next time,

Jean

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KOSSUTH COUNTY AND THE SPANISH FLU EPIDEMIC OF 1918 - PART 4

The State Board of Health reported that 54,000 cases of influenza had been reported in the state of Iowa during the months of October and November.  Many cases went unreported if a doctor was not in attendance so it was impossible to document how many individuals had actually been infected. 

Bancroft Register
December 5, 1918

On December 5, 1918, the Bancroft Register published an article stating that the epidemic had “about worn itself out in Bancroft” as no new cases had been reported for several days.  Local physician Dr. J. A. Devine had been carrying a heavy load for weeks but the newspaper paid him credit stating “his hard and untiring efforts have been the cause of saving many lives without doubt.” 

Although the disease had slowed at Bancroft, it seemed to be spreading in the farms in Kossuth County.  It was almost impossible to find any help for the families who were ill.  The Swea City Red Cross chapter offered $4 per day to anyone who would help nurse destitute sufferers from influenza.  The death rate continued at an average of slightly more than one per day.  Local undertaker W. E. Laird reported 62 funerals in Algona and nearby towns since October 1^st directly attributable to the outbreak.

DEATHS ELSEWHERE

In addition to the deaths of so many Kossuth County residents, more losses were felt by the passing of relatives and friends who died outside county borders.  Bessie Palmer was employed as a fitter at the Chrischilles & Herbst store where she had worked for six years.  A native of Ireland, Bessie had come to the United States nine years before.  After receiving the news of the death of her sister who lived in Liverpool, England, she traveled to Fort Dodge to convey the news to another sister who lived there.  Bessie herself contracted influenza while there which was followed by pneumonia from which she died after nine days’ illness.

A Germania native died at Moline, Illinois, after contracting the disease while on duty as a police officer.  Roy Liesveld exhibited bravery and heroism for his work with influenza patients, often carrying them to and from the ambulance to deliver them to the Red Cross emergency hospital.  A victim of the typhoid outbreak of the previous summer, it was thought that he had not fully recovered, leaving him more vulnerable to the flu.  At the time of his death, his wife and five-year-old daughter were both patients at the city hospital, ill with influenza.

HARRY SEELY COMES HOME

The month of December did bring an answer to a problem the Seely family from Whittemore had been dealing with for some time.  Their son, Harry, had been in the service for eight months, seven of which he had spent in the hospital at Camp Dodge.  As his illness drug on, his mother had mortgaged her farm near Whittemore and used the money to go to Des Moines to make daily trips to see him and to work for his release.  His doctors agreed that his condition permitted a discharge, but due to red tape, he remained hospitalized.  In August, the family received notice of the death of their youngest son, Bert, while fighting in France.  Mrs. Seely was overcome with grief, almost to the breaking point.

Channeling her sadness into action, she wrote one last letter to H. L. Eddy, Secretary of the Public Welfare Bureau with the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, whom she knew had a personal acquaintance with President Wilson.  Begging him to get a discharge for Harry, she wrote, “The doctors at the hospital say he has done enough for his country.  He is all I have now as my other son was killed in action in France last August, while fighting for his country.  Won’t you write to the president, Mr. Eddy, telling that you are personally acquainted with the boy’s parents and that if I take him home, he will get well?”

Kossuth County Advance
December 5, 1918

Eddy did write the president and hoped for an answer.  Perhaps President Wilson did remember Eddy with whom be became acquainted while the two waited for a street car back in 1911 or perhaps he simply decided to take pity on the poor mother who wanted her sick son to be sent home so she could nurse him back to health.  Whatever the reason, Secretary Eddy did receive a brief letter from the adjutant general stating that Harry had been granted a furlough.  The waiting was finally over – Harry could go home.  (He would go on to recover and two months later would report back to Camp Dodge for service).

FAMILIES SUFFER GREAT LOSSES

The Whittemore and Fenton areas suffered their share of illness and losses in December.  Dr. E. A. Nash of Fenton reported that he had treated 175 cases of influenza together with 12 cases of pneumonia since late October.    A well-known young man, Arthur Klatt, passed away on the 6^th, followed by his sister, Mrs. L. E. (Carol) Mueller, who died on the 9^th.  Besides their parents, Mrs. Mueller was survived by her husband and four small children.

So many families lost more than one member to the epidemic.  On December 10^th, Anna Studer Haverly passed away, leaving four children between the ages of 2 to 8.  Her brother, Dan Studer, was the first serviceman from Kossuth County to die of the disease.  The entire household of Robert Dodds became sick with the flu including William Palmer and his wife who happened to be there at the onset.  All were on the road to recovery until Robert’s condition worsened and pleurisy set in, taking his life.  His brother Richard traveled from his home near Des Moines to attend the funeral, but became ill during the trip.  He died at his mother’s home in Algona just ten days after his brother’s death.  The Joseph Baldwin family of Whittemore lost a son, Richard, age 11, and a daughter, Beulah, almost 2, within three days.

Upper Des Moines Republican
December 4, 1918

As the number of flu cases began to subside across the country, doctors began to predict the widespread outbreak of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis and even tuberculosis if citizens did not keep their guard up and continue practicing good hygiene habits.  They encouraged the habit of spending time outdoors in fresh air, as was the protocol at tuberculosis sanatoriums, as well as right living and good food.

SOMBER HOLIDAYS

Christmas that year would be different than any other before it for the residents of Kossuth County.  Many seasonal gatherings were cancelled, while others went on as planned.  Several area churches put together baskets of toys and clothing to be delivered to families in need, especially those who had suffered thru the epidemic.

Kossuth County Advance
December 19, 1918

There were so many mixed emotions.  As a nation, the end of the war brought a whole new meaning to the Christmas wish for “Peace on Earth.”  On December 11, 1918, the Upper Des Moines-Republican printed a short article which read, “Many American homes will have a glorious Christmas with their sons at home from France.  Other homes where a son will never return, will be filled with sorrow.”  For the families that had lost a son as a casualty either on the battlefield or from disease, their homes were filled with sadness seeing the empty chair at the table.  Likewise, those homes from which influenza and pneumonia had stolen loved ones bore the same feelings of sadness and loss.  And sickness still reigned in many residences where the holiday passed with little fanfare.  Two more county residents – Rena Johnson of Germania and Earl Sabin of Algona – died on Christmas Day.

It was with both hope and trepidation that Kossuth County anticipated the dawning of 1919.  What would the new year bring?

Kossuth County Deaths from Influenza/Pneumonia December 1918
Name	Location of Death	Age	D/O/D	Record*
Martha Kopen (Koppen)	Algona	25Y 2D	12/02/1918	KCDR
Raymond Ekness	Fenton Twp.	19Y 5M 19D	12/04/1918	KCDR
Britha Ellingson	Ottosen	47Y 2M 24D	12/04/1918	KCDR
Arthur Klatt	Fenton	24Y 14M 16D	12/06/1918	KCDR
Alfred Reinhard Richter	Titonka	2Y 9M	12/06/1918	KCDR
Peter J. Wyman	Whittemore	41Y 9M 16D	12/08/1918	KCDR
Fred Wright	Algona	65 to 70	12/08/1918	Obit/NA
Baby Hardgrove	Algona	10M	12/08/1918	Obit/NA
Mrs. Lue (Carol Klatt) Mueller	Fenton	29Y 1M 6D	12/09/1918	KCDR
Walter Pratt	Algona	8Y 0M 8D	12/09/1918	KCDR
Hugo Johnson	Swea City		12/16/1918	Obit/NA
Roy Brown	Algona	6Y 9M 24D	12/10/1918	KCDR
Anna Haverly	Wesley	30Y 1M 25D	12/10/1918	KCDR
Ethel Bailey	Fenton	21Y 4M 27D	12/11/1918	KCDR
Katherine Ebert Christ	Germania	51Y 4M 28D	12/11/1918	KCDR
Robert Dodds	Algona	34Y 1M 8D	12/11/1918	KCDR
August Ohm	Fenton	26Y 7M 7D	12/11/1918	KCDR
Baby Wylie or Wiley	Harrison Twp.	9M	12/1918	Obit/NA
Richard Harold Baldwin	Whittemore	11Y 0M 16D	12/12/1918	KCDR
Esther Elnora Kucheweuther (Kuchenreuther)	Wesley Twp.	16Y 3M 11D	12/12/1918	KCDR
Beulah Bernice Baldwin	Whittemore	1Y 10M 15D	12/15/1918	KCDR
Albert R. Leek	Portland	30Y 5M 2D	12/16/1918	KCDR
John W. Looft	Wesley	35Y 10M 35D	12/16/1918	KCDR
Ella Elmina Robinson	Wesley Twp.	28Y 6M 1D	12/20/1918	KCDR
Sarah Patterson	Germania	23Y 3M 29D	12/20/1918	Obit/NA
Richard E. Dodds	Algona	31Y 28D	12/21/1918	KCDR
Grace Cleo Hackerson (Hackerman)	Wesley	25Y 6M 24D	12/21/1918	KCDR
Harley Lester	Ramsey Twp.	28Y	12/21/1918	KCDR
Ernest Herman Pompe	Lone Rock	24Y 11M 11D	12/21/1918	KCDR
Rena Johnson	Germania	22Y 10D	12/25/1918	KCDR
Earl Sabin	Algona	31Y 9M 18D	12/25/1918	KCDR
Christine Anderson Olson	Bancroft	56Y 11M 28D	12/26/1918	KCDR
William Hintz	Algona	21Y 26D	12/27/1918	KCDR
Minnie (Almina) Smith	Swea City	23Y 6M 28D	12/27/1918	KCDR
Emery Chapin, Sr.	Sexton		12/30/1919	Obit/NA
Sarah Eckstein	Algona	39Y 1M 23D	12/30/1918	KCDR
*KCDR=Kossuth County Death Records  -  Obit/NA=Obituary/News Article ( ) show corrections to the original record

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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