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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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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THE PICTURESQUE SWETTING HOUSE

One of the most unique homes in “Picturesque Algona” – in fact in all of Algona even today – is the Swetting home located at 331 North Thorington Street.  Looking much like an old Italian villa, it was owned in 1900 by Ernest Volney Swetting and his wife, Bernice.  The superior craftsmanship of the mason is shown in the brick crowns over the windows and other features which give this house so much character.

E.V. SWETTING

E. V. Swetting first came to Algona in 1878 as a school teacher.  He also taught for a short time at Estherville.  His dream of becoming an attorney was realized when he began to study the law in the offices of Coolbaugh & Call, well-known Algona attorneys.  He passed the bar in 1886 and was admitted to practice. 

That same year he was married to Mrs. Bernice P. Johnson, a widow with a young daughter.  They lived briefly in Emmet County, but moved permanently to Algona in 1891.  By the time “Picturesque Algona” was published in 1900, the Swettings were living in this lovely brick abode.

In talking to its current owners, Harley and Anne Kohlhaas, I was told that their research indicated that the structure was likely built in the late 1860s or sometime in the 1870s.  That period falls within the time frame when the Italianate style of home was most popular in the United States, but was certainly earlier than 1891 which is when the Swettings permanently settled in town.  I found it hard to reconcile the difference in dates because I assumed the Swettings had built the house (a rookie mistake).  Once I realized my error, I attacked the search with a broader mind.  I was hopeful that as I researched the house, I would be able to discover the truth.

My first stop was at the Kossuth County courthouse.  Records there revealed that Lelia E. Benham deeded the real estate on which the house sits to E. V. Swetting on March 30, 1894.  An article from the Algona Republican published on April 4, 1894 states that “E. V. Swetting has bought the Mrs. Benham place on Thorington street and will make it his future home.  There is a pretty and commodious brick house and four desirable lots.  He got the property cheap at $1600.”  A piece of the puzzle fell into place as I now knew the house was in existence in 1894.

THE BENHAMS

So who was Lelia Benham and how did she become owner of the house?  By 1894 Mrs. Benham was a widow.  Her husband, Napoleon Bonaparte “Poley” Benham had died in May of 1890 at the age of 47 years.  I knew a little about Mr. Benham from a Civil War project that I had contributed to for the Kossuth County Genealogical Society several years ago. 

Benham had enlisted in the 106^th New York volunteers in 1862 at the age of 19.  While serving under General Sheridan at the battle of Winchester on September 19, 1864, he was shot in the right lung while his regiment was charging a rebel battery.  His obituary published in the Upper Des Moines on May 14, 1890, states:  “The bullet went in just below the collar bone, and was not found for two weeks.  But with the indomitable grit that characterized him, he picked up his musket and walked to the hospital three miles distant.  Parts of his coat and shirt were taken from the wound, and probably some were never found but remained to poison his blood.  In December he had recovered sufficiently to go back to the front, where he was made a second lieutenant, and where he served till the war closed.”  He would never truly recover from his wound.

Following the war, Mr. Benham settled in Clayton County, Iowa, where he met and married his wife, Lelia Benham.  A short time later he drove across the prairies with fellow veteran Adam Sawvel to Kossuth County.  Liking what he saw, he took a homestead in Lotts Creek township and also took one for A. A. Brunson, a childhood friend and army comrade.  In 1870 he moved his family to a sod house he had built on the property.  They remained on the farm for several years where they added a barn, but always lived in the sod house.  The grasshopper plague brought their farming venture to an end.  The family then moved to Algona where Benham became manager of Lockwood’s Store. 

Knowing that the Benhams moved to Algona in the mid-1870s gave me a further clue.  I have to admit that tracking the chain of ownership to the property in question was not easy.  Legal descriptions had changed through the years as areas of the town were platted.  The legal description used at the time the property was sold to E. V. Swetting was not the same description used when it was purchased by the Benhams.  After several hours of searching through courthouse records and receiving the helpful and knowledgeable assistance of the personnel at the Assessor’s and Recorder’s offices, I was able to determine that N.B. Benham purchased the property July 16, 1878 from Asa C. Call.  I do believe that the property would have been unimproved at the time Benhams purchased it since Asa Call owned mostly unimproved lots which he would sell for development.

In 1878 Benham was elected Clerk of court where he continued to serve for ten years.  At that time the office of Clerk was an elected position.  In the campaign of 1882, the Upper Des Moines newspaper ran an editorial which came out in favor of Benham’s competitor.  The article states, “Mr. Benham has also had the office for four years.  He is a good man, but he is not the only good man in the county, and having held the office two terms he has no further claim upon it.  Before taking the office he held a lucrative position in the “Dollar Variety Store,” and is in independent circumstances, having one of the costliest residences in Algona, so that he will hardly make the claim of being entitled to sympathy.  Experience shows that it is better to change officers once in four years at least, and this rule has usually been recognized in this county, but, of course, Mr. Benham wants to hold onto a good thing just as long as he can.”  (Emphasis mine).

After gathering all of this circumstantial evidence, it is my theory that this distinctive, one-of-a-kind home was built by Napoleon and Lelia Benham in the late 1870s following his election as Clerk of Court.  This time frame corresponds with the estimated age suggested to Harley and Anne Kohlhaas. It is unknown where the Benhams lived when they first moved to Algona, but it had to be quite a transition going from a sod house to a more traditional home.  Moving to this brand new magnificent structure just a few years later must have been a dream come true for its residents.

N.B. Benham

Despite anything in the editorial to the contrary, Benham was well liked and an efficient public servant.  His health continued to decline, however, when the poison in his lung spread to his neck.  Leaving office in 1888, his last two years of life until he passed away were spent as an invalid.  It is mentioned in several sources that no matter his circumstances, Poley always maintained a genial spirit and greeted everyone with a smile and kind word.  He died May 8, 1890.  His funeral was held at the residence with a large attendance.  Following the service, a large group of Masons wearing white crepe led the long procession which wended its way to Riverview cemetery where his body was laid to rest.  He left behind a wife, a daughter and two sons to mourn his passing.

THE SWETTINGS

The house became a fine home for the Swettings as well.  Both were involved in the community and the Congregational Church.  Bernice was a member of the Woman’s Library Aid Society and enjoyed homemaking and entertaining her friends, hosting various meetings in her home.  Besides being a member of the local bar, Mr. Swetting was an active Mason.  He, too, enjoyed entertaining at his home and would often invite lawyers visiting from other areas to his home for a pleasant evening and sometimes a game of skat.  E. V. loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.  He never quite lost the love of teaching as he continued to have a great deal of interest in young people and never missed a high school debate or declamatory contest.

E. V. also deeply loved Bernice’s daughter, May, who grew up to marry T.P. Harrington, another local attorney.  He was a doting grandfather to her children.  Bernice passed away from an illness with cancer in 1921 leaving a large void in E. V.’s life.  The untimely death of May’s son, Howard Harrington, in October of 1926 was a significant blow to him as well.  A few months later on a Thursday evening while playing cards with his friends Judge Quarton and Dr. Alf Rist and others, he suddenly fainted.  He was taken to the Harrington home.  He remained on bed rest even though initially feeling better on Friday, but was seized with a fatal heart attack early Saturday morning, February 20, 1927, and died around eleven o’clock that morning.

The house in 2015

The house has seen many owners and many changes through the years—even serving as an apartment house for a period of time.  The structure has undergone numerous alterations to both its interior and exterior during its lifetime, but still retains its very unique character.  Thorington Street would not be quite the same without this irreplaceable residence.  It truly does make Algona more “picturesque.”

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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THE PICTURESQUE HUTCHISON HOUSE

One of my bosses at my first “grown up” job was Donald Hutchison.  Don was in his late 70’s when I came to know him.  He was a well respected lawyer and a pillar of the community.  He was such a nice person and treated me almost like a granddaughter.  I always thought that if you looked up the word “distinguished” in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Don.  I came to learn that he was the grandson of Ambrose Call.  I was too young to appreciate the significance of that at the time, but now certainly regret the fact that I never questioned him about it in detail.  While looking through the book Picturesque Algona recently, I noticed that one of the homes prominently featured was that of Don’s parents.  It made me curious about finding out more about Don’s family and childhood home.

The House 

The stately mansion built by Archibald and Edith (Call) Hutchison once stood on the southwest corner of the intersection of State and Wooster Street, at 522 East State Street to be exact.  Although this area now contains commercial buildings, at the turn of the 20^th century, grand homes were beginning to line East State Street.

Edith, the daughter of Ambrose and Nancy Call, and Archie Hutchison, a prominent and well respected local businessman, had been married in a lavish ceremony at the home of Edith’s parents on August 31, 1893.  They had taken up residence in a home in the northwest part of town following their return from their honeymoon to the World’s Fair in Chicago.  By 1898, they had two small children and needed more room for their growing family.  Ambrose Call deeded the large lot (equal to a quarter of the whole block) to Edith, builder A. M. Coan was hired and construction began early that spring.  An article published in the Algona Courier on March 18, 1898, stated that Archie Hutchison “will build a $3,000 to $4,000 home on the corner opposite Mr. Ferguson’s.”

From its stone foundation, the house towered three stories high.  A large wrap-around porch with decorative railings and tall white columns graced the front of home. A large chandelier hung in the front entry and a winding staircase led to the second floor.  The house contained many windows, several of which were of stained glass, and a music room was located on the main floor.

The house was also wired for electric lights as a power plant was in process in Algona at that time.  The Hutchisons wanted to be ready for this new service when it arrived. 

The family moved into the home in December of 1898, before the structure was fully completed.  In June of 1899 the outside was painted and it was declared “a residence fit for a king” by the editor of the Algona Courier.  Many trees lined the street area and extensive landscaping was added beautifying the grounds.  The Hutchison children spent many happy hours playing in the large yard and the surrounding neighborhood.  

Childhood Memories

Dorothy, the oldest of the Hutchison children, recalled a favorite memory as part of a story she wrote about when the circus used to come to Algona which was published in the centennial edition of the Algona Upper Des Moines on June 29, 1954.  She reflected as follows:  
      "Smaller shows also came to Algona.   Who could forget the Gentry Brothers' Dog and Pony Show?  It came and went with less fanfare, of course, but the cunning little black and white dogs with their tricks, the tiny Shetland ponies that bounced around the ring, and the monkeys had a big place in our hearts.  We always welcomed that show with enthusiasm, partly because it was almost shown in our back yard.

     "At that time there were no houses between ours, now the Leaneagh house, and Colonel Spencer's house way up on McGregor Street.  What could be a better place for a show?  The ticket wagon was always on the spot where now stands the Zerfass house.  Donald and I spent many hours in with the ticket seller, who bore our presence with fortitude and patience, and wrote our names on the wall."

Archie and Edith Hutchison

Archie Hutchison 

Archie Hutchison was a native of Ireland, coming to America in 1880 at the age of 18.  He first settled at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, where he lived and worked with an uncle.  After three years, he came to Kossuth County working as a farm laborer for several years.  He then purchased a grain elevator in Algona, which he sold shortly thereafter at a profit.  Archie felt that a good education was needed for him to succeed, so he enrolled at Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa.  Being older than the average college student, Archie was even more determined to receive a thorough education.  Following four years of college, he returned to Algona where he went into the real estate and loan business and later became city clerk.  He started to study the law on his own and later passed the bar on his second attempt.  Archie was admitted to practice in 1896. He practiced law for 40 years and both of his sons, Donald and Theodore, followed in his footsteps, become lawyers and joining his practice.

Prior to her marriage, Edith Call attended college at St. Mary's of Notre Dame, Northwestern University and the Art Institute in Chicago.  She taught school in Kossuth County and was teaching at Central School until her engagement.  Employed at a time when teachers were required to remain single, Edith resigned her position to prepare for her wedding.  In the article describing her wedding in the Upper Des Moines Republican on September 6, 1893, it was said that she "has won the love and admiration of all by her womanly traits, pleasant and kindly disposition and admirable character."

The couple was very active in their church and the community.  Archie served as the Algona justice of the peace for over 30 years.  A lifelong Methodist, he was active in building the stone church still serving that congregation today.  Archie was the organizer and largest stock holder of the Security State Bank (which many years later was sold and was known by several other names including First Interstate Bank and United Central Bank).  He also continued in the real estate business and, through shrewd investments, acquired over 1,000 acres of farm land.  At his passing in January of 1938, the Kossuth County Advance wrote, “Mr. Hutchison’s life vividly illustrates the opportunities that the new America offered the young men from the old country.  Coming here with little, he practiced what are now termed the ‘old-fashioned’ virtues of thrift, honesty, and hard work throughout his life, and demonstrated that upon such foundations a successful life is constructed.” A large crowd attended his funeral which was held at the house and burial followed at Riverview Cemetery.

March of progress

Edith deeded the house to her son, Theodore, in December of 1940 and moved

Site of the Hutchison House in 2015

to a smaller home adjoining the property to the south where she spent her later years.  The mansion was sold to Del and Arlouine Leaneagh in 1950 and Edith passed away at the age of 89 on March 2, 1953.  Following a fire which destroyed his downtown grocery store, William Hood purchased the property in March of 1955.  The beautiful old home was razed in May of 1955 to make way for the new Hood’s Super Valu building.  American Marine is now located at this site.

Don Hutchison

Although the march of progress brought the end to this charming old home, I find it fascinating to imagine the memories that were made behind its doors and what the area looked like during the early years of its existence.  It makes me smile to think of Don as a young boy growing up in this stately home and having the run of the neighborhood.  He was a kind and generous soul who I will never forget.

Until next time,

Jean (a/k/a Kossuth County History Buff) 

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