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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THE HAWES HOUSE

Last summer I led a historic tour of Algona for a leadership class sponsored by the Algona Chamber of Commerce.  This was a combination of several tours that had been done in the past by Mayor Lynn Kueck and Jane Nettleton.  Several of the stops along the tour were unfamiliar to me and I decided when I had the time, I was going to dig a little deeper into their history to learn more.  One of those stops concerns a house in the south part of town.

  

THE HOUSE 

At 418 South Harlan Street in Algona, you will find a lovely Victorian house that was constructed by Fred W. Hawes and his wife.  Fred was born on August 9, 1845 in Corinna, Maine and came to Algona around 1870.  His wife, Lovica B. Wilson Hawes, (commonly known as Harriet), had been born in 1852 in Genoa, Illinois.  Together they would have one child, Frederick Wilson Hawes, who was born February 13, 1873.

Fred was soon a part of the bustling downtown business district.  An article in the May 5, 1872 edition of the Upper Des Moines stated that he was putting up a large harness shop on State Street. In addition to selling and repairing harnesses, bridles, saddles and other horse accessories, the store handled trunks, traveling bags, buffalo robes and other items for its two-legged customers.  Fred was also in the market for hides, furs and wool.

From Algona Republican, July 23, 1879

Later articles hail Fred as a hard-working, industrious businessman who was successful at his profession. His success must have been great enough that in 1877 the Hawes decided to build a new home and purchased a tract which lies at the corner of Kennedy and Harlan streets.  Abram Wolfe was chosen as the builder.  He would later go on to build the Congregational Church.  Construction of the house began in 1878.  That would also be a year of unforeseen struggle for the Hawes family.

1878

In March of 1878, Harriet Hawes contracted diphtheria.  A bacterial infection that spreads very easily, diphtheria causes sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness.  At its worst, it can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis and even death.  Today it is easily treatable with antibiotics, but in 1878 it posed a real danger to those who contracted the disease. Newspaper reports state that Mrs. Hawes was quite ill.  This must have been a tough time for the family—dealing with her illness, building a new house, running a busy business enterprise and chasing an active five year old.  Despite Harriet’s illness, construction of the house proceeded.  The June 6^th edition of the Upper Des Moines reports that rapid progress was being made on the house and that it would be one of the finest residences in Algona when completed.

After several months of recovery, July found Mrs. Hawes reunited with her family.  An article in the July 25, 1878 edition of the Upper Des Moines states that “Fred Hawes is again happy in the presence of his wife.  They are occupying temporarily the rooms over his store, awaiting the completion of their house.”

I could not determine exactly when the Hawes family moved into their new home, but I can only imagine what it must have been like seeing the finished design details.  Brick manufactured here in Algona was used for the exterior.  Inside, a curved plaster wall in the kitchen accommodates the curved staircase on the opposite side.  The staircase features a black walnut banister that wraps around the open upstairs.  The rooms have 10 foot ceilings, arched doorways and hardwood floors. 

By that fall, things seemed to finally have settled down.  Harriett had recovered from her bout with diphtheria, they had settled into their new home, and business was good.  In early November, Fred joined Ambrose Call, A.D. Clarke, and J. H. Hawkins on a deer hunt in northern Kossuth County.  Their trip was successful as they all managed to bring home some venison to enjoy during the upcoming winter.

Just a few days later, however, another misfortune occurred.  Around 7 p.m. on November 23, 1878, a fire was spotted in the barn behind the Hawes’ harness shop.  At the time of discovery, flames had already broken through the roof.  The barn contained a cow belonging to John Goeders, hay, several pieces of equipment and other miscellaneous articles. A gusty west wind was blowing which threatened the entire city.  With no organized fire department, it was up to the citizens to save their town.  Able bodied townspeople rushed to the scene to fight the fire, buckets in hand.  Pail after pail of water was thrown on the conflagration until it was contained, miraculously without spreading to a single neighboring building.

This blaze ignited a discussion in the community about the need for fire protection in Algona.  Depending on unorganized locals to turn out with their buckets to put out a raging inferno did not seem to be the best of plans.  The most practicable suggestion made was the formation of two companies—a bucket company and a hook and ladder company.  It was felt that the young men of the town would enthusiastically band together to create a hook and ladder company while the older men were numerous and strong enough to operate a bucket brigade. Further it was suggested that the necessary buckets and other equipment could be stored in the basement of the courthouse with the ladders stored in an adjoining shed. Despite the outcry, a number of years would pass before an organized fire department would be formed.

When 1878 came to a close, the Hawes family must have been glad to step off the roller coaster ride that it had been.  They began to enjoy their home. In 1879 they hosted a combination social/church festival on June 17^th for the Episcopal Church of which they were active members.  One can picture the members of their congregation gathered on the front lawn enjoying conversation and homemade ice cream and strawberries.

FEATURED IN “PICTURESQUE ALGONA”

Fred’s business continued to grow and in 1880 he added on to his shop to make a place to display his stock of clothing and accessories for gents.  A very sad incident occurred in the fall of 1882 when the infant daughter of the couple died when she was just a few days old.

In April of 1883, they sold their lovely home to Mary J. Clarke.  She in turn sold it to E. J. Gilmore in 1890 and it was featured in “Picturesque Algona” as Gilmore’s home when that booklet was published in 1900.

THE HAWES FAMILY LEAVES ALGONA

As the decade of the 1880s came to a close, Fred must have begun to feel a wanderlust.   The Hawes sold their home in the area and moved to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) where they became pioneer settlers.  Another leather goods business was opened in Henryetta, Oklahoma, which eventually was taken over by their son, Fred, who was a veteran of the Spanish American War. 

Fred, Sr., passed away on April 16, 1911, and was buried in West Lawn Cemetery in Henryetta.  His son became a prominent businessman and active community member.  He took care of his mother until her passing in May of 1916.  She was laid to rest beside Fred, Sr.

INVITATION

Next time you drive through the intersection of Harlan and Kennedy streets, I invite you to take a moment to study the beautiful brick home located in the northwest corner.  At the age of 140 years, the stately home remains one of the most charming residences in Algona.  It stands in tribute to the quality workmanship of its builder, Abram Wolfe, as well as in honor of Fred and Harriet Hawes, its first occupants. 

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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COL. T. F. COOKE

From his birth at Center Grove near Dubuque on January 29, 1863, to his death in Hollywood in 1941, Thomas F. Cooke lived a full and vibrant life in his 78 years.  Born while the Civil War was raging, he would never get to know his father, David Grant Cooke, who was killed in battle near Cottage Grove, Tennessee in December of 1864, at the age of 30.  Raised by his widowed mother, Thomas grew to manhood.

From the Upper Des Moines Republican
September 28, 1904

It is not known exactly when Cooke came to Algona, but as a young man he entered into the land business in the area.  By 1888 he had joined A.D. Clarke who had been in various aspects of real estate and insurance business since 1870 in Algona.  An article which ran in the Algona Republican on June 6, 1888 described the A D. Clarke & Co. partnership as follows:  “The present firm, consisting of Hon. A. D. Clarke and Thos. F. Cooke was organized in 1870 although Mr. Clarke has been in business here since 1866.  Their office is on Dodge street between State and Call streets and is nicely fitted up.  They do a general land business and have 50,000 acres on their lists, mostly in this county.  They can sell wild land at from $7 to $14 per acre, and improved farms at from $16 to $40 per acre.  They also have a complete set of abstracts to the lands of the county, pay taxes for non-residents, make real estate loans on long time at low rates of interest.  They are also large dealers of land on their own account.  Mr. Clarke was a member of the assembly from Kossuth County last winter, and has a large acquaintance in this section of the state.  The firm represents the German-American, Continental and Queen Insurance companies and do a large business in that line.” 

NEW HOME

With business success came the need for a home large enough to entertain.  In June of 1886, Cooke purchased two lots from J. B. Jones for the erection of a new residence prior to winter.  They were located at 302 East Call. Local contractor Sam Plumley began the construction in July.  By late fall, the house was ready for occupancy.  Cooke continued to improve the look of his stately home, grading the lots and landscaping and in 1894 he installed concrete walks.  The residence was later featured in the book “Picturesque Algona.”

COMPANY F, IOWA NATIONAL GUARD

In the spring of 1889 A.D. Clarke was notified that there was a vacancy in the Sixth regiment, Iowa National Guard.  The letter inquired as to whether or not Algona would like to become its home base.  Clarke passed the correspondence to Thomas Cooke who quickly organized a group of young men to join the proposed company.  A short time later, members of the group gathered in the G.A.R. Hall and were reviewed by Col. L. B. Raymond of Hampton who found favor and recommended acceptance.

A muster of Company F took place on the evening of July 2, 1889 in the courthouse hall.  The forty-nine men present took the oath “to support the constitution of the United States and of the state of Iowa and to obey the orders of the commander-in-chief and of such officers as may be placed over you.”  The fiftieth man—Will Naudain—was unable to attend the muster and took the oath on his own three days later, bringing the total membership to an even fifty.

An election immediately followed the muster and Thomas F. Cooke was elected Captain by the men.  The recruits were required to purchase their own uniforms which consisted of a helmet; dark blue, single-breasted frock coat, piped with white; and sky blue trousers.  A fatigue cap could be worn in place of a helmet for drills and fatigue duty.  It wasn’t until the next year that the citizens of Algona joined together to raise money for the purchase of working uniforms consisting of blouses and leggings and to buy equipment for the rifle range.  The men were quite thankful to have working uniforms so that they no longer needed to wear their dress uniforms for drills and policing.

At the time of the muster the annual encampment was only six weeks away.  Most of the recruits had no formal military training so there was much to do.  Lieutenant Benjamin Haggard, who had been a member of the state university battalion, became the instructor in the manual of arms.  The group drilled almost every evening and was pleased to be second only to Company H of Sioux City when judged at the encampment.  Early in 1890, Sergeant Stahl of Second U.S. Infantry from Fort Omaha came to Algona and conducted a month-long special drill.  At the end of the month, Company F performed an exhibition drill in the courthouse which old timers declared had never been equaled in Algona.  Their drilling exhibitions were also well received at the Kossuth County Fair each year.

Captain Cooke must have been very good with firearms both in uniform and out.  He was an avid hunter who often traveled to Union Slough or other area hunting areas along with friends Otto Falkenhainer, Edgar Butler and Harry Wilson in search of game.  In 1892, Governor Boles appointed him general inspector of small arms practice for the state and his rank increased to lieutenant colonel.  Cooke would go on to hold this position for about ten years.

CAPTAIN COOKE MARRIES

By the time he reached his thirtieth birthday in 1893, Cooke was established in a profitable career, had built a beautiful home and was climbing the ranks of the National Guard.  The next year he erected a small two room cottage for use as a summer residence at Arnold’s Park.  The only thing that seemed to be missing was someone with whom he could share his life.  Once again his partner, A.D. Clarke, perhaps inadvertently, provided the answer.  Nellie Elizabeth Ford, a long-time friend of the Clarkes, came for a visit in 1894.  Was she invited specifically to meet Clarke’s young partner?  Or did Thomas hear of a delightful young female guest at the Clarke home and invite himself over for dinner?  We will never know, but Nellie and Thomas were eventually married on March 27, 1895 in her hometown of Whitewater, Wisconsin.  They settled into life in the house at 302 East Call where they would add a son, Edwin, and a daughter, Elizabeth, to their family.

With the outbreak of the Spanish American War, Company F was called to serve.  They were ordered to Camp Geo. H. Thomas at Chickamauga in Walker County, Georgia.  They would never be called to actual battle, but one of their own, Edgar Winkel, died of illness while stationed there.  Colonel Cooke himself almost lost his life to typhoid fever while stationed at Chickamauga.  It took several years for him to fully recover.

Cooke was a very active volunteer in the community.  One project near and dear to his heart was the establishment of a free public library.  His wife served as president of the Algona Women’s Library Aid Society and he himself spent more than seven years as president of the Algona library board.  He worked diligently on the committee for the erection of a Carnegie Library in the city.  Without his guidance, it is likely that Algona would not be the home of a Carnegie library building.  He continued to build his business interests as well.  Cooke organized the Algona Deposit & Loan Association serving as its president, and also helped to organize the Algona State Bank, Burt National Bank, and the Whittemore, Lone Rock and Fenton state banks.

LEAVING ALGONA

In 1902 Col. Cooke purchased a half interest in the Benham Garment Company which was located at Sixth Avenue and Center Street in Des Moines.  The family initially rented a home in Des Moines, but traveled back and forth to Algona frequently.  Elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 56^th Regiment, Iowa National Guard in 1904, the family then permanently moved to Des Moines, selling their home in Algona to Professor Benjamin for $3,000.  One thousand dollars from the sale was donated to the library association for the new library.

House site in 2017

By 1907, Nellie Cooke’s asthma caused the family to seek residence in a better climate.  They moved to Hollywood, California.  Cooke headed several banks and also served as a Captain in France during World War I.  He was a member of the Hollywood Board of Trade which later became the Chamber of Commerce when Hollywood became a part of the city of Los Angeles.

The Colonel evidently had friends in the movie industry as he was accompanied by a film crew when he took a trip around the world in 1927.  It is said that the entire trip was recorded on “many reels of film.”  Wouldn’t it be delightful to view some of that footage?

He gained notoriety in 1928 as the foreman of a one of the most famous grand juries in the history of Los Angeles.  Under his guidance, indictments were brought against several prominent businessmen for bribery.  Cooke himself was described as “cool, courageous and determined to fight for honor in government.”  He was then elected to public office himself, serving as city councilman from the Hollywood district 1929-1931.

Colonel Thomas F. Cooke passed away May 14, 1941, and was buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.  His wife, Nellie, survived him by 32 years, dying at the age of 99.  She is buried beside him. 

From the Carnegie library building still standing today to bringing the National Guard to Algona in 1889, Cooke left his imprint on Algona.  A full and vibrant life indeed.

Until next time,

Jean

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HORACE HOXIE

A businessman by the name of Horace Hoxie was active in Algona at the end of the 19^th century.  For some unknown reason, his name has always intrigued me.  I knew that there was a “Hoxie-Ferguson Block” downtown but didn’t know much about it.  When I saw that his home at 620 East McGregor Street is featured in "Picturesque Algona," I decided to see what I could find out about it and him.  I was disappointed to find very little about his house other than it appears to have been built sometime after 1887, but Hoxie himself was interesting enough to merit a post.

HORACE HOXIE

Hoxie’s ancestors had come over from Wales in 1650 and settled in Providence, Rhode Island, so his family had been in America for almost two hundred years before his birth in Griswold, Connecticut, June 15, 1835.   In 1859 he went west and spent two years traveling in Kentucky and Tennessee as a book salesman for a publishing house.  Tired of the road, two years later he settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he met a pretty young lady by the name of Martha J. Slagle. 

Martha was a native of Indiana having been born in Whitley County July 31, 1844.  The two were married at Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 29, 1864.  One child, a daughter named Bertha, would bless the union.

MOVE TO ALGONA

The young family moved to Algona in 1870 where Horace opened an insurance and loan office.  He was an astute businessman and gradually began buying and building houses which he rented to others.  His insurance business was a great success with testimonials of satisfied customers printed in the newspaper.  He did have a series of partners over the years that included A. A. Brunson, A. Herman and C. E. Calkins. 

Described as a “rock ribbed Democrat,” Hoxie was active in local politics.  In 1888 he ran for the position of Kossuth County Recorder but was defeated by C. D. Creed when Republicans swept the election.  It does not appear that he ever again ran for office but remained a faithful Democrat the rest of his life.

AT HOME ON MCGREGOR STREET

The Hoxies lived in a home on McGregor Street which they sold in 1887.  According to news reports at the time of the sale, Hoxie moved into one of his rental homes with the intention of building a new residence which was to be located on the same street.  My intuition strongly suggests that the house at 620 East McGregor was the new residence that he constructed, but alas there do not appear to be any records to support that belief.  The house is itself is gone now and an apartment house built farther back on the lot has taken its place on the site.

Nonetheless, the Hoxies moved into the 620 East McGregor Street house at some point before “Picturesque Algona” was published in 1900.  Tall and stately, the house was likely the site of daughter Bertha’s wedding to J. O. “Ort” Reaser of Knoxville, Iowa, on Sunday, January 27, 1889.  The two had met several years earlier when Bertha had attended the wedding of a friend in Knoxville and had kept in touch even while Ort worked for two years as assistant foreman of one of the daily papers in San Diego, California.  According to the news story published in the Upper Des Moines following their nuptials, “The bride was dressed handsomely in cream-white, and carried a large bouquet of white roses; the groom in a suit of plain black.”  Many well-known citizens attended the wedding including Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Reed, Mrs. Stacy, Dr. L.K. Garfield and Hoxie’s political opponent, C. D. Creed and his wife.

Reaser joined his father-in-law in business immediately following the wedding.  However, the arrangement was short-lived as by October of 1891 when the Reasers’ first child was born, the young couple were residing in Knoxville.

HOXIE-FERGUSON BLOCK

That same year Horace became interested in constructing a business building on State Street.  Joining forces with William K. Ferguson, the two made plans for a double front, two story brick building designed by a Mr. Carter.  Construction began in early 1892 as soon as the frost was out of the ground.  Made of pressed brick and stone with terra cotta ornaments, dark mortar was used to enhance the appearance.  A half circle window with panes of various color glass was nestled in the top of the large brick arch in the center of the building.  With two storefronts below and multiple offices on the second floor, the building was completed at an approximate cost of $7,000.

The building was an attractive addition to State Street and was soon filled with Jas. Taylor merchandise and millinery shop in suite 105 and Langdon & Hudson Groceries and Crockery in suite 107 on the main level, with Hoxie’s insurance and loan office upstairs along with Sullivan & McMahon, attorneys at law, and H. C. Devereaux, D.D.S.  The building has survived and been the location of many businesses through the years.  It currently houses apartments upstairs and the east door front of Brown’s Shoe Fit at 105 East State Street and Computer Systems at 107. 

THE END COMES FOR THE HOXIES

Horace’s health began to fail during that last decade of his life.  He became dangerously ill in 1892 during the construction of the Hoxie-Ferguson building. He was able to recover to the point that he continued to be actively engaged in the sale of insurance and making loans, but he never returned to good health.  Before the start of winter in 1900, he and Martha rented their home and moved to the Thorington Hotel as he did not feel strong enough to travel from his house to his business downtown.  He contracted a case of the “grip” and was too weak to fight it off.  He died there on March 20, 1901 with his wife by his side.  His obituary stated that “the more intimate a person became with him the better he liked him.  He was genial and possessed a store of rich, quiet wit.”

His funeral was conducted by the Masons at the hotel.  The parlors were filled with friends gathered to pay their respects.  He was buried at Riverview cemetery.

Following Horace’s passing, Martha, whose health was so delicate that she was unable to attend his services, moved to Knoxville to live with her daughter and family.  She did become quite ill with cancer and was placed in the Iowa Sanitarium in Des Moines where it was said her suffering was intense.  She died March 19, 1903 and was brought back to Algona by train two days later.  Her body was taken directly from the train to the cemetery where a large number of friends waited and Rev. O.H. Holmes of the Congregational Church conducted services for the quiet, gentle woman.  It was exactly two years to the day after Horace was buried.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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THE PICTURESQUE J.F. NICOULIN HOUSE

Thorington Street in Algona is lined with homes that were featured in the 1900 publication, ”Picturesque Algona.”  One of the most charming is that built by J. F. Nicoulin, a prominent photographer in town.  Located at 408 North Thorington, it was built in 1888 in Carpenter Gothic style by Peter Purvis, Mrs. Nicoulin's brother-in-law.  The front door features etched glass and the house has hardwood flooring throughout. A small balcony is located off the master bedroom on the upper level and there is a bay window on the first floor.  The front porch railing is lined with decorative spindles catching the eye of a passerby.  Knowing that it was built by a photographer, I always thought it would make a quaint setting to pose subjects for a photo or two.

WHO WAS JOE NICOULIN?

The photographer in question was Joseph Francis Nicoulin, born in North Adams, Massachusetts in February of 1847.  When he was eight years of age, the family moved to Dodge County, Wisconsin.  His father drowned while building a bridge over the Rock River.  His mother remarried several years later and relocated to Appleton, Wisconsin, where J.F., at the age of 14, began working as a store clerk.  The migration west was in full swing following the close of the Civil War. We don’t know if Joe was seeking adventure or fortune when he left Wisconsin to travel to the unknown or if he had Algona in mind as his destination when he left, but we do know that he arrived here on May 1, 1870. 

Within a short time, Nicoulin opened his own photography gallery.  The popularity of having your picture taken at a studio was becoming more and more popular as technology began to improve. In later years Joe had a camera for life-size photographic and landscape work.  It would produce a picture 18 x 22 inches in size which was a marvel at the time.

Besides working with top of the line cameras, Joe spent a winter in Wisconsin studying with an artist to learn the art of retouching.  He soon built a very enviable business and had many customers.  His gallery was quite busy taking photos of wedding parties, infants and families.  If you happen to have family photos taken during Joe’s tenure in Algona, it is likely you will find the Nicoulin Photography logo somewhere on the border.

JOE TAKES A BRIDE

Isabella Galbraith also came to Algona in 1870 at the age of 18 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Will Galbraith.  Her parents had emigrated from Scotland around 1845, settling in Janesville, Wisconsin, where Isabella was born.  The lure of cheap land brought them to Kossuth County. 

It is unclear if the couple knew each other from their days in Wisconsin, but since they did not marry until 1880, it seems that their arrival in Algona the same year was coincidental.  Mrs. Nicoulin was quite striking.  The couple loved to dance and Nellie Gray Bowyer recalled watching the dancers from the sidelines.  The Nicoulins stood out among the couples on the floor, not only for their dancing abilities, but also due to Belle’s long black hair which cascaded down her back in waves which was a popular style at the time. 

Irvington was a popular place for dances and many locals would travel by horse and carriage and wagon and oxen to attend.  They would start at four o’clock in the afternoon and last all night.  The dancers would take a break for supper and lunches. 

The courthouse was another dance venue that was popular.  The courtroom would be cleared and, because of the rough, uneven surface, a large canvas would be stretched across the floor, laced to fasteners on the baseboard, and sprinkled with powder to allow smooth movement by the dancers.

BUILDING CAREER AND FAMILY

In 1884, Joe decided to construct a new business building on State Street.  He rented much of the space to other merchants and businessmen but operated his gallery there as well.

Four years later the Nicoulins began building their new home, settling into their it in 1889.  Thorington Street was abuzz with new construction and landscaping at the time.  Sidewalks were being installed up and down each block and new trees were being planted. 

After ten years of marriage, the Nicoulins welcomed a son, Joseph Fernley Nicoulin, in 1890.  Fernley was the light of his parents’ lives.  In addition, Olive Salisbury, the niece of Belle, often stayed with the couple and they became so close that they considered her to be their daughter. She was actually married in their home to John Walker in November of 1899.

AHS Debate Team -
T.H.Chrischilles,
Fernley Nicoulin,
and Harry Nolte

Years passed as they always do.  Fernley grew to manhood, well liked by all around him.  He was a good student in high school and was a member of the debate team.  His best friend was T.C. Chrischilles who lived just across the street.  A talented singer and violinist, he traveled with the Glee Club while a student at Beloit College.  After two years at Beloit, he transferred to Minnesota state university.  Health issues plagued him throughout life and he was forced to drop out of college before obtaining his degree.  He returned home where he got a job at Algona State Bank where he remained for two or three years.  Fernley then resigned to operate a farm owned by his uncle, George Galbraith, in the hope that the outdoor air would be beneficial to his health.

By this time, Joe was nearing retirement.  The Nicoulins had spent several winters in California enjoying the break from the cold Iowa winters.  Joe decided to sell his photography gallery, they rented their home to John McEnroe, and the family then moved to Hollywood, California, in 1921.  It was there that Fernley once again took up the banking trade, taking a job at the Beverly Hills bank. 

Joe was now in his mid-seventies and his health was beginning to fail.  His high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries eventually brought about his demise in May of 1924. He was buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

BELLE AND FERNLEY CARRY ON ALONE

Isabella (Galbraith) Nicoulin

As the years passed, Fernley continued to live with his mother in her Hollywood home.  His health still was precarious and depression and anxiety often caused him additional pain.  By February of 1931, it became too much for him to handle.  He took a leave of absence from the bank to deal with his condition.  He went to Palm Springs for a few days and when he returned he seemed to be in a better state of mind.

It proved not to be true, however, as he decided to take his own life.  An article printed in the Los Angeles Evening Herald recounted the story:

        "With nonchalance, J. F. Nicoulin, 44, officer of the First National Bank of Beverly Hills, conversed with a neighbor and friend early today while he shot himself to death with a pistol in the yard of his home at 1253 North Havenhurst drive, according to a police report.

        Hearing a shot, George Lee, living in a house at the rear of Nicoulin’s home, peered out of the window and saw Nicoulin pointing a gun at his breast, Lee told police.

        “What are you doing there, Nick?” shouted Lee.

        “I’m shooting myself,” Nicoulin replied.

        With that, Lee said, Nicoulin pulled the trigger again and a bullet plunged into his breast, just over the heart, knocking him to the ground.  Lee carried Nicoulin into the house where he died in the arms of his mother."

Fernley was in fact just a few days short of his 41^st birthday at the time of his demise—not 44 as stated in the news report.  He was remembered by his lifelong friend, T.H. Chrischilles, as being “Friendly and affable, with a kind word for all and malice toward none, he had that gracious faculty of attracting people toward him.”

Devastated by her loss, Belle was able to turn to her beloved niece, Olive Walker, who cared for her the rest of her life.  She passed to her eternal reward on September 19, 1936, and was buried next to her husband and son. 


The Nicoulin house still stands proudly on Thorington Street after 128 years.

Until next time,

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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Be sure to visit the KCHB Facebook page for more interesting info about the history of Kossuth County, Iowa.

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