1. REX FEED MILL AND ELEVATOR – This present mill was built by Herman Deke in 1916. He sold out to L. H. Stolte and Walter Schluter in 1922. Following Mr. Schluter’s death in 1929 Mr. Stolte carriedon the business alone until 1942. Wm. Flynn purchased the mill and elevator in 1947. A corporation was formed later, later, and present officers are Mr. Flynn and Wm. Hein.
2. LOWDEN CREAMERY ASSN. – Petersen Bros., who had a creamery here at one time, built the first building on this site. Later Henry Ruprecht and C. H. Baade operated a lumber business here. The next owner was A. Freund and Co., who sold it to the Lowden Creamery Assn. In 1911 they organized the Lowden Farmers Mutual cooperative Creamery Association. Signers of the first articles of incorporation were August Freund, Herman Wiebel, August Meyer {the first president}, Henry Brendes Sr., C. E. Kroemer, Fred Freese, and C. E. Schmidt Sr. Edwin Wenndt is now serving as president. The first buttermaker was William Sloan: he remained until 1931 when Leroy Hansen, the present buttermaker, took over.
3. MENSING MOTOR COMPANY – This site was purchased in 1860 by Petersen Bros. from Wm. Dugan. It was later owned by Aug. Petersen and Julius Freund. In 1894 August Freund became sole owner. This business became part of a corporation in 1930 and was later sold to A. L. Mensing. W. R. and Leon Mensing purchased the business from their father in 1946. W. R. left the firm last year, and Leon now continues the business. They have been Lowden’s Ford dealer here a number of years.
4. STRACKBEIN EQUIPMENT CO & LOWDEN PLUMBING AND HEATING – Erwin Strackbein purchased the implement business now known as Strackbein Equipment Co. from A. L. Mensing in 1953 and is dealer in John Deere machinery and G. E. appliances. Victor Mensing became owner of the Lowden Plumbing and Heating Co. in 1953, having also purchased it from Mr. Mensing. The building housing these two businesses was built in 1951, replacing an implement warehouse used many years by A. Freund and Co. This site was owned in early days by Petersen Bros.
5. FREUND’S DEPT. STORE –The origin of the general mercantile business of A. Freund and Co. dates back to Civil War days, when in 1860 Wm. Dugan sold his small store to Julius, Herman, and Emil Petersen. They erected a two-story building on this site. Disastrous fires wipe out the business buildings here twice in early days. The present large brick building was completed in 1878. August Petersen and Julius Freund took over the business in 1883. In 1880 Mr. Petersen retired, and August Freund became a partner of his brother. After Julius Freund’s death in 1893 August Freund assumed entire control of the business. A corporation was later formed. In 1942 this business was bought by Leo Twachtmann, Ezra Kruckenberg and Carl Deichmann-a trio who had made the operation of the store their life’s work. After 39 years with the business Mr. Twachtmann sold his interest to Arthur Fisher in 1951. Mr. Deichmann has been with the store since 1923, and Mr. Kruckenberg has served as bookkeeper since June, 1925.
6. FLUFF’S BARBER SHOP –Way back in 1860 Milo Smith sold this property to Wm. Dugan. Later Mrs. Dugan, his wife, sold it to George Mueller,who started printing “The Lowden News” here in 1902. He was followed by Chas. Reid, the second editor. At intervals it remained empty until the post office was located here. In 1935 when the post office was moved to its present location. Wilbur (Fluff) Reed purchased the building and opened his barber shop here.
7. LOWDEN PRODUCE COMPANY —In 1860 this property was sold by Milo Smith to Wm. Dugan. In approximately the same year Mr. Dugan built a hotel here, and it is believed that theoriginal building is still standing, having been spared in the 1878 fire in that block. Otto Struck operated it as a hotel; and Mrs. John Roach, who had a hotel business in the house where Marvin Jeffrey now lives, later moved her business into this building and continued here for a number of years. In the 1920’s it became a barber shop and pool hall under the management of Cox and Buttleman, Cox and Penningroth, and George Mueller. It was closed for a time and then re-opened as a machine shop by H. O. Hoffmeier and later as a produce station by H. O. Hoffmeier and Elmer Schmidt. In1954 Harry Hertzler, the present manager, took over the business.
8. H AND L LOWDEN STORE —This business is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brendres, who purchased it from the Lowden Farmers’ Co-operative Equity Assn. in 1950. They had conducted business here since 1919. First manager of this business was George Wischmann. In 1923 Fred Pauls became manager and served until 1932, when Mr. Brendes succeeded him. The store itself was built in 1919. The storeroom north of the store was built in 1927. The Association dealt in selling all kinds of merchandise, coal, and farm machinery.
9. OTTE’S REPAIR SHOP —This building was formerly used as a machine shop byLowden Farmers Equity Assn. and was built in 1932. Henry Brendes purchased it from the Coop. and sold it to Henry Otte in 1953, who rebuilt it for a tractor repair service.
10. KREINBRING’S TAVERN —This building was built in 1895 by Henry H. Twachtmann, and was used as a saloon. Later George Twachtmann, son of Henry, bought the building and operated a pool hall and card room, remaining here for 23 years. In 1946 he sold it to Lawrence Kreinbring. The eastern half of this building, which is now used for storage, was at one time used as an office by several doctors. Among these were Drs. McWilliams, DeFries, Murray, Runkle, and Montz. It was also used for a short time by a Mr. Brockmeyer who sold pianos. In 1926 Henry Twachtmann opened his barber shop here and remained until 1955, at which time he moved to his present location. Prior to the erection of the present building on this corner, a store stood here which was operated by Nick Whitney. This store was burned in 1878 and was never rebuilt until 1895.
11. TWACHTMANN’S BARBER SHOP – George Twachtmann built this building in 1926. It was occupied by Dr. F. Montz, M. D., until 1955. Henry Twachtmann purchased it from his father in 1947.
12. FARIS MARKET –A shoe repair shop; run first by Louis Stoecker, then by Wm. Knoop, and last byJohn Stoecker: occupied this site before 1912 when the building was moved, and Louis Twachtmann built the present one. August Malottki moved his meat market business here in 1913 and continued until Walter and Emil Hintze took over in 1940. When they sold out in 1945, the meat market was closed for six months. Then Don Streets came to Lowden in 1946 to operate it. Walter Faris, present proprietor, came here in 1949. The building is still owned by Mrs. Louis Twachtmann.
13. STOLTE’S D-X —At one time Nick Whitney’s old red barn stood on this site. Later the post office and “The Lowden News”were located here. The present building was built by the D-X Gas Company. Warren Stolte, owner and operator purchased it in 1947. Previous owners and attendants included Carl Ruchotzke, Walter Schluter, Julius Schluter, Carl Ruprecht, Elmer Gehrls, and Alfred Von Roden. In the early ‘20’s it was called the Hawkeye Filling Station, and band concerts were held on the canopy that extended from the station to the gas pumps.
14. CITY HALL —This was erected in 1902 at a total cost of $7,000. The west portion is used by the Fire Dept. for storing the fire truck and equipment. The east room is the mayor’s office and council room and also includes our public library. The second story has been used as a Community Hall since 1953, when modern facilities were added, making it an ideal place for organizational and social meetings. It was formerly used for large public meetings, the Amvets Auxiliary hall and the high school. The City Park lies next to the hall to the west. Summer socials and concerts by the Lowden band are enjoyed here. The city jail was located on the northwest corner of this lot until 1955, when it was torn down. This building also housed the city gas plant and water works in the early 1900’s.
15. DUBUQUE PACKING CO. BUYING STATION —This business was established here in 1949. John Smeltzer has been in charge since then being transferred here from Stanwood.
16. RUPRECHT LUMBER COMPANY – Herman Ohlrogge built the first lumber shed here in 1907. On this site he also built a small restaurant, which was run by Dick Parr. Then Henry Ruprecht Sr. purchased the yard in 1914, added to it later, and was in business until 1937 at which time it was bought by the present owners---Harold, Edwin, and Henry Jr.,and Carl---sons of Henry Sr.
17. STANDARD STATION - This was erected in 1928-29 by H, D. Kemmann Sons. This building replaced an old landmark, the Kemmann blacksmith shop and is now owned by Clarence and Lawrence Kemmann. Robert Hintz is the present operator. Other leases in recent years were George Goodnow, Gerald Hein, and Marvin Gottschalk.
18. H. D. KEMMANN INC ---This is the oldest business establishment in Lowden, having conducted business continuously at this same location for the past 82 years. In 1914 the present garage was built, and the building which had been used for many years as a sales and show room for buggies and surreys was converted into a parts room and now is being used as the office. The first farm implements sold here were McCormick-Deering line---now known as International Harvester Co. They also operated the first garage here. In 1912 they took over the agency for the Marathon car; the Ford, in 1913; Case, in 1914; Overland, in 1915; Chalmers, in 1916; and the Chevrolet. In 1923. Cyrus and Gerald Kemmannare conducting the business here, assisted by their sons, Thomas, David, and Eugene---the fourth generation of the Kemmann family to associate with the business.
19. LEE’S GARAGE – This building was built in 1946 by Lee J. Milota. It is located on the south end of the property he purchased of the late Dr. Charlton estate in 1945. This was known as the old David Kimball property. Mr. Milota does general repairing and is dealer for Clinton Engines. Jim’s Radio & TV service is located in the upper story of this building. Mr. James Milota has been in the radio repair business since 1926.
20. CONRAD BROS. – Marvin, Raymond, and Robert Conrad erected this building in 1946. They then combined their portable milling business with a feed business. In 1955 they enlarged the feed store. At the present time they operate two portable mill and mixer units, manufacture their own brand of livestock feeds called Conrad Feeds, and also sell BP Feeds.
21. HOFFMEIER’S SERVICE STATION – Originally this was the Emma Debner property. Lorenz Hoffmeier, present owner, built the station here in 1936.
22. FLETCHER’S SERVICE STATION – August Kreinbring built this station in 1937. During the next few years it changed hands several times. Harry Fletcher purchased it in 1948 and later built a repair shop next to the station in which he does general repairing.
23. REINKING’S PHOTO STUDIO – Wm. Reinking, present owner, built it in 1919. He purchased this lot from Conrad Miller. Mr. Reinking opened his business in 1899 at the age of 17 in a portable building placed back of the present Schoff’s Sundry Store. He was also located on the City Hall lot and south of the Mrs. Frieda Twachtmann residence. Lowden’s first beauty shop was located in a room in this building. Miss Mathilda Breuer (now Mrs. Floyd Hansen) was the operator. She later sold to Miss Marinda Rammelsburg. In 1935 Miss Dorothy Licht (now Mrs. Fred Wiebel) took over the business here and remained until 1940, when she moved to a shop in the David Conrad residence in West Lowden.
24. FORMER GADE’S GARAGE – This was built in 1925-26 by Fred Hartwig. In 1925 Louis Gade and Gerhard Hein established a business here. Charles Waters, now of Lost Nation, was mechanic. James V. Milota also operated a vulcanizing business here for a while. Mr. Gade continued the business for a number of years. A. F. Wuestenberg, Inc. of Bennett leased the building in 1952.
25. LINCOLN HOTEL - This hotel was built in 1915 by Mr. and Mrs. Francis Clemmens. In 1946 Mrs. Clemmens sold it to Mr. and Mrs. John Strackbein, and they in turn sold it to Mr. and Mrs. Prince Hudson in 1956. A saloon was located here in a different building in early days-a Heinrich Schmidt being one of its operators.
26. BARNES’ BLACKSMITH – James Gower acquired this lot from the U.S. in 1854. In 1856 it was sold to Thomas Shearer by Levi Drake. Among other owners were August Dresden, Herman Cassier, Herman Deke, and Ben Lohmann. In 1896 Conrad Miller remodeled the building from a livery stable to a livery barn. Julius Miller was the next owner and sold it to C. F. Richmann in 1908. It was later used as a garage by Charles Strackbein and Gerhard Hein. In 1927 Mr. Barnes moved his equipment here. He purchased the building in 1943.
27. CHAPMAN FUNERAL HOME AND HOME FURNISHIG SHTORE – P.H. Jurgensen, pharmacist, opened his first drug store here in 1890. Later it was a butcher shop and then a saloon until the building was moved to North Lowden. The building now located on this site was built in 1902 by H. L. Deichmann (father of Carl Deichmann), who bought the property from F. W. Rix and opened a general store. In 1913 L. H. Twachtmann and Edward Deininger purchased it. Harry Puck and Wm. Penningroth were the next owners. About 1926 L. H. Twachtmann again took over the business; this time he was joined by his son, Harry, who later became the proprietor. In 1951 the building was sold to Loren Hardgrave, whose son, Kenneth, made it into a funeral home and furniture store. The Ruprecht Lumber Co. bought the building in 1955, and it is now leased by Paul Chapman, who bought the business from Kenneth Hargrave in 1955.
28. RUPRECHT’S HARDWARE STORE –In 1881 Christian Muesing bought the property from the sheriff of Cedar County. In 1895 he sold it to Fred W. Rix, who built a new building in 1901. W. C. Richmann bought it in 1905 and sold it to Henry Busch in 1907. H. D. Kemmann acquired it in 1918, and the Ruprecht Lumber Co. purchased it from the H. D. Kemmann estate in 1946. Since then they have operated a hardware store; however, previously the operators were in the undertaking and furniture businesses with Christian Muesing, Fred W. Rix, W. C. Richmann, Wm. Bush, Wm. Frank, Balster Bros., and Kenneth Hargrave running the businesses.
29. ATTY. WM. NORTON’S OFFICE – This building is owned by Harry Schoff. Other owners included Lonnie Schoff and P. H. Jurgensen. Mr. Norton came to Lowden to practice law in 1953. Other occupants of the building were Fred Wiebel Insurance Agency; Carl Ruchotzke, cobbler shop; White Castle Ice Cream; D. D. McGillvray, Lowden’s only other resident lawyer; and “The Lowden Journal.”
30. SCHOFF’S SUNDRY STORE – In 1894 P. H. Jurgensen, pharmacist, purchased this site and erected a drug store. He operated this until 1946, when Francis Schoff and C. W. Paulsen bought the building and the business. That same year they sold it to Alonzo Schoff, who named it Schoff’s Sundry Store. In 1956 he sold it to his brother, Harry, the present owner.
31. POST OFFICE – This has been the location of the post office since 1935. Prior to this the former Lowden Savings Bank occupied the building. At one time a butcher shop was located at this site, the building having been moved away.
32. LICHT’S DEPARTMENT STORE – In 1859 G. H. Rorick and Dave Kimball built and opened a general store on this site. Soon Rorick bought Kimball’s interest, and he continued here until 1868. Then Wm. Richmann and G. W. Kahler were proprietors. In 1887 they sold to Emil and Henry Richmann, who sold to Wm. Richmann in 1894. He sold to W. Henry in 1897, who built the present east section of the store, and a year later Louis Hoeltje’s share in 1906, and in 1915 he purchased an addition from A. P. Reid and built to the west. Upon Mr. Licht’s death in 1931 the store was in estate until 1951 when Raymond, Edna, and Mildred Licht became the owners. Edna has been serving as clerk and bookkeeper since 1920. Raymond began as delivery boy in 1930, and Mildred started clerking in 1931. George Deininger was clerk here for 32 years. The part that Licht purchased from Reid had first been operated as a bakery and candy shop by Charles Drewing. He sold it in 1883 to John Volgarison from whom A. P. Reid acquired it in 1900 for his barber shop. Then Mrs. Harden operated a café and candy shop until Licht purchased it.
33. (See 34). FORMER PAT REID BARBER SHOP –Shaddrick Kimball erected this building which was used at one time as a bowling alley; it was also used as an office by Dr. Lyons and Dr. F. E. Rugger. Mr. Reid located his barber shop here in 1930 and carried on business until his retirement in 1955.
34. AMVETS CLUB ROOMS – S. H. Kimball sold this building in 1902 shortly after its erection to F. E. Meier. He operated a meat market here until 1914. August Malottki also ran a meat market here for a short time. Hugo Pancratz began his plumbing business in this building and later sold to A. P. Reid, who then conducted a barber shop and pool hall. In 1930 Francis and Alonzo Schoff opened a restaurant. Several feed businesses and Hargrave Funeral Home were also located here. Since 1952 the Amvets Post and Auxiliary have leased it from Edward and Reuben Conrad, who purchased the building from A. P. Reid in 1943. This year the building and the former Pat Reid barber shop were remodeled into one building.
35. NIETING’S GIFT SHOP – This building was erected by W. Hahn in the late 1800’s. At one time it was occupied by Dr. F. E. Rugger and by Henry Hein, shoe cobbler. Leonard Reinking started his grocery business here in 1933. The Nieting sisters, Anne and Hulda, moved their bakery here in 1937 and have since occupied the building. They now maintain a gift shop, and Hulda has an insurance business.
36. JERRY’S CAFÉ – Jerry’s Café, operated by Jerry Hertzler, has had its present owner since 1955. In the early days this building, the one to its left, and the one to its right were built by W. Hahn. He sold these to Wm. Richmann, who later sold them to August Nieting. It has been used as a residence, telephone office, post office, and veterinarian’s office. In 1932 Hulda and Anne Nieting started a bakery business in it. In 1937 a grocery business was moved here by Leonard Reinking who continued until late in 1953. The Brockmeyer sisters occupied it for about a year in 1954, when it was known as the Trio Café.
37. REINKING’S GROCERY – Wm. Hahn, the first druggist, erected this building in 1872. He bought the lot in 1862 from Garritt Rosencranz. August Nieting owned and operated a store here from 1889 to 1902. Businesses located here the next 30 years included a clothing store by Arkin and Arkin; barber shop by A. P. Reid; plumbing business by Hugo Pancratz and Otto Pancratz. In 1936 it was purchased by F. L. Schoff. It was then used as a restaurant until 1955 when Leonard Reinking purchased and remodeled it into a grocery store.
38. DR. F. MONTZ OFFICE –This was known for many years as the Herman Deke residence. Edward and Reuben Conrad, the present owners, purchased the property in 1955. After the building was remodeled, Dr. F. Montz. M.D., moved his office here that fall. At one time the telephone switchboard was located here. This also was the office of Dr. Kelling.
39. DR. C. E. STOFFLET OFFICE —This site was the former Wm. Horstmann residence, which Dr. Stofflet purchased 1n 1940. He then built this present residence and dentist office.
40. LOWDEN NEWS OFFICE —This building was purchased in 1938 by S. E. Sennett from Wm. Horstmann who formerly operated a harness shop here. Prior to this John Horstmann had the harness shop. It was formerly the Joerger property. Since 1926 this has been the home of “The Lowden News.”
41. AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK —Beforethis building was here, N. D. Henry had erected a two-story frame building which was used at one time as a drug store, a meat market, and later as a clothing store. The second floor was used as a dance hall at first and later as living quarters.
42. FOX’S PRODUCE STATION —L. H. Hoeltje built the building that now stands here and moved his produce business into it from another location. He continued here until 1926 at which time he sold it to Herman Steinke, who was also in the produce business. Mr. Steinke remained until 1946 when he sold it to Roger Fox, who still owns and operates the business. Before the 1903 fire A. W. Spence had a bowling alley and coffee shop in another building on this same location.
43. TRIO CAFÉ —The plot of ground on which the Trio Café is built is part of 150 acres granted by the U. S. Government in 1855 to James Gower. In the 1890’s it was a store, part of which time it was run by H. L. Deichmann, who sold it in 1901. N. D. Henry was owner and operator in 1903, when the fire destroyed it, and it was not rebuilt until 1906, when Herman Deke erected a saloon. Later it was made into a restaurant and acquired the name of the Corner Café. Ted Spoo, Emil Freese, Marvin & Kroehnke, Struck & Stange, and C. B. Ryerson were some of the operators. In 1926 Henry Kreinbring purchased it. His son Lawrence bought it later. Others who were here since that time were Petersen, Dunn, Leo Prohaska, and Ila Mulbrook Wenndt. In 1955 three sisters---Arlene Brockmeyer, Mrs. Arthur Kruckenberg, and Mrs. Ralph Gade---bought it and now call it Trio Café.
44. AMERICAN LEGION BUILDING ---In 1860 Alex McGregor built a hotel here. Records show thatGerken Hall was built next, but it was destroyed by fire, and in 1878 Henry Guth built Germania Hall. Sometime between 1916 and 1920 the name was changed to Liberty Hall, and finally it was called the Lowden Ballroom. Over the years this buildingwas the scene of many activities---dances, basketball,movies, roller skating, etc. It also changed hands many times; some of the owners were Heinerand Petersen, Alexander, Hollister, Ehlers, Kacena and Wiese, Wm. Belter, Henry Kreinbring, Lawrence Kreinbring, and John Miller. Finally in 1956 the American Legion purchased it, tore it down, and erected the American Legion Hall.
45. MUELLER’S FEED STORE —In early days this was a saloon operated by Henry Guth. Among others who operated it as a saloon were Henry Reyelts and Petersen &Gimm. Later it became a restaurant under the management s of Alexander, Hollister, Ehlers, Stoecker, Kacena & Wiese, and Belter. When Henry Kreinbring purchased the building in 1930 it was closed as a restaurant and used as a check room in connection with the dance hall. Later it was an implement shop. In 1943 F. Mueller & Sons bought it and have since used it as a feed store.
46. CONRAD AND CONRAD —Adaand Isadora Batchelder sold this land to Henry Hintze in 1870. In 1877 he sold it to Nicodemus Henry, who built the lumber yard. Kossuth Pauls bought it in 1896 and sold it to D. W. Conrad in 1895. Since that time the following improvements have been made: between 1915 and 1917 the north end of the yard was built; in 1922 the cement and coal sheds (across the street) were constructed, the latter since torn down; in 1933 the new part of the yard was built; and in 1939 the hardware store was remodeled. Edward and Reuben Conrad, sons of D. W. Conrad, have operated the business since 1938.
47. CITY LOTS – These were purchased from Mrs. Mary Parr in 1876. At that time the city scales, the “calaboose,” and the mayor’s office were erected here. This is still the site of the scales which are now under the supervision of Rex Feed Mill. The city jail has also been re-situated here since 1955.
48. LOWDEN LOCKER PLANT – The first locker was operated by Burdette Kaster, who bought the building from Rheinhold Breuer in 1941, remodeled it into a locker, and operated it until 1953 when lightning caused extensive damage to it. This same year it was sold to Dan Mowry who remained until 1954 and then leased it to the present operator, Walter Hintze.
49. MARGARET’S BEAUTY SHOP – This was purchased in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Petersen from Ewald Meier, who had erected the building several years before. Mrs. Petersen has operated a beauty shop here since November, 1952.