The John L. Etzel House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places January 27, 1983. It is a fine representation of late Victorian architecture.

John L. Etzel was born in New York City in 1857. When he was but a year old his parents moved to Iowa City, Iowa, so, although of eastern birth he is a child of the west where he has grown to manhood. After leaving the public school he went to St. Louis where he attended the St. Louis University for three years. He also spent a year in the State University of Iowa. After this he served an apprenticeship of three years in the pharmacy of Dr. Wm. Vogt of Iowa City and then came to Clear Lake staring in business in 1876. This was the beginning of Mr. Etzel’s successful career. He established himself in what was known as the Red Front Drug Store and here he won the confidence and goodwill of the people. Here he continued his business until 1891 when he put up a new building, large and commodious, and well suited to meet the requirements of a popular and well equipped pharmacy. Besides being convenient for its proprietor and pleasant for his customers this building made a decided improvement in the appearance of Main street, and was the beginning of extensive building among the business men.

Mr. Etzel has not confined himself so closely to making a success in his business that he has no time for anything else. There are few more public spirited men in the community, and all his friends admire his generosity. He was one of the organizers of the Cerro Gordo State bank serving as one of the directors since that time. At present he is President of the Clear Lake Electric Light Co., a corporation which was formed largely through his efforts.

In 1885 he was appointed postmaster by Cleveland and served five years. In this position he added to a popularity which has grown and never lessened. That this popularity is not limited to his fellow townsmen is shown by his election in 1897, to the presidency of the Iowa Pharmaceutical Association.

Mr. Etzel owns one of the most luxurious homes in Clear Lake. He is also the owner of much other town property. He has by his business ability, and by courteous treatment of his patrons accumulated a competence for himself. As much as possible of his means he has invested for the improvement of Clear Lake, and Clear Lake and her people appreciate the fact that they owe a debt of gratitude to this man who has done well for himself, well for others, and well for his town.

Biography Source:
Ladies of the Library Assn. Clear Lake Mirror. Souvenir Edition. Vol. 31, No. 10., p. 16. 28 March 1900. Clear Lake IA.

Transcription and Submission by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2013