Clayton co IAGenWeb

The unincorporated village of Littleport is in Cox Creek township, on the banks of the Volga River, nine miles from Elkader and twelve miles from Volga City. Following the May 1999 flood that devistated the town, residents reluctantly voted on a buy-out and the remaining buildings were demolished. The photos on this page preserve images of the town and it's citizens as it was "back in the day".

Joe Kafer's butcher shop, Littleport, ca1920s
Pictured are Eileen, Louise, Keith & Leo, children of Joe & Louisa. Joe Kafer is standing on the right.
~contributed by Kristy Sligar (see also Kafer Family Album)

J.J. Brich's General Merchandise, ca1920s

J.J. Brich's General Merchandise, ca1920s

Joseph J. Brich's General Merchandise Store, ca 1920's
~contributed by Kristy Sligar

Although the photo was not annotated with names, it's very possible that J.J. Brich, his wife Minnie and their son are pictured.

The Brich store was a general merchandise store, operated by Joseph J. Brich. From the obituary of J.J. Brich "...in 1885 built the large and commodious building, where he has conducted a general merchandse store up to the time of his death." (read full obituary). After his death, his wife Minnie (Helgermann) Brich "...continued to operate the store with the help of her son." (obituary of Minnie Brich) Their son, William J. Brich was born in the residence of the building's second floor and "since he was able to toddle around, has assisted his father in the store..." (Elkader Register, 9/10/1925, pg 23). William J. died in 1938.

"The Brich general merchandise store was sold last week to Virgil Meese. This is the first time this property has been put on the market. It has been in the Brich family for close to 60 years. Ivan Enderes went in partnership with Meese." (Elkader Register, 11/29/1939, pg 2). From the obituary of Vergil Meese "...grew up [in Littleport] working at Brich's Store, becoming owner and manager of it after the Brich's quit.." (Clayton County Register, 2/11/1987, pg 28). Subsequent owners were John Leonard and Otto Schmelzer. ~Historical notes were added by S. Ferrall from the sources indicated

Liddy Store, Littleport, ca1920s
The Liddy Store was located across the street from the Brichs Store.
~contributed by Kristy Sligar

From the Clayton County Register, 9/6/1939: "This store is one of the oldest business places in town. It was built about 1874 and is located on the main street of town. It was first owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pieck who were in business until 1893. In that year it was sold to Charles Pieck and Fred Wegner who operated it for several years. Next to locate in this business were Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Liddy who were there until 1914 when George Meyer bought them out. George Meyer operated the store for several years then turned it over to Fred Liddy, who in turn, ran it for a few years and sold out to Harold Grother and Ray Luers. Grother and Luers operated it for nearly three years when Fred Liddy went back into the store and remained there until 1924 when his son, H.H. Liddy bought him out and ran it until 1938. The store is now being operated by Donald Liddy, brother of Bud Liddy.

Harold 'Bud' Liddy was the owner of the Liddy Store from 1929 to December 1969. He was the oldest son of Fred J. & Louise Liddy. (Harold Liddy Obituary) ~Historical notes were added by S. Ferrall from the sources indicated

The five photos below are undated, taken following one of the many times the village was flooded. Bart Hamlett has contributed the photos with the hope someone will be able to date them. Snow on the hill-sides & along the streets/sidewalks, and the leafless trees, probably indicate this flood occurred during a winter thaw or early spring. (photos added 11/15/2017)