LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Pg 19

THE LEE FAMILY

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 10, 2017

       Robert and Cynthia Lee were a part of Fredonia life for many years, and owned the homes built by Mrs. Maxson after Mr. Maxson died; now occupied by Mrs. Bessie Kauffman. About 1894 or1895, Mr Lee owned and operated a corn shelling machine and bought and shipped grain. His machine and equipment were on the lots where the Farm Service buildings are. Somewhere around 1919, he started an oil delivery service. The supply tanks were located on the same lots where his elevator was. In 1923, he purchased from Blaine Bliven the triangle lot where Mr. and Mrs. Bart Wagner lives, and built a service station which was operated by his brother Oren Lee. After R. Lee went into business in Columbus Junction, Leslie Lowe took over the oil delivery here. Later it was sold to Elliott Leonhard. Then the Farm Bureau took it over, and now it is know as the Farm Service. The service station was sold to Frank Garrett and moved to Todd Town. The Farm Service has enlarged the building accommodations, and do a large volume of business.

Pg 20

Mr. Balzer Kriegel is manager and they employ a crew of six men.

        The Cooporative store burned in 1930, and Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Carey bought the lots and built a store in n1937, which has been in successful operation since.

        Then we have Genevas Beauty Parlor, The Pierson Blacksmith shop, Berthas Home Hobby Shop and Kingsberry Inn.

        In 1947, Fredonia installed electric street lights. In 1948, the V.F. W. No. 4631 moved to the cement block building. In 1949, seven blocks of streets was rocked. In 1952, more streets were rocked and main street blacktopped.