LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

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FREDONIA AS IT IS TODAY (1956)

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 12, 2017

       Through the medium of printed word, we hope to give you a birdseye view of Fredonia as it is today. Mr. and Mrs. Hininger, our most capable county supervisor, they own, the nice house that many will remember as the Brown or Bedwell farm. It has been remodeled, and is a very nice home.

        Across the street east, is the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Moran, and two children, Sandra and Ronald, Mr. and Mrs. Moran have built this new home in the past three years. Mr. Moran is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warnie Moran and Mrs. Moran is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Diller and both are highly esteemed, industrious young people. They have served in different community offices in church and town.

        Next is the nice home of Ralph Oak and family; Ralph operates a grocery store and meat market in Columbus Junction, and is on of our fine young citizens.

        Across the street north is the farm many will recall as the E. C. Maxson farm. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Swain and their nice family now own this property. Mr. Swain is a trustee of our church and Mrs. swain is treasurer, and a leader of the youth center. Both are loyal church workers and highly respected citizens.

        Across the street south is the home built by Mrs. Maxson after her husband passed on and later owned by Rob Lee, James Snyder, and now occupied by Bessie Kauffman.

        Next, south is the home first built by James Waterbury, and passed through many hands since that, now owned by Mrs. and Mrs. William Hanft who have done some remodeling on it and have a nice home. Mr. and Mrs Hanft have a concession and tour the fairs during the summer and Mr. Hanft does trucking during the winter.

        On down the street south is the Farm Service bulk plant and on the block west is the home originally built by George Jones, and now owned by Mrs. Merle Buster. Mrs. Buster is the widow of the late Kenneth Buster who was very much a part of Fredonia life. He served as mayor, councilman, and took part in any enterprise for the good of the community. They have one son and two lovely daughters. All are married and the son lives in Burlington. Mamam became the wife of Robert Direks, who operates a jewelry store in Wapello, and have one son. After high school she was a very efficient telephone operator in Columbus Junction.

        Marlene went on to teachers train school and taught school. During high school she was active in 4H work and win a trip to Washington D. C. She became the wife of Alton Griffen and make their home in Letts, and have a lovely baby daughter.

        Across the street on the north, is the property known as the Hudler home. The original house burned in the early 1930's. Frank Bass built a house on the lots and it is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Warnie Moran, who are quite well known and we welcome them to our community. The nice addition...

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...they are building to the home will make another lovely home in Fredonia.

        On the south of the Buster property is a machine shed used for storage. Across the road to the west, is where the hotel was and the ground now owned by Willis Diller.

        Across the railroad tracks on the south is the home of Thomas Jones, who came from Wales when quite young. This is the home built by Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Bliven and where their children grew up.

        Next to the east is the Willis Diller home, and the Sorghum mill. A sketch of the family will be found on another page.

        Next to the east, is the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Snyder. Mr. Snyder has been associated with the Fisher Motors in Columbus Junction for twenty-five years. And has the distinction of being the oldest citizen now living in Fredonia that was born here and continued to make this his home. Vinnie and Nelson Lowe was born just outside the city limits and would be older than Ralph. Mrs. Snyder takes great pride in her flower garden and has such lovely flowers all through summer. So many have spoken of her beautiful garden, and it is nice to have such beauty that all can enjoy. Mrs. Snyder is a member of the Rebecca lodge and of the order of the Past Noble Grand, and is now Oracle of the Royal Neighbors, she is treasurer of the Fredonia school, and very much a part of Fredonia history.

        Across the street east is the Carey Grocery store, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley K Carey with the assistance of their three lovely daughters, Patsey, Judy and Susan. Although Susan is only seven she is the busiest of the lot.

        On the lot just north of the Carey store is the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Wall and pretty little daughter, Judy McGill. John owns and operates stock trucks.

        On the same block and just east of the Walls, is the home of Harley and Harlan Diller, sons of the late Mark Diller and Mattie Diller.

        To the south of them on the same block is the Alonzo Diller property, and is the home of his grandson, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Powers, and daughter, pretty little blond Cathy, and two sons Stephen and Lonnie. Two future heart breakers with big brown eyes.

        In a small house on the same lot is where Mr. Elmo Manley makes his home.

        Across the street to the east is the property of Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Bliven. As I, Mrs. Bliven am dong the writing of this, I could give ourselves a good write-up. However, most every one would know better, so I will just say we are honest law abiding folks, who have had our share of good and bad. We have reared a nice family, and worked hard and are growing old along with the rest. We have and appreciate the most wonderful neighbors and one could ask for. Blaine has spent most of his years work in the pearl button factory. At present I have a gift shop in the home and do sewing along with a few other hobbies and thoroughly enjoy it. Our home will be remembered as the J. T. Gambell home for many years.

        To the east of us on the same block, is the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Carey. Mrs. Carey, one of the dearest friends I have known, is so very ill. The whole community is saddened by her suffering. She has always remembered others in sickness and birthdays, or other occasions, and the many who call on her or send cards, testify to the fact. At one birthday she received 179 cards. The Careys are wonderful neighbors, loved and respected by everyone.

        Going on east, is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Balzer Kriegel and their wonderful daughter, Karen, and son, Charles. Mr. Kriegel is manager of the Farm Service here and in Columbus Junction. Charles is employed in the engineering staff. Karen is a junior in high school at Columbus Junction. They are thoroughly nice, respectable neighbors, we are proud to have in our community.

        East of the Kriegels is the home some will remember as the Sadie Shellabarger home. Now owned by Virgil Bonnechson and rented to Mrs. Pearl Virrups, who lives alone there. Mrs. Virrups is another nice neighbor who has reared a large family, and deserves a rest and pleasant home for her reward.

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       Across the street to the south, is the home of Mrs. Mary Briggs, who at he age of 80 years, is the youngest 80 I have ever known. She sits with the sick and takes care of new babies, does her own house work and grocery shopping, keeps up with the news of the day and is always pleasant to visit with. A truly remarkable person.

        Going west from Mrs. Briggs, we come to the little trailer home of Charlie Loomis. He loves flowers and has a lovely yard each summer. And was complimented by Mr. Shearer in the Gazette sometime ago.

        Next is the Tenanent house owned by Fay Foster, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Buffington, who we welcome to our community. The house was the home of Mrs. Martha George for so many years, and where her two grandsons, Jessie and Harry spent several years.

        Across the street to the west is the neat little home of George Wilson and his brother Charlie. There is no prettier yard in town than the well kept lawn at this home. George takes such pride in his home, and works hard and steady. He is a well liked respectable neighbor.

        Across the street west is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jess Knott. For many years this was the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Lee. Mr. Knott always has the first garden and can be seen early and late working in his truck garden. Mrs. Knott has such lovely flowers, and both keep quite busy. Mr. Knott puts in quite a bit of spare time helping in the butcher shops in Columbus Junction. At the age of 76, he quite active. Mrs. Knott teachers a class at Sunday school and fills the office of treasurer.

        On the west of the Knotts, is the little home known to many as the Schmidt home. Mr. Harry Church has bought and remodeled it and enjoys a nice little home to retire in. He served several years as guard at the Rock Island Arsenal, and was retired some time ago. And we are glad he selected this place to make his home.

        Across the street to the west is the Town Hall which stands on the triangle between the street and the old paving. This ground was purchased from Mr. Johnie Bliven and hall built by Lon Kulp in 1910.

        Going back east along the cement road, is the house James Lee built for a barber shop, and occupied that building for many years, it is a landmark. In this day of high prices, 15 cents for a shave and 25 cents for a hair cut sounds almost unbelievable. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum now make this their home.

        Across the street to the east, is a little house moved in after World war I, and now occupied by a wonderful neighbor, Mrs. Maud Hayes. She is another of those dear people who never loose their sense of humor, and after a visit with her you feel life is good. She helps take care of the home of Mr. Elmer Barbee and his pretty little daughter Nancy, who live in the home just east of Mrs. Hayes. Mr. Barbee is station agent at the Rock Island depot in Columbus Junction.

        East of the Barbee home is the Pierson Blacksmith. Mr. Frank Pierson is a young man of 79 years young, and continues to operate his shop alone. He can do more work than many men half his age. He is one of those neighbors who will be remembered many years for the many deeds of kindness, and favors he has shown to so many. He has kept the church yard mowed and done many repair jobs, receiving nothing and expecting nothing for his effort. The home is just east of his shop. He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Curtis in 1935, and has remodeled the home into one of the loveliest homes in Fredonia. Mrs. Pierson is the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Curtis, who came to Fredonia in 1919, and where she has made her home since that date. Mrs. Pierson has served as school secretary, as assessor and secretary of our Sunday school. They are well known and highly esteemed in our community. Mr. Pierson is a trustee of the church and one of our town council men. He will long be remembered for his many acts of kindness and favors.

        Across the street is the Methodist Episcopal church. West of the church is the home many will remember as the Books home, now owned by Mr and Mrs Ralph Lukins and son Dickie, now in service, and who for some time was a very efficient superintendent of the Sunday school, and pretty little daughter Carla.

        On the west of this, is the triangle...

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… lots now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Bart Wagner. Bart has spent most of his life in Fredonia and is the son of Charles and Eunice Wagner. Nancy Reed Wagner has spent most of her life in and near Fredonia. Nancy is a very pleasant likable neighbor. Always willing to do a favor.

        Across the cement is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Diller. The home will be remembered as the Billie Button home for many years. Robert and Maxine have remodeled it into a lovely modern home. Robert is the son of the late Mark Diller. His mother Mrs. Mattie Diller makes her home with her children. Robert has been with the County Highway Maintenance for some time. He is one of our highly respected citizens, has served on the town council, as school director and taken an active part in any activity to better the town. Maxine is the daughter of the late Roy Bliven and mother Celia. Maxine has served as president of the local W.S.C.S. and any progress in the interest of the church.

        Immediately south of the Diller home is the Fredonia Independent school, which has been voted into the consolidated district of Columbus Junction, beginning this fall term of 1956.

        Going west from the school house is the home of Gene Duncan. Gene is the son of Mrs Jesse Duncan Knott, and has served on town council and school director. He has been employed by the Rock Island railroad for some time and is now ticket agent at Muscatine, commuting each day. Evelyn is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Van Auken, and is a wonderful neighbor. They have two sons, Jackie, who has been secretary of the Sunday school and is acting janitor,and Robert, who is in grade school. One son passed away at two ears of age.

        Across the alley to the north of Duncans, is the cement block building put up by Oscar Crull and sons, in 1907, to be used as a cement factory. However, they didn't follow up with this business, and the building has had quite a colorful existence. First to be used as a store and cafe by Ves McDaniel, then a series of operators, Mrs. Fern Hartfelder, Marvin Teeters, Ester Crull, who had a cafe called the Dew Drop Inn, Jack Berry operated a tavern there. Then Dr. Pence bought and remodeled it, and for several years it was the club room for the local V.F.W. Then Geneva Reeces Beauty Parlor was located there. Finally in 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Reece purchased it.

        Immediately west of this building is the home so many know as the Oscar Crull home. It has gone through many hands, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Hubbard bought it and partly remodeled it in 1945, when he retired, but stayed only a short time. Then Mrs. Betty McFarland bought it, and now it is owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Reece, and Genevas Beauty Parlor.

        Immediately west of the Reeces is our brick mason and carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Allen. Mrs. Allen was the former Elsie Kulp of Columbus City. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are well known and have lived in and neat Fredonia most of the time. The next house to the west is the home of Willie and Lois Boyd. He is associated with Weber and Huston in Columbus Junction. Lois is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sands,and has so faithfully helped in the progress of our church. She is a pleasant sociable neighbor, always willing to do any one a favor. The Boyds have one fine son, who works, in his spare time from school, at the Economy Food store. He is very talented in art and can go far in that field. Pretty little blonde Merry is in grade school, and has plenty of time to decide her career.

        On the same block and to the south of these homes, is the Arthur Soloman home. This home will be remembered as the George Soloman home. Mrs. Soloman was the former Katie Jones. To them were born two children, Charles and Ray. Ray was united in marriage to Ina Lupton, and were the parents of one son, Arthur, who makes this his home. He was united in marriage to Arlene Obrian of Muscatine. They are the parents of two lovely daughter, Deanna Ray, who is attending school in Mt Pleasant. Deanna has a beautiful voice, and is a member of the Iowa Wesleyan choir. The younger daughter is a pretty little curly headed blond in grade school. And no doubt will have a great future also. Arthur has spent most of his life in Fredonia and is well known and respected. Arlene had taken part in church and local projects. Arthur is...

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... a member of the Order of Moose, Arlene is a member of the Auxiliary of the Moose, and chairman of the hospital Guild in Iowa City, and a member of the order of Rebecca lodge No. 394. The mother, Ina Lupton Soloman passed away April 24, 1916, and the father Ray Soloman died May 1953. The Solomans are industrious, respectable folks and very much a part of the future history of Fredonia.

        Going across the street west is the place where Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Newell spent their remaining years after they retired from the farm. Their son, Robert also made this his home for several years. Another sketch of this family will be found in the Biographies. This house no long stands there. It was moved to the Louis Newell farm east of Fredonia and is a tenant house on this farm.

        Immediately north of this place, is the home known to many as the Bowman place. It is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thompson, an elderly retired couple, who have made a pretty little home of this place. Mrs. Thompson will be remembered as Mrs. Anthony, who reared a nice family and spent most of those years in and near Fredonia. Mr. Anthony passed away several years ago. Mr. Thompson has spent many of his years in and near Fredonia.

        Going west along the same street is the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. Edgebert Shellabarger. This was the home built by Lou Lee, and was the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Kemp after their retired from the farm. Then Mrs. Vinnie Mishler Sargent and her three fine children were our neighbors for some time. Now Mr. and Mrs. Shellabarger have made it their home since 1942. Mr. Shellabarger is the son of the late Charley Shellabarger, and Lena is the former Lena Blankenhorn. Both well known and highly respected families.

        Next to them on the west, is the lovely home of me. and Mrs. Ewlyn Carey, or Jack, as he is more often called. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carey, and has spent mot of his life here and near by. He was inducted into the service during World War I, but was one of the last to be called and only spent a short time in the service. He is now engaged in the insurance business. Mable is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Barker. Mr. Barker was one of the early settlers here. And is well known and remembered by many. The mother was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Utter, another early settler. Mr. and Mrs Carey have one daughter, Arlene, (or Billie), as she is often called. She became the wife of Donald Oak of Columbus Junction, and operate a grocery store in Columbus Junction, and are fine young people. And we shouldn't forget to mention their son Jackie.

        The Carey home was the former Hank Wilson home for many years. Then after his death Harold and Alice (Lee) Edmondson purchased it and remodeled it into a lovely modern home. Later sold it to the Careys.

        West of this home and near the river, is the location of Kingsberry Inn, operated by Neale McKean Drake.

        Going back to the edge of town, we find the home of the Wagner boys. Mrs. Charley Wagner moved into this home when the children were small, and this has been their home many years. Most of them are married and have homes away from here, but it remains the home of any that wish to come back. Donald has made it his permanent home since the death of his parents.

        Immediately north of the Wagner home is the home formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Meeker and is now the property of Mrs. Anyl; and the little home beside it belongs to her sister.

        Across the street to the east, is the lovely home of Stanley Careys. The operators of our only grocery store, Mr. and Mrs. Carey can often be found on the golf course at Washington on their days off. There are many compliments we could pass on about these fine couple, but they still wouldn't let us have groceries free of charge, and we are quite sure most of you know them. They have one son, Jimmie, who is with the state Highway Commission, and three lovely daughters. Patsy is a student at Cedar Falls state teachers college, Judy is a junior in high school and little Susie is in grade school at Columbus Junction.

        On the east of them is the home of...

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... Mr. and Mrs. Bill Skipton, long since passed on. Carl, the only son, lives here alone. Mr. Skipton worked at carpenter work and was well known in this community. One daughter became the wife of Scott Van Dyke, one was Mrs. Hannan, and the other is the wife of Dean Carlisle.

        Immediately east of this was the house built by Thomas Carey, which has been moved to the May Johnson farm as a tenant house. On this same lot, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Taylor built a nice bungalow type house, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Bennett, who have retired from the farm.

        Next to them, Richard Thompkin, foreman of the button factory at Columbus Junction, is building a house for his family.

        On the next lot is the home of Mr. and Mrs George Brown. Mr. Brown passed away several years ago, after an accident while burning corn stalks in the field and his clothing caught fire. They have a family of five boys and two girls. Vinnie and Emma are both married and reside away from here. Charley has a nice family, and lives on a farm. Mr. and Mrs Carl Brown have one adopted son and make their home in Columbus City; Albert is in Rock Island; Mr and Mrs. Delbert Brown have one son and an adopted son, and make their home in Columbus Junction; and Richard, after serving several years in World War II, has made his home in the Tri cities.

        On the south of this home is the lovely home of Vinnie Lowe, which has been remodeled into a lovely modern home. She lives alone since the death of her parents, and looks after the comfort of her brother Nelson, who remains in the home place on the farm, near by.

        Just west if Vinnie's home is the house built many years ago by Mr. Ed Knott, and was for many years the home of Mr. and Mrs Oren Lee. It has passed through many hands,and belongs to the George Crull estate. It is now occupied by Harley Lambert, who lives alone.

        Across the street west, was the old home place of Webster Van Dyke and his family. After Mr. Van Dyke passed away, Mrs. Van Dyke and son Jerry, made this their home. Jerry was well known and had the most remarkable memory. His hobby was collecting date on family histories. And he could remember most of what he collected. At his passing, it was discovered that he had written volumes of such data, and happenings that were of interest in the community. These articles were considered worthless at that time and were destroyed. It is a pity that so few records have been kept through the years. These would have been priceless as the years passed. Most of the original house has been torn down and Mrs. Velma Curtis make this her home.

        Across the street south, is the home know to many as the Mickey home. Later Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orr moved to Fredonia and made this their home, now it is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Snyder, who have remodeled it into the lovely home it is. Harry had been connected with the County Highway maintenance for some time. He has served as council man, school director, and is secretary for the town. Mary Helen is the daughter of Clyde Hanft of Burlington, is treasurer of the town, is a member of the Rebecca auxiliary and is acting Noble Grand. She has been active in church work and a teacher in the Sunday school. They have one son Ferril who is married and lives near by.

        Immediately south is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kemp, son of the late Walter Kemp. Mrs. Kemp was a Grandview girl. Both very fine young folks.

        Across the street to the east, is the Virrips property, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Ferril Snyder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Snyder. Mrs. Snyder is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Allen.

        East of them is the home where Mr. and Mrs. Walter James resided. It is now the home of Mr. Earl Wagner, who lives alone.

        Immediately east of this, is the Reynolds home. Mr. Adrian and Hershel, lived there several years. Adrian moved with his family to Chicago. After Hershel passed away, his son Warren, continues to make this his home.

        On the north of this block is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Johnson. This home will be remembered by many as the home of Mr. and Mrs. …

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… Bill Dewitt. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are fine neighbors and friends; we are proud to have them in our community. Mr. Johnson is a carpenter, an is now engaged in repair work on the church.