Rock Creek, Mitchell, Iowa

Rock Creek

Rock Township, Mitchell County, Iowa

     Rock Creek can more properly be called a community center than a village or town, as there is no knowledge of a store or retail business. A post office was opened in 1867 with T.H. Lovejoy, the first postmaster. A school was started in a log house on the Lovejoy farm and located on the banks of Rock Creek, in the NW corner of Section 22.
     The first known inhabitant in Rock Township was a trapper named Clark. He built a small cabin in the bend of Rock Creek and the curve of the present highway.
     Rock Creek was on the stage coach line from Mitchell to Mason City, and regular stops were made. Mail was brought twice weekly. The coming of the railroads eliminated the stage coach line, and the coming of the rural free delivery mail service eventually eliminated the post office. The school remained until re-organization and consolidation took place. All that marks the spot of Rock Creek today is a curve in the road and the presence of Rock Township Hall.

Reproduced with the approval of the Mitchell County Historical Society; from THE STORY OF MITCHELL COUNTY 1851-1973.

EDITOR'S NOTES:
     The original article said Rock Creek was in the "NW" corner of section 22, but in actuality it is in the "NE" Corner) of the section. Perhaps they were referring to the location of the School when they said "NW".

     Vivian Du Shane visited this site in the spring of 2002 and reports there is nothing left of the former community except the bend in the road on Echo. Some possible foundation cement pieces, that's it. Even the Meeting Hall is no longer there. - Please respect landowners property, ask before you enter.

     Over the years and to the present, there has been confusion as to Meroa being referred to as Rock Creek and visa versa. In actuality Rock Creek community is/was located at the intersection of Echo and 370th in the SW corner of that intersection in Rock Twp. While Meroa is in West Cedar Twp. A possible explanation as to the name confusion may be caused by Rock Creek Cemetery being located in Meroa.

Transcribed in July 2002 by: Neal Du Shane

Contact information:

  ROCK CREEK MCHS.doc

Reproduced with the approval of the Mitchell County Historical Society; from THE STORY OF MITCHELL COUNTY 1851-1973.

EDITOR'S NOTES:
The original article said Rock Creek was in the "NW" corner of section 22, but in actuality it is in the "NE" Corner) of the section. Perhaps they were referring to the location of the School when they said "NW".

Transcribed in July 2002 by: Neal Du Shane

Contact information:

ROCK CREEK MCHS.doc

Reproduced with the approval of the Mitchell County Historical Society; from THE STORY OF MITCHELL COUNTY 1851-1973.

EDITOR'S NOTES: The original article said Rock Creek was in the "NW" corner of section 22, but in actuality it is in the "NE" Corner) of the section. Perhaps they were referring to the location of the School when they said "NW".

Transcribed in July 2002 by: Neal Du Shane

Contact information:

ROCK CREEK MCHS.doc

EDITOR'S NOTES:
The original article said Rock Creek was in the "NW" corner of section 22, but in actuality it is in the "NE" Corner) of the section. Perhaps they were referring to the location of the School when they said "NW".