The Chicago Great Western, better known as the CGW came through where Benton was originated. The town of Benton grew into a nice little town. There were three streets in Benton where the different businesses were located. There were twenty-two businesses and a depot. The street farthest east was also the Main road leading through the town. Some of the businesses were on the west street. These were: the Livery Barn, operated by Mr. Frank ELLIOTT; a council room which has two jail cells in it; the doctor's office; the post office, operated by a Mr. GUNTER; a drug store, operated by ELSLICK; a general store, operated by L. S. GROVES and Brothers; and a hardware store, operated by J. R. HAVILAND. Behind the store was the bank, run by EMMERT, then Marion GERMAN'S Butcher Shop. Across the street was Mr. BLAUER'S Furniture Store and a general store, operated by Frank GLEASON.

There was an implement building and lumber yard, run by Mr. BAXTER. Benton had a two-story hotel, run by Mr. GAINES. Across the street was the Odd Fellows' Building with a general store on the ground floor, operated by Mr. FARMER. There was a restaurant and barber shop, operated by J. Y. KIMERLING, then a general store wich was operated by Claude DINKLE, and there was also an Opera House and Show building.

At one time there were four chuches: the United Brethren, the Seventh-day Adventist, United Methodist, and Christian.

The school was a little two-room schoolhouse with only the eight grades. The new schoolhouse was built in 1916. It had twelve grades.

Across the railroad track was the cream and cheese factory, operated by Mr. HICKENLOOPER, who sold it to Marion GERMAN, who turned it into an ice house.

Today there is only the dial-telephone building and the Odd Fellow's Building. In the Odd Fellow's Building is the post office and WAUGH'S D.B.M. Electronics on the ground floor, and the Lodge hall upstairs.

The Chicago Great Western Railroad was built in 1887 and the new towns of Benton, Maloy and Knowlton were established along its route. For years the railroad provided employment for many families who worked on the maintenance of the road bed. These workers were called the "section gang." The railroad was abandoned in 1986 and the track removed. We miss the whistling of the big engines and the long freight trains rumbling through town.

Benton was located on the dividing line between two townships and through the efforts of State Representative Dora VAUGHN and the county board of supervisors, a new township was made in order to establish an independent school district. The township was called Waubonsie.

In 1916, a brick school building was built in Benton, along with a barn for the horses that the children rode or drove to school. In 1959, there was school reorganization in the county and the Benton school district became part of the Mount Ayr School District.

community school was completed in Mount Ayr. At that time the school building was closed and sold by the school board to the town of Benton for the sum of one dollar.

In February of 1982, the building and lots were sold to Mildred ELLIOTT and the deteriorating building was town (sic) down and buried. It was a landmark that is missed by many who come "home" to Benton, but the well cared for area is still a reminder of the past.

In November of 1961, several women of Benton were elected by write-in ballot to become the first all-woman goverment in the state of Iowa. The council members sworn in on January 3, 1962 were Lela CAMPBELL, Margaret LANE, Viola NICKLES, Wilma SCHLAPIA, and Dorothy HALEY. Iona GROVES was appointed secretary and treasurer. Helen BLUNCK was elected mayor. Dorotha HALEY and Viola NICKLES are the only original members still in office and Helen BLUNCK continues to serve as mayor.

At a Bi-Centennial ceremony in May of 1976, the town of Benton was presented the Bi-Centennial flag and the deed to the abandoned Methodist Church. The council decided to use the church as the Town Hall and community hall. To adapt the building for community use, many improvements have been completed. The ceilings were lowered, walls were paneled, and the floor carpeted. A kitchen, bathroom, gas furnace, new entrance door, storm windows, sidewalk and steps were installed. The building has been painted and partially re-shingled. Much of the equipment and labor for the improvements has been donated by past and present residents of Benton. The community hall is enjoyed by many families for reunions, parties and the annual Alumni Banquet. Public dinners are served there each year to raise funds for continued improvements.

Over the years, and as the population decreased, all of the businesses have either burned or have been closed. Matthew's General Store in the I.O.O.F. Building closed in 1968. "The Store," as it was referred to, housed the post office and was the general meeting place for the community. In 1985, Denzil WAUGH opened an electrical repair shop in the I.O.O.F. Building.

Marshal MATTHEWS served as the postmaster for many years. After he retired to become the rural mail carrier, Martina MOBLEY was appointed postmaster. When she transferrred to Redding, Karyn GRAHAM served as acting postmaster. Rumor of the office being permanently closed prompted a petition to be circulated and was signed by 100% of the patrons. A potluck dinner was planned with all rural and local patrons, as well as postal dignataries, atttending. Congressmen were contracted and federal post office officials responded that the Benton post office was assured and Karyn GRAHAM was appointed permanent postmaster.

LaVanita BUTLER was the faithful switchboard operator for many years in Benton. The telephone system was located in her house. In 1966, a brick building was built to house the new dial sytem.

Benton is planning a Centennial on July 5th, 1987, and we hope many old friends and former residents will share the occasion with us.

SOURCE: 1887 - Benton, Iowa Centennial - 1987. Pp. 117-19. Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr IA

Transcriptions and notes by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2012

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