Indianola in Warren County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

122 North Howard

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

1. 122 North Howard Marker

Inscription. In April 1879 Jo Beck built this tiny 12 foot wide addition to the E. W. Perry Clothing Store to the north. Mr. Beck, a respected jeweler, had already been in business for three years prior to moving in. His residence here was short lived however because he sold the business to J. E. Howard in 1883. Mr. Howard ran the City Jewelry Store until March 15, 1888 when G. M. Little moved in. Mr. Little was an experienced watchmaker as well as a jeweler who had previously had a store on the north side of the square.

Few companies could fit into a 990 square feet place. However, 122 has been home to a variety of businesses such as a barber shop in the 1890's, a millinery shop in the 1910's and tailor shop in the 1930's.

At the end of World War II, the building became home to Burchett's Jewelers. For the next 34 years Indianola couples bought their engagement and wedding rings here as well as watches and other fine pieces. After Burchett retired, the store remained a jewelry shop for only two more years. In 1981 Burgin Window Treatments opened offices here.

After a brief vacancy in 1987, Sermel Optical opened to provide eyeglasses,

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contacts and other optical products to all ages of clients. Sermel Optical has also operated under the name Optical Boutique since 2006.

Erected by Warren County Philanthropic Partnership; Girl Scouts Troop 225; and Optical Boutique. (Marker Number 1208-B.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1879.

Location. 41° 21.666′ N, 93° 33.649′ W. Marker is in Indianola, Iowa, in Warren County. It is on North Howard Street north of East Salem Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just to the right of the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 North Howard Street, Indianola IA 50125, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Des Moines.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

Marker detail: Optical Boutique image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Optical Boutique

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 120 North Howard (here, next to this marker); 124 North Howard (here, next to this marker); 118 North Howard (a few steps from this marker); 126 North Howard (a few steps from this marker); 116 North Howard (a few steps from this marker); 114 North Howard (within shouting distance of this marker); 112 North Howard (within shouting distance of this marker); 110 North Howard (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianola.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

122 North Howard Storefront image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

3. 122 North Howard Storefront

(marker is mounted just to the right of the entrance)

122 North Howard Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

4. 122 North Howard Street

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 15, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.