Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Centennial Block Building
1876
— Architecture: Italinate —
November 5, 2023
1. Centennial Block Building Marker
The Centennial Building was completed in the same year as Custer's Last Stand and was named after our nation's 100th birthday.
From 1918-1955 the building was occupied as a pool hall & cigar store and it is believed that the tobacco was hung to dry in the basement. Tobacco posters can still be seen in the basement today!
The "Green Building Scandal"
When a new owner painted part of the building "Frog Green" in 1992, many in the community nearly "croaked" at the appearance of this historic structure! The "Green Building Scandal" received statewide attention and eventually prompted a local ordinance regarding historic buildings, affectionately referred to, at that time, as "The Green Building Ordinance".
Interior renovations in 2017 uncovered a wall displaying dozens of signatures from Oskaloosa residents that dated as far back as 1880! The wall was incorporated into the design for public viewing so that today you can literally see the handwriting on the wall!
The rest of the story...www.oacdg.org/history
Oskaloosa Historic District
Erected 2018.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 41°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Iowa Building (within shouting distance of this marker); IMB Soc. Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Mahaska (within shouting distance of this marker); Woman's Relief Corps War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Oskaloosa City Park Band Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish Torpedo (within shouting distance of this marker); Local Trolley History (within shouting distance of this marker); Stapp's Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oskaloosa.
Also see . . . Centennial Block Building - Oskaloosa Historical Building Markers | Mahaska Chamber. (Submitted on November 18, 2023.)
Additional keywords. Italianate
November 5, 2023
2. Centennial Block Building & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2023. This page has been viewed 34 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2023.
