Winterset in Madison County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
70, 72, 74 Court Avenue
c.1870
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2014
1. 70, 72, 74 Court Avenue Marker
This building is constructed of locally made soft bricks and originally housed three separate businesses. The east section was home to a variety of grocery stores, a jewelry store, a Skelgas appliance store, and a plumbing and heating business. In the 1910's and 1920's, a watch repairman had a workbench set up in the front window and passersby could stop and watch him work. A realty office and an apartment were located on the second floor.
The center section of the building has contained a hardware store with a tin shop in back, a furniture store, a millinery and music shop, and a grocery and meat market. In 1939, the Ben Franklin Store opened in this part of the building, then expanded to the west in 1941 and to the east in 1978.
In the late 1800's, a business in the west two-thirds of the building was originally a lodge hall for the Pythian Sisters and the Knights of Pythias. It was remodeled into apartments after World War II.
1999 Sesquicentennial Project
Erected 1999 by Madison County Antique Association and Central Iowa Tourism Region.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 41°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 68 Court Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 101 North John Wayne Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); 66 Court Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 103 North John Wayne Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); 64 Court Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 105 North John Wayne Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); 107 John Wayne Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); 60 Court Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winterset.
Also see . . .
1. History of Madison County, Iowa. (Submitted on April 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Discover Madison County, Iowa. (Submitted on April 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2014
2. 70, 72, 74 Court Avenue Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2014
3. 70, 72, 74 Court Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
