North side of First Street W. Photographed 1990

North side of First Street W. Photographed 1990 by Barbara Beving Long.

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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

19 hours ago

The leftmost building in the Paul Scott Alumni Center was built as the home of Henry Harrison and Frances (Armstrong) Rood. Rood house was built in 1884. It was purchased by the Cornell Class of 1894 and presented to the College in 1919. Two houses from an area known as Linden Terrace were moved and joined to it, one in 1936 and another in 1954. The Roods had 7 children and Frances was a homemaker. Henry served as a Lt. Col. in the civil war in the 13th IA, Crocker's Brigade. Early on, Henry had a dry goods mercantile with a man named Young. He arranged for construction of the building at 105 1st St NW in Mount Vernon that was the post office for many years. In 1893 he purchased 1/3 interest in Mount Vernon Bank and served as its Secretary. He also served for 47 years as the Secretary to the Cornell College Board of Trustees. Lt. Col. Henry Harrison and Frances (Armstrong) Rood are buried in Mount Vernon Cemetary. ... See MoreSee Less

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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

3 weeks ago

Gone but not Forgotten!According to The Centennial History of Mount Vernon Iowa "A mass meeting of citizens in 1902 decided that a new hotel was a most compelling need. Traffic along the Lincoln Highway was increasing, and it was felt that Mount Vernon should bid for patronage of the traveling public. A stock company was at once organized ; shares selling at $100 each." The Altoona Hotel was built on the current site of the Mount Vernon Visitors Center and was opened to guests in 1903. As transportation to Cedar Rapids was more easily available, Altoona Hotel/Hall took on different functions, including as an Army barracks in WWI and housing for Cornell students later. Altoona Hall was demolished in 1985. ... See MoreSee Less

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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

3 weeks ago

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