The old Altoona Hotel in Mount Vernon

The Altoona Hotel. In a collection of 5 photos.

picture series prior to demolition in 1980s ?

Date

@1984

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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

4 weeks ago

What the heck is a pinhook? Is there really a guy buried under Main Street? Why did Cornell students used to stand six feet apart even before the pandemic? Your questions about the history of our town may or may not be answered in Treasure: a History of Mount Vernon, Iowa by local playwrights Joe Jennison and Amy White. Come Celebrate Mount Vernon's 175th Birthday with us! Get your tickets here: mvlct.booktix.com/cart.php?action=show_pers&show_id=4&show_sec=cc84edf42fe7cd22 ... See MoreSee Less

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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

1 month ago

According to The Centennial History of Mount Vernon Iowa, "No two people worked harder than our blacksmiths, Mart Schantz and W. H. Safely. The one found relaxation from the anvil in cultivating roses, the other in teaching Mount Vernon youngsters to toot horns and in directing the town band." The Schantz family lived on Waln (named for another prominent citizen) and Market Streets. Does anyone know where the Schantz Blacksmith Shop was located? ... See MoreSee Less

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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

2 months 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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