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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Exploring the Stories and History of Mount Vernon, Iowa

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Wolfe Block

Jasper Bloom

Photo of Bookseller Jasper Bloom

Jasper W. “Jap” Bloom was the proprietor of Bloom’s bookstore and Mount Vernon’s oldest businessman.

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Unidentified House on Fire

photo of Unidentified House on Fire

R Thomas: Wolfe Block? Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Wolfe Block Fire

photo of Wolfe Block Fire-1975

Earliest picture as the fire becomes evident, roof flames. Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fashion, Fire, Men, Mount Vernon, The New Age, Wolfe Block

Wolfe Block Fire

photo of Wolfe Block Fire

Fire continues to spread in early evening; consuming east end of the structure. Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Fire Station

photo of Fire Station-1980

Fire Station (First Street West) about the time of the Wolfe Block Fire Date @1980’s

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Ask R Thomas, Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Untitled

photo of Untitled-1975

Night Watch after the great burn Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Untitled

photo of Untitled-1975

Night work — firemen clearing debris from hoses as building remains cool down Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Oil Heating Tank

photo of Oil Heating Tank

Oil heating tank in rubble Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Fire

photo of Fire in 1975

Questionable identification with Wolfe Fire? Perhaps Schutt Apartments in 400 block of First Street SW … Read more …

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Fire

photo of Fire

Roof fire explodes – mid afternoon; Shows First St and Second Ave sides of the … Read more …

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Sun Newspaper Story

photo of Sun Newspaper Story

SUN newspaper story (sample) Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block

Theater After Being Burned Down

photo of Theater After Being Burned Down

The Strand Theater and ruins Date @1975

Categories Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags 35mm Slide Collection, Fire, Mount Vernon, Wolfe Block
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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

18 hours ago

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission
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

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission
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

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission
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