HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2013 Historic Preservation CommissionIOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, January 10, 2013
City Hall, 410 F. Washington Street
Emma) Harvat Mall
5:15 P.M.
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) Certificate of Appropriateness
513 S. Summit Street (chitimey removal)
E) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
F) Review National Register Nomination of Haas & Son Grocery Store, 518 E. Bowery St.
G) Review National Register Nomination of Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County
Cabins, Upper City Park Road
H) Presentation by Tim Sieck on a Resource -Sharing Website for Historic Preservation,
currently in development.
I) Consideration of Minutes for December 13, 2012 — HPC Meeting
J) Adjournment
Staff Report January 4, 2013
Historic Review for 513 South Summit Street
District: Summit Street IIistoncDistrict
Classification: Key Contributing
The applicants, Paul and Carrie Nichols, are requesting approval for a chimney demolition project at 513
South Summit Street, a Key Contributing property in the Summit Street Historic District. The project
consists of the removal of one chimney on the front of the house, and one chimney at the back of the house.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations
2 Chuanevs
7.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Demolition
7.1 Demolition of Whole Structures or Significant Features
Staff Comments
'Phis elegant Lwo stoq, frame house from 1883 is one of the jewels of the Summit Street I-Iistoric District.
The original owner was Stephen Payne, the manager of Close Linseed Oil Forks. Although neither arclaitecL
nor builder has been identified, this house was either architect designed or built from a `high style' pattern
book. It is a fine example of Iligh Victorian Italianate design featuring a hip roof with projecting gables,
decorative verge boards in the gable ends, brackets, two story poly_ gonal bays, and ornate turned millwork
porches. The house appears to be in unaltered condition. A large one and one-half story carriage house is
located at the rear of the lot, and what appears to be the original iron fence runs parallel to the street. The
house is classified as a hey Contributing property, and the carriage house and fence are considered
contributing structures in the historic district.
The proposed project consists of the demolition of the front chimney at the nordncast corner of the house,
and demolition of a rear chimney near the northwest corner of the house. The roof in these locations would
be patched and roofed with asphalt shingles to match the esisung.
The guidelines for chimneys note that chimneys are often a defining architectural feature of historic houses.
Chimneys may have decorative brickwork and often are a distinguishing feature of the roof profile. Removing
prominent chimneys that are important to the historic architectural character of the building is disallowed.
The guidelines for demolition also state that removing any historic feature — such as a chimney — that is
significant to the architectural character and style of the building is disallowed.
In Staffs opinion, the multiple chinneys on this house are, in fact, a defining feature. As seen from the street,
the silhouette of this house would be significantly altered without this striking composition of roof peaks and
chinmeps. Although the chimneys have been rebuilt, and have lost original material and detail, they still
contribute to the style of the house. In this case, the chimneys at the front of the house arc the most
important to preserve, and with regard to the proposed project, Staff recommends allowing demolition of
only the rear chimney.
\while prescavanon of the front chitnnel' is recommended, this does not prevent the applicants from
removing the interior structure of the chimney if the exposed portion of the chimnev can be adequately
supported. The proposed demolition of the front chimney would open up a small amount of additional space
in the house, where the applicants would like to add closets.
Recommended Motion
Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 513 South Summit Street, as presented in
the application, with the following conditions:
Proposed demolition of rear chimney approved; demolition of front chimney noL approved.
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MEMORANDUM
Date: January 4, 2013
To: 1listorn: Preservstion Commission
Ptom: Cheryl Peterson, Preservation Consultant
Re: Certificates of No Material Effect, Intermediate Reviews, and 1�tinor Reviews
The I Iistoric Preservation Handbook requires a report to the IIPC at each meeting of any projects that have
been approved adnnnistrativety. Below are the projects approved since die December report.
Certificates of No Material Effect — Chair and Staff review
none
Intermediate Review — Chair and Staff review
none
Minor Review — Pre -approved items — Staff review
603 Grant Street (radon mitigation system)
10WA DEJWLYI'Mr;,�1T OI'
-- a , Y
AL
MARY "FirrA\v Cou(Nte, DIRECTOR
December 18, 2012
irRR1' F, BR/wsru), GOVERNOR
Kne REYNOLOs, LT, GorrRNoR
STATE
HIs'rORICAL,
Robert wlildo
ISOCIGTYaf
OWA
Iowa City f--mC
luizomi 1,110AIPMN
nnnnrrsrnn-niz
4if11s Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
loot
RE: Haas and Son Grocery Store, 518E. Bowury,Street, Iowa City Johnson
y
County
o>
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Comity Cahins, Upper City Park Road,
?1D
off 100 block of fart: Road, Iowa City, Johnson County
Mnn imw HARRIS
AoMWfarftAR)k
Dear Mr, Nliklo:
600 E. Loais'r
n
The State Nominations Review Ccnnittee (SNRC) plans to consider the property
Dus Moves, IowA
referenced above for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places during their
.50319
February 8, 2013 meeting. As a participant in the Certified Local Government Program,
Iowa City tIPC. is required to review and comment on proposed National Register
T. (515) 281-5111
nominations of properties within its jurisdiction, The State is required to provide you
F. (515) 282-M02
with a 00-clay period for the review, unless we mutually agree to expedite the process. I
am contacting you tO a91< that you initiate the review process for the Historic Preservation
CurniaAi.Arraui.s.oiec
Commission, Enclosed are copies of the nomination, photographs, and the review fonn,
The review process will require the following:
♦ The Historic Preservation Commission should review the nomination during one of
their meetings, Send a formal invitation to the Mayor with a copy of the nomination,
Send a formal invitation to the property owner/owners, If they are not familiar with
the National Register, be sure to include an explanation. Make sure that a copy of the
nomination is available for public review before the meeting. For example, leave a
review copy at the courthouse or public library. Indicate in your meeting
announcement that a review copy of the nomination is available and where the review
copy can be hound.
♦ The qucsti0u to answer when VCViewing the mnnination is whether the nominated
property meets the National Register of Historic Places significance criteria. If the
Commission feels that the nomination makes the case for meeting significance
criteria, the Commission ,should check the box recommending that the property be
listed. li' the Commission feels that the property does not meet the significance
criteria, then check the box recommending that the property not be listed. The Mayor
should use the same approach when reviewing the nomination.
♦ You nigh'. want to invite the individual- who prepared the nomination to attend the
public Meeting and present the nomination. Pccp a record of the meeting (copy of
notice, agcrtd 1, mirnrtes, list of attendees). At the conclusion of the meeting, the
Commission should malce a motion regarding their recommendation. The Chairman
of the Commission will complete Item 41, the Commission's portion of the review
form. Be sure to fill in the date of the public meeting, sign the signature line and
record any comments that were made. If the Mayor attended the public meeting,
inquire if he/she is prepared to complete Item #"L on the review form.
♦ In the event that the Mayor was unable to attend the meeting. The Commission
Chairman should forward the Review form to the Mayor for review and comment.
Have the Mayor sign the form and return it to the Historic Preservation Commission.
♦ Item 43 on the Review form asks for the review and comment of a preservation
professional. if your commission does not have a prolessionally qualified historian or
architectural historian who can complete this part of the form, you may leave Item 83
blank and 1will arrange to have a State staff mcaaber complete that part of the form.
♦ After you have completed Items #1 through 42 (through #3 if a preservation
professional is available), please make a copy of the completed review forms for your
file and send the original copies of the comptctcd forms to me.
♦ The Commission should keep the nomination and photographs, File them together in
your inventory, as you will need the information for future reference. If a State
preservation professional was needed to complete Item #3 on the review form, I will
return a copy to the commission for filing,
If the Historic Preservation Commission and the Nlayor disagree with one another on the
property's National Register eligibility, both views will be presented to the SNRC for
their consideratioii during rcvicw of the nomination. If both the Fstoric Preservation
Commission (by Commission majority) and the Mayor do not consider the property
eligible, for Natiunal Register listing, we must halt the nomination. Be advised that when
a nomination is halted, the property owner, the pei son who prepared the nomination or
any interested party may appeal the decision. In rddition, the nomination will still go
forward to the National Park Service for an official "Determination of Eligibility,"
Please cootacl Paul A4ohr at 515/281-6826 with umv questions or concerns regarding the
CLG program or the process for this rcvicw.
Sincerely,
��P/v
Elizabelh Foster Ilih
Tax Incentive I'rograms Manager/
National Register Coordinator
CLG NATIONAL REGISTER REVIEW
CLG Name Iowa City Date of Public Meeting
Property Name Haas and Son Grocery Store 518E. Bowerv.Street, Iowa City Johnson County
1. For Historic Preservation Commission:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
2. For Chief Elected Local Official:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
3. Professional Evaluation:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature _
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
Date
Date
Date
RETURN TO: State Historical Society of Iowa, ATTN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines,
IA 50319
CLG NATIONAL REGISTER REVIEW
CLG Name Iowa City Date of Public Meeting
Property Name Old Settler Association of Johnson County Cabins, Upper City Park Road off 100 block of
Park Road Iowa Clty Johnson County
1. For Historic Preservation Commission:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
2. For Chief Elected Local Official:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register Ineligibility
Date
Signature __.. _......-- __. Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
3, Professional Evaluation:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Reasons) for recommendation:
RETURN TO: State Historical Society of iowa, ATfN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines,
IA 50319
�g Form 10900 (Rev. 012009) ONIB No. 1024-0018 NOV e) It 11.11/
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
This form is for use In nominating a requesting determinations for Individual properties and districts. Soo Instructions In National Register bulletin, How
fo Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter VA" for
"not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, rnaledals, and areas of significance., enter only categories and subcategories from tiro
instructions. Place additional certification comments, entries, and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-000a).
1 Name of Properly _
Historic name Haas & Son Grocery Store
Other names/site number Bowery St. Grocery; Helmer's Grocery; New Pioneer Food Cooperative
2. Location
street & number 518 P. Bowery Street n/a not for publication
city of town Iowa City _ n/a vicinity
State Iowa code IA county Jolmson code 103 zip code 52240
3. SlalelFederal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended,
I hereby certify that this x nomination _ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for
registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional
equirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.
In my opinion, the property x meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property
be considered significant at the following level(s) of significance:
national statewide x local
Signature of certifying official
Title
In my opinlon, the property meets _, does not meet the halional Register critafa.
Signature of cornmenting official
Title
4. National Park Service Certil
Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
Date
I, hereby, certify that tills property Is: Signature of the Keeper
entered In the National Register
detenntned eligible for the National Register .
determined riot ellglbie for the National Register
__ removed from the National Register
___ other (explain:)
a or Federal agency and bureau
Date of Action
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Name of Property
5. Classification
Ownership of Property
(Check as many boxes as apply)
x Private
public - Local
public - State
public - Federal
Private
Category of Property
(Check only one box)
x building(s)
district
site
structure
~' building(s)
object
Name of related multiple property listing
(Gntc"'N/A" if property Is not part of a multiple property listing)
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions
(Enter categories from Instructions)
COMMERCE/TRADE/suecialiv store
DOMESTIC: single dwelling
7. Description
Architectural Classification
(Enter categories from Instructions)
Other: false front
Johnson County, Iowa
County and State
Number of Resources within Property
(Do not include previously listed resources In the count.)
Contributing_ Nonco ntributing
1 1 buildings
0 0 sites
_0 0 structures
0 0 objects
buildings
1 I Total
Number of contributing resources previously
listed in the National Register
Current Functions
(Enter categories from Instr LICUOna)
VACANT/notin use
Materials
(Enter categorles from Instructions)
foundation: CONCRETE
walls. STUCCO
roof: METAL
other: WOOD: weatherboard
Narrative Description _.
(Describe the historic and current physical appearance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Name of Propcuy ,-
Johnson County, Iowa
County and State
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance
(Mark "x" In one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the properly (Enter categories from instructions)
fol National Register listing)
A Property is associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history.
B Property is associated with the lives of persons
--- significant in our past.
C Property emhodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses high
artistic values, or represents a slgniticant
and distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction.
LD Property has yielded, or Is likely to yield, information
important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations
(Mark Y' in all the boxes that apply)
Property is:
owed by a religious institution or used for rallglous
A purposes.
R removed from its original location.
C a birthplace or grave.
_i
D a cometery,
E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
i
F a commemorative property.
U less than b0 years old or achieving significance
within the past 50 years.
COMMERCH
ARCHITECTOIZE
Period of Significance
ca. 1857-1963
Significant Dates
ca. 1857
ca. 1899
Significant Person
(Complete only if Criterion 13 Is marked above)
N/A
Cultural Affiliation
Architect/Builder
Unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance (provide at least one paragraph for each area of significance)
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used In preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets)
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
_ _preliminary determination oflndlvidual listing (33 CFIR 07 ties been
requested
previously listed In the National Register
previously determined eligible by the National Register
designated a National Hlstodc Landmark
recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey N.
recorded by Historic American Engineering Record 4
Primary location of additional data:
_ X_ State Historic Preservation Office
X Other State agency
_ Federal agency
Local government
__University
Other
Name of repository State Historical Society of Iowa
ttaas & Son Grocery Store
Narneof Property
10. Geographical D
Acreage of Property Less than one acre
UTM References
(lace additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)
15 622522 4612428
Zone Fasting Northing
2
7nne Fasting
Northing
3
Zone Easting
4 _
Zone Easting
Johnson Count Iowa
owa
Countyand State
Northing
Northing
Verbal Boundary Description (describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet)
Boundary Justification (explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet)
11.Form Prepared By
name/title Mary Bennett
organization
date November 30, 2012
street & number 1107 Muscatine Avenue telephone 319-354-2315
city or town Iowa City state IA zip code 52240
e-rnali A4..ar1'-I3ennett(r{)triowa.edii
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
Maps: A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numeous resources.
Photographs: Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items: (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
(Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.)
name Keith Barton (and Steven Rosenberg)
street & number P.O. Box 5474 telephone 510-919-5561
city or town Berkeley state CA zip code 94705
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend axis it ng listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a
benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.460 el seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form Is estimated to average 18 hours per response Including time for reviewing
Instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and rovlewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of
this form to the Chiet, Administrative Services Division, Nohere 1 Park Service, PO Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7'127; and the Office of
Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 7
'7 n.,..,,.4
r. a�c.uara aj �..vaa
Origins of the Building
The property at 518 East Bowery Street in Iowa City, known for more than eight consecutive decades as a
neighborhood grocery store, is an isolated remnant of local history; yet it reflects historic functions and retains
essential physical features common to a bygone era. Located on a portion of Lot 15, Block 6 of the 2"ti Lyons
Addition, the building is situated right next to the alley between Van Buren and Johnson Streets. The lot size is
only 21 ' wide by 70' deep, and this I S' by 40' building occupies most of that space. Only a few inches separate
the east wall from the public alley. Despite recent modifications to the front windows, Ivey characteristics of the
exterior of a commercial false front of the mid- to late-19tt century are preserved. The architectural integrity of
the building remains largely intact, without major alterations to the exterior appearance or front portion of the
store interior. Lacking elaborate ornamentation or fancy architectural details, the building is consistent with the
functional style and basic construction techniques used by local immigrant carpenters and builders in the late
1850s and early 1860s.
This visual evidence for dating the building to this period, regardless of [unction or use, is backed up by written
records. Based on research in primary sources like the abstract of title, Johnson County tax records, local
history, and biographical information, the dale of construction is most likely 1857. In late 1856, C;erman
immigrant John M. Maas (1804-1895) acquired the undeveloped lot from E. C. Lyon, who sub -divided his large
estate after donating land for Iowa C.'ity's railroad depot.[ Historian Marlys Svendsen ably describes "The
Railroad Era (1856-1898)" and the impact it had on this part of Iowa City during early years of development. As
the westernmost terminus of the railroad, the town experienced rapid growths It seems quite plausible that John
M Haas, a grocer by trade, erected the building on Bowery Street soon after he and his wife, Anna Maria,
purchased Lot 15,
Abstract of Tille to East 21 it of Smith 70 It of Lot 15, Block 6, Lyons 2n' Addition, Iowa City, Iowa, 1845-2005. In possession of
2012 owner,'Vlichelle L. Wiegand, Iowa City, Iowa; Johnson County, Iowa. 1856, 18.57, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, and 1863 Tax
.ists, lnwa City, .Inhn M. llaas, Special Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
' lawn City Historic Prcrervalion Plan: Ilis(onc Resources of Iowa City. 1992, Chicago, IL: Clarion Associates, Inc., Page Q-4. With
a nationwide fivancial panic cuiteilirig expansion of the railroad to points farther west, "Local rnerchants and herders took advantage of
the opportunity presented to the and business flourished." Svendscn also reports that, "In 1856, the building trades accounted for the
city's largest industry a fact demonstrated by the number of local coal s It u cp o n wm'kers — 529 people employed as carpenters,
bricklayers, plasters, stone masons, stone cutters, painters, inners, and brick makers." Page Q-7. There were certainly enough
craftsmen and laborers available to build the store on Bowery and local lumberyards provided needed materials. A modest building
could be built quickly and with relative ease, possibly giving iraas a chance to establish his reputation as a storekeeper who specialized
nr groceries.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section f1UMn )Fr 7 Page 2
The snnple, utilitarian stvIc suggeVts it arras built p:-rr'.,arrl y fnl•;tnrnmercial pirrposas, and also lead the rapari}__, to
serve as a dwelling for the owners or store operators over the years. Constructed in a vernacular style with
balloon framing and a moderately pitched gable roof', the rectangular shop originally measured I S' wide by
30'deop. A Senn -circular false facade rises above the south front, masking the street -facing gable and providing
space for signage to attract customers. The placement of the building close to the sidewalk, street, and alley
indicates it was intended to function as a storefi-ont from the beginning, The one -and -one -half -story building has
a one-story addition on the back of the building on the north side, meastu-ing 18' wide by 10' deep. The addition
has a shed roof, sloping downward towards the north. A non -extant gable -roofed shed (perhaps used as
warehouse space or as a horse barn) stood on the northeast comer of the lot. The 1899 Sanborn fire insurance
map shows the footprint of the store with the addition and the shed on the north, while the 1912 Sanborn snap
shows another small shed linking the buildings.3 This configuration of buildings on the narrow lot remained the
same fironr 1912 until the 1980s.4
The narrow, wood weatherboard siding on the north end of the original store is visible on the exterior, and can
also be seen from the interior of the one-storyaddition suggesting that the first version of the building was
clad in wood siding, and the addition may have been an open porch area at the back of the store before it was
enclosed prior to 1899.
13nilt at ground level without a basement, the building rests on a foundation of one layer of concrete block.
Three sides of the exterior of the store were later covered in concrete stucco, but probably not before 1920, as
the fire map indicates other buildings where stucco also appears — on a house two doors down as well as on
houses on nearby Johnson Street. A plat map of the property, drawn in 1922 as part of the abstract of title,
identifies the concrete stucco on the sketch, as well as a concrete pad in fi'ont of the building.
Large display windows face the street, and a high ceiling also reflects light towards the back of the store.
Originally, these storefront windows were divided into smaller panes of glass but the overall size was
approximately 6' wide by 7' high. In the early 1980s, the glass was replaced with Plexiglas, and later the
windows were divided into sections using stained glass and frosted glass. There is potential to restore the
openings to the original size and appearance, following current building codes. The only other window bringing
light directly into the main part of the store is a 32" wide transom window, with two panes, over the door on the
east wail leading to the alley. A solid wood door, of vintage age, is visible from the exterior of the building but
has been blocked off and covered with drywall and wainscoting on the interior. This resulted in a re -alignment
of the staircase to the upper level. Originally designed to lead directly out the side door to the alley, the base of
the stairs is now at a 90-degree angle to the cast wall. In former tunes, the staircase offered a private entrance to
the upstairs when it served as a rental unit or one-half of a duplex.
3 lnswance Mans oJlowa City, Iowa, I X99, 1906, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1933, 1933-1970. New York; The Sanborn1vlap Company.
a Michelle 1- Wiegand. Notes Gorr conversation with Richard U, Hugill, Iowa City, lowtr, May I I, 2012, See also Figures 2 and 3.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
.Johnson Count , Iowa
Section number 7 Page 3
Interior .S'naCe9
Wooden shelves line the entire west wall for 23', offering ample space for display of grocery items. Painted
wood wainscoting lines the perimeter of the room, 4' high from the floor to the top rail. The interior walls are
finished with horsehair plaster over wooden slats, The ceiling is 8'9" high, and currently electrical lights and a
fan are suspended over the main floor, Hardwood oak floors cover the front half of the first floor space, in an
area measuring 18' wide by 14' deep.
A kitchen area is now located at the back of this large open space, where a meat locker and butcher's block once
existed. A sink was always located in this areaand a recessed opening may have served as a window or pass -
through opening on the back wall of the store.` A small closet under the staircase provides storage, and the
ceding is slanted outward to accommodate the stairs overhead. A brick chimney, likely made of locally
manufactured bricks, rises from the main level to above the roofline. Metal plates covering stovepipe holes are
visible along the north wall on the first level, hinting at the use of a pot-bellied stove for heat. After the grocery
store era ended in mid-1975, the property was converted to residential use, and functions of certain pats of the
building changed.
The half -story upstairs is reached by a staircase on the north end of the first floor, near, an exit door to the east
that is no longer in use. Besides the transom light over this former door opening, the upper level is illuminated
with light fiom two double -hung sash windows on the north side and one similar window on tits south side. All
three upstairs windows measure 36" wide by 60" high, and may have been six -over -six panes when the building
was first constructed. The framing around the upstairs windows is original, but the window casements and
sashes have been replaced, Undoubtedly used for storage of grocery goods, the second floor also served as living
quarters for some of the building's occupants. Bathroom fixtures on the second floor include a sink, toilet, and
claw foot bathtub,
Measuring approximately 21 '/z" by 21 '/z", the brick chimney is exposed to view on the interior of the second
level. Slanted ceilings from the gable roof limit the amount of space where people can stand upright to the
central area of the second level. Painted drywall covers the roof ratters, and a walls -in closet space has been
created to house belongings and HVAC ductwork.
A well-worn door threshold joins the main room on the first floor to the addition on the north side of the store,
an 18' wide by 10'deep room with a shed roof. The interior walls of this addition are covered with 8" wide,
horizontal wood siding or paneling.
' Ibid,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocer Store
Johnson County, lowa
seorun nuribur 7
49..,. ?!>>..,IAe A..... .. H +., n..i thr$ +"` : storm �nnA w:arnv sn•to1 a
i r�o _ v wink, window on *he Wes' , all add4iofl and companion 5 1 .i ._...0 r,.,_.. p rt Ofthe
original building fabric. With three -over -three glass panes, the muntins have a cross section characteristic that
may match window millwork dating from the 1850s. Their cross section is characteristically thin and tall when
compared with later examples. This one element may be akey to dating the original building materials,
In order to make the commercial space more livable as a residence, modifications were made to the interior
spaces, including setting up partial walls or partitions to divide the store's open floor space, and to provide
privacy for the bathroom facilities in the addition on the north side. Now divided into two rooms, the addition
houses a washer and dryer, water beater, furnace, shower, toilet, and sink. Along with adding laundry facilities,
the owner upgraded the HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Placing a shower in the northeast corner
of the addition led the owner to block off one 32" wide window on the north side of the addition, leaving the
six -pane window in place and visible from the exterior. A 32" wide door on the east side, leading to the alley,
was sealed off to make room for appliances.6 All of the electrical conduits and piping for indoor plumbing are
exposed in the addition, rather than hidden behind walls, suggesting these modernizing elements were installed
long after the original construction date.
Exterior Appearance
The 60" wide window on the north side of the addition slides on a track, with the sashes hanging horizontally,
indicating it was possibly a former upstairs window that was recycled and modified. A modern 36" wide
entrance/exit door on the north wall of the addition provides access to the open area between the store and the,
garage. Wooden fencing encloses this patio area on the west and east sides, with a gate opening towards the
west.
A tin roof with seams protects the main building, as do metal gutters and downspouts. The defining architectural
feature of the building, the false storefront, provides clues as to the age of the building and illustrates a proto-
typical method of construction for mid-19`t' century retail shops. The backside, not visible from the street, is
covered with wood weatherboard siding and metal flashing where it joins the roof.
Metal flashing also appears at the base of the chimney where the brickwork meets the roof. Richard Hugill, who
maintained the building in the 1980s, replaced the shed -style roof on the addition with a recycled metal roof
front art old barn in Muscatine County.7
Abstract of Title, 1 845-2005, After sitting vacant for a year, the propertywas ,sold to a woman for use as a residence instead of a
storefront. Using funds Croni a city rehabilitation program in 1994, the owner engaged in ennodelutg the interior— introducing the
first major set of alterations to the interior of the building since the addition was placed on the north side in the 19°i century.
7
M icI elle 1.. W iegand, Notes from conversation with Richard D. Hngill, Iowa City, Iowa, May 11, 2012.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 7 Page 5
Clr::d;' ...:.1 CL'tbuad'r:gs vJePe rnmmnply Sal:atert al the Prlaeg pr Intc ;ig ghn�arn nn the fire incpranrr nivinc A
frame shed with a gable roof and heavy wooden door once occupied the north end of the lot. Former owners
report that the space between the back of the grocery store and the shed was covered with a canopy or roof that
extended north to connect the main building to the shed. A photograph from 1982 (Figure 3) documents how the
property looked for many decades before the old sheds and rotted wood canopy were torn down by Richard
IIugill`
Around 2004, the old shed was replaced by a single car garage, which was situated close to the alley, on the
footprint of the original shed. 'this 12' x 16' garage is a non-contributing building because it features new
framing, siding, and roofing, even if some of the materials and fabric date back to the era of the shed. The
windows may have been recycled from the original shed, but the doors and other improvements date from 2004,
In the 1980s, the most significant changes were made to the exterior appearance of the front fagade when the
format of the fiont windows was modified. An etched glass panel with the address, 51 S Bowery, was placed in
the lantern window over the front door. At an earlier time, a window air conditioner occupied the transom space
above the door (Figure 8). The replacement front door, with manufactured leaded glass panels, also diminishes
the historical integrity of the building's front. The striped awnings were probably added, not only to shade the
interior fi-om excess light, but to restore or suggest the look of a storefiont, The most egregious assault on the
original architectural style was the installation of frosted and colored glass panes in the divided front windows.
Historic Integrity
'Phis property retains historic integrity of those features necessary to convey its significance in terns of location,
design, setting, materials, wor'knnanship, feeling, and association. The building was constructed at the same
location around 1857 and had an important relationship with the surrounding neighborhood, which included a
new railroad depot one block to the south, plus manufactuing, products and services, and a burgeoning
residential area. Individuals associated with the property and nearby historic events included T. C. Lyons, a
major landowner responsible for the development of this area, and John M. Haas, an immigrant from Baden,
Gm many, seeking his fortune in the grocery trade.
Integrity of design is apparent, as much of the building remains the same in terms of scale, proportion,
organisation of space, and materials as when it was built. The building reflects historic functions and the
aesthetics of the time, a period of rapid growth when low-cost, vernacular construction dominated. Just as the
front fagade harks back to an earlier time, walking into the interior space is also a step backwards in time.
Visual reference points for original design elements can be seen in the store's open floor space, the way the back
of the store is lit by expansive front windows, the high ceiling, and the windowless side walls designed to
s Ibid.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section rumher 7 Pago 6
accommodate shelving for store products. 1 ne lnterloi was 9h ill iiy reafranged with a }half wiili a1 coi;iit2ro at
the back of the store
The setting of the property is important as the building was deliberately built along a main thoroughfare, near a
high traffic area, so as to attract business. Like other commercial structures, the front of the building was placed
close to the sidewalk and road, whereas the house next door is set back. Unfortunately, as noted by Molly
Naumann in her survey of the area, there has been rannpant destruction of block after block of the residences
built in the 19"' and early20°i centuries along S. Johnson and S, Van Buren, The original setting is now
different, but the building stands sentinel to this change.
Materials used in the construction of the building remain essentially intact. Although alterations have taken
place, the property retains its original identity and the exterior is visually recognizable as a significant
representation of an earlier time. Some of the original fabric has been lost through renovations, and the stucco
hides the materials used underneath, but the basic physical characteristics are the same. Modern plumbing,
newer exterior doors, and linoleum covering the wood floor at the back of the store are examples of changes
made to the building. An investigation through the Technical Assistance Network might reveal more about the
age or combination of materials used.
The integrity of the workmanship is apparent in the building as a whole, and in specific components like the
methods used to build the false front or the brick chimney. Construction techniques for vernacular, gable roof
buildings were core nonly known and practiced on every type of building from house to store, or church to
school. The building looks plain and simple, built by the hands of skilled carpenters and laborers who were
readily available.
The building conveys an overall feeling of the 19ti' century in terms of design and character, and serves as a
reminder of the importance of the railroad to the development oflowa City's south side. Sihiatcd a halfblock
from a brick -lined street leading to the spot where the depot once was, a strong sense of history can be felt when
imagining how the neighborhood might have looked. There are few buildings constructed in the same era in the
vicinity, so preserving this property contributes to the historical feeling.
Identifying historical integrity through association to events or individuals is possible with [his property as
demonstrated by previous studies of Iowa City's social history and built envirormncnt, including those done by
Naumann, Svendsen, and Nash. The history of the grocery stores located at 518 E. Bowery also helps illuminate
this local story and expands the interpretive possibilities for state and national history. Ultimately, after careful
examination it may be determined that this building meets all of the criteria for evaluating historical integrity.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 8 Page 7
S. Stateirrent of Significance
Summary of Significance
The Haas & Son Grocery Store property at 518 East Bowery Street is locally significant under Criterion A for
its association with events that have made a significant contribution to American history. The nation's
experience with Manifest Destiny and western expansion into the Trans -Mississippi region is reflected in the
history of this building; a local example of how immigrants came to Iowa City and Johnson County to establish
themselves and contribute to the prosperity of the community. German immigrant and owner John M. Haas
(1804.1895) traveled up the Mississippi River from St. ,Louis, arriving in Iowa City in 1852, Haas had worked
as a skilled carpet weaver for thirty-four years, but decided to begin a new trade as a grocer hoping to capitalize
on the needs of a burgeoning population in a new market center. A decade later, Haas built two substantial brick
storefronts in Iowa City's downtown conmicrcial district, but this is the only extant building associated with his
grocery business.
Built in circa 1857, the building is a rare survivor of a small retail store with a false front once common in
lowa's towns and cities in the mid -nineteenth century. The building retains original design characteristics that
match up with the historical context of settlement patterns and the boom in town development after the arrival
of the railroad in Iowa City in 1856, The other significant date for the building is circa 1899, when an addition
with a shed roof was added to the north side of the original gable -roofed building, as shown on a Sanborn fire
insurance map, The period of significance extends from circa 1857 to 1963, when a neighborhood grocery stoic
operated out of this building for 80 consecutive years. Subsequent owners and occupants shared the common
ideal of working independently as entrepreneurs so they could support themselves and their family members.
These grocers continued to contribute to community life and adapt to historical circumstances, yet, remarkably,
the building itself remained largely unchanged and became known as a familiar local landmark.
The Haas and Son Grocery Store embodies the distinctive characteristics of the type, period, and method of
construction found in vernacular architectural styles in Iowa and elsewhere in the nation in the 1850s, so it is
also significant under Criterion C. This building serves as a prototype of basic construction techniques
employed by skilled and lay carpenters in this period, and the distinctive false front is noteworthy. Very
similiarly styled storefronts existed throughout Iowa's small towns and villages for over a hundred years but few
remain in good repair, or still retain their original look,
Only minor alterations have been made to the original 1857 era building (such as the stucco and the addition on
the rear), though research suggests these changes took place during the period of significance. There is one non-
contributing building on the north side of the property, a 2004 garage placed on the footprint of a former shed.
The building lacks high artistic values and the architect or builder is unknown, but it remains a prime example
of simple design using practical techniques and commonly available materials.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store —
Johnson Countv. Iowa
Section number R
l Rae,4rtnrnnn d of ('.rmnerrAtal A r•rhifnrfir t•e in I"ayst5 1 R47-1 RQR
The Ffaas &. Son Grocery Store property at 518 E. Bowery, dating from circa 1857, could easily be overlooked
in terms of its historical significance, but the building represents an architectural prototype used for small retail
shops and specialty stores in the 19`' century. During "The Railroad Era (1856-1898)" in Iowa City, "the
population grew rapidly from 2,570 in 1.854 to 6,316 in 1856, before reaching 7,987 in 1900."9 Fitting the
pattern of settlement, the store was constructed in a key location near a depot, serving the community at this
pivotal time and continuing to do so for the next hundred years. The building has acquired significance through
association with important historic events, patterns of social behavior, and many representative individuals who
built, worked, or lived there. The definitive study, "Iowa's Main Street Commercial Architecture," written by
Jan Olive Nash in 2002, provides the necessary background on architectural styles and historical interpretation
for understanding the context in which this particular building existed. As Nash writes, "To understand the Main
Street landscape, it is necessary to know the forces that created, sustained, and changed Iowa's towns. During
the nineteenth century within the context of a growing and generally westward -moving national population,
Iowa was a state of transitions."10
The architecture of this build ng matches Nash's depiction of "first generation and settlement period buildings"
ri Iowa, when false fronts were used to establish "a substantial and regular profile on the street.i, I Town
builders "took the familiar forms and simple shapes of vernacular buildings in the East and old Northwest."
"Wooden store buildings were likely free-standing along a dirt road or convenient trading intersection." 12.
Thus
lawn City Historic PreserTaiuxa Plan. historic Resources oflorva CIy, 1992, Page Q-5. When Haas first arrived in town, there was a
critical shortage of building materiats as elaborated in the Iowa Republican, a newspaper published in Iowa City. An article titled
"Wan( Of Material" in the November 23, 1853, issue states: Our city now lags in progress for the lack of Saw materials' for building
purposea. There is still a great cry for houses, and rooms for business." The article continues, "Many say they would build but lumber
is not to be had and brick are up to $6 to $8 per thousand, and few to he had far that price. we hope that someone or come will go into
the lumber business largely next spring to supply the increasing wants." The Iowa CnpitoI Reporter for June 7, 1854, also paints a
picture of Iowa City at this stage of growth: Still they come. Envgtation to this place still continues to pour in, in torrents." An article
in the October 31, 1855 edition of The Reporter ran a brief notice, "Vicinity of the Depot," which stated "Houses are coming up in flits
portion of the city in gnat numbers," Although John M. Haas was in Iowa City by 1853 and he acquired the lot at 518 E. Bowery in
Deccmber of 1 856, perhaps his construction plans were delayed because of the scarcity and expense of materials.
10 Nash, Jan Olive. 2002, "Iowa's Main Sheet Commercial Architecture" Iowa City, Tallgiass Historians L.C., Page B-k
Ibid., Page E-27. Nash, in describing store buildings similar to the 518 E. Bowery property, wrote that long and narrow lots were
conmron when new i nh'oad town plats were laid out, so stores were deeper than they were wide. Bermefr also based her assessment of
proto-typical architectural styles and historical context on the many images of Iowa's built envirorvncnt in the period of the Civil war
and itnnrediately following when Iowa photographers took to the field to create stercograph portraits of main streets and commercial
storefronts, Similar buildings from this period of settlement call be seen in three-dimensional form in: Mary Bermch and Paul C. JUlrl.
Ion"I ,)tcreographs Three-Dimensiovtn! Visions of Iowa's Past. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1997, Pages 37-126, 219-258.
'` Imd,, Page F 2
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, lowa
Section number i] Page 9
• tt t 1 Ft A LiP • l c s lc��' 1 gular StGICfi'Gl.. iiSpiiCaceu the pet
"chimney stacks projected above the roofline,'i12 Local materials were used for structural components, and
everything was made by hand. As was probably the case with this building when it was new, "Wooden buildings
were oovercd by wood -shingled gable roofs and siding was sawn planks or later milled clapboard. False fronts
with a raised parapet that hid the gable peak were common."la The seamed tin roof currently on the building is a
replacement but the false front itself seems to be original.
Nash describes another important attribute of this style of commercial architecture, noting that beyond needing
the light from front windows, "Storekeepers relied on glass display windows to exhibit their goods and wares
and attract customers." She explains, "window displays were necessary to catch the eye of sidewalk pedestrians
and the occupants of vehicles on the street,"i s
I. lnlike die more impressive brick business block Haas built on the west side of Clinton Street between
Washington and Collcge,16 this small-scale frame building may have suited the needs of a different clientele,
Tucked in next to streets and alleys leading to a busy railroad terminal, the building would have been dwarfed
by a local landmark across the street. A grand, multi -story brick mansion in Italianate style, with a cupola, stood
in the center of an expansive estate called Roanoke.17 The owner, prominent businessman Ethicl C. Lyou, was
�s Ibid.
1° Tbid., Page E-27
�s Ibid,, Page J:_I8
" 11olland's lnlva City Oil 'ectny for 1868-69 features an advertisement for "Haas' New Block, west side of Clinton near College," a
hvo-story brick building; Iowa SRtle GazetteerDescriplhve and Historical Skerches of Courtttes, Cilies, Towns and Villages, Chicago:
Halley & Hair, 1865, indicates Jolm M. Haas and his son Francis J, had a business called Ilaas & Son. According to !its obituary ui Ole
Iowa City Daily Repiiblierrn, March M, 1895, John M. Haas was born in Baden, Crermany, in 1804, learned the weaver's trade as a
youth, sailed to America in 1838, lived in Pennsylvania and Indiana, and ended up weaving carpels in St. Louis until lie moved to fowa
City. His brother, Francis Haas, came to Towa Cityaround 1851 or 1952 to establish a dry goods business with his partner Adam
Eppet Haas & Eppel ran a store on the toner of Dubuque and Washington in 1868-09. By this time, John M. Haas was retired but he
leased out a portion of the new brick storefront he built on Clinton Street to another grocery, Bociner and Saunders. Haas' New Block
was evidently somewhat new in 1868, and his son, Francis J. Haas, operated a dry good store there for at least the next ten years. Tax
records indicate that both Haas brothers came to America with some capital to invest as they were able to afford expensive lots in the
downtown business district as well as purchasing land for homes, and the little grocery on B. Bowery Sheet, The Ninereenth Census of
the United Slates, 1870, Iowa, Johnson County, Iowa City Township, Page 330, for John M. Haas, shows he owned real estate with a
value of $20,000, and personal property worth $2,500. By 1878-79, when lie was 74-years-old, IIaas resided on the southeast corner of
Bowery and Summit, just a few blocks from his original storefront, Hie biographical sketch of Haas in Pornrrir and Biographiarl
Record #Johnson, Poweshieh and Iowa Counties, Iowa, Chicago: Chapman Hros., 1993, p. 247, commented that "he makes his home
io a substantial brick residence on Summit Street, which is built in modern style." In 2012, this prominent, stylish English 'Tudor
mansion still stands as testament to the success Haas experienced in America.
"Margaret N. Keyes. Nineteenth oflowa City, Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1960, Pages 66-68
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson Countyzfowa
Se.obon number 8 Page 10
Ar
the same man who donated land for the depot and sold Lot 15 to Haas in August i 856. It seems iogieal Haas
would aim to profit from regular customers working and living near the depot, newly arriving immigrants such
as ,hundreds of Mormons heading west, and possibly some Civil War soldiers who passed through town or
trained six blocks away at Cauip Pope.
Reconstructing the entire history of the property and building may depend on further examination of materials
and traces of workmanship; but research reveals the building definitely existed on the same footprint in 1868, as
shown on a bird's-eye view of Iowa City drawn by A. Puger,19 Although an artist's rendering with imaginary
embellishments, many aspects of this layout are remarkably accurate, and owner's of individual buildings
portrayed in the sketch can often be matched with names and addresses in the city directory from 1868-69.20
1 he view shows two distinct buildings on the north side ofthe 500 block of E. Bowery Street, directly across
from E. C. l,yon',s large estate and at the exact midpoint between S. Johnson and S. Van Buren Streets. The
majority of the houses along Johnson and Van Buren are pictured facing either east or west. Only two buildings
face Bowery in the middle of the block, where the alley forms the eastern boundary of Lot 15 — no doubt the
frame house at 516 E. Bowery and the storefront at 518 E. Bowery. It is even apparent that one building is very
close to the other and may jut out slightly towards the street, More than likely, the same person built both the
house and the store.
In 1990, Molly Naumann conducted a survey of the surrounding neighborhood, and took note of the property at
518 L, Bowery. She wrote, "This small gable roofed building does not possess individual significance
architecturally, but represents a minority property type in the survey area: a commercial building. Located on the
east/west street closest to the railroad depot, it may have commanded a share of its business from travelers." She
continued, "However, neighborhood groceries were a common feature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
and most of the customers would have come from the immediate vicinity." Her final conclusion regarding the
building was that "While not individually eligible, this building is of interest as a property type."21 Further
research has unveiled the significance and age of the building, perhaps altering perceptions about whether it is
individually eligible for recognition.
13 Aiwnicl of Title, 1845-2005.
A. Rnger, Bird's-eye view ofRnra 0y, Johnson County, Iowa, 1808, drawn by A. Ruger. CIli cago: Chicago I-11110graph Comlially
L0 Holland's Iowa Cif), Directory fmr 1868-69, Chicago: Western Publishing Company.
Molly Nnunialm. Reconnaissance Survey of the Area Bounded by Gilbert, Brulnlgton and Govemor Streets and the Iowa lnterstate
Railway Tracks in Iowa City, Iowa, RA D I I report, March 1990, Page 70,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 8 Page 11
IM.iw nn'S 3^faage e'lmfC;ty'c . "n, cideiue iirntaLons imposed Ily,n lrg,ca
meant she could not delve too deeply into the historical record for individual buildings, even those that might be
potentially eligible for the National Register of historic Places. Though an Iowa Site Inventory Form was
completed, Naumann's initial assessment of the building did not include a review of previous owners of the
property, or the details found in the abstract of title. Using her experience as an architectural historian and basic
documentation, she s u-rniscd the building at 518 F. Bowery was constructed around '1890.22 Subsequent
research, especially the presence of the building on the 1868 bird's-eye view of Iowa City, seems to prove the
building was constructed earlier even if it was not always used as a grocery store,
The Neighborhood Around Bowery Street
The story that emerges tram examining this property reflects the lives of working-class people who resided in a
neighhorhood on the outskirts of a developing downtown commercial district. As the economy of Iowa City
transformed over &re course of one hundred and fifty years, it is important to take note of the different stages of
growth and how individuals and families earned livelihoods. The independently run grocery stores that persisted
at this location were a far cry from supermarkets or "big box" retail groceries of the later 20' century. In fact,
this building represents an even smaller scale operation, more reminiscent of mid-] 9`i' century retail
establislvnents in Iowa's small towns than the larger two-story mom-and-pop grocery stores scattered
throughout residential neighborhoods in greater numbers later on (Figure 7).
17re historical significance of this building rests in the unaltered appearance of the exterior of this familiar
neighborhood fixture. Known as a grocery store by several generations of Iowa City citizens, the persistence of
this building in the midst of extreme modification of the streets cape through apartment construction is simply
ain azing. Those who pass by this physical reminder of a different era often pay attention to the unusual
architecture and wonder how this intriguing place could have survived when so much else has been lost. The
grocery stands as a testament to the style of commercial architecture prevalent in other areas of the state,
especially in smaller towns and villages, but virtually obliterated from Iowa City's cityscape.
This rare example of how retail trade was conducted differs greatly from the two-story buck buildings lining the
main streets and town squares of Iowa towns, including Iowa City's downtown area Located in the midst of a
neighborhood away from the center of commerce, the stare is situated near the outskirts of the Mississippi and
"]bid., Pages 25-33 and unnumbered page after page 69, with Iowa Site Inventory Foinr for 518 B. Bowery,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson Count , Iowa
Sectlon nurnber S Page 12
nn:,._otn: n...]-,... A,_--, .7 a" f loth'..�., t, fae �. hri rirn�c f rticnlarnr note, oneal'by
ivtreauw I nai.ivad vwlra� Y.,C „L"' a "' v...a .try � t0,j..L�...y o�. O_ pa _ )t_ 1w
National Register of Historic Places properties. The C. D, Close Residence was built in 1874 and remains oil the
National Register of Historic Places, but the Close Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil Factory, built in 1873, has been
removed from the NRHP because of remodeling.23
As Naumann writes, "The residences along Van Buren and Johnson may well have been housing for workers in
the Gilbert Street manufacturing area." The grocery store at 518 E, Bowery would have surely attracted foot
traffic from those going or coming to work or school. Naumann continues, "Development along Gilbert, Van
Buren, Johnson, and the west part of Bowery, seems to have been reasonably steady during the years the
passenger depot was in use."24 The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific depot was surrounded by a U.S, Express
Office, livestock yard, light industry, lumberyard, and other trades that attracted regular customers. By carefully
surveying the 1868-69 city directory, a snapshot or profile of the residents who chose to live on E. Bowery or
along S. Johnson and S. Van Buren south of Court Street can be created. Who lived in the immediate vicinity of
the store? Carpenters, plasters, laborers, teamsters, millwrights, a fireman, schoolteachers, a dentist, students,
cabinet makers, a civil engineer, attorneys, a bookkeeper, a jeweler, and owners of mills lived in the neighbood.
With the railroad close by, it was no surprise to find a conductor, bridge foreman, cattle shipper, livestock
dealer, and numerous boardinghouses. Although Ruger may have exaggerated the total number and placement
of houses in his drawing of Iowa City, the neighborhood was densely settled and capable of supporting a local
grocery. Even after the depot was moved several blocks farther west in I S98, the local population was able to
sustain the grocery store at 518 E, Bowery for seven more decades (Figure 10).
zs Ibid., page 1.
21 Ibid., Page 12; Thelma Oelung, Photographs of residences in this neighborhood prior to demolition for apartment buildings, c.
1960-1965, Special Collections, Slate Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City. Not surprisingly, Naumann discovered that only a few of
the renidenccs constructed in "The Railroad Era (1856-1898)," lasted long enough to he photographed before they wore torn down. A
study done earlier than Oelung's photographic survey in the 1960s; might have found buildings more compatible to 516 and 518 E,
Bowery, in terms of design, age, and construction materials. Since the oldest houses in the neighborhood deteriorated first, usually
after years of use as low-cost student housing, few remained for Naumann to consider in her study, In fact, the lack of integrity in the
neighborhood meant the area bounded by her reconnaissance survey was determined to he ineligible as a historic district ur Iowa City,
Naumann did spot more substantial homes on or near Bowery like the McConnell -Bristol House, 606 S. Johnson (c. 1860), or the
Swisher -Price House, 917 F. Bowery (c, 1870), which persisted through the ages. She also noted a few smaller mid-19"' century
homes, which appear in pockets along the streets around the store. On page 45, Naumann reported the 1 899 Sanborn map showed that
S, Johnson `lots between Court and Bowery [were] almost full" of houses, and that the "houses along Johnson appear larger than those
oil Van Buren." Documenting the encroachment of aptutalent complexes from the early 1960s onward, she discovered that by the time
of her 1990 study "of the thirty-one houses that lined Johnson between Court and Bowery in 1933, eighteen have been demolished."
She found a similar pattern on S. Van Buren, remarking on page 40, that "The 1868 Bird's Bye View shows houses on both sides of
the street from Ralston Creek south to Bowery (400 and 500 Blocks)," and the 1899 Sanborn map showed the same configuration of
wood frame houses. In 1990, she found "Of the twenty-two house shown in the 400 and 500 blocks on the 1933 Sanborn map, only
seven remain,"
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
seatlun number 8 Page 13
Grocery Store Proprietors at SI S F. Bowery Street
Telling the story of this building means drawing on the personal biographies of the individuals associated with
each grocery store operated at this location between the years 1857-1864 and 1895-1975. Historical trends, such
as mass marketing of consumer goods or development of brand name products, altered the way Americans
shopped over the course of a century. Today's retail trade for groceries is greatly diversified, from natural food
cooperatives to huge international corporations like Wal-Mart or Iowa's own employee -owned Hy-Vee. By
studying those who operated a small business and devoted their lives and careers to meeting the daily needs o1'
their neighbors, a sense of place and historical context begins to emerge.
Because of its small scale, this particular storefront served as a start-up operation for those who wanted to
venture into a trade without much investment, whether they owned the building or not, Even if they were
renters, storekeepers operating out of this location could open business without much capital outlay, buying
store goods on credit from wholesalers. Records show the building provided an opportunity for immigrant
families coming into the Iowa City area — including German-, Irish-, and Italian -born citizens — to earn a
living,
The most significant dates for considering how the building functioned as a specialty shop began in 1857 when
grocer John M. Haas owned the property (Figure 1). Ilaas & Son established their trade in Iowa City as early as
August 1851, operating out of a frame building on cast side of Clinton Street between Washington and Iowa
Avenue, In 1855 and 1856, like most merchants of the day, Haas let his customers know he was willing to
barter; advertising that "All Kinds of Grain and Produce Bought and Sold," They offered a variety of goods
including hardware, glass, nails, and crockery along with groceries and chy goods. An advertisement on an 1859
land ownership reap shows that Haas sold "Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots & Shoes, Ilats & Caps, Cement,
Plaster Paris & Hair." Obviously there was a reliable market for house building materials as well as personal
items as evidenced by the number of merchants in town selling the same groceries or similar goods. Haas & Son
relocated their grocery business to a brick building on the west side of Clinton between Washington and
College, the "Now Haas Block," erected sometime after 1859 and before I S64 when Haas sold the Bowery
Street property.25
Subsequently, various owners used the property at 518 Fast Bowery, presumably as a residence if not as a
storefront, between 1865 and 1895 when grocer Witt Cisne purchased the building. Cisne owned the building
zs John K..Sisson. Map ofJohnson Coway Iowa, I859, drawn by ,John R. Simon. Piltsburgh, Pennsylvania: 1.. W, Vale and E. W.
13rady; Iowa City Reporter, December 31, 1851, newspaper notice for'New Store" operated by Haas & Son since August of that year;
Iowa City Republican newspaper ad, June 5, 1856; Iowa City Direcney and ltdvertlserJor 1857, Iowa City: A.G. Tucker & Co.
Printers; Iowa Slate Gazetteer. Descriptive and historical Sketches of Counties, Cities, Towns and Vi(lagcs, Chicago: Bailey & Bair,
1865.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 8 Page 14
for only four months,26 but starting that year, a grocery occupied the storefront almost continuously for the next
80 years, from 1895 to 1975.
In December 1895, William L. Havard of Iowa City purchased the properties at 516 and 518 Bowery Street
from Will Cisne, who ran a store around the corer, at 532 Johnson Street, in a building that looked more like a
house than a store. Also at this time, brick paving was introduced in Iowa City, which meant "paving extended
from the downtown cast along College to Summit and then south to Bowery." 27 This facilitated local
transportation and fostered residential construction on streets not far from the store on E. Bowery Sheet.
For the next 23 years, Havard rented the grocery store at 518 E. Bowery to other proprietors like Mrs. Catherine
Hawley, John A. Mahan and his sister Theressa B. Mahan, and Joshua O. Emmons and Minnic Emmons; until
taking over the store himself in 1918,28
One interesting figure in the history of this building is Mrs. Catherine Hawley, who was born in Ireland around
1844. The 1897 city directory lists her as the proprietor of a "Groceries and Meat Market" at 518 E. Bowery,
although Mrs. Catherine Hawley may have opened tip shop a few years earlier, as she was in Iowa City by 1891.
Catherine Hawley was age 53 in 1897, and raising two stepchildren ages 14 and 15 years old, so running a
grocery store probably helped earn extra income while giving her a chance to watch over the youngsters she was
in charge of,The 1899 Sanborn fire insurance map of this part of Iowa City also verifies the presence of a
grocery at this location, providing the first site map of the property.30
Abstract of Title, 1845-2005, Documentation of certain years of occupancy, mainly from 1870 to 1895, is unavailable or incomplete.
ONoimship of the property can be established with the abstract of title but a Iack of city directories or biographical information means
the uses of the building cannot be determined in that era, even if the physical characteristics suggest the building was best suited for
rise as a storefront.
17 Iowa City Historic Preae,aliora plan, HuloHc Resources oflowa City. 1992, Page Q-1 I Svend.sen writes, "Perennial complaints
accompanied Iowa City's wet seasons when dirt and macadamized streets became rivers of mud. Difficult to negotiate by wagon, the
routes were impassable for emtomobiles." Brick paving, similar to the bricks still visible on Van Buren Sh eetjust south of Bowery,
may have increased traffic around the store.
LA Abstract of Title, 1845-200.5 Also useful were city directories, census records, obituaries, probate records, lax lists, and cemetery
records as listed in the bibliography, which provided much of the background information on occupants of the building.
'° Stale Census of Iowa, 1895, Johnson County, Iowa 5" Ward; SmiI17S Dtreclory of Iowa Cityfar 1897-1898 Rock Island, IL'. Edgar
Smith Publishing. 1898; "Pneumonia Takes Mrs, C.W. Hawley," Iowa City Republiwn April 231 1908; "Mrs. Hawley is Dead," Iowa
Cily Citizen, April 24, 1908, Catherine O'Connell Brennan Hawley and her brother David O'Comcll, both ended up in Iowa City after
emigrating from Ireland. She had two sons and two daughters during her first umrriage, to a Mr. Brennan. After she married again
around 1881 to Charles W. Hawley, she also raised two stepchildren, Mr, Hawley's- young son and daughter, 'They lived in the 5"'
Ward, where the grocery store was located. Mr. Iiawley ran a restaurant on Maiden Lane, on the other side of the railroad depot, and
later operated a hotel, saloon, and livery on Dubuque Street near Burlington.
10 Insurance Maps of Iowa Cl6y, Iowa, 1899
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store _
Johnson Coujity,Iowa
Section number 8 Page 15
By 1899, another woman with an Trish background, Theressa Mahan, had taken over the grocery store. Miss T.
B. Mahan, a 45-year-old schoolteacher31 lived with her brother John M. Mahan at a boarding house at 520 E.
Bowery. She and John ran the grocery and continued to live across the alley for almost tell years, until 1908.13
The paving of Bowery from Gilbert to Summit was done in 1908; not only making travel on the street easier,
but probably helping to keep the dust down and mud from entering the store on the feet of customers,33 Joshua
O, Emmons and his wife, Minnie, took over the facility after the Mahans left, renting it from William Havard
and selling groceries until 1914. The Emmons also rented the house next door to the west, at 516 E, Bowery, for
a couple of years. Emmons had experience working as a grocery clerk and running grocery stores on College, S.
Clinton, and elsewhere on E. Bowery according to city directories.
Running a retail business was particularly suited to a husband and wife who could trade off duties and work
shifts to accommodate their family or other moneymaking endeavors. This historical building, with a false front,
is emblematic of family -run retail businesses designed to garner a modest income for hard-working
entrepreneurs. As scholars like Mary Allison Farley have found, these business environments were often
suitable places for women to find work in the public sector, when few occupations beyond schoolteacher were
considered socially acceptable. Conveniently, a woman — whether married, widowed, or single— could be a
store proprietor, and even have her children on the premises so she could watch over them or enlist their
services,34 Women like Catherine O'Connell Hawley and Theressa Mahan were proprietors who gained
experience ordering supplies, keeping accounts, waiting on customers, or creating a special featured item to sell
in the store. Typical retail establishments were successful because of the involvement of family members,
whether run by husband and wife, adult siblings, or hired managers. With division of gender roles in the period
of significance, women were the primary shoppers in the family and probably felt welcome in the environment
of a grocery store, more so than in male -dominated establishments like livery stables or lumberyards. A degree
of cleanliness and orderliness attracted customers looking for fresh and reliable food, and having a female cleric
" "Teaching Staff Ilan Been Named,"knwr Stale Press, September 23, 1903
12 "John Mahan Passed Away," Iowa City Republican," September 1, 1908; "Funeral of John Mahan,"Iowa City Cilizen, September
4, 1908; Twelfth Census of the Uniled Slaies, 1900, Iowa, Johnson County, Iowa City Township. L.D. 86, Sheet 55, John Mahan and
Tressa Mahan, Of Irish descent, John A. Malian was born in Pennsylvania in June 1841 and lived in Iowa City foi 51 years before
dying of cancer. His younger sister, Theressa, was horn around 1854, only three years before her family settled in Iowa City. John's
surviving relatives included six sisters and Iwo brolhers. His unanarried sisters worked as schoolteachers, dressmakers, and laundresses.
a31011'n Cityllisiorie Preservalion Plan. Hislrnic Re.sourrns oflowa Cily, 1992, Page Q-11.
14 Mary Allison Farley. Wage-earning women in Dubuque, Iowa, 1910-1917: their position in the labor force and how they remember
that experience, M,A. thesis, University of Iowa; MaryAllison Parley. "Iowa Women in the Workplace," The Paflrnpseei, Vol. 67
(1986): 2-16, 21-27; Jan Olive Nash, Ioma's Main Sireel Coinaiercial Archiieciure, Page P-1I, offers a brief discussion of gender
roles in relation to small town business, as does Lewis Atherton, Main Slreel nn 1he eWiddle Border. Bloomington: Indiana University
Press, 1954, Page 40; and Mary Bennett. An toms Albion. APhotographic llisimy, 1860-1920. 1990, Iowa City, University of Iowa
Press, 1990, Page 74,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Swclon number 8 Page 16
with compatible sensibilities and familiarity with cooking in�;ieutctits might rr,�rcaw oaks (Flgiures 4 and 6).
A few of the grocers who inhabited this space used it as a stepping -stone to storefronts elsewhere in town. After
John Mahan died in 1908, his sister Theressa gave up the grocery store they ran together at 518 E. Bowery, but
she soon set up a business in the lower level of the W indrem house on the northeast comer of Iowa Avenue and
Johnson Street. As local historian living B. Weber wrote, Theressa (also known as Tressa or Miss T.B. Malian)
sold groceries and penny candy, catering especially to the school children attending the nearby grammar school
and high school.35
By 1918, William L, Havard's grocery store at 518 E. Bowery is listed in the city directory under "Grocer and
Meats," suggesting he had butcher mg skills, He resided at the same address, along with "Lawrence C. Havard,
manager," and Lawrence's wife, Mabel C, Havard. Earlier city directories list William L. Ilavard as a "stock -
buyer" in 1907, and his occupation is given as "Livestock" in 1911, both possibly references to Havard's skills
as a butcher and the presence of a livestock yard in the vicinity of the nearby railroad depot. Later, Havard's
home was just down the street from the store, at 510 E. Bowery. In 1919, Jess O. Orris and his wife, Mabel, who
also resided at 518 E. Bowery, are listed under "Meats" in the business section. William Havard's association
with the grocery store ended when the property was sold in 1921.36. There were four owners of the building
before grocer Jacob Goldberg purchased the property, Among those who managed or rented the store was Ezell
& Co., Grocers, whose advertising slogan in 1922 proclaimed customers would find "A Thrifty Store forThrifty
People" offering "Service, Quality, Cleanliness." Listing a telephone number, the ad promised, "You'll get what
you want and when you want it." Arthur D. Ezell and his wife, Helen M were the proprietors.37
Jacob Goldberg and his wife, Sarah, ran the store for a few years before moving across town and leasing the
store to another lowa City grocer, Jerome L. Schilling, from 1928 to 1930, The language used on advertisements
suggests that storekeepers took pride in providing high -quality service to meet the customer's needs and
demands. An ad in the 1930 city directory for Schillig's Bowery St. Grocery stated "Everybody Knows Who
Carries the Best."M
By 1933, Iowa City had 46 groceries, including owners who ran more than one grocery like Jacob Goldberg,
manager and owner of both 518 E. Bowery and a location known as Melrose Market on Melrose Avenue,
3' Irving B. Weber. `School Doors Open Wide in 1905 Iowa City," in Irving Weber's Iowa City, vDl. 4. Iowa City: Iowa City Lions
Club, 1987, Pages 57-62; h ving B. Weber. "Clues," in Historical Stories about lawn City, vol,1, tows City: Iowa City Lions Club,
1976,Page 70.
36 Abstract of Tide, I M5-2005; State Census oflowa, 1895, Johnson County, Iowa 5°i Ward; Johnson County, Iowa. 1903 Tax List,
Iowa City, Ward 5, Willi ain L. Ifavard, Special Collections, State I IistoricaI Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
3, Smith's Directory of Iowa City1922. Dorchester, MA: Edgar Smith Publishing,
53 Smith's Directory of7owa City. 1930. Dorchester, MA: Edgm Smith Publishing, Page 19,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 8 Page 17
near Kinniclt_ Sladinrn en I_he I fniveSSily of Iowa emmmic, Beginning in Air mist 1, 973 when C:nldheroo rinrnhacad
the property at 518 E. Bowery, he ran Bowery Street Grocery until October 1938, although he almost lost it
through foreclosure in 1936. His Bowery Street Grocery may have been a "start-up" investment before he
established Melrose Market in 1928, in a much larger space within a new modern brick building.
Two or three owners or renters, including Anthony Rinella, the son of a local fruit vendor who acquired the
property from Jacob Goldberg in late 1938, tried somewhat unsuccessfully to run a grocery business at 518 E.
Bowery. City directories indicate the building may have been vacant for a brief time in 1942 and 1943, but
Rinella still operated a store on Bowery until he eventually decided to sell the property to Louis P. Helmer and
his wife, Leatha, in July 1955,39 The Helmer family, headed by Louis P. Helmer, also owned grocery stores
elsewhere in town. Helmer's Grocery existed at 518 E. Bowery for the next 15 years, until July 1970, "Open 8
a.m.-10 p.rn." the store offered "Quality Meats, Fruits, Vegetables, Cold Beer, Cigarettes" according to the 1969
city directory,40 Their son, Robert L. I Telmer, remembered that a neon sign hung in the front display window,
and that the store was robbed in 1961.4 1
Owner Robert Helmer shared his recollections of the store, confirming upon visual inspection drat many of the
building's physical characteristics remain essentially the same as when his family occupied the space. The long
row of grocery shelves along the west wall dates back to at least the mid-1950s, and may indeed be an original
fixture of the store. He commented that a sitnilar row of shelving also lined the east wall of the Store.4' His
memories helped establish that relatively few changes have been made to the basic layout since the early days,
and the history of the building is enriched through stories that provide a human dimension.
After the Helmer family retired from the business in 1970, the Bowery General Store was operated for two years
by Luther Dammeman of Wcst Liberty, Iowa, who rented the storefiont.43 This tenancy signaled the end of
privately -run and family -owned grocery stores at this location, although commerce would return for a short time
under the auspices of New Pioneer Food Cooperative,
1B Abstract aPTifle, 1945-2005; Obituary for l�.atha Helmer, Iowa City Press Citizen, February 16, 1970,
90Iowa Ckv Directory, 1969. Kansas City, MO: R.I.. Polk & Co.
Michelle 1- Wiegand, Notes from conversation with Robert L. Ithner, Iowa City, Iowa, May 10, 2012; "Third Grocery Store
Robbed in Iowa City,"Cedar Rapids Gazette, lanuary21, 1966,
911hid.
'O Iowa City Directory, 1970, Kansas City, MO: R.L. Polk & Co.; Abstract cl" Fide, 1845-2005,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Sed iun nuinber 8 Page 18
7ir3t^, .� .l f�Gntext i:: ttr `v' 1?.eta:l (,rnrya ry 'rrw rlu in Iowa anti Tnwa cjrvy I957-1975
Over the course of a century, the commercial aspects of providing food to a community evolved into very
diverse types of enterprises. Looking backward to the period when the corner grocery prevailed, a portrait of
how families shopped, and what they shopped for, can reveal historical patterns and trends. Preserving this
building allows a visual record and community memory to live on, so that minor aspects of everyday life can be
considered.
For example, imagining what might be sold in a grocery, like the ones at 518 F,, Bowery Street over the years,
brings to mind sources like historical photographs, newspaper advertisements, or the grocery receipts sometimes
found in manuscript collections. Store patrons shopped primarily for staples such as sugar, flour, coffee, tea;
rolled oats, beans, rice, canned goods, biscuits, potatoes, and onions. They could also find spices, pickles or
olives, baking soda, preservatives, candy, bottled beverages, soaps, and often meat products and baked goods if
a butcher and baker worked there. Depending on the season, grocers might procure locally grown vegetables and
fresh fruit like strawberries or apples from area fanners, who also brought live chickens into some Iowa City
groceries in order to barter for goods.
Many food items are peushable, making routine shopping a necessity. More exotic fruits like bananas or
oranges had to be shipped in from faraway places, made possible by railroad transportation. The availability of
canned goods on the shelves of grocery stores was quite common by the time this grocery store was established.
In the early decades of the grocery store on Bowery Street, customers shopped tlequently, perhaps daily, as
home refrigeration was limited to an icebox, which required the use of large blocks of ice that had to be
delivered to the home on a regular basis. The butcher at the grocery would provide fresh cuts of meat or fish,
and meat grinders were often present at the back of the store — as they were at 518 E. Bowery Street as
rcrnembered by one owner. Milk and dairy products were sold by milkmen making door-to-door deliveries using
a horse-drawn wagon or, later, motorized trucks. Electric -powered refrigeration and other technological factors
revolutionized the grocery trade, altering food processing, storage, packaging, and delivery, as well as changing
the habits of food consumption by the general public.
Urban areas had merchants besides grocers who were selling food — meat markets, bakeries, and
confectionaries— and often with a wider array of items. Selling groceries as a specialty developed out of the
earlier era of general stores, which commonly stocked everything a household might need, from hardware to dry
goods to groceries. Local neighborhood grocers provided a variety of products, but not in great volume and with
fewer choices than their urban counterparts. Residential neighborhoods spread out from downtown commercial
areas, and as people came to depend on streetcars and automobiles to transport themselves around larger
communities, grocers found new markets.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 8 Page 19
Even la^rIe avace,mlont ::f the,,1+0 mob 41 ea ...:(1 tma55 lmatd�et nrt �x;niald:YTeVn,U41,1.; a l h;,,r f h, A,mr�tirNrn
yr thd-
` gi
"'
scene and lead to the proliferation of brand names, grocery store chains, larger supermarkets, and ultimately the
"big box" retail grocery stores of the late 20°i century. The extended heyday of the grocery store on Bowery
Street began around 1890 to 1895 and 1 asted until the mid-1970s, well past the period when similar stores
declined in number before disappearing altogether.44
Running counter to this national trend was the persistence of the little mom-and-pop grocery at 518 E. Bowery.
For almost eight decades, a grocery store survived at this location during America's Great Depression when
money was tight, and throughout the 1950s and 1960s when this type and style of store was all but disappearing
from Iowa towns. In the 1970s a new generation re -invented the concept of the grocery store and mass
consumption of food. Claiming ownership of product quality and seeking alternatives to capitalism, a group of
Iowa City folks turned the clock back on modern concepts of supermarket shopping and "conveniently"
packaged goods. It was fitting the founders of New Pioneer Food Cooperative chose 518 E. Bowery for their
first home, establishing their store in a neighborhood setting and seeking success by starting out on a small
scale. The building offered the perfect environment for the cooperative to flourish during its first four years,
before the operation moved down the street to another historic building that offered more space. For a time,
Blooming Prairie used the back portion of New Pioneer Food Cooperative's "warehouse" or shod for their
operation,45
Started in July 1971 as a buying club, New Pioneer Food Cooperative is larown as one of the most successful,
long-lasting cooperatives in the United States, Pounded over forty years ago, it has become an important part of
the conununity's history. The distinctive philosophy behind Now Pioneer Food Cooperative has contributed to
the commercial and intellectual livelihood of Iowa City in myriad ways. From humble beginnings on Bowery
Street to current times when major expansions are planned, New Pioneer Food Cooperative has demonstrated
the value of protecting and enhancing our food supply and distribution system, supported community non-
profits, educated people about environmental and health issues, and offered the benefits of member ownership
and participatory democracy,46
Still, for the general population, historical trends and patterns in consumer spending steadily transformed
grocery shopping. Research into population figures for Iowa City demonstrates the constant growth of the
44 Atherton. Main Street on the Middle Border, Pages 41-48, 53-.55, 62, 217, 222-229; Bennett. An Iowa Album, Pages 72-132, 160,
261-297; Photographs of grocery store exteriors and interiors in Iowa, 1860a-195Os, Special Collections, State Historical Society of
Iowa, Iowa City, provided insights about typical grocery stores in Iowa's small towns and what they offered to their customers.
45 Michelle L. Wiegand. Notes from conversation with Barbara Bailey, Iowa City, Iowa, May 11, 2012,
K. ,IIisIury ofNPCA." New Pioneer Cc operalive, Inc. Records, 1971-2006. Box 33, f 14. State I istoi ical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Secllori number 8 Page 20
(•n till.... ity and the c-trilerlsurate need for more grocery qforp.s,41 A rolfll,vclV small town until the World Wir
Il period, customers supported local stores close to their homes, usually within walking distance. Larger
supermarkets, like the employee -owned IIy-Vec grocery stores, came to town aground 1961. At the same time
Randalls, Eagles, and A&P operated groceries. The major trend to alter the way Americans shopped was the
proliferation of convenience stores, which expanded die range of products sold at gas stations. Retail chains like
S even-Fd even, QuickTrip, Handinaart, and Casey's redefined the cultural landscape and led to the demise of
small neighborhood groceries.
In counting the total number of grocery stores open in Iowa City over this period, it becomes apparent that
small-scale operations prevailed until the early 1960s, when the numbers began to steadily decline. By no means
a definitive summary of the retail grocery trade in Iowa City, the story that emerges from these figures does
provide a microcosm of one community's experience with this line of business.
Year Population Number of Grocery Stores in Iowa City
1854
2,570
# of stores unknown
1860
5,214
# of storms unknown
1870
5,914
20 stores in 1868-69, plus specialty shops like butchers
1880
?,123
25 stores in 1880
1890
7,016
17 stores in 1891
1900
7,987
# of stores unknown
1910
10,091
29 stores in 1909
1920
11,267
31 stores in 1919-20; including one next door at 532 E. Bowery
1930
15,340
46 stores in 1933
1940
17,182
45 stores in 1940
1950
27,212
42 stores in 1949
1960
33,443
32 stores in 1961, including the first Hy-Vcc
1970
46,850
21 stores in 1970, including Hy-Vec, Randalls, Eagles, and A&P
1980
50,508
17 stores in 1980, including 5 Hy-Vee, 2 Randalls, 2 Eagles
1990
59,?35
33 stores in 1990, including 5 Hy-Vee, 13 gas station/convenience stores
ai Populations figures came from Census olf(lie Populatio n: 19.50. Volume 11: Characteristics of Population. Part 15 Iowa. Wash iogtoi i,
DC: Government Printing Office, 1952; Census of the Population: 1960. Volume I: Characteristics of population. Part 17 Iowa,
Washurglon, DC: U.S Department of Commerce, 1961; Census of the Population:1970, Volume I: Characteristics of Population. Part
17 Iowa, Washington, DC: U.S. Department ofCormaeree, 1973; Census of tiro Population:1980. Volume I: Characteristics of
Population, Part 17 Iowa. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Connncrce; 1982; Fourteenth Census of the United States. State
Compendium Iowa. Washington, ❑C: Government Printing Office, 1924; and John A . Hull, Census of Iowa for 1880, with Other
1listorical and Statistical Data 1836-1880, Des Moines: F.M. Mills. City directory lists were used to count the mmniber of grocery stores
in Iowa City during Ibis period.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
llaas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson Countv.lowa
Section number 8 Page 21
Other scholarly works have focused on the wholesale trade in groceries and the large firms that distributed
goods to grocers around Iowa.48 Local historian Irving B. Weber offered his own assessment of the popular
grocery stores in Iowa City from 1900 to 1940, including references to people associated with the store at 518 H.
Bowery,49 (Quite often, both published and unpublished personal reminiscences will include stories about corner
groceries, providing another avenue for exploring this topic. An examination of the history of one particular
commercial building — where various owners operated a grocery store — provides evidence of the turnover rate
in ownership or management, and the importance of geographical location for maintaining a stable customer
base. Grocers have always been a mainstay of society, but needed to adapt to changing economic, technological,
political, and social circumstances to maintain any longevity in the retail market.
The Grocery Store Era Ends: Post-1975 Occupants of 518 E. Bowery
Beginning in July 1975, the historic function of the building changed, thus ending the grocery store's long
period of significance as a specialty store. In the intervening years since New Pioneer Food Cooperative moved
to bigger quarters, the building at 518 E. Bowery housed a retail establishment, House of Jade, but remained
essentially unchanged in appearance, Richard Hugill Jr. and his wife, Barbara Bailey, formerly a manager at
New Pioneer Coop, acquired the property in 198 1. 50 For a brief interim in 1983, the I Ielen Caldicott Community
School held classes for children ages six to nine years old, engaging the students in interactive, hands-on
learning. Hugill occupied the properly fi-om 1981 to 1983. From that point forward in time, the building has
been used as a residence. The building is currently vacant as adaptive uses are explored,
Remarkably, despite the modifications made in the last twenty years of its existence, the building retains the
main characteristics from its time of significance, with many authentic elements from the original construction
date still in place. The historical fabric and good architectural integrity are intact. As a prime example of false
front commercial architecture on a modest scale, the grocery store on Bowery Street reflects the historical
context of the times. It helps preserve the story of hard-working individuals who represent different parts of the
economic and social spectrum. Although often not wealthy enough to own real estate or a storefront, these
merchants and grocery clerks prevailed — even if only for a few years earning a livelihood to support
themselves and their families.
ua Louis D. Volpp. 'The Changing Functions of [lie Grocery Wholesaler in Des Moines, 1929-1954," M.A. thesis, Univeraily oflowa,
1956,
a9Iiving Il. Weber. "The Way Iowa City Shopped," in Hulo),ieal Stories about Iowa Citlq vol, 4. Iowa City; Iowa City Lions Club,
1987, Pages 161-63; Irving B. Weber. "When Ma & Pa Minded the Store," in Historical Stories about Iowa City, vol, 4. Iowa City:
Iowa City Lions Club, Pages 165 68.
'0 Abstract of'I itle, 1845-2005; Michelle L, Wicgand, Notes from conversation with Barbara Bailey, Iowa City, Iowa, May 11, 2012;
Michelle L, Wiegand. Notes frorn conversation with Richard D, liugill, Iowa City, Iowa, May 11, 2012.
D1 "Children Draw Visions of Peace," Iowa City Press Citizen, June 22, 1983, Page 4D
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Section number 8
Page 22
Haas & Son Grocerytore
Johnson County, ]owa
Uscs ofthe building evolved after traditional neighborhood grocers vacated the space and a community
cooperative established a grocery — funning the last chapter of the store's history as a center for commerce.
Later inhabitants of the space, even those who were there for a few years, seen to share the independent,
entrepreneurial spirit of their predecessors. Although outside the period of significance, in terms of historical
context for small grocery stores, part of the history of the building reflects the lives of individuals associated
with 518 E. Bowery from the mid-1970s through 2012. Drawn to the charm of this quaint, antique -looking
storefront were a variety of people who were pursuing alternatives in food merchandising, building handcrafted
items, exploring new teaching methods, expressing themselves through artistic creation, or simply calling the
place home.52
American and midwestern social and economic history can be understood through the history of the users and
occupants of 518 E. Bowery, even if the building does not seem architecturally significant or lacks association
with it particular individual of significance. A community comprised of several generations— representing men
and women of diverse ethnic groups, different economic classes, and distinct backgrounds converged on this
location seeking sustenance and human interaction with people who had common interests. Standing in front of
this building or inside it, admiring the open space, can remain a pleasurable experience for years to come if
rehabilitation and investment protect the historic fabric and original style of the store.
Currently zoned as a single -fan ily dwelling, the owner seeks to have certain exceptions granted to the property
as a local landmark so the building can return to retail use a small coffee shop or a similar business, which
might attract a walk-in trade from the surrounding neighborhood residents. The Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, city planning department, and city
council have all been involved in determining the future of this historic building and will continue to shape how
it is rehabilitated in terms of preserving historic integrity and meeting current code standards. Revitalizing the
building would restore a sense of place rooted in history, which both serves and defines the neighborhood
around 518 E. Bowery Street. The scale of this building juxtaposed against the massive apartment complexes
and dehumanizing homogeneity of the architecture brings a sense of wonder about the past and conveys
meaning about the lives of those who lived in this community.
" "Selling, but not selling out," The Doily Iowan, April 28, 2005, Page 4C. The prevailing attitude towards this historic building is that
represents a highly unusual, ahnost fwdcy environment because of the old-fashioned design. Residents like Matthew Sullivan Wiegand
enjoyed living in unconventional quarters, which offered space for painting large works or perfornvng music. The cover of this report
features Wiegand's colorful painting of 518 East Bowery Street, Sustaining the future of this building will depend on the level of
interest in the community for preserving unique pieces of Iowa City's past.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
section number 9 Page 23
. Major Bibliographical ?:'references
Abstract ofTitic to East 21 it. of South 70 n. of Lot 15, Block 6, Lyons 2"d Addition, Iowa City, Iowa, 1845-
2005, In possession of 2012 owner, Michelle L. Wiegand, Iowa City, Towa,
Atherton, Lewis. 1954. Nlain Street on the Afulcile Border. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, Pages 41-48,
53-55, 62, 217, 222-229.
Atlas ofJohnson County, Iowa. 1917. Map of South Half of Towa City. Chicago: The Geographical Publishing
Company. Page 52.
Bennett, Mary. 1990. An. Iowa Aibum: A Photographic History, 1860-7920, Iowa City: University of Iowa
Press. Pages 72-132, 160, 261-29T
Bennett, Mary, and Paul C. ,Iuhl, 1997. Iowa Stereographs: Three Dimenszon.al Visions ofTorva's Past. Iowa
City: University of Iowa Press, Pages 37-126, 219-258.
Ceclar Rapids Gazette. 1966. "Third Grocery Store Robbed in Iowa City." January 21, 1966,
Census of the Population.1950. Volume IC Characteristics of Population. Part IS Iowa. 1952, Washington,
DC: Government Printing Office.
Census of the Population.:1960. Volume 1, Characteristics of Population.. Part 17 Iowa. 1961.
Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Commerce.
Censers of the Population: 1970. Volume I.' Characteristics of Population. Part 17 Iowa, 1973,
Washington, DC: L.S. Department of Cornme•ce,
Census of the Population:1980, Volume I Characteristics of Population. Part 17 Iowa. 1992,
Washington, D(': U.S. Department of Corrunerce.
17)e Daily lowan. 2005. "Selling, but not selling out." April 28, 2005, Page 4C
Des r1�loincs Daily News. 1896. Death Notice of Patrick Regan. July 30, 1896.
Farley, Mary Allison. 1986, "Iowa Women in the Workplace," The Palimpsest, Vol. 67 (1986): 2-16, 21-27.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Sou Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number 9 Page 24
P aTley, Iv10Yy Allison, I>iSS, Wage-eal-rimg women in DLbCC{AG, Iowa, i ylv-iy1 r: ttn,u }iu �tiGfi i¢ uic iurnn
ibrce and how they remember that experience, M.A. thesis, University of Iowa,
Fomleenth Census of the United ,States. State Compendium Iowa. 1924, Washington, DC: Government Printing
Officc.
"History of NPCA." New Pioneer Cooperative, Inc. Records, 1971-2006. Box 33, f. 14. State Histoiical Society
of lowu, Iowa City,
Null, John A.T. Census ofloica for 1880, with OCherflistor-ical and Statistical Data 1836-1880.
Des Moines F.M. Mills.
insurance Maps oflowa City, Iowa. 1899, 1906, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1933, 1933-1970, New York: The Sanborn
Map Company,
loiva City Citizen. 1908. "Mrs. Hawley is Dead." April 24, 1908.
Iowa City Citizen. 1908, "Funeral o f John Mahan." September 4, 1908.
Iona,a City Daily Republican. 1895. "In Mcmorium," obituary for,fohn M. Haas, March 16, 1895.
I01vu City Historr.'c Preservation Plan, Ilistoric Resources of'kwa City. 1992. Chicago: Clarion Associates, Inc.
Iowa City Press Citizen. 1970. Obituary for Leatha Helmer. February 16, 1970.
larva City Press Citizen. 1983. "Children Draw Visions of Peace." func 22, 1983. Page 4D.
Iona,a City Reporter. 1851, "New Store," advertisement for I laas & Son. December 31, 1851.
lu)vo City Reporter, 1855. "Vicinity of the Depot." October 31, 1855.
Iowa Cite Republican. 1856. "Haas & Son," advertisement. June 5, 1856.
larva City Republican, 1908. "Pneumonia Takes Mrs. C.W. Hawley." April 23, 1908.
Iowa Cite Republican. 1908. "John Mahan Passed Away." September 1, 1908,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Ilaas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson Count},, town
Suction number 9 Page 25
Imva City State Press, 1864. "Great firriva i" advertisement for Flaas & Eppel appeared in 2farcri 9, T6, 23, and
30 edition of newspaper.
Iowa City Weekly Republican. 1896, Death Notice for Patrick Regan, August 5, 1896.
Ioiva State Gazetleer: Descriptive and Historical Sketches of Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages. 1865,
Chicago: Bailey & Hair.
Iowa Stale Press, "Teaching Staff lTas Beer) Named." September 23, 1903.
Johnson County, Iowa. Probate Records, 1838-1970. Microfilm, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
Johnson County, Iowa. 1903 Tax List, Iowa City, Ward 5, William L. Havard. Special Collections, State
Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City,
Johnson County, Iowa, 1856, 1857, 1858, IS59, 1860, 1861, 1862, and 1863 Tax Lists, Iowa City, John M.
Haas. Special Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
Keyes, Margaret N. 1966, Nineteenth Century Home Archilecture oflowa City. Iowa City: University of Iowa
Press, Pages 66-68.
Nash, Jan Olive. 2002. "Iowa's Main Street Commercial Architecture." Iowa City: Tallgrass Historians L.C.
Naumalm, Molly. 1990, Reconnaissance Survey of the Area Bounded by Gilbert Burlington and Governor
Streets and the Iowa biterstate Railway Tracks in Iowa City, Iowa, HADB report, ivlareh 1990,
Nineteenth Census of the [Tilled States, 1870. Iowa, Johnson County, Iowa City Township. Page 330, for lolun
M. Haas and Mary Haas.
Oelung, Thelma. Photographs of residences in this neighborhood prior to demolition for apartment buildings, c.
1960-1965, Special Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
Photographs of grocery store exteriors and interiors in Iowa, 1860s-1950s. Special Collections, State Historical
Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
Portrait and Biographical Record ofJohnson, Poweshiek andlowa Counties Iowa. 1893. Chicago: Chapman
Bros,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
sccllun number 9 Page 26
., , —_
Ruger, A. i aus. Isird's eye vtcv of Iowa u�ry, Johnson County, Iowa, rnva, d�awli op A. l�ugc� Chicago:
Chicago Lithograph Company.
Sisson, John R. 1859. Map of Johnson County, Iowa, 1859, drawn by John R, Sisson, with border advertisement
for "Haas & Son, established August 1851." Pittsburgh, PA: I- W. Vale & E.W. Brady.
State Censers of Iowa, 1895. Johnson County, Iowa 51h Ward.
T•velfth Census of the United States, 1900, Iowa, Johnson County, Iowa City Township. L.D. 86, Shoot 55, John
Mahan and Tressa Mahan.
U.S. Works Project Administration. 1939, Graves Registrations, Johnson County. Iowa City, Iowa.
Volpp, i,ouis D. 1956. "The Changing Functions of the Grocery Wholesaler in Des Moines, 1929-1954," M.A.
thesis, University of Iowa.
Weber, Irving B. 1976, "Clues," In Historical Stories about Iowa City, vol.l. Iowa City: Iowa City Lions Club,
Page 70,
Weber, hying B. 1987, "School Doors Open Wide in 1905 Iowa City." In Irving YYeber's Iowa City, vol. 4.
Iowa City: Iowa City Lions Club. Pages 57-62,
Weber, living B. 1987, "The Way Iowa City Shopped." In Historical Stories abow Iowa City, vol.4. Iowa City:
lowa City Lions Chub. Pages 161-63•
Weber, L-ving B. 1987. "When Ma & Pa Mincled the Store." In Iistorical Stories about Iowa City, vol.4. Iowa
City: Iowa City Lions Club. Pages 165-68.
Wiegand, Michelle L. 2012, Notes from conversation with Barbara Bailey, Iowa City, Iowa, May 11, 2012
Wiegand, Michelle L. 2012. Notes $-om conversation with Richard D. Hugill, Iowa City, Iowa, May 11, 2012.
Wiegand, Michelle L. 2012• Notes from Conversation with Robert L. Helmer, Iowa City, Iowa, May 10, 2012,
City Directories
Burton Bros. 'Iowa City Directory for 1875-6, 1875, Galena, IT.: Burton Bros., Publishers.
Business Directory of Iona City and Johnson County, 1902, Iowa City: Molers Printing.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County lowa
Soction numbor 9 Page 27
Directory of 10 bva City for i 904. 19u4. Iowa City: Iowa City Directory Co.
Directory oflowa City for 1908. 1901. Iowa City: Casey and Steere.
Directory of7oi,va City, 1912-1913. 1912, Iowa City: Citizen Printing House.
E,D. Sinith's Directory oflowa City for 1893-1894, 1893, Omaha: F.D. Siniih,
Ilolland's Iowa City Directory for 7868-69. Chicago: Western Publishing Company,
Iowa City Directory, 1934. 1936. lies Moines: R.L, Polk & Company.
Iowa City Directory, 1938. 1940. 1942. 1943. 1946, 1949. 7952. Omaha: R.L. Polls & Co.
Imva City Directory, 1956 1959, 1961, 1963. 1964. 1965. 196E 1967. 1968. 1969. 1970, 1971, 1972. 1973.
1974. 1975, 1976, 1977. 1978. 1979. 1980. 1987, 1982, 1983. 1984. 1985. 1986. 1987. 1988. 1989. 1990. 1991.
1992, 1993. Kansas City, MO: R.L. Polls & Co.
Iowa City Directory, 1994, Dallas, TX: R.L, Polls & Co.
Iowa City Direclory, 1995. 1996. 1997, 1998. 1999. 2000, Detroit, MI: R.L. Polk & Co.
Iowa City ))irectory and Advertiser for 1857. Iowa City: A.G. Tucker & Co, Printers.
AAaloney's Directory of'loava CitY and Johnson Coitwy, 1901-1902, 1901, Iowa City: D.A. Maloney.
A11cz1voy`s Iowa City Directory for 1899-1900. 1899, Omalia: Omaha Directory Co.
Uwen'S Iowa City DjJWIorY,for 1878-79. Davenport: F.E. Owen Publisher.
Polk's Iowa City Directory, 1932, Des Moines: R.L. Polk & Company.
Smilh's Directory oflowa Cily for 1897-1898. 1897. Rock Island, IL: Edgar Smith Publishing.
S'mah's Directory oflowa City 1909, 1909. Rock Island, 1L: Edgar Smith Publishing.
Smith's Direclory oflowa City. 1911. 1915, 1918, 1919-20, 1922. 1924, 1926, 1928. 1930. Dorchester, MA:
Edgar Sinith Publishing.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Was & Son Grocery Store
_Johnson County, Iowa
Sec!lon number 10 Page 28
10. Geographical Data
Verbal Boundary Description
East 21 ft. of South 70 ft, of Lot 15, Block 6, Lyons 2°1 Addition, Towa City, Jolmson County, Iowa,
Boundary Justification
The nominated property includes the entire parcel historically associated with the giocery store.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son GroceraiStore
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Photographs Page 29
i he folia:virig I.fG.-Mation is coo. .. an to all of the photo^— h..
Property name: IIaas & Son Grocery Store
County and State: Johnson County, Iowa
Name of photographer: Charles A. Scott
Date of photographs: May 5, 2012
Location of digital files: State Historic Preservation Office, State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa
Type o'f digital ink and paper used: Epson Ultra Chrome ink; Epson Premium Glossy Paper
Photographs
Photo #1 - Exterior of south tsia ade, camera facing north. Digital image number 52-00675-001.
Photo #2 - Exterior showing south front and east side along alley, camera facing northwest. Digital image
number 52-00675-002.
Photo #3 - Detail of false front showing where sign hung, camera facing north. Digital image number 52-
00675-003.
Photo #4-- Detail of back side of false front showing wood siding, camera facing southeast. Digital image
number 52-00675-004.
Photo #5 - Detail of windows and chimney on north side, camera facing southeast. Digital image number 52-
00675-005.
Photo #6- Detail of original six -pane window on west side, camera facing east. Digital image number 52-
00675-006.
Photo #7 - Non-contributing wood frame garage (former shed site), camera facing southwest. Digital image
number 52-00675-007.
Photo 98 - Interior showing 23 feet of wooden shelving and wainscoting, camera facing west. Digital image
number 52-00675-008.
Photo #9 - Interior of north side; note stovepipe chimeny, staircase, and window, camera facing north. Digital
image number 52-00675-009.
Photo 010 - Interior of second level, taken from top of stairs, camera facing south. Digital image number 52-
00675-010.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Documentation Page 30
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa _ _
io H
4U' cc,
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USGS map indicating property's location on E. Bowery Strect in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa.
Scale 1:24000
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Additional Documentation Page 31
SITS; MAP
stg E. Bowery.
Iowa City, Iowa
Drawn by Mary Bennett
LGfons _Sew nj
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Secllan number Additional Documentation Page 32
TY
{O
o0 r
IIaas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County,Iowa
FLOOR PLAN — Level One
518 E. Bowery
Iowa City, Iowa
Drawn by Mary Bennett
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
section number Additional Documentation Page 33
3 `
a
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
FLOOR PLAN - Level Two
518 E. Bowery
Iowa City, Iowa
Drawn by Mary Bennett
anqd I e WI, +0 �fOLk,
d .f
v,; de
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Aoeumentation Page 34
index of Figures
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Figure 1: Portrait of John M. Haas (1804-1895).
Figure 2: Exterior of 518 E. Bowery in about 1982.
Figure 3: Exterior of addition and original sheds on north side of lot at 518 E. Bowery in about 1982.
Figure 4: Typical small-scale grocery store interior,' March 1897,
Figure 5: Interior view of the Sangster Grocery on College Street in Iowa City around 1910.
Figure 6: Interior of grocery store in Sheffield, Iowa, photographed in February 1920,
Figure 7: A new generation of neighborhood grocery stores (Hunter's Grocery, Iowa City, 1938).
Figure 8: Exterior of 518 E. Bowery, Iowa City, when the building served as the first home of New Pioneer
Food Cooperative, 1971,
Figure 9: A portion of A. Roger's 1868 bird's-eye view of Iowa City.
Figure 10: Map of South Iowa City in 1917 shows location of Lot 15 of Block 6 of Lyons 2"1 Addition.
Figure 11 : Sanborn fire insurance map, 1899, showing location of grocery at 518 E,. Bowery.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section numberAdd ttionaI Documentation Page 35
Figure 1: Porm'ait of JO1ll] M. Maas (1804-1895), who purchased the property at 5 t8 E. Bowery in Iowa City,
Iowa, in December 1856, Frorn Portrait and Biographical Record ofdohnson, Poweshlek and Iowa Cuunties
lowa, Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1893.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section numbw Additional Documentation Page 36
Figure 2: Exterior of 518 E. Bowery in about 1982, Original color slide owned by Richard Hugill. The false
front created the illusion of a larger store, while hiding the gable roof lint. Typically, a sign appeared on the
upper fapade and large display windows facing the street showcased products for sale, thus enticing customers
into the store.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Maas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Additional Documentation Page 37
Figure 3: Exterior of addition and original sheds on north side of lot at 518 F,. Bowery in about 1982. The door
on the alley is now sealed shut. Owner Richard ffugill tore down the shed behind the pile of firewood and the
overhead canopy between the store and sheds. In 2004, a garage was built on the footprint of the larger shed on
the right. Ongirnal color slide owned by Richard Hugill.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Additional Documentation Page38
I'
Figure 4; Typically, small-scale grocery stores in Iowa had female proprietors or store clerks like this woman
posing in an unknown Iowa town, March 1897. In the back of the store arc chairs and a table with a tablecloth,
suggesting a small dining area for either customers or family members using the building as a residence. Robert
Helmer, whose family owned the grocery at 518 E. Bowery fi-om 1956 to 1969, recalled a table and chains in the
addition at the back of the store, where they could sit down to eat and rest between customers. Original in
Special Collections, State IIistorical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Documentation Page 39
_Ilans & Son Grocery Store _
Johmson County, Iowa
i
Figure 5: This interior view of the Sangster Grocery on College Sheet, in the midst of downtown Iowa City,
shows a larger scale operation from around 1910. Located on the first floor of a two-story brick building, the
height of the ceiling and depth of the store was greater than the small structure on Bowery Street. Support
columns running the length of the store. Original in Special Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa
City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
ilaas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Additional Documentation Pogo 40
Figure G: The interior of this grocery store in Sheffield, Iowa, photographed in February 1920, is not unlike the
layout of the store at 518 E. Bowery. On the right side of the photo, the stovepipe from a pot belly stove helps
heat the room before venting through a hole in the fireplace. A refl'igcrated meat locker, cooled by blocks of ice,
can be seen in the, left back corner. Largc windows at the front of the store provide illinnination. Original in
Special Collections, Stan Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa _
Section number Additional Documentation Page41
Figure 7: A new generation of neighborhood grocery stores sprang up around Iowa City once automobiles were
in widespread use. Pictured in 1938, Hunter's Grocery, was situated at the busy intersection of Muscatine
Avenue and Court Street in Iowa City, It featured gasoline pumps and a parking area so cars could pull up and
park in front of the store. As had been the tradition, owners and operators often occupied living quarters on the
second floor, although 20`" century grocery stores were often more spacious. This brick store on Muscatine
Avenue was later covered in stucco. Known as the popular family -run Seaton's Grocery, the store persisted until
the mid-1990s, in part because of the high quality meats butchered in-house. Notice the wooden shed used for
storage and a little porch area with trellises along the side of the building. The property at 518 E, Bowery had
one or two sheds on the north end, joined to the building by a shed roof or canopy. Original in Special
Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City,
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Additional Documentation Page 42
Figive 8: Fxterior of 518 F. Bowery, Iowa City, Iowa, when the building served as the first home of New
Pioneer Food Cooperative, 1971. A phone booth can he seen to the right. Photograph taken by Mark Des
Meules, Original owned by New Pioneer Food Cooperative.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Documentation Page 43
yllY��v�
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Figure 9: A portion of A. Ruger's 1 868 bird's-eye view of Iowa City, showing the location of the railroad depot,
bridge, and tracks as well as the factories, mills, and residential areas in the south side of Iowa City, Ralston
Creek is pictured in the foreground. Bowery Street, to the left of the railroad tracks extended eastward. Along
this main thoroughfare can be seen B.C. Lyon's cupola -topped house standing across the street from the
companion house and grocery store buildings at 516 acid 518 B. Bowery. Bird's-eye view ofhwca City, Johnson
County, Iowa, 1868, drawn by A. Roger. Chicago: Chicago Lithograph Company. Original in Special
Collections, State historical Socity of Iowa, Iowa City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
ilaas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Seatlornumber Additional Aocummitation Page44
Nt
Figure 1 D: Map of South Iowa City in 1917 shows location of Lot 15 of Block 6 of Lyons 2"d Addition, which
B, Lyon sold to John M, Haas in 1856, The storefront built at 518 E. Bowcy was right next to the alley, halfway
between South Van Buren and South Johnson. Lyon's mansion, Roanoke, and remaining estate were across the
street (Lot 8). Lyon donated the land for the depot built by the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad (later Chicago,
Rook island, and Pacific Railroad), and sold lots to the north for commercial and residential dcvclopment. In
1898, the passenger depot was moved west of Dubuque Street, but a freight depot and stockyards remained
close to Bowery Street. Original in Special Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet
Haas & Son Grocery Store
Johnson County, Iowa
Section number Additional Documentation Paye 45
IN
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Figure 1 1: Sanborn fire insurance map, 1899, showing location of grocery at 518 E. Bowery, Iowa City, Iowa,
Insurance Wags gfIowa City, Iowa, New York: The Sanborn Map Company, 1899.
State Historical Society of Iowa
State Historic Preservation Office
600 East Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
(March 6, 2005)
DIGITAL PHOTO CATALOG SHEET
CD #: 285
Date Entered Into SHPO System:
Photographer Color Format Size (in Pixel;
Charles A. Scott 24 bit 4288 x 2848
Pixels Per Inch (PPI) File Format
300 TIFF
SITE AND IMAGE
NUM
DATE TAKEN
SITE NAME, LOCATIONAL INFORMATION, BUILDING TYPE, AND OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES
FACING
WHERE
_ -HER_
52-00675-001
515iU
_ _
Haas and Son Grocery Store, 518 E. Bowery, Iowa City, Iowa, exterior south fagade,
N
52-00675-002
-
- Manor showing s5uiil "wont and east side along alley.
.MY
52-00675-003
detail of false front showing where sign hung,
N
52-00675-004
detail of back Slide of false front showing wood siding.
SE
52-00675-005
detail of windows and chimney on north side
detail of original six-panewindowonwestseo
ron-conUlbuling wood frame garage (former shed site).
SE
E
SW
52-00675-006
52-00675-007
52-00675-008
interior shoving, 23 feat of wooden shetvii a and watnscoting.
W
52-00675-009
interior of north side; note stovepipe vent, staircase, and window.
N
52-00675-010
interior of second leval, taken from top of slabs,
S
Onited States Dopanmenl of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NIPS Form 10-900 DMB No. 1024-0018 (Expires 613112012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co, Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name of Properly - County and State
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for Individual properties and districts. See Instructions in National Register Bulletin, Haw
to Conrplale rho Nations! Heg7ster of Historic p-woes 14egistr'etierr Four if ary iiain aoao not app y to the prop - y bolna �c..0
"not applicable." For functions, archllechnal elassi cation, materials and areas of significance enter only categories and subcategories from the
instructions. Place additional certification comments, entries, and narrative items on continuation sheets if needed (NIPS Form 10-900al.
1. Name of Property
historic name Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Cabins
other names/site number City Park Cabins
2. Location
street & number Upper City Park Road off 100 block Park Road N/A not for publication
N/A
city or town Iowa Cites__ vicinity
state Iowa code IA county Johnson code 103 zip code 52246
3. State/Fedora) Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended,
I hereby certify that this X nomination _ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards
for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional
requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60,
In my opinion, the property X meets _ does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property
be considered significant at the following level(s) of significance:
national statewide X local
Signature of ce hfying mu clallydle Date
__.
Slate or Federal agencylbureau or Tribal Government
In my opinion, the property meets _ does not meat the National Register criteria.
Signature of commenting official Date
Title State or Federal agency/bumau or Tribal Government
Page I
United Slates Department of the Interior
National Park Service! National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NIPS Form io-goo eMB No. 1024-001B (Expires 6131/2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. CabinsJohnson Co., Iowa
Name of Property County and State
4. National Park Service Certification
I hereby certify that this property Is:
_ entered in the National Register
_ determined not eligible for the National Register
_ other (explain:)
Signature of the Keeper
.91
Ownership of Property
(Check as many boxes as apply.)
private
X public - Local
public - State
public - Federal
Category of Property
(Check only one box.)
building(s)
district
site
structure
object
Name of related multiple property listing
(Enter VA" it property is not part of a multiple property listing)
determined eligible for the National Register
_ removed from the National Register
Number of Resources within Property
(Do not Include previously listed resources in trio count.)
. Contributing Noncontributing
buildings
sites
structures
objects
Total
Number of contributing resources previously
listed in the National Register
6- Function or Use
Historic Functions Current Functions
(Fnter categories from instructions.) (Enter categories from instructions.)
RECREATION & CULTURE: commemorative
monument
RECREATION & CULTURE:_ park
RECREATION & CULTURE: monument/marker
Architectural Classification
(Fntsr categories from Instructions.)
OTHER: Double Pen Cabin
Pago 2
RECREATION & CULTURE: commemorative
RECREATION & CULTURE: park
RECREATION & CULTURE: monument/marker
Materials
(Enter categories from wshhoc0ans.)
foundation: STONE: Limestone
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service I National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
ups form 10-900 OMe N. 1024-0018
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Namc of Property
OTHERSingle-Room Cabin .
(Expires 513112012)
Johnson Co., Iowa
County and Slate
walls: WOOD: Log
roof: WOOD: Shake
other: ASPHALT
Narrative Description
(Describe the historic and current physical appearance of the property. Explain contributing and noncontributing rosources It necessary. Begin with a
summary paragraph that briefly describes the general characteristics of the property, such as its location, setting, size, and significant features.)
Summary Paragraph
The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co, Cabins are located In Upper City Park along the north edge of the 100 block
of Park Road in Iowa City. The nominated property includes two log structures —the Double Log Cabin or dog -trot log
house (contributing) built in 1913 in situ and the second, a Single -Room Log Cabin (contributing) built in 1889 and moved
to the park in 1918. The Double Log Cabin was built of hewn oak logs donated by Old Settler members in a design
Intended to serve as a replica of an early trading post in the area. The Single -Room Log Cabin was originally built by the
Old Settlers' Association as an exhibit for Johnson County's Semi -Centennial. It stood on the Johnson County
Fairgrounds for nearly three decades prior to its whole -building move to City Park in 1918. A third resource included in
the nomination is a bronze plaque affixed to a granite boulder (noncontributing) located southwest of the two cabins, It
was installed in 1929 to mark a "Grand Army Tree" planted nearby (survival unknown).
Narrative Description
Site,
The nominated cabin site is roughly 0.6 acres in size and has a pentagon shape measuring approximately 158 feet north
and south by 1 14 feet east and west with an angled notch at the northeast corner measuring 80 feet that follows the
hillside's shape. It is located at the northeast corner of a U-shaped park service road within the higher ground of City Park
known as "Upper City Park." The one-way service road is accessed from the municipal street designated as "Park Road"
that extends along the south edge of the park. Together the upper and lower levels of the park contain 10.1.3 acres in
2012. City Park was established in 1906 on land located on the north edge of the community at the time and the curving
southwestern edge of the Iowa River. The cabins are set back from the park service road within a grove of mature white
oak, American linden, white pine, walnut, and green ash trees. A tree survey completed by Iowa City Park and Recreation
Department tree specialists in July 2012 identified 19 trees on the site with ages confirmed to range from 20 to 150 years.
They have heights of 20 to 80 feet and canopies averaging 50 to 60 feet in width. Immediately south of the cabin site is a
picnic shelter built in the 1910s with scattered picnic tables staged nearby. The cabin site is elevated several feet above
the service road and 25 to 30 feet above Lower City Park, which is located immediately to the east and north. Pedestrian
access from the cabin site to Lower City Park is via a long set of concrete steps outside the nominated property that are
set along a wooded hillside northwest of the cabins themselves. According to a historic photo taken after the Double Log
Cabin was completed in 1913 and before the 1889 Single -Room Log Cabin was moved to the site in 1918, the cabin site
had a more open view shed to the north and east, looking out over the Iowa River valley. Since then, the area comprising
the wooded hillside and northeast edge of the cabin site has seen a maturing stand of native deciduous trees and plants
partially obscure the view of the river valley during the summer months though the view remains open in winter.
Page 3
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 EMS No, 1024-0018 (Expires 5/3112012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa _
Name, of Property County and Slate
Double Log Cabin:
The first log structure to be established in City Park, locally referred to as the Double Log Cabin, Is a variation of a one-
story dog -trot form log house built on -site during the summer of 1g'13. The structure contains two single -pens or rooms,
each with outside dimensions of 20 feet 4 inches by '16 feet 4 inches and a 10 foot open space set between them forming
the "dog -trot." The two pens are set at slightly different heights due to the slope of the site making the calling height of the
south pen slightly taller than the north pen, A single side -gable roof extends over the two pens and dog -trot for a
combined length of 50 feet 8 inches. These measurements are consistent with those contained In the Old Settlers'
Association of John County, Iowa proceedings that described the planning for the project in 1912 and detailing its
construction in 1913. It was described as follows: "to be so constructed as to be as nearly as practicable a rcpiica of the
old trading post formerly standing at Napoleon, the old county seat of Johnson County." (Old Settlers' Association of
Johnson County, 1911-1921, pp. 4-6). Other historic accounts suggest that the trading post that was intended to serve as
a model had been built in 1837 by pioneer Johnson County settler, John Gilbert, and was actually located southeast of
Napoleon a distance of about four miles south of Old Capitol in Iowa City. This nonextant trading post was described in
various historic sources as originally containing a larger building consisting of two 20 by 20 foot cabins and a similar sized
dog -trot between, all under a single roof.
Construction of the Double Log Cabin took place in 1 g13 with chinking completed the following year. More than 85
donated logs from Old Settlers' Association members measured from 17 to 21 feet in length and were hewn or weathered
prior to their contribution to the cabin building project. Other logs for the project were purchased. All of the logs were left
in roughly round shapes before assembly with simple saddle notching done by the axmen at the ends for even stacking
and to give the walls rigidity when assembled. Limestone pedestals were placed at the outer corners and large rocks were
placed beneath the sill logs that were set along the 20 foot -sides of each single -pen or room. This original arrangement is
retained on the all but the southwest side of the north pen where a poured concrete foundation (undated) is now in place.
The upper walls are composed of various sized logs likely reflecting the fact that logs were donated from various sources
rather than selected by a builder for a single project. The original floor joist construction was evident for each pen from the
exterior. A series of small notches were cut along the top edges of each of the sill logs to receive planned floor joists.
This joist Installation continues to be visible along all but the southwest side of the north pen. Here the floor joists are
anchored in the newer poured concrete base. The dog -trot section originally had a dirt floor in photos and now has a
poured concrete floor (undated).
Limestone pieces were used to build the substantial fireplace and exposed chimney at the northwest gable end of the
structure. A second non -original stone chimney was added to the south pen's roof ridge sometime between 1950 and the
1970s. It does not serve a fireplace or wood stove, nor does it appear In any of the early photos of the buildings. Chinking
for the Double Log Cabin has been completed at various times with the original lime mortar installed by members of the
Old Settlers' Association in August 1913 and completed during 1914. It appears likely that the most systematic concrete
chinking repair work that was completed since then occurred during the mid-1970s and subsequently by Park and
Recreation Department employees. The finished pens and dog -trot area were topped by a side -gable roof with a 10:12
pitch. Historic photos show the original side gable roof was clad in rolled asphalt installed In vertical strips. Later roof
coverings included asphalt shingles, portions extant, and the current wood shake shingles most likely installed in the mid-
1970s, The use of wood shakes appears to be an attempt to install an "old looking roof' and was not based historical
documentation.
Access to the interiors of the single -pens is via facing entrance doors that open into the dog -trot section at the north and
south ends of opposite pens. These doors have five horizontal panels and may be original elements; their design is more
typical of home construction from the early decades of the 201" century than log house building a half -century earlier.
Sometime in the late 20"' century presumably when pioneer furnishings were placed in the rooms during education
programs held there from 1977 to 1987 and later, the dog -trot section was partially enclosed with half walls, screen panels,
and a wood plank door on the southwest side. The western pen has two 616 double- hung windows on both the north and
south sides, while the eastern per has three adjoining 6-light fixed sash arranged in a horizontal configuration on the north
and south sides, The age of the current windows suggests that all or some were replaced during the mid-1970s repairs
completed for the building. Their molding profiles and configurations appear to match historic views. All of the window
openings remain extant with the sash currently boarded on the exterior for security purposes.
Page 4
Umted Stales Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historir. Planes Registration Form
NPs Form 10-900 OMB Na. 1024-0018 (Expires 513112012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Single-Rooin Log Cabin:
The second log structure is a one-story single -room log cabin moved to the site five years after the Old Settlers'
Association completed the new dog -trot log house. The moved building was one of two log buildings originally built in 1889
on the Johnson County Fairgrounds located on the east side of Iowa City near the present campus of City High School.
Both were built under the sponsorship of the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County and served as a semi -centennial
exhibition to commemorate the organization of the county in 1839 and tell the story of pioneer life five decades earlier to
fair visitors. By 1912, both log structures were reported in poor condition. Consideration was initially given by the Old
.Settlors' Association to moving both bidlrlingc to the ne%m site nfferprl h�, flip Inigiq (`i}y Park ('nmmiscinn in r.ify Park hi if
the option of building a new dog -trot form log house was chosen instead. Construction of the Double Log Cabin was
completed in 1913. Five years later in 1918, the condition of one of the 1889 log buildings still left standing at the
fairgrounds was deemed sufficiently sound to attempt a move. A local house mover, a Mr. Mott, was retained for $102 to
move the 1889 cabin from the fairgrounds to the current site, which is about 30 feet southwest of the 1913 Double Log
Cabin. His fee included a minimal amount of repair and log replacement according to historic accounts.
The one-story Single -Room Log Cabin is also constructed of oak logs but in this case, they were hewn and squared before
assembly with V-notching at the ends. The logs are generally of a larger size (12 to 14-inches) than those donated for the
1913 Double Log Cabin project. The rectangular plan has outside dimensions of 20 feet 4 inches by 16 feet 4 inches with
an extended roof slope forming an overhang along the northeast edge of the side -gable roof. The roof has a pitch of 10:12
on the southwest slope and 5.5:12 on the northeast slope. The overhang rests on horizontal log supports that extend past
the corner of the end wall; at a later unknown date knee -brace logs were installed as supplemental supports. Historic
photos show that the gable peaks were clad in vertical boards before and after the cabin was relocated to City Park, The
present day wood shakes were installed at an unknown date in the late 20°i century. The gable peaks originally were
devoid of openings but later had a row of three fixed sash, each with four lights, Installed. These openings were modified
overtime to contain louvered wood vents In the center opening in each gable end. Some lights in the surviving sash of the
south end remain intact but the balance of the openings in the north end are infilled with wood panels in 2012, The single
entrance is centered on the northeast side of the structure beneath the overhang and facing the dog -trot log house. The
opening has no door. No other windows or entrances were present in the original or current building. Some of the logs
and chinking on the southwest corner of the cabin has have begun to deteriorate and fail, Patching and additional bracing
has have been added to this corner. As with the dog -trot log house, it appears likely that most chinking repair work
occurred during the mid-1970s or was done subsequently by Park and Recreation Department staff.
Interiors;
Both of the log cabins have crude interiors with a mix of finishes dating from their original construction through the mid-
1970s. Exposed log walls are retained throughout with original white lime mortar chinking evidenced in most areas. The
logs have obtained a dark brown patina befitting their 100 to 130 year age. Deteriorated wall sections and roof boards are
most evident in the Single -Room Log Cabin causing exposure to multiple rain leaks. The floors are unfinished fir or cedar
boards measuring 4 inches in width. The floors most likely date from the 1918 move for the Single -Room Log Cabin and
were part of the original construction of the Double Log Cabin. In both cases, the floor boards are laid in a north and south
alignment.
The most significant interior feature in the cabins is the rock fireplace in the north pen of the Double Log Cabin. Centered
on the northwest gable end wall, the exposed portion of the fireplace includes narrow vertical columns of limestone that
end at the metal top piece. The balance of the fireplace chimney is set behind the log wall in the manner adapted for early
log structures where fires were a concern. The fireplace has a deep fire box. The original multi -light windows are visible
from the interiors of both the north and south pens. Shelving and peg wall hangers were likely added after the mid-1970s
for the display of artifacts when the buildings were used for day camps and camping,
The Single -Room Log Cabin also features a non -original fireplace built by volunteers in 1976 at the south gable end of the
cabin. It was intended to serve as part of a "Pioneer Life in Iowa" exhibit for the Children's Museum program that operated
in the cabins from 1977 to 1987. The chimney does not have an exposed side and there is no external chimney stack
currently present. In the only view of the cabin in its original location at the fairgrounds in ca. 1900, no chimney is shown.
The fireplace Is constructed of fieldstone with a wide hearth, a shallow wood mantle, and a wide but shallow firebox. Its
design suggests it is was a stylized fireplace used as a teaching aid during the decade 1977-1987. The Single -Room Log
Cabin has no other major interior features
_._._. _._. Page
Untied States Depariment of the Interior
National Nark Service I National Register of Mstodc Places Registration Form
N'PS Farm 10-000 OMe No. 1024-0018 (explmc 5131/2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Name of Froperiy
Integrity:
Johnson Co., Iowa
County and Stale
The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Cabins retain sufficient integrity from the period of significance identified,
1913 - ca. 1939, to qualify for National Register listing. A summary of the seven aspects or qualities of integrity appears
below:
Location: The location for the Double Log Cabin and the Single -Room Log Cabin in City Park included in this
nomination remains the same as the dates of significance when the two buildings were built and moved in 1913
and 1918 respectively. The cabin site continues to be within Upper City Park with scattered, mature deciduous
trees and iawn surrounding the buildings. views to and from the buildings are similar to those of the period of
significance (1913 — ca. 1939). Details of the site are further discussed in Section 7 and under "Setting" below.
[Design: Both the Double Log Cabin and the Single -Room Log Cabin retain elements of design from their period
of significance. Their designs were conceived and executed by members of the Old Settlers' Association who
were experienced with log building construction based on their early immigration to Johnson County. The dog -trot
design for the Double Log Cabin was discussed in 1912 meetings of the Old Settlers' Association and was carried
out in 1913 as discussed. The only change to this design came in the 1940s to 1970s when a frame half wall,
screening above, and a wood plank passage door were added to the northeast and south west sides of the dog-
trot section so that the cabin could be used for camping. Screen panels for windows were used during this time
period as well but are no longer present.
Setting: The setting for the Double Log Cabin and the Single -Room Log Cabin remains substantially the same as
1913 and 1918. In the case of the Double Log Cabin, historic photographs confirm that the area surrounding the
cabins held mature deciduous trees with bushes and other smaller native trees along of hillside overlooking the
river valley. For the Single -Room Log Cabin, both its 1889 original site at the fairgrounds (historic photograph)
and post -move 1918 setting in Upper City Park (historic photograph of Double Log Cabin) were similar to the park
setting in 2012, In both instances, the grass covered site is surrounded by deciduous trees. The third resource is
the Grand Army Tree boulder, and it remains positioned in the same location southwest of the cabins themselves.
It appears that the tree planted in 1929, however, has been removed most likely through natural causes.
Materials: The principal materials originally used for construction of both buildings — hewn oak logs varying in
length from 16 to 21 feet — continue in use in 2012 with a few exceptions. Members of the Old Settlers'
Association of Johnson County in 1913 and 1889 contributed the individual logs when the cabins were erected.
Records describe several unspecified logs in the 1889 Single -Room Log Cabin in deteriorated condition and
having been replaced at the time of the 1918 move. Members of the Association also participated in construction
of both cabins including completion of notching, building, roofing, window installation, door hanging, flooring, and
chinking of the logs. Although both buildings have subsequently been repaired and modified, evidence of the
original craftsmanship of the Old Settler craftsmen remains visible, Alteration of the original materials has taken
place through the years including undated roof replacements (asphalt shingles and wood shake shingles, ca. mid-
I970s), Portland cement chinking, screening for the dog -trot section's formerly open walls, installation of a
concrete floor for the dog -trot section, and the addition of a poured concrete foundation for a section of one of the
Double Log Cabin's pens,
Feeling: The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Cabins retain their sense of place largely due to the
presence of the Iowa River and the tree -covered site that has been occupied by the cabins since their location in
Upper City Park in 1913 and 1918. The cabins have been visited by thousands of park users through the years
while picnicking, listening to patriotic speeches, attending school tours, participating in summer camping, and re-
enacting 19"' century life-style experiences. The preservation of open spaces surrounding the cabins has
continued to provide the sense of place and respect originally considered by the managers of City Park and sought
by the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County before they were placed here.
Page 6 --
United States Uepadment of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024 0018 (Expires.$31/2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name_ - _._. _.
Name of Property County and Stale
B. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance
(Mark'Y' In one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Enter categories from Instructions.)
for National Register listing.)
SOCIAL HISTORY _
A Property is associated with events that have made a ARCHITECTURE
l ^ significant contribution to the broad patterns of our — - — --- -
history.
t 1
Property is associated with lire lives of persons
significant in our past,
C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses high
artistic values, or represents a significant
and distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction,
D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information
important in prehistory or history,
Criteria Considerations
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.)
Property is:
A Owned by a religious institution or used for religious
purposes.
B removed from its original location.
C a birthplace orgrave.
D a cemetery.
E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
F a commemorative property.
G less than 50 years old or achieving significance
within the past 50 years.
Period of Significance Qustificatlon)
Period of Significance
1913- ca. 1939
Significant Dates
1918
Significant Person
(Complete only If Criterion B Is marked above.)
N/A
Cultural Affiliation
ArchitecUBuilder
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County _
The period of significance spans the years from the construction of the Double Log Cabin in 1913 and the moving of the
Single -Room Log Cabin in 1918 through the period that the cabins served as a meeting place for the Old Settlers'
Association of Johnson County annual meetings and picnics until 1939. In subsequent years, the cabins continued to
serve as focal points for local history commemoration, camping programs, and local history education. They were built as
a mernoriai to early settlers in Johnson County and continued their role as a commemorative park feature acknowledging
the way of life of Johnson County pioneers from 1913 through ca, 1939 when the Old Settlers' Association informally
disbanded and quite holding annual picnics in the park. The cabins continued to serve their commemorative role in the
modern City Park until present day but these years fall outside of the period of significance associated with the Old Settlers
Association.
Page 7
united States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Foos 10-900 OMB Nc. 1024-0018 (Expires 5/3112012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins Johnsn>Co oIowa_
-._ — --- -
Name of Properly County and State
Criteria Considerations (explanation, if necessary)
The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co, Cabins are nominated under Criteria Considerations B and F. Under
Criterion Consideration B, the Single -Room Log Cabin was relocated from its original site in 1918 to the current location.
Details of this move are described in elsewhere in Sections 7 and 8. According to historic photos, the Single -Room Log
Cabin substantially retains its physical integrity and the space occupied in Upper City Park provides a similar setting to the
fairgrounds site it occupied from 1889-1917.
Once moved to Upper City Park, the 1889 Single -Room Log Cabin joined the Double -Log Cabin erected in situ in the park
in 1913. Together the two cabins are nominated under Criteria Consideration F as a commemorative property. Once
assembled in the Upper City Park site between 1913 and 1918, the cabins became a meeting place for Old Settlers'
Association picnics and annual meetings drawing hundreds of members and special guests until the organization
disbanded in ca. 1939. During that time and in subsequent years, the log cabins served as a visual reminder and
commemorative monument for early pioneer settlers in Johnson County. The cabins prompted tours, speeches and
celebrations by members of the Old Settlers' Association and the larger community.
Statement of Significance Summary Paragraph (Provide a summary paragraph that includes level of significance and
applicable criteria.)
The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins are significant under Criteria A and C at the local level. Under
Criterion A, the cabins are examples of an early 201" century commemorative effort by a social organization that sought to
celebrate and reflect on their common pioneer heritage. The commemoration involved the construction and relocation of
replica log buildings in City Park in Iowa City in 1913 and 191 B. Until the end of the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson
County in 1939, these cabins were the centerpiece for annual patriotic celebrations and summer picnics for the group,
Under Criterion C, the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins are replicas of two distinct log house forms typically
found in the East and Midwest — the Double Log Cabin or dog -trot log house, which was erected in situ in 1913 in Upper
City Park and the Single -Room Log Cabin, which was originally erected in 1889 and moved to Upper City Park in 1918,
Together, the two buildings provide examples of log building forms and sizes that were commonly used in Johnson County
and Iowa City prior to Iowa statehood but are rare in 2012. The particulars of log building construction including log hewing
techniques, notching styles, chinking work, stone chimney building, an expansion technique for log structures known as a
dog trot, and other aspects of log building architecture are evidenced in the two building examples nominated
Narrative Statement of Significance {Provide at least one paragraph for each area of
Informally organized in 1840 and formally established in 1866, the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County was likely
the oldest such pioneer group in Iowa. The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County celebrated their pioneer past in
1889 with the construction of a pair of log cabins at the county fairgrounds, 50 years after Johnson County was organized
in 1839, When the buildings fell into disrepair by 1912, a replica Double Log Cabin was erected in City Park and five
years later the surviving 1889 Single -Room Log Cabin was relocated to the park. Together their construction and
relocation continued a local tradition that celebrated pioneer immigration and fraternity within the larger community. -rhe
group's continuing efforts preserve log building traditions, were acknowledged by other historical groups in the state as
early models for local commemoration activities.
Under Criterion C, the cabins are significant as rare surviving examples of the first generation of domestic log structures in
Iowa City and Johnson County built during the 1830s and 1840s . Though built as replicas of vernacular architectural
forms employed by, the log building skills of the Old Settlers' Association members were used to complete their
construction 50 to 60 years later, The fact that the log buildings continue In place in 2012, nearly a century later, is a
testimony to their builders' skill. Together, these aspects of historic and architectural significance make the Old Settler's
Association Cabin significant at the local level.
Page 8
Unitod Stales Department of the Interior
National Park Service I National Rog later of Historic Places Registration Form
NIPS Form 10-990 OMe No, 1024-001a (Explres 513112012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson_ Co. Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name of Progeny County and State
Developmental history/additional historic context information (if appropriate)
Old Settlers'Assoclation of Johnson County Organizational and Cabin Building History:
The first European -Americans came to the vicinity of Iowa City and Johnson County in the mid-1830s, Johnson County
was formally organized within Iowa Territory in 1839, and a group of early settlers of Johnson County first met the following
year in 1840. The informal gathering occurred on the grounds of Capitol Square in Iowa City — the future site of the Iowa
Territorial Capitol or Old Capitol (NHL) during the laying of the cornerstone for Old Capitol. Regular old settler gatherings
occurred in subsequent years in various locations. The get-togethers were of both a social and patriotic nature for early
settlers who shared a common immigrant experience and pioneer life style as well as shared social relationships and
personal friendships. At the end of the Civil War in February 22, 1866 the organization was officially formed as the "Old
Settlers' Association of Johnson County" and incorporated. At that time, membership was limited to those who had lived in
Johnson County prior to May 1, 1843, In succeeding years, membership was extended to anyone who had lived in the
county for at least 20 years.
By 1886, the Old Settlers numbered more than 1,000 attendees at their 20"' anniversary, which also marked the Sot"
anniversary for pioneer settlement in Johnson County. Speaker C.W. Irish was able to identify individuals that day in the
crowd who had surveyed the first land in the county, erected the first log buildings, made the first brick and served as the
county's first officials. Irish's patriotic statements and historic observations were recorded in newspaper accounts of the
day. ("Ploneers Themselves Attended Semi -Centennials of 1886, '89," Iowa City Press -Citizen, July 1, 1939)
Three years later in 1889 as part of the anniversary of Johnson County's formation 50 years earlier, the Old Settlers'
Association led efforts for the Semi -Centennial celebration's parades, speeches and exhibitions. On September 28, 1889
In advance of the Agricultural Society's county fair the following month, more than 300 Old Settlers attended a picnic and
cabin raising at the fairgrounds. The cabin plans had been approved the previous year. The Old Settlers erected two log
buildings —one was a replica of pioneer trader John Gilbert's double log cabin. The second was a single room log cabin
intended to demonstrate the small scale of a typical cabin built for family occupancy. The second cabin was described at
the time as "the log cabin of advanced civilization" (Old Settlers'Association Proceedings, 1899, p. 75) because of its
hewn rather than natural logs, Their construction involved members of the Old Settlers, and together the log buildings
became an exhibition of pioneer life for all who attended the county fair during the Semi -Centennial year and in succeeding
years. According to Old Settlers' published accounts, construction of both log buildings was completed in 1889 but
chinking and plastering were not finished until the following year at the Old Settlers' reunion.
Over the next several decades, Old Settlers' annual reunions continued to pay tribute to the lives of early settlers at the
cabin site at the fairgrounds. Original poetry, songs, and patriotic speeches were delivered by prominent members of the
community and elected officials. At each picnic "fraternal feelings" were shared by the old settlers on hand. Each reunion
recorded the earliest settlers present and their contributions to the pioneer community. (Old Settlers' Assoclation
Proceedings, 1899, August 18, 1892, p. 99) On August 24, 1893 a special oration discussed the role played by pioneer
women in Johnson County and Included a list of women by township and the years they settled in the county. The
following year an account of Johnson County's early legal system and its judges was provided. All of these celebrations
were given on the grounds surrounding the cabins built by the Old Settlers' Association.
In 1895, the Old Settlers' annual necrological report noted that 46 members had passed away. By 1901, more than 100
members had died in the previous year. Despite the shrinking numbers of the county's earliest settlers, the Old Settlers
group continued to attract new members and to hold reunions at the fairgrounds site of the cabins until 1912. At that time,
plans for the sale of the fairgrounds were discussed by the group and consideration was given to the idea of moving one or
both of the log buildings. The Iowa City Park Commission made it known to the Old Settlers' Association that land in City
Park would be available for the relocation of the log cabins and the future site of Old Settlers' meetings. At their annual
meeting in 1912, the members voted to move the cabins to City Park by an affirmative margin of 108 to 18. However, as
the time for relocation drew near, the Association's proceedings show that opposition developed from the "old settlers who
had taken part in the erection of the log cabins." (Oki Settlers Association of Johnson County, Reunion Proceedings, 1911-
1921, p. 4). In a follow-up meeting, the Old Settlers' Secretary stated that "investigation showed that the log cabins at the
fairgrounds were decayed to such an extent as to necessitate the substitution of many new logs in case of removal" (Old
Settlets Association of Johnson County, Reunion Proceedings, 1911.1921, p. 5). The group changed their earlier
decision, declaring it was impractical to move the old cabins, and "more satisfactory" to build new cabins.
Page 9
United Slates Department of the Interior
National Perk Service t National Register of Historic Places Registration I
NHS Form to . D OMa No. IU24-001B (Exp os 5131/2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Warne of Property County and State
On May 31, 1913, the Old Settlers began construction of the first log building in Upper City Park. The first structure was to
include two one-story cabins "20 x16 feet with a 10 foot space between and all under one roof." (Old Settlers Association
of Johnson County, Reunion Proceedings, 1911-1921, p. 5). This building is referred to in this nomination as the Double
Log Cabin or Dog -Trot Log House. The first log building was to be constructed "to be as nearly as practicable a replica of
the old trading house formerly standing at Napoleon, the old county seat" (Old Settlers Association of Johnson County,
Reunion Proceedings, 1911-1921, p. 5), A June 1913 article in the Iowa City Daily Press claimed that the cabin was a
"monument" to the pioneers, and that even the "anti -removals" were now pleased with the change from the fairgrounds to
the new site. Many Old Settlers donated logs to the cause, and were given the option to have bronze letters placed on the
interor side of the log, to show In vq,hose me—, it - laid (/nwa City Daily Press, June 2, 1913). They were hauled to
the site in January 1913 by Christian Galaucher. According to local historian Irving Weber, the construction of the cabin
began with a "notching contest" between two noted axe men, Peter Rohret and Emory Westcott (Weber, "Log Cabins —
How's Your history I07," Iowa City Press -Citizen, February 23, 1976), though there is no formal documentation of this in
the Old Settlers' Association proceedings. The involvement of early Johnson County residents in the log buildings through
participation in the cabin raising and donation of materials marked the commemorative quality of the buildings.
Construction was completed on the Double Log Cabin on August 30, 1913 with the dedication completed the following year
during the Old Settlers' Association annual reunion. At that time Elizabeth Irish gave the dedication speech. She began
by noting that "Another year... has come and gone since we._met on the banks of this beautiful Iowa [River], to dedicate
these cabins ... In this lovely natural park beneath the shade of its beautiful trees and beside the stream.." She was clear
about the purpose of the replica double-cabin's construction being "...to commemorate their [early settlers of Johnson
County ] virtues, their high ideals, and their pioneer struggles, we have, their descendents builded (sic) these cabins which
we today hold ornamenting the landscape before us, and forming a link in the chain of our development which has gone
steadily forward..." ("Brave Empire Builders Now in Great Park," Iowa City Daily Press, September 4, 1914). More than
135 Old Settlers had passed since the previous reunion giving rise to a proposal by Irish that a commemorative tablet be
prepared identifying the early settlers and placed in the park. This was never done.
Five years after the new Double Log Cabin was completed in 1918, the 1889 Single -Room Log Cabin still remained
standing on the old fairgrounds site. After the building was given further inspection, the Old Settlers' Association decided
that the single -room cabin was in sufficiently sound condition to be moved to Upper City Park where it was placed next to
the 1913 Double Log Cabin, Iowa City house mover, W.C. Mott, handled the moving of the Single Room Cabin as a single
unit and minor log repairs for a cost of $102.50, The following year in August 1919, the cabin site played host again to the
Old Settlers' reunion picnic. This time special invited guests were wounded veterans of World War I from the State
University of Iowa Hospital, 'rhe Iowa City Daily Citizen reported on August 18, 1919 that there were "plans to royally
entertain Uncle Sam's returned heroes" with a splendid patriotic program and "good eats."
From the 1930s to the 1960s, the log cabins were given pioneer furnishings and used for class field trips. Students from
Henry Sabin School were typical of the hundreds of elementary students who visited the cabins to hear accounts of
pioneer life and Iowa City founders ('"r'hird Graders of Henry Sabin School Visit Park Cabins," Iowa City Press-C)tizen,
Iowa City, Iowa, November 2, 1938) during the 1930s. The Old Settlers continued to hold their reunions at the City Park
cabins through 1939 according to newspaper reports and oral accounts. By the 1940s Girl Scout camps and cookouts
were being held at the cabin site ("Scout Council Holds Cookout Monday at City Park Cabins" and "Scouts Will Give
Program Tonight," Iowa City Press-Citlzen, Iowa City, Iowa, April20 and June 13, 1946), Articles in the Press Citizen in
the 1940s referred to them as the "scout cabins" and historian Irving Weber says that the Girl Scouts used the cabins from
the early 40s through the mid-60s (Weber, "Log Cabins — How's Your History IQ?,' Iowa City Press Citizen, February 23,
1976).
In the mid-1970s as planning for the Bicentennial began in earnest, the Iowa City Park and Recreation Commission
undertook plans to stabilize and restore the cabins, The buildings had been vacant and unused for about a decade at the
time and were suffering from benign neglect. Al the same time, the newly formed Friends of the Chi)dren's Museum non-
profit approached the Park and Recreation Commission about locating a children's museum in City Park. A plan was
eventually negotiated that had the Park and Recreation Commission complete minimal repairs to the cabins and lease
them to the Friends of the Children's Museum in 1977 for a period of ten years ("Restored Log Cabin is Door to 1839s
Iowa Wilderness," Des Moines Register, June 3, 1977). Friends used the log cabins for a summer -long project called
"Pioneer Life in Iowa." The program opened on May 1, 1977 (Iowa City Park and Recreation Commission Minutes, May 12.
1976). Children could see how pioneer families survived with limited resources and be able to "spin the spinning wheel,
mash make-believe potatoes with a pair of hand -carved wooden potato mashers, dress up in pioneer clothing, sit on stools
constructed of logs split in half and see what it is like to Ile on a bed with a mattress stuffed with straw."(" Friends of the
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Children's Museum, Special Project: Pioneer Life in Iowa," ca. 1975-1977). Visforship grew from 2,500 the first year to
7,500 the second year, The program continued through the Children's Museum until ca. 1984. The Iowa City Parks and
Recreation Department, according to their internal records, ran their own summer folk arts and nature programming at the
cabins from 1985 -1987. The cabins were not opened for the summer season of 1988, due to budget constraints, but were
reopened in 1989, at which point their contents were inventoried and purchased by a local antique dealer (Parks and
Recreation Department records). Later, the cabins hosted Girl Scout and recreation special events, and the Johnson
County Historical Society's Time Machine Summer Camps (Parks and Recreation Department records) during the 1990s,
o nf ennn the ron'ar R:+'01' Rnvallp rennrfed that the City was making plans to renovate the cabins the following
year. Various reuse options were under consideration for use of the cabins in conjunction with Park and Recreation
Department programming. However, these renovations never took place and elements of the two cabins remain in
moderate to poor condition in 2012. Nomination of the buildings to the National Register of Historic Places is considered
the first step in a preservation process for the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Log Cabins. Work towards that
end is being coordinated by the Iowa City Park and Recreation Department,
Commemorative Property Movement Nationally and in Iowa
The national movement to commemorate and preserve historic structures began In the 1850s with the efforts of the
women of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association to buy, restore, maintain and interpret Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of
George and Martha Washington located along the Potomac River. A national campaign to save the threatened mansion
and outbuildings was undertaken In 1858 and included the involvement of women from all 30 states to raise money and
direct efforts to preserve the building. The organization was successful in raising more than $200,000 to acquire the
property through a national campaign ,and the Ladies in took possession of the 200-acre property on February 22, 1860
on the eve of the Civil War, Just six years later In January 1866, the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County was
formally organized. The organization considered it their patriotic mission to preserve an historic record of the pioneers who
made Johnson County their home and educate successive generations about their early hardships and way of life.
In succeeding decades, commemorative activities of organizations in Iowa including those of the Old Settlers' Association
of Johnson County paralleled projects undertaken at the national level, After President Abraham Lincoln was
assassinated in 1865 there was an outpouring of grief and eventually interest in Lincoln's log cabin birthplace. By 1894
just five years after the Old Settlers of Johnson County had completed construction of their Semi -Centennial Cabins at the
Johnson County Fairgrounds, an effort was underway to establish a memorial to President Lincoln. By 1905 his birthplace
log cabin was acquired at public auction and several years later the Lincoln Farm Association was formed to preserve it. A
memorial building was erected to house the disassembled building and in 1911 the memorial was opened to the public on
a portion of the Lincoln family farm outside of Hodgenville, Kentucky. In 1916 the farm property and memorial building
became a National Historic Site operated by the National Park Service.
Other commemorative log buildings either built or moved on the national level included six historic log structures in an "Old
Plantation" display in 1901 at the Buffalo Exposition. Three years later in 1904 at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
in St. Louis four historic log buildings were brought to the expositions grounds including President Grant's birthplace, an
1803 log cabin removed from Patrick Henry's farm, and a log house lived in by President Lincoln as a child.
The commemorative movement that began with Interest in the Lincoln log cabin and building associated with other
nationally significant historic figures was taking root elsewhere in the country as well before and after 1900. In a number of
locations, the efforts were frequently linked to anniversary dates and celebrated events. In the Midwest, that meant that by
the 1880s and 11 as communities began to celebrate semi -centennials, replica or relocated log cabins were identified
for featured exhibits and commemorative tributes. This time period also coincided with efforts through the Grand Army of
the Republic to commemorate 25 and 30-year anniversaries for the end of the Civil War. In Davenport, Iowa where five
campgrounds were established during the war and where post-war interest was high, the Civil War Soldiers' Monument
(NRHP-listed) was among the first commemorative monuments to be erected in the state In 1880.
The cabins built by the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County at the Johnson County Fairgrounds were among the
first log structures used to commemorate the first wave of pioneer settlement in the state 50 years after Johnson County
was formally organized. Their construction in 1889 came 23 years after the organization itself formed with a stated
mission in the preamble to the organization's constitutions as follows — "Whereas: The old settlers are rapidly passing
away, we feel it to be our duty to gather and preserve the memories of a settlement that has resulted in a growth and
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r-
Ne of Property County and State
development so great, and feeling that the recollections of the past and the hope of the future link us together as a
brotherhood, we do now ordain and establish this Constitution." (Old Settler's Proceedings, 1899, February 22, 1866)
Other commemorative activities in Iowa during the late I go and early 20'h centuries included organization of dozens of old
settlers and old soldiers associations. They celebrated with reunions, picnics, orations and parades, always reminding
current and younger generation of their past. Examples Included the Old Settlers' Association of Linn County first
organized in 1891 celebrating annually In communities around the county for at least a decade. The Old Soldiers' and Old
Settlers' picnic in Pella in 1903 merged the gathering of the two groups. Similar gatherings included the Old Settlers and
American I eci. , nnen of Lenox in 1g22, the nld Settlers and Old Soldiers meeting in Glenwood in 1901, and the Black
Hawk County Veterans and Old Settlers in 1910 in Waterloo. The most common gathering remained that of old settlers,
however, including the Burlington Old Settlers in 1896, the Carroll County Old Settlers In 1901, the Old Settlers picnic In
Chester in 1916, the Tilonka Old Settlers picnic in 1926, and the Roland Old Settlers gathering in 1938.
A handful of other old settlers groups In Iowa like the Johnson County group sought to establish a physical representation
or visual link with the past to remind their contemporaries of the hardships and self-sacrifice of earlier generations. One
example was the Old Settlers' Association Park and Rhodham Bonnifield House (NRHP listed) established by the
Jefferson County Old Settlers' Association on an 11% acre park in 1907 in Fairfield. The NRHP nomination for the
property notes that the goal was to provide a "preserve for natural grasses, plants, and fauna." The park also served as
the setting for the relocated Bonnifield House, a log building constructed in 1838 in Section 4 of Round Prairie Township,
The property was approved for listing on the NRHP based on Criterion A.
Another NRHP-listed log cabin in Iowa was constructed as a private undertaking as part of the building of a wayside park
near Gladbrook in Tama County, The Conant's Cabin and Park (NRHP listed) are located along Iowa Highway 96 and
were established in 1920. The cabin and outbuildings as well as the park itself were listed on the NRHP in 2000 for their
Importance under Criteria A and C in the history of parks and the erection of log structures in parks, in this case a wayside
park,
Other log structures in Iowa that were handled as commemorative properties after the turn of the 20"' century included
reconstructions or replicas such as the Livermore Log Cabin in Fort Madison and the Morris Memorial Log Cabin at
Birmingham. Still others were moved from their original sites to locations where they could more easily be protected or
serve a public education purpose. These included the Alexander Young Log House (NRHP-listed, 1973; moved in 1912 to
Washington from rural Washington County) and the Ronze-Morgan Log House (moved in 1929 to Oskaloosa from rural
Marion County and later to the Nelson Pioneer Farm. At least one other log cabin considered a noncontributing resource
Is part of a listed NRHP resource— the Walker Park and Memorial Building in River Junction Iowa. The replica cabin built
in 1915 burned in 1959 and was rebuilt as the present noncontributing cabin in the park. By rrl On century log building
relocations also included one in Selma, Van Buren County and one in Corydon, Wayne County.
Research completed by Iowa historians Jim Jacobsen and Will Page in the 1980s indicates that on -site preservation of log
buildings is rarer in Iowa than the reconstructions and relocations of buildings noted above. Examples include the
Mars Hill Church (built in ca,1857 In rural Wapello County), which was listed in the NRHP in 1974. It was severely
damaged by arson fire in 2006 but two years later the building was restored . Other log structures suffered major
deterioration such as the Michael Hildebrand House in Jefferson County or were completely engulfed by later construction
such as the Elmer Sheppard House in Van Buren County thus having lost their integrity as a log structure (Old Settlers'
Association Park and Rhodham Bonnifield House NRHP nomination, July 14, 1986).
World War II marked the discontinuation of many old settler gatherings, picnics, reunions and picnics around the state as
the nation refocused its attention on war news and important international events. The activities of the Old Settlers'
Association of Johnson County was such an example. The last reunion formally held by the Old Settlers' Association of
Johnson County was its 73n annual picnic held on September 15. 1939 at the cabin site in City Park. The following year
members of the group joined the 100"' anniversary celebration of the laying of the cornerstone for Old Capitol. After World
War II, in Iowa City and other Iowa communities, historic celebrations were more often associated with centennials of a
county's or town's founding such as that held in Iowa City during the summer of 1939. Iowa's settlement pattern saw
dozens of towns reach this anniversary annually in the 1940s and 1950s.
The next major wave of commemorative celebrations related to log structures in the United States and in Iowa occurred
during the Bicentennial Era. Plans for log cabin reconstruction and restoration occurred throughout the state with efforts to
restore and reuse the Old Settlers' cabins in City Park Included in local plans. Local historian Irving Weber recounted the
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Nama of Property County and Slate
cabins' history in a lengthy newspaper article in February 1976 along with the story of the Old Settlers' Association itself.
Later that year, the cabins were "restored" to make way for a new children's museum activity program headquartered in
them. They remained in use for more than a decade as a result of this reawakening of local history sponsored by the
Children's Museum and the Johnson County Historical Society. The integration of local history into museum programming
was typical of history programming around the country during the 1970s and 1980s,
A total of approximately 200 log building resources are listed in the Iowa Inventory of historic resources in 2012. They
include log cabins, churches, barns and outbuildings, park shelters and schools. One of a kind structures include a log jail
In Laurel, Marshall County and a log ticket booth at the Iowa State Fair and Exposition Grounds in Des Moines. Log
structures date from the 1830s through the 1970s with a large number constructed during the 1930s as a part of local and
state park development. Many have been removed from their original locations and the level of integrity varies
considerably. Of the 200 documented log buildings and structures, a total of 18 resources are listed on the NRHP
individually or as resources within a historic district (see Figure 13: Log Building National Register Listings in Iowa —
August 2012),
Log Building Architecture
The log building architecture represented by the two log building forms selected by the Old Settlers' Association and as
well as the construction techniques used by their members in erecting them, is representative of pioneer log building
practices in other parts of the Eastern and Southeastern United States that moved west with settlers in the early to mid-
1911- century to places such as Johnson County. As noted above, the buildings are examples of two common log
architecture forms— the Double Log Cabin or dog -trot log house and the more common Single -Room Log Cabin. Varying
techniques of log construction are found in each. In the Double Log Cabin, the donated logs came from Association
members residing in scattered parts of the county and were left generally round or unhewn. The lengths of the logs used
for the long sides of each of the rooms -- nominally 20 to 21 feet — represented the longest log size that could generally be
handled by two men according to log building scholar and geographer, Allen G. Noble. A similar log length was used for
the Single -Room Log Cabin.
Dr. Noble further notes that the decision to use hewn or unhewn logs was a choice made by axeman during the building
process based on the amount of time available since leaving logs round generally took less time. However, hewn logs
such as those found in the Single- Room Log Cabin were easier and faster to chink than the round logs of the Double Log
Cabin. The two buildings also demonstrate two types of log notching used to prepare the logs for stacking and to form
plumb building corners. These notches also stabilized the walls and provided overall structural stability to the pens
formed. In the Double Log Cabin — a double saddle notch (both top and bottom edges of the log) was used in the round
logs while in the Single -Room Log Cabin, a single V-notch was used. The latter notch style was described as more
sophisticated by Dr. Noble. The chinking work has suffered some loss of integrity and until it is more carefully restored at
a future date, it provides only general evidence of the placement of chinking and less evidence of the type, color and
texture of typical materials used in the 191" century.
The two log buildings provide distinct examples of building plans. The Single -Room Log Cabin as Its name suggests, has
a single pen with a row of windows on the wall opposite the entrance. A porch formed by the extension of the sloped side
of the gable roof provided a simple and practical entrance area and expanded work area or social gathering spot. The
Double Log Cabin's plan, also known as the dog -trot house, was one of several methods developed by log builders to
enlarge a single pen log cabin. Dr. Noble describes such a plan as that employed here as follows:
"A second pen, similar or identical to the original pen, was erected in line with the original, but separated by an
open space of eight to twelve feet. The gable roof was then extended to cover not only the two pens but the
open passageway between, which became known as the dog trot, dog run, possum run or breeze -way... Such
a porch facilitates communication in rainy weather between the two separate pens whose front doors open
onto the porch... With this door arrangement, the open passageway became the focal point for family life. It
offered a cool yet protected area to carry on household chores and for evening gathers and recreation,"'
Together, these aspects of log building techniques and plan heighten the architectural significance of the replica log
houses built by the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County.
'Noble, Allen C., Wood, Brick and Stand, Tho North Amorican Settlement Landscapo, Volume 1: Houses, (Amherst,
Massachusetts: The University of Massachusetts Press), 1984, pp. 110-118.
`lbld., p, 117.
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Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Name of Properly
Preservation Plan
Johnson Co., Iowa
County and State
The Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Cabins have been identified by the City of Iowa City as valuable historic
resources in their community and worthy of historic preservation for future generations. Beginning in the 1970s. their
retention has been supported for educational purposes and short-term repairs were made. The advice of experts in the
field of log buildings has been sought and the City obtained preliminary assistance in the form of a TAN grant from the
State Historic Historical Department of Iowa. One of the recommendations received was to secure National Register
listing for the buildings so that State grants might be able to be sought for their restoration. In 2010 the City of Iowa City's
J..CUrc for the building In 201, the
Historic preservation piarrrier, CiSristina Kueckar, uoii'ipieted preliminary' ����,,,,entary y. 2
City Park and Recreation Department authorized preparation of a National Register nomination for the property as a first
step toward preserving the buildings and heightening awareness in their history.
Summary
In summary, the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Cabins, one constructed in 1913 and one built in 1889 and
moved in 1918 to City Park serve to commemorate the lives of the first European -American settlers in Johnson County,
As spoken by Elizabeth Irish in her address to the Old Settlers in 1914, the cabins commemorate our early settlers' "brave
and noble deeds.,.theirvlrtues, their high ideals, and their pioneer struggles," and form "a link In the chain of our
development" ("Brave Empire Builders," Iowa City Daily Press, September 4, 1914). These cabins are also a visible link to
the Johnson County Old Settlers organization, which played an Important role in preserving and relating the community's
history for nearly 100 years. During these years, many other groups used the cabins to rediscover Iowa City and Johnson
County's pioneer heritage and to retain a tangible fink to their collective past.
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sournus used in preparing this form.)
Bennett, Berry. Compilation of Iowa Site Inventory Forms for Log Cabins in Iowa with NRHP listing noted,
provided to M. Svendsen via email, July 17, 2012.
"Brave Empire Builders Now in Great Park," Iowa City Daily Press, Iowa City, Iowa, September 4, 1914.
"Girl Scout Day Camp Held at the Cabins in the City Park," Iowa City Press -Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, June 13,
1946.
"Good Pioneers are Assembled in Park Today," Iowa City Press -Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, September 1, 1921.
"Historic Cabins in I.C. to Undergo Restoration," Cedar Rapids Gazette, June 20, 2000
Historic photograph of "Log Cabin City Park," April 9, 1916, PA 118, No. 24; Patterson Collection, State
Historical Society of Iowa Library, Iowa City, Iowa.
Historic photograph of "Old Settlers' Cabins on the fairgrounds, where the annual pic-nics are held," undated
(pre-1912), PA 69. V1. p.109; Patterson Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa Library, Iowa City,
Iowa.
Interviews with Beth Foster Hill, National Register Coordinator, and Ralph Christian, Historian, both with the
Iowa State Historic Preservation Office, Des Moines, Iowa, May 2, 2012.
Keyes, Margaret N. Nineteenth Century Hone Architecture in Iowa City. Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa
Press, 1971.
"Log Cabins Are Nearly Finished," Iowa City Daily Press, Iowa City, Iowa, June 2, 1913.
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Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co, Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name of Property County and State
McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to Amer4ican Houses. New York: Alfred A, Knopf, 2000,
Noble, Allen G. Wood, Brick and Stone, The North American Settlement Landscape, Volume 1: Houses.
Amherst, Massachusetts: The University of Massachusetts Press, 1984.
"Noble Men and Women Who Helped Make Iowa Great and Strong are Holding Annual Reunion This
Afternoon / In Their Log Cabins / Johnson County Old Settlers Meet in and Near Structures of Ancient
Type, at nihr Park," Ini is city Pre.3.9 Citizen, Iowa City Iowa, September 2. 1921.
Old Settlers Association of Johnson County, Reunion Proceedings, 1889, and 1911-1921, State Historical
Society of Iowa Library, Iowa City, Iowa.
"Old Settlers' Pic-Nic," The Iowa State Press, Iowa City, Iowa, August 20, 1890, Patterson Collection, State
Historical Society of Iowa Library, Iowa City, Iowa.
"Old Settlers Thursday, the Annual Reunion Here," Iowa City Press Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, August 16, 1909.
"Pioneers Themselves Attended Semi -Centennials of 1886'89," Iowa City Press -Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, July
1. 1939.
Reports of the Annual Reunions of the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County, Iowa (Annual Proceedings
through 1917 amended). Iowa City, Iowa: Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County, Iowa, 1899. [note:
also titled Proceedings of the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County, Iowa, 1866-1899, 1900-1917;
Harvard Library copy has publication date changed to 1897 from 1899j; available online at Google Books
available at: http://books,google.com/books?id=F6EUAAAAYAAJ&printse=frontcover&d=old+settlers
+iowa&source=bl&ots=xcC I Vxu OfJ &s ig=kd rh Ks344q pg QI J P pG 1 Sho IxW Ds& h I=en& sa=X&e i=cy_8T9isJYj
arAGRol 2LCQ&ved=OCDoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=1889&f=false; accessed 7/10/2012,
"Restored Log Cabin is Door to 1839s Iowa Wilderness," Des Moines Register, June 3, 1977,
"Scout Council Holds Cookout Monday at City Park Cabins," Iowa City Press -Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, April
20, 1946.
"Scouts Will Give Program Tonight," Iowa City Press -Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, June 13, 1946.
"Third Graders of Henry Sabin School Visit Park Cabins," Iowa City Press -Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa, November
2, 1938.
Weber, Irving B. "Log Cabins — How's Your History IQ?," Iowa City Press Citizen, February 23, 1976.
"Friends of the Children's Museum, Special Project: Pioneer Life in Iowa," Friends of the Children's Museum,
ca.1975-1977.
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
_ prollminary, determination of Individual listing (38 OFF! 07 has been
requested)
_previously listed In the National Register
previously determined eligible by the National Register
—designated a National Historic Landmark
recorded by Historic American Bulldings Survey #
recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
recorded by Historic American Landscape Survey S _
Page 15
Primary location of additional data:
X State historic Preservatlon Office
Other State agency
_ Federal agency
_ _Local government
-_ University
X Other
Name of repository:
Slate Historical Sociely of Iowa Library,
United States Department of the Interior
Nationai Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
Nos Form 1D-90D OMB No, 1D24-DD18 (Fxpires 6131/2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co, Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Historic Resources Survey Number (if assigned): Not applicable
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property 0.6 acre
(Do not include previously listed resource acreage.)
UTM References
(Place additional IJ rM references on a continuation sheet.)
1 15 621800 4614320 3
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting
2 4
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting
Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property.)
Northing
Northing
Commencing at the Northeast corner of the log cabin known as the 'Double Log Cabin', In the park known as 'City Park', in
the City of Iowa City, County of Johnson, State of Iowa; thence Easterly 50 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence Northerly
4 feet; thence North 35 degrees West, 80 feet; thence Westerly 128 feet; thence Southerly 157.5 feet; thence Easterly
1 /3.9 feet; thence Northerly 8 /.9 feet to the Point of Beginning. See Figure 2: Nominated Site Boundary.
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selocted.)
The irregular boundary includes a gently sloping to flat parcel of ground in Upper City Park occupied by the two log cabins
comprising the site in 1918 after one was built in situ and the other was moved to the property. The site includes a wide
buffer of green space surrounding the cabins that is occupied by mature white oak and American linden trees, some of
which occupied the site in 1918,. The northeast boundary extends along the tree covered ridge that overlooks Lower City
Park and the Iowa River. This ridge edge was part of the view shed present when the cabins were originally sited In 1913
and 1918. The northwestern boundary extends to the edge of a dense tree covered area and drops off sharply towards
Lower City Park. A section of the service road for Upper City Park marks the southwest boundary while a line midway
between the cabins and a modern park shelter forms the south southeasterly boundary. Alterations to the balance of City
Park from its establishment until present day preclude considering the entire park for listing on the National Register in
2012.
11, Form Prepared By
name/title Marlys A. Svendsen, Svendsen Tyler Inc.
organization for City of Iowa City Park and Recreation Department date 031/2012
street & number N3834 Deep Lake Road telephone M 5/469-3300
city cr town Sarona state WI __ _ zip code 54870
e-mail svendsentvler(cDcenturytel.net
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NP9 Form 10-000 OMB Na W24-0016 (Expires 513V2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins Johnson Co., Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
• Maps: A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Key all
photographs to this map,
Continuation Sheets
• Additional items: (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items.)
Submit clear and descriptive photographs. The size of each image must be 1600xl200 pixels at 300 ppi (pixels per Inch)
or larger. Key all photographs to the sketch map.
Name of Property: Old Settlers' Association Cabins
City or Vicinity: Iowa City
County: Johnson
State: Iowa
Photographer: Marlys A. Svendsen, Svendsen Tyler, Inc. for City of Iowa City, Park and Recreation Department
Date Photographed: May 2012
Description of Photograph(s) and number: See Photographs 1 through 20: Photograph Map Key
_propel Owner: _ Complete this Item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.)
name City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, attn: Joyce Carroll Program Supervisor
street & number 220 South Gilbert Street telephone 319-356-5100
city or town Iowa City state IA zip code 52240
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information Is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a
benefit In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.460 of add.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimaled to average 18 hours per response Including time for reviewing
Instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of
this form to the Office of Planning and Performance Management. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C. Street, NW, Washington, DC
-- Page 17
NPS Folio 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
.of.....P..........--- ..... ....... ............ .............. .... ..........
Name ropert..y
Johnson County, Iowa
.................................._..... .......
_................_.. _._.......
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Page 18
Figure 1: Map of the Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins — Nominated Site Boundary and
IlfCdbW Cf IICIItS (llloN provided by theUlly UI luvva Vlty CIHJ.YYICCI II IIt tJCIJA ltYtlbl It, July GU 14)
CITY
PA`K
'—� Propony� � 1 �Vt�75
2
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LOCATION MAP
GRAND ARMY _i SHELTER
TREE ROCK -
UPPER CITY PARK
ACCESS ROAD
CITY
PARK
� C:AR{NS
I. r)0UBLE LOO CABIN
2, SINGLE ROOM LOG, CABIN
�1N
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev, 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-001B
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Name of Property
Johnson County, Iowa
County and State
Na
.........m.e ...o..._mult......i .�.le .--- listin g..-.._,.if . a . pp......licab..l.e .............
f
Page 19
Figure 2: Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins — Aerial Photograph of Nominated Site
Boundary (map provided by the City of Iowa City Engineering Cepelimerit, July 2012)
Page 19
NP5 Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Name of Property
Johnson County, Iowa
County and State
Nam...e............................(..If....appl........icab...le) ...................
of multiple Ilsting
Page 20
Figure 3: Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins —Tree Survey of Nominated Site (map provided
by the City of Iowa City Engineering Department, Juiy 2012)
�, ro�dl nnu
park �
CITY`,
ARK
Cihlri '
� 444444
Pork
LOCATION MAP
TREE LEGEND
A 12" Whlte Oak
b 24" While Onk
C - 30' Whlte Oak
O -16" While Oak
E 16" Whha Oak
F-10 While Plne
G-1ft American Linden
N -25" American Llndan
I -96" Amerlcnn Llndan
J - 16" White Oak
K - 22" While Onk
L -12" White Oak
M - 14" Whlte Oak
N - 30' While Oak
O -10" Whlle Phis
P - 10" Waloal
O - 9" Grano Ash
R - 5" Red Oak
S 18" Whlta Oak
Page 20
CABINS
1, OOUBLF LOG CABIN
2. SINGLE ROOM LOG CABIN
NPS Form 10� 00-a (Rev. 812002) OMB No, 1024-0013
United States Department of the Interlor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins- _
Name of Property
Johnson County, Iowa
........ ........... I..............
County and State
._..........Yfip. li. iIF6..................._.............._....-
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Page 21
Figure 4: City Park with numbered shelters and other facilities (map provided by the City of Iowa City, Park
and Recreation Department, May 20i2)
N , �� 4 \•. N1111 PARK
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Page 21
NPS Forrn 10-900,a (Rev. d/2002) OMB No, 1024-0018 (Expires 5-31-20121
United States Department of the Interior old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
National Park Service
...................................--
....._.........------------
'Name o('P�operty
_
Johnson County, Iowa
National Register of Historic Places County and State
Continuation Sheet iJame of multiple listing (if applicable)
Section number Additional Information_ Page 22
Figure 5: Location map for City Park in northwest Iowa City (map provided by the City of Iowa City, Park
and Recreation Department, May 2012)
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Page 2,
wmFenn m*vw(mmmzm2) OMB No. 1o**mo
United States Department nfthe Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional information
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Johnson County, Iowa
Figure 6: Sketch Floor Plans (not to scale) for Double Log Cabin or Dog -trot Log Cabin (above)
and Single Room Log Cabin (be/v*) plans prepared by3vendaenTyler, Inc. based nnbuilding
dia8'amqin|ko|ovvaSito}nvon,oryFor,np|an^omp|etedbyChrist|nuKueuker.Novunobur2O10.
- Room Dimensions— Double Log Cabin -
- Room Dimensions — Single -Room Log Cabin -
Enkaoceopening without door
mfeet
nnoo
14'/,
feet
h»c/000|nuabove
w
wpxrmm`0000u(Rev mzoo4 OMB No 1024-0018
United States Department ofthe Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Johnson County, Iowa
Figures 7and 8:Historic photographs of"Log Cabin City Pn[k"April S. 1918 anddoso'u same photo,
looking northeast (Patterson Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa Library, Iowa City, Iowa)
pogem
NPS Farm 10-000-a (Rev. 812002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Name of Propa rty
Johnson County, Iowa
Counly and State
Name of ri uI t 1p le listin . da P p[Icablo
Section number__Additional Information Page 25
Figures 9 and 10: Historic photographs of "Replica of Iowa City Trading Post in City Park," (top) prior to
relocation of Single -Room Log Cabin in 1918, looking northeast (State Historical Society of Iowa Library,
Iowa City, fowa) and "Replica of Iowa City Trading Post in City Park," (bottom) April 1950, looking east
v°-Veber Cull@unui i, Siaie niStuiiGai SOCio`t"" OI iuwB i.i biai'" 'y', 1Liwaj. ( y y, Iowa Cit
Page 25
NP6 Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8f2002) OMB No. 1024-0015
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
N
._.amof ......e .. of -. Pro pe.--__.._Fly ...__ __..__......__._...___
Johnson county, Iowa
........._....___ ..............._.__..__..._-
County and State
_..............................._............,.........._.._...
Name of multip're listing (if applicable)
Section number Additional Information Page 26
Figures 11 and 12: Historic photograph of "Old Settlers' Cabins on the fairgrounds' (top), ca. 1890s, 1889
Single -Room Log Cabin on left, direction unknown; cabin on right, nonextant (Patterson Collection, State
Historical Society of Iowa Library) and (below) Iowa City local historian, Irving Weber in front of Double Log
Cabin looking Sn1-11h limo F 1 gQ1 (rni iq qy of Douglas S, Russell, photographer).
Page 26
NIPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 812002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expires 6-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Name of Property
Johnson County, Iowa
County and State
.........................._
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Page 27
Figure 13: Log Building National Register Listings in Iowa —August 2012
Resource
Date Built
Location
i County
NRHP Listed_
1993
Philip & Anna Kirchner
1867
Peterson Twp.
Clay County
Log House
Richland Tw .
1991
_
Picnic Shelters two
Undated
Delaware County
Park Shelters,
1934
South Fork Twp.
Jackson County
1991
Maquoketa Caves State
Park three
Old Settlers' Association
1838
B St., Fairfield
Jefferson County
1986
Park & Rhodham
Bonnifield House
Henek and Mary
1857
Franklin Twp.
Linn County
2000
Horecky Lag Cabin
Iowa State Fair &
1974
F. 30 St., Des
Polk County
1987
Exposition Grounds:
Moines
Ticket Booth
Iowa State Fair &
1973
E. 30 St., Des
Polk County
1987
Exposition Grounds:
Moines
Polk County
_
Iowa State Fair &
1967
E. 30St., Des
1987
Exposition Grounds:
Moines
Church
Park Shelters, Black
1934
3` Street, Lake
_
Sac County
1990
Hawk State Park three
View
Mars Hill Church
1857
Keokuk Twp. Wapello Countyi
1974
Conant's Cabins
1920
SpriricLCreek Twp.
Tama County
2000
Alexander Young Cabin
1840
W. Madison St.,
Washington County
1973
Washington
Theophile Bruguier
Undated
Riverside Blvd.,
Woodbury County
2000
Cabin
Sioux City
Page 27
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expiros 5-31-2012)
old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
-..........................................................
........----_
Name of Property
Johnson County, Iowa
.................................................................................... _
County and State
_._......... ...._.......
.._.................
Name of mu lri pie listing (if applicable)
Page 28
Photograph List, Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
Marlvs Svendsen, Svendsen TVler, Inc., photographer
Dates taken: May 3, 2012
1. Double Log Cabin (left) and Single Room Log Cabin (right) looking southeast
2. Double Log Cabin, looking east
3. Double Log Cabin, gable -end exposed stone chimney, looking south
4. Double Log Cabin, looking south
5. Double Log Cabin, looking west
6, Double Log Cabin, looking north
7. Double Log Cabin, interior, west pen, fireplace, looking northwest
6. Double Log Cabin, interior, west pen, (3-light windows and plank floor detail, looking west
9. Double Log Cabin, interior, west pen, entrance wall and paneled door, looking southeast
10. Double Log Cabin, interior, east pen, opposite entrance wall, looking southeast
11. Double Log Cabin, interior, east pen, 6/6 windows and entrance wall, looking west
12. Double Log Cabin, interior, east pen, entrance wall and panel door, looking northwest
13. Single Room Log Cabin, looking west
14. Single Room Log Cabin, looking north
15. Single Room Log Cabin, looking east
16. Single Room Log Cabin, looking south
17, Single Room Log Cabin, interior, non -original 1976 fireplace, looking southeast
18. Single Room Log Cabin, interior, deteriorated wall with missing logs, looking north
19. Left to right: Double Log Cabin, Single Room Log Cabin, and Grand Army Tree Rock, from service
road, looking east
20. Grand Army Tree Plaque on boulder, looking northeast
Page 28
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev, B12002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Additional Information
(Expires 5-31-2012)
Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
..................................-------------------_....................
-
Name of Property
Johnson County. Iowa
County and State
Name of multiple Ilsting (if applicable)
Page 29
Photograph Key Map: Old Settlers' Association of Johnson Co. Cabins
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TREE ROCK
__..--—.____............ Page 29
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 13, 2012
EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Ackerson, Thomas Baldridge, Esther Baker, William
Downing, Shannon Gassman, David McMahon, Pam Michaud,
Ginalie Swaim, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Litton, Dana Thomann
QTAFF PPP(ZFN1T rlhery Paterson Bob Mikln
OTHERS PRESENT: Cynthia Fairchild, Ted Heald, Amy Kretkowski, Mike Oliveira
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
None.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:20 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
818 S Summit Street.
Peterson said this property was discussed at the Commission's last meeting. She said the
Commission worked through the window design with the owner. Peterson said that now, on the
same side of the house, the entry door is going to be replaced.
Peterson showed a photo of the west side of the entrance, where there is a small, double -hung
window and the door. She said the plan is to take both out and replace them with a front door
that will be centered. Peterson stated that the door would be fiberglass, with a half lite and
panel design. Peterson showed a colored rendering of the proposed design.
Peterson said the staff recommendation is that this would be acceptable, as it is not a change
that would affect the historic integrity of the building. She said the recommendation was to
provide product information, which has now been made available, and for a final review and
approval by chair and staff.
Peterson asked about the storm door to be installed. Heald, the owner of the property, said he
has learned to start with the Commission before doing any work. Peterson asked Heald to let
her know what the storm door would be, should he decide to install one.
Heald said he studied the guidelines. He said that the door as it exists is not three inches away
from the corner of the building. Heald said it is a problem spot that needs to be corrected.
IIISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
December 13, 2012
Page 2 of 9
MOTION: Wagner moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application
for a new door at 818 South Summit Street as presented in the application, with the
following condition: that the screen door information be provided, with final review and
approval by chair and staff. McMahon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
vote of 9-0 (Litton and Thomann absent).
331 N Gilbert Street
Peterson said this application proposes several exterior renovations. She showed the east side
of the building, which faces Gilbert Street; the south side; and the north side on Davenport
Street.
Peterson said the exterior work would be taking the enclosed area of the front porch and
opening it up again. She said the existing cottage window with leaded glass transom would be
reinstalled in the new front wall, where it had been originally. Peterson said there would be a
new balustrade between the columns that are still remaining.
Peterson said that on the south side, toward the back, there is an entry door where there would
be a new deck with railings added.
Peterson said that on the north side, the small, one-story entrance would be removed, and the
window over it would be lowered to line up with the other first floor windows. She said the exit
stairs on the west would be removed.
Peterson said the staff recommendation is that the exit door on the west be returned to a
window. She said another staff recommendation is to follow the guidelines for handrails and
balustrades.
Oliveira said that on the north side of the house, he would probably have to make this thing
right. He said he may have to come back and put in a fourth window. Oliveira said it really
depends on how the interior lines up.
Oliveira said that it will look silly to just have one window down there and not something up
above. He said he is still planning the interior spaces. He said there is an interior staircase
there that he is trying to take out, because there is no way to get it to ever meet code the way it
sits, as it is too steep.
Miklo asked about the location of the interior stairway landing. Oliveira said it would go away.
He said he is looking at a new window design here with one above and one below, but he was
trying to figure out if that would work. Miklo said one option would be to have the Commission
approve that as an alternative. Oliveira said that on this side of the house, he is trying to get rid
of that little bump -out.
Regarding the front porch, Swaim asked if the two windows, one on the side and one on the
opposite side, would be gone. Oliveira confirmed that and said the porch would be restored
back to original. He said that when the house was built, it was a full porch all the way. Oliveira
said it was modified 25 to 30 years ago. He said that right now, there is no insulation
underneath that flooring. Oliveira said that is probably the last thing on his list, but he thought
he might as well submit it with the rest of the paperwork.
HISTORIC PRESERVA'I ION COMMISSION
December 13, 2012
Page 3 of 9
Oliveira said the biggest issue he has right now is to get the lot next door, because there is
nowhere to put a garage on the lot. He said the City has designated this as single-family, so it
will be a single-family home or a rental. Oliveira said that for a single-family home, there is
nowhere to put a good garage. He said that if he buys the neighboring lot at the price being
asked, the house would end up being a $600,000 to $700,000 house and would be priced too
high for the marketplace.
Baldridge asked about the stairway on the back side of the house. Oliveira said that will
eventually come off. He said he looked at putting a garage in that area, but it just doesn't look
good. Oliveira said the lot is too narrow on that side, and then there would be a situation where
one could not easily get to the back side of the ha 'se.
Downing said that on the west elevation where the stair comes down now, there are no
windows. Oliveira said that he has since decided there will be windows back there where those
two are. He said that where the door is and the existing window, he is trying to make those line
up. Oliveira did not have the exact measurements but said it is within two feet of center. He
said that nothing in the house is centered.
Downing asked if currently the basement is reached through the back stairway. Oliveira
showed the door through which the basement is reached. Downing asked how the basement
would be accessed if that is taken out. Oliveira said that will be gone, but the kitchen will have a
door that will access those stairs down to the basement; the stairwell will still stay there. He
said that to get upstairs to the second floor, one has to go around to the front of the house. He
said the back stairs shown on the plan will be torn out.
Downing pointed out that someone interested in buying an historic home might actually accept
and appreciate that second stairway. He said a potential buyer might see that as a positive
feature. Downing said it is also possible that a buyer who is looking at an historic home might
not expect a big garage.
Wagner said it doesn't look like the proposed front porch fits the house. He said it is not very
clear from the plans what is going on there.
Swaim asked Oliveira if he is planning on using the style that is on the front porch right now.
Wagner asked if there were any pictures of this house prior to when the porch was removed,
just to be used as a reference. Miklo said the porch did not wrap around but just went across
the front.
Peterson said that the porch railings would have to be new construction, and the guidelines for
balustrades and handrails have designs and dimensions that are very detailed. She said the
square spindle design is the most appropriate, and providing the final design for this is part of
the recommendation by staff.
Wagner said the fact that a lot of the porch needs to be rebuilt is without question. He said the
question is how much an overhang there will be, what the soffits will be, if there will be molding
underneath the fascia to the soffit to come around, etc. Wagner said the plan does not show
any of that. He said the columns probably did not look like that originally.
Miklo said they were probably full-length columns. He said the columns were probably changed
when the front porch area was partially enclosed. Miklo said he believes the porch enclosure
HISTORIC PRLSLRVAIION COMMISSION
December 13, 2012
Page 4 of 9
went through the Commission for a Section 106 Review. He said the original proposal was to
enclose the entire porch, but the Commission compromised and allowed the applicant to build
the portion that now exists.
Swaim said there might be photographs of this house at the State Historical Society. Wagner
agreed that would be a good starting point to see what was there originally.
Baldridge asked when the house was constructed. Peterson said the site inventory form says it
was built circa 1900. She said it is listed as a key contributing property.
Ralrlririnp gckPrl ahni it tha nnrrh when the wnQ 4ha .Chaltpr Hni lce Mikln Qnirl hp thni in ht that
when the Shelter House built the porch enclosure, they also boxed in the lower half of the
columns. He said the details of the porch enclosure match the rest of the porch. The columns
and the trim boards and roof design are the same. He said there may be a photograph for
reference.
Miklo said that in terms of the guidelines, square spindles, spaced appropriately, would be found
in a situation like this. He said that may be what was there, although there might have been
turned spindles. Miklo said at this point, staff is recommending approval subject to staff and
chair approving the final details.
Baldride said he appreciates the efforts made to try to save this house. Wagner stated that,
considering what could have happened to this house, he is extremely pleased with the proposal.
Michaud asked if, on the south side where there is a doorway on the exterior, that would go into
the basement or if one has to go through the house in order to get into the basement. Oliveira
said there would be a deck there, and the deck area will go into a mudroom. He said the
mudroom would go into a kitchen, where one would have to walk to the north side of the house
to get downstairs.
Michaud said it is nice to have an exterior door to get into the basement. Oliveira said that
when one opens the existing north door, there are two steps down, then a step up to get to a
platform inside the house. He said at that platform, one either takes three steps up to the
kitchen or goes right and four or five steps down to the lower level. Oliveira said that if he wants
a door to go directly into the basement, it would take a little work. He said he designed it nine
different ways, but it just doesn't look very good.
Oliveira said the basement is less than six feet high. He said it is not really a usable space.
MOTION: McMahon moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application
for 331 North Gilbert Street, as presented in the application, with the following
conditions: provide product information for new windows and doors; provide product
information for replacement siding and trim; provide design information for the front
porch balustrade and handrails; provide design information for the new deck and deck
railing; and final review and approval by chair and staff. Ackerson seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 9-0 (Litton and Thomann absent).
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Peterson referred to the memorandum in the packet.
HISTORIC PRF,SFRVATION COMMISSION
December 13, 2012
Page 5 of 9
Gassman asked about the house on Dearborn Street and the chimney reconstruction. Peterson
responded that it was a review that had to be done immediately. Miklo said the chimney was
cracked and pulling away from the house. Peterson said the approval was to rebuild the
chimney using the original stones in the same design, but that there was an option to change
the internal structure supporting the stones.
DISCUSS JEFFERSON STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT.
Citv Council Meetina December 18. 2012
Swaim asked if there is anyone who could not attend the City Council meeting next Tuesday.
She said the Commission really wants to have a visible presence when this issue is considered.
Swaim said she feels that anyone who stands up for this issue in one way or another is also
really standing up for any future effort the Commission makes.
Swaim said the Commission is getting a lot of visibility. She said that as the Commission looks
to the Melrose area, the Commission wants to work with this momentum, and it is a great
chance to educate the public regarding what districts are about. Swaim asked Commission
members to encourage people to support this effort.
Miklo discussed the procedure for City Council consideration of this proposal. Swaim said that
because there will be a great deal of public input, the slides will be skipped, but she made sure
the council members received the pdf showing some of the buildings.
Swaim said that Commission members could speak as citizens, rather than on behalf of the
Commission. Miklo responded that would be okay but said it would be better to have the
general public speak because the Council has already received the Commission's
recommendation.
Wagner asked why a supermajority vote of the City Council is required. Miklo replied that it is
required because protest petitions were received from owners of 20% of the lot area within the
proposed district. He said that for zoning to be approved, State law requires a supermajority
vote if owners of 20% of the property object.
Miklo stated that there are two precedents where the City Council has approved historic
designation over objection. He said one was the Carnegie Library, and the other was the North
Side Historic District in its second consideration.
FOLLOW-UP ON BRICK SIDEWALKS
Miklo showed a photograph of North Johnson Street, looking north on Ronalds Street. He said
that some of the sidewalks are in very poor condition, containing trip hazards and valleys that fill
with water when it rains. Miklo said that in other places, the sidewalks are in a little bit better
condition.
Because of the condition of these sidewalks, Miklo said the Public Health Department has
notified the property owners that there needs to be some repair, either relaying the brick or
replacement with concrete. He said that staff would not want to see these replaced with
concrete, but he agrees with the City Engineer that the sidewalks need some attention. Miklo
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Deccmbcr13,2012
Page 6 of 9
said this is a liability not only for the City but also for the property owners, in terms of being a
safe surface for pedestrians.
Wagner asked how it would be a liability for the City. Miklo said that if the City lets an unsafe
situation continue, it would be a City liability.
Ackerson said that stretch of brick is in remarkably bad shape, around 530 Ronalds. He said
the other three are quite serviceable. He said they are always aided by getting the vegetation
out of the cracks, which is far preferable to tearing the things out and replacing them with
concrete.
Baldridge said this is the basic problem of having a good foundation. Miklo said it is clear the
rock base has been washed out. He said the City has a Neighborhood Improvement Program
called PIN grants, which is a possibility for funding the repair. Miklo said the City does provide
funding for lower and moderate income households for sidewalks, which would be another
possibility if any of these households met the guidelines, with the other sources being the PIN
grants or some general funding.
Swaim said reevaluating 529 Brown is mentioned. Kretkowski said there are four homes that
have brick sidewalks, but only three homeowners so far have received the letters. Ackerson
said the fourth one is the brick sidewalk at the Shimek House on Brown Street, which is on the
National Register.
Miklo stated that all of these properties are within an historic district and the brick sidewalks
contribute to the character of the district. He suggested that is why the Commission may want
to advocate for restoration of the sidewalks.
Fairchild said, in looking at the photographs, she does not disagree that some show a need for
repair. She said she wanted to talk to the Historic Preservation Commission about how this
whole thing came about. Fairchild said she owns the property at 604 Ronalds Street.
Kretkowski presented photographs showing the two properties. She said that back in July, she
received the letter stating that she had to repair or replace the brick sidewalks. Kretkowski said
the provided literature identified the problems in terms of concrete. She said she spoke with the
three other homeowners in the area who have brick sidewalks in front of their homes.
Kretkowski said she found out she was the only one who received the letter, and her sidewalk
did not look to be in any worse shape than the other sidewalks and was in fact probably in better
shape than some.
Kretkowski said she had wondered why she was the only one to receive the letter and wanted to
know what the standard is to determine who has to replace their sidewalks. She said she
contacted the person at Public Works who signed the letter and was told that the letter went out
by mistake and was meant for a house at 714 North Gilbert, where there is not any house.
Kretkowski said she was told she would get her letter addressing the brick sidewalks in a week.
She said that a month or so later she received a letter addressing the brick, and two other
homeowners received the identical letter. Kretkowski said the inspection form is dated the
same date back in July. She said it is not clear to her why she first received the letter, and it
seems that the only reason that the other two homeowners received the letter is because she
notified Public Works that she was the only one to receive the letter.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
December t3,2012
Page 7 of 9
Kretkowski said she thinks what happened is that back in July, there was someone outside the
house who her husband was not very nice to, as he thought it was a solicitor. Kretkowski said
she later found out this was an inspector. She said that because they were the only ones to get
this letter at that time, it seemed like a bit of a retaliatory act.
Downing stated that everyone in Iowa City will get a letter from Public Works eventually. He
said that the City has a sidewalk inspection program whereby every foot of sidewalk is
inspected once every ten years. He said that the inspection people wear City of Iowa clothing to
identify themselves, so it should be clear they represent the City. He said this person may or
may not have been with the City but said he would find it highly unusual for the City government
emplcyic -" t^ dC anything retal l at-o to a particular homeowner, when this is a system and
process that is applied equally across the city.
In terms of the Commission's looking at this, Miklo stated that it has come to the City's attention
that something is going to happen to these sidewalks. He said the issue is what is the best
outcome for the historic aspect. He said that given the difference in cost between installing
concrete sidewalks and relaying the bricks it is likely that the home owners would choose to
replace the brick with concrete.
Wagner said that if these were concrete sidewalks with the same number of cracks, they would
be spray painted all over. He said that if they are not repaired or replaced by a certain date, the
City will send in a contractor or hire its own contractor to replace them. Wagner asked if that
would be the same case here.
Michaud said the PIN grant sounds like a way a funding the difference between concrete and
brick.
Wagner said that the going rate of replacing a concrete square is something like $150 a square.
He suggested the City Council could hold the homeowner responsible for that amount but could
pay whatever is over that. Wagner said he thought that would be a fair approach. He said the
Commission wants to preserve this, but the homeowners do have a certain responsibility as
well.
Swaim asked Miklo to clarify sources of funding. She stated that one source was based on
financial need, and the second, the PIN grant, was based on a neighborhood project of sorts.
Miklo confirmed this and said a third option would be seeking some money from the general
fund. He said the City Council will be working on its capital improvements plan for next year in
January, and that might be a source of funding.
Miklo said that because these sidewalks have value for the larger neighborhood and the
community as a whole, it might be argued that repair of the brick would be in the public interest.
Wagner said the Commission could write a letter to the City Council suggesting that the
difference between replacing concrete and brick restoration be covered by the City.
Kretkowski said it is a pretty significant difference. She said she got quotes just for her
sidewalk, and to do concrete would be between $1,500 and $2,000, but to restore the brick
would cost between $7,500 and $9,000. Kretkowski said she believed that was for 40 feet of
sidewalk.
I-1ISTORIC PRLSLRVAIION COMMISSION
Dcccmber 13, 2012
Page S of 9
The consensus of the Commission was that this is a significant part of the historic character of
these streets. Swaim asked if the Commission wanted to encourage the City come up with
some ideas for funding brick restoration.
Kretkowski said she was under the impression from the e-mail from Marsha Bollinger that the
PIN grant is based on household income. Miklo said that in the past, that has been the case.
He stated that a PIN grant can be used for anything from the neighborhood and, especially in a
case like this, would not have to be distributed to a household. Miklo said that other
neighborhoods, in the past, have received PIN grants to address concrete walks, and that was
based on income.
Ackerson asked if the City was the initial installer of these sidewalks. Downing said that, just
like now, when a new subdivision is built, the subdivision owner puts in the streets and
sidewalks.
Michaud said that to her, this is like the bridge on Summit Street. She said that bridge really
improved the historic flavor, even though it was not original. Michaud said the brick sidewalks
are just as integral as an historic bridge. Swaim said that since the City works hard to maintain
the brick streets, it would seem like this would also be important.
Ackerson said there is also supposedly a plan in the works to redo the brick street on Brown
Street. He said the brick has been redone by the cemetery, as well as Bowery Street and
Church Street. He said that Brown Street is supposed to be resurfaced, along with Linn. He
said one option would be to work on these sidewalks at the same time Brown Street is being
worked on. He said there will be bricks, bricklayers, people with the expertise, and the
equipment to do it all at the same time.
Miklo stated that it is a different kind of brick. He said that one wouldn't want to have the streets
and the sidewalks torn up at the same time.
MOTION: Ackerson moved that the Commission direct the chair to draft a letter to the
City Council advocating the preservation of the brick sidewalks on the North Side.
McMahon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0 (Litton and
Thomann absent).
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 8 2012 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION MEETING:
MOTION: Wagner moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
November 8, 2012 meeting, as written. Ackerson seconded the motion. The motion carried on
a vote of 9-0 (Litton and Thomann absent).
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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