INTRODUCTION

This book is a picture-story history of 101 Fort Dodgehomes. Those who brought the homes into being arechronicled here, as are those who succeeded those first tenants.The homes as well as their occupants are representative of theFort Dodge community over a time span of more than 100years.

All of the homes are extant; the publishers regret the absencein the history of many grand old homes no longer inexistence.

The homes first appeared in a weekly series in the FortDodge Messenger. The photographer’s skill reflects the hobbyof Allen R. Loomis, Fort Dodge industrialist, whose grandparents—theA. R. Loomises and the Leon Vincents—wereprominent business and cultural leaders in the earlier-day FortDodge.

The histories were written by Karl F. Haugen, retired CityEditor of the Messenger. Mr. Haugen devoted many hoursstudying state, county and city records, and interviewed scoresof persons.

To Mr. Haugen and Mr. Loomis, as well as to all who sograciously and cheerfully cooperated with them, the publishersextend a grateful thank-you.

BLANDEN FEDERATION OF ARTS
FEBRUARY 6, 1975

HISTORIC HOMES
of Fort Dodge, Iowa

THE O. M. OLESON HOME

O. M. Oleson, pioneer pharmacist and philanthropist, erected this large three-story brickresidence with green tile roof in 1906.

Located at 1020 3rd Ave. S. it probably is the only home in the city to have had a pipeorgan for many years. The home was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Oleson until 1938 when it wassold to Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Whittemore. Mrs. Whittemore continues to reside in the housefollowing the death of her husband who was prominently identified with the Vincent ClayProducts Company here.

The home has a full basement, first floor with living room, dining room, and kitchen;6second floor with five bedrooms and two baths; and third floor with recreation room and atticstorage space.

The pipe organ which Oleson enjoyed playing was removed from the home prior to its saleto the Whittemores and given to Lutheran Hospital’s nurses’ home. The nurses’ home was torndown some years ago during rebuilding work at the hospital (now Trinity Regional West).

Oleson was noted for his countless philanthropic acts. He donated land to the city forOleson Park in the southeast part of the city and Leif Erickson Park in west Fort Dodge. Hewas the principal benefactor of Lutheran Hospital

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