William Labarth Steele is perhaps one of Sioux City's most famous architects. He was born May 1875 in Springfield, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1896. Much of his training was in Chicago under famed architect Lewis Sullivan, father of Sullivanesque architecture, who also trained with Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1904 Steele moved to Sioux City to work for, and later form a partnership with W. W. Beach. Steele designed dozens of homes and buildings, and many of these structures are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few of his designs include the Woodbury County Courthouse, the Willeges building in downtown Sioux City, and several of the city’s Branch Libraries. For a time he lived at 2512 Jackson Street. In 1928 Steele moved to Omaha and died in 1949.
William Steele was the 3rd generation of Prairie School style architecture. It was created by Frank Lloyd Wright, the 2nd generation was Lewis Sullivan who incorporated his own style into it creating Sullivanesque style architecture and from there continued by William L. Steele.
Looking at several fo Steele's buildings it is obvious where he got his influences from.
Here is a brief description of Prairie Style architecture:
Prairie Style (1900 – 1920)
• Low, long appearance
• Low-pitched roof, gently sloping
• Widley overhanging eaves
• Often massive square porch supports
Foursquare (a sub category)
• Simple square or rectangular plan
• Low pitched roof symmetrical façade
• Entrance may be centered or off-centered
• Front porch usually extends full length of house
This post is a first in the series about William Labarth Steele designed buildings in the Sioux City area. Next will be buildings I had already posted about that were designed by Steele, starting with commercial buildings, then churches and finally houses. I have also been doing research on the other buildings Steele designed and will post about the commercial buildings first, then churches and finally houses. There will also be a post about the buildings he designed that are no longer standing. Please note not all of these buildings were soley designed by William L. Steele, some of them he helped and others he was given credit for because he had the highest influence on the design. Such info. will be posted as it becomes known to me during my research.
I think it is safe to say while men like Jon Cook founded Sioux City and men like John Peirce and William Gordon helped promote Sioux City it was men like William Labarth Steele who helped design and build Sioux City.
Thank you for reading and please enjoy this next series of Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
History and Culture by Bicycle Part 105: Coca Cola Holiday Caravan
On Friday Dec 12 and Sunday Dec 14 the Coca Cola Holiday Caravan was on display for all to see. The Coca Cola Holiday Caravan is a full sized 18 wheel semi-truck with over 25,000 lights on it that Coca Cola sends around the country during the Christmas Holiday Season. People can come and have their free picture taken with Santa and the Coca Cola Bear. Coca Cola is also partnering with the Marine Corps Reserve with their Toys For Tots program. This was the 3rd year I have seen the truck in the Sioux City area. This is the first year I took photo's of it. It really is an impressive truck.
I am sure some of you are thinking who would be crazy enough to ride bike to see this thing in the winter time. Well, not me, at least not this year. I have 2 very good reasons why not. One is I work until 7 pm and would not have made it on Friday night in time to see it even though the temps. were not too bad, I could have ridden and stayed comfortable. The other is when I did take photo's of it on Sunday night it was severe winter weather. It was around -3 degrees F, with a wind chill of -30 degrees F, the wind was blowing the snow around between 20 and 40 mph. I was only out there taking the photo's for maybe 5 to 10 min. I had my heavy winter coat on, winter boots, winter bomber style fur lined hat and gloves on. By the time I was done I could not feel most of my fingers, a good portion of my legs were numb and I could not feel my face at all. I imagine had I been out there any longer any exposed areas of my skin would have had frost bite. So not exactly bike riding weather, though there are probably some who would ride in this type of weather.
Despite the severe weather I braved the elements, took my tri-pod, digital camera and captured the photo's you see below.
I know the caravan travels to area where it is nice enough to ride bike pretty much year round. In past years when it has been in Sioux City it has been nice enough to ride, just not when I took the photo's in this blog post.
Here is the news paper story and more info. on the Coca Cola Holiday Caravan:
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will visit Siouxland
Coca Cola Holiday Caravan
Photo's:
I am sure some of you are thinking who would be crazy enough to ride bike to see this thing in the winter time. Well, not me, at least not this year. I have 2 very good reasons why not. One is I work until 7 pm and would not have made it on Friday night in time to see it even though the temps. were not too bad, I could have ridden and stayed comfortable. The other is when I did take photo's of it on Sunday night it was severe winter weather. It was around -3 degrees F, with a wind chill of -30 degrees F, the wind was blowing the snow around between 20 and 40 mph. I was only out there taking the photo's for maybe 5 to 10 min. I had my heavy winter coat on, winter boots, winter bomber style fur lined hat and gloves on. By the time I was done I could not feel most of my fingers, a good portion of my legs were numb and I could not feel my face at all. I imagine had I been out there any longer any exposed areas of my skin would have had frost bite. So not exactly bike riding weather, though there are probably some who would ride in this type of weather.
Despite the severe weather I braved the elements, took my tri-pod, digital camera and captured the photo's you see below.
I know the caravan travels to area where it is nice enough to ride bike pretty much year round. In past years when it has been in Sioux City it has been nice enough to ride, just not when I took the photo's in this blog post.
Here is the news paper story and more info. on the Coca Cola Holiday Caravan:
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will visit Siouxland
Coca Cola Holiday Caravan
Photo's:
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 104: Discovery Dogs
As mentioned in the previous post about the Prairie Dog Quest that was during the Lewis and Clark Corps of DIscovery Expedition celebration from 2004 to 2006 there were also statues created called Discovery Dogs as part of the celebration to commemorate the journey that was from 1804 to 1806. These fiberglass statues were painted and decorated with specific themes like the prairie dogs and placed through out the Greater Siouxland area. After they were on public display for a period of time they were auctioned off. Some ended up in private collection never to be seen again by the public but others are still on public display.
The Discovery Dogs were created because of Captain William Clarks Newfoundland dog Seaman. Seaman was an important part of the expedition. One time he even saved the camp by chasing off a bison who had wandered too close. This is mentioned in the journals written during the trip.
Here is the location of where the Discovery Dogs were located while on public display:
Seaman, the Discovery Dogs public art program now on display at 30 locations around Siouxland
I have managed to take photo's of the dogs I know of that are still on public display. Here they are:
The News Hound is on display outside the Sioux City Journal office.
The Discover Art Dog is on display in front of a beauty saln on Pierce St.
Dreamer is on display in front of the Sioux City Art Center.
Hot Fudge Hound is on display in front of the historic Green Gables Resteraunt on the corner of 18th and Pierce Streets.
One Giant Step Dog is on display at Karls Electronics across from Southern Hills Mall in Morningside.
The Discovery Dogs were created because of Captain William Clarks Newfoundland dog Seaman. Seaman was an important part of the expedition. One time he even saved the camp by chasing off a bison who had wandered too close. This is mentioned in the journals written during the trip.
Here is the location of where the Discovery Dogs were located while on public display:
Seaman, the Discovery Dogs public art program now on display at 30 locations around Siouxland
I have managed to take photo's of the dogs I know of that are still on public display. Here they are:
The News Hound is on display outside the Sioux City Journal office.
The Discover Art Dog is on display in front of a beauty saln on Pierce St.
Dreamer is on display in front of the Sioux City Art Center.
Hot Fudge Hound is on display in front of the historic Green Gables Resteraunt on the corner of 18th and Pierce Streets.
One Giant Step Dog is on display at Karls Electronics across from Southern Hills Mall in Morningside.
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 103: Prairie Dog Quest
Starting in 2004 and ending in 2006 Sioux City along with several other communities along the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Route celerated the 200th Anniversary of the historic trip that was made from 1804 to 1806. Captain's Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to make this trip shortly after the Louisana Purchase. During the trip they made many discovery's and brought back plants and animals white man had ever seen before. One of these animals were prairie dogs.
As part of the celebration during the 200th Anniversary the Sioux City Art Center sponsored a project to have 40 prarie dog statues created out of fiberglass and painted/decorated in various themes to be placed around Sioux City. After a period of time when they were on public display they were then auctioned off. After the auction a majority of the prairie dog statues were put into private collections never to be seen again by the public. But a some are still on public display today.
There are 22 that I know of in this regional area that are still on public display. Keep in mind this is as of 2 years ago. Some of these may no longer be on public display.
1. Prairie Children - located at Motor Parts Central 801 Lewis Blvd.
2. Mister Money - located in one of the Security National Bank branches, I do not know which one.
3. Prairie Dog Blues - located at the Century 21 office on Historic 4th St.
4. Prairie Doordog - located in the front lobby of the Orpheum Theater Building in downtown Sioux City.
5. Downtown Dog - located in front of the Downtown Partners office in downtown Sioux City on Pierce St.
6. Gumball Dog - located at the various First Federal Bank locations.
7. Multi Facted Mozaic Murray - located at the Sioux City Convention Center.
8. Fargo - located at the downtown branch of the Wells Fargo Bank.
9. Charger - located on the campu of Briar CLiff College.
10. Lovey Dog - located at the Siouxland Regional Cancer Center.
11. Prairiewether Lewis - located at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
12. William-Dog Clark - located at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
13. Prairie Dog Tales - located at Sgt. Floyd Museum and Welcome Center.
14. Corn Dog - located at one of the WIlson Trailer locations.
15. Family Dog - located at the Boys and Girls Home of Sioux City.
16. Prairie Dog of the Heartland - located at the offices of Cardiovascular Associates.
17. Prarie Explorer Dog - located at the CNOS office in Dakota Dunes.
18. Generations Dog - located at Regency Square Center.
19. Prairie Perspective - located at Chesterman Company.
20. Tile Dog - located at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
21. Prairie Dog with Friends - possibly lcoated at the Onawa Chamber of Commerce office in Onawa, Iowa.
22. Nothin' but a Prairie Hound Dog - located at Winnevegas Casino in Winnebago, Nebraska.
There may be others still on public display but these are the only ones I know of right now.
Here is a map of where the statues used to be and where the current ones still are:
Where to find the Prairie Dogs
Here is a list of where the Prairie Dogs are located today:
Here's where oh, where the prairie dogs have gone
As part of the celebration during the 200th Anniversary the Sioux City Art Center sponsored a project to have 40 prarie dog statues created out of fiberglass and painted/decorated in various themes to be placed around Sioux City. After a period of time when they were on public display they were then auctioned off. After the auction a majority of the prairie dog statues were put into private collections never to be seen again by the public. But a some are still on public display today.
There are 22 that I know of in this regional area that are still on public display. Keep in mind this is as of 2 years ago. Some of these may no longer be on public display.
1. Prairie Children - located at Motor Parts Central 801 Lewis Blvd.
2. Mister Money - located in one of the Security National Bank branches, I do not know which one.
3. Prairie Dog Blues - located at the Century 21 office on Historic 4th St.
4. Prairie Doordog - located in the front lobby of the Orpheum Theater Building in downtown Sioux City.
5. Downtown Dog - located in front of the Downtown Partners office in downtown Sioux City on Pierce St.
6. Gumball Dog - located at the various First Federal Bank locations.
7. Multi Facted Mozaic Murray - located at the Sioux City Convention Center.
8. Fargo - located at the downtown branch of the Wells Fargo Bank.
9. Charger - located on the campu of Briar CLiff College.
10. Lovey Dog - located at the Siouxland Regional Cancer Center.
11. Prairiewether Lewis - located at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
12. William-Dog Clark - located at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
13. Prairie Dog Tales - located at Sgt. Floyd Museum and Welcome Center.
14. Corn Dog - located at one of the WIlson Trailer locations.
15. Family Dog - located at the Boys and Girls Home of Sioux City.
16. Prairie Dog of the Heartland - located at the offices of Cardiovascular Associates.
17. Prarie Explorer Dog - located at the CNOS office in Dakota Dunes.
18. Generations Dog - located at Regency Square Center.
19. Prairie Perspective - located at Chesterman Company.
20. Tile Dog - located at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
21. Prairie Dog with Friends - possibly lcoated at the Onawa Chamber of Commerce office in Onawa, Iowa.
22. Nothin' but a Prairie Hound Dog - located at Winnevegas Casino in Winnebago, Nebraska.
There may be others still on public display but these are the only ones I know of right now.
Here is a map of where the statues used to be and where the current ones still are:
Where to find the Prairie Dogs
Here is a list of where the Prairie Dogs are located today:
Here's where oh, where the prairie dogs have gone
Thursday, December 11, 2008
History and Culture by Bicycle: Update
As a lot of you can tell I have not posted anything recent in this blog. The reason is simple. It is too darn cold, snowy and icy out to be going out and taking photo's. At least for me it is. How ever that does not mean I am not busy gathering the info. I need to continue with posting about historical and cultural sites, locations and events. Far from it. I do have a few things to post about that I need to do a little bit more of a internet search for.
I am also working on my next large historical project for this blog. It is going to be on William LaBarth Steel. I have already posted about his architectural style and some of the buildings he designed or has taken credit for designing. I have a lot more to post about and have recently found out I have barely scratched the surface. I am doing most of my research at the Pearl Street Research Center in downtown Sioux City. They literally have several boxes of files on Steele.
Here is a tentative idea on how I am going to post about William L. Steele. First I will do a recap post about all of the buildings he is credited for desiging that I have posted about so far. These buildings will be catagorized by type, commercial, churches and houses. They will be in one post that will include more information that I have on him. Then I will post about the buildings he is credited for that I have not posted about, like the buildings I have psoted about they will be catagorized by type, commercial, churches and then houses. After which I will post about the buildings he is credited for that are no longer standing today and again they too will be catagorized as mentioned above. Included in this information will be information from a thesis that was written about him called Sermons in Stone. It is about the churches he designed.
I have a lot of research to do on William L. Steele and by the time it is noce enough to take photo's of the buildings I will have enough to start posting about him once again.
I am also working on my next large historical project for this blog. It is going to be on William LaBarth Steel. I have already posted about his architectural style and some of the buildings he designed or has taken credit for designing. I have a lot more to post about and have recently found out I have barely scratched the surface. I am doing most of my research at the Pearl Street Research Center in downtown Sioux City. They literally have several boxes of files on Steele.
Here is a tentative idea on how I am going to post about William L. Steele. First I will do a recap post about all of the buildings he is credited for desiging that I have posted about so far. These buildings will be catagorized by type, commercial, churches and houses. They will be in one post that will include more information that I have on him. Then I will post about the buildings he is credited for that I have not posted about, like the buildings I have psoted about they will be catagorized by type, commercial, churches and then houses. After which I will post about the buildings he is credited for that are no longer standing today and again they too will be catagorized as mentioned above. Included in this information will be information from a thesis that was written about him called Sermons in Stone. It is about the churches he designed.
I have a lot of research to do on William L. Steele and by the time it is noce enough to take photo's of the buildings I will have enough to start posting about him once again.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 102: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St. Part 14: 3800 Block
3800 Block
3800, 3803, 3811, 3814, 3835, 3837 and 3839 Jackson St.
Many of the homes in this block illustrate the wide number of variations found in the Craftsman architectural style that was popular in the United States between 1905 and 1930. The homes feature low pitched roofs with wide overhangs, knee braces or exposed rafter tails, and deeply recessed front porches. The Craftsman style is also referred to as the “California Bungalow”, a style inspired by the work of 2 California architects – brothers Charles and Henry Greene. Note especially 3837 Jackson St. This home represents the classical Bungalow form with its low-slung, horizontal appearance.
Photo’s:
Dr. Alphonso J. McLaughlin – 3841 Jackson St.
Built in 1916, this stately home was constructed for Dr. Alphonso McLaughlin who was born July 17, 1876 in Toronto, Canada. In early childhood he lived in Kentucky and later attended Kentucky University where he completed courses in medicine and graduated in 1897. After spending one year in hospital work, he came to Sioux City and associated with his brother P. B. McLaughlin. His specialty was surgery. This house is a good example of the Neoclassical architectural style. Notable features include the 2-story front porch (portico) supported by tall Doric Columns, dentil molding (visible under the eaves), and fanlight windows.
Photo:
3800, 3803, 3811, 3814, 3835, 3837 and 3839 Jackson St.
Many of the homes in this block illustrate the wide number of variations found in the Craftsman architectural style that was popular in the United States between 1905 and 1930. The homes feature low pitched roofs with wide overhangs, knee braces or exposed rafter tails, and deeply recessed front porches. The Craftsman style is also referred to as the “California Bungalow”, a style inspired by the work of 2 California architects – brothers Charles and Henry Greene. Note especially 3837 Jackson St. This home represents the classical Bungalow form with its low-slung, horizontal appearance.
Photo’s:
Dr. Alphonso J. McLaughlin – 3841 Jackson St.
Built in 1916, this stately home was constructed for Dr. Alphonso McLaughlin who was born July 17, 1876 in Toronto, Canada. In early childhood he lived in Kentucky and later attended Kentucky University where he completed courses in medicine and graduated in 1897. After spending one year in hospital work, he came to Sioux City and associated with his brother P. B. McLaughlin. His specialty was surgery. This house is a good example of the Neoclassical architectural style. Notable features include the 2-story front porch (portico) supported by tall Doric Columns, dentil molding (visible under the eaves), and fanlight windows.
Photo:
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 101: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St. Part 13: 3300 to 3700 Blocks
3300 to 3700 Blocks
Sundell M. Jaffe House – 3301 Jackson St.
Built in 1919, this home was constructed for Sundell Jaffe, President of the National Loan Company. The tall 2-story front entry makes this home an odd representation of the Neoclassical architectural style. During the early 1950’s local attorney Jack Miller and his family resided here. Miller went on to serve as a U. S. Senator between 1961 and 1973.
Photo:
Leon Davidson House – 3506 Jackson St.
Built in 1890 and Neoclassical in style, the home was constructed for Leon Davidson, son of Benjamin Davidson who founded the Davidson Department Store in Sioux City. Leon was assistant Treasurer of the store. Notable features include the tall, 2-story porch with roof supported by large Doric columns. Note also the fanlight window. These are defining features of the Neoclassical style, which was popular in the United States from 1895 to 1950.
Photo:
Robert Lytle House – 3629 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, it appears that this Queen Anne styled home was built for Robert Lytle the father of C. F. Lytle. Robert was born in 1833 in Ohio and came to Iowa with his wife Sarah prior to the Civil War. Around 1878 he settled in Cedar Rapids and later moved to Sioux City.
Photo:
T. S. Kelly – 3737 Jackson St.
Built in 1919. Thad and Frances Kelly are the first owners of this classical Bungalow styled home. Directory listings indicate that Kelly was a dentist. By 1924 Benjamin Rosenblum was operating Ben’s Jewelry Company form his this address. In 1931 Abraham Goodsite was owner and operator of Brodkey and Goodsite Jewelers. This house has been significantly altered from its original appearance.
Photo:
Sundell M. Jaffe House – 3301 Jackson St.
Built in 1919, this home was constructed for Sundell Jaffe, President of the National Loan Company. The tall 2-story front entry makes this home an odd representation of the Neoclassical architectural style. During the early 1950’s local attorney Jack Miller and his family resided here. Miller went on to serve as a U. S. Senator between 1961 and 1973.
Photo:
Leon Davidson House – 3506 Jackson St.
Built in 1890 and Neoclassical in style, the home was constructed for Leon Davidson, son of Benjamin Davidson who founded the Davidson Department Store in Sioux City. Leon was assistant Treasurer of the store. Notable features include the tall, 2-story porch with roof supported by large Doric columns. Note also the fanlight window. These are defining features of the Neoclassical style, which was popular in the United States from 1895 to 1950.
Photo:
Robert Lytle House – 3629 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, it appears that this Queen Anne styled home was built for Robert Lytle the father of C. F. Lytle. Robert was born in 1833 in Ohio and came to Iowa with his wife Sarah prior to the Civil War. Around 1878 he settled in Cedar Rapids and later moved to Sioux City.
Photo:
T. S. Kelly – 3737 Jackson St.
Built in 1919. Thad and Frances Kelly are the first owners of this classical Bungalow styled home. Directory listings indicate that Kelly was a dentist. By 1924 Benjamin Rosenblum was operating Ben’s Jewelry Company form his this address. In 1931 Abraham Goodsite was owner and operator of Brodkey and Goodsite Jewelers. This house has been significantly altered from its original appearance.
Photo:
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sioux City History: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St., 2900 to 3000 Blocks
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Mylius – Eaton – Palmer House – 2900 Jackson St.
Built in 1894, designed by William D. McLaughlin and built for Charles Mylius. This is an example of the Queen Anne and Tudor Revival architectural styles. My Mylius was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Sioux City Sash and Door Company. The carriage house was built shortly thereafter. Curiously, Mylius never resided in the house. Franz and Matilida Shenkberg were the first residents in 1899. However, the Skenkbergs divorced and Franz’s father bought the house in 1905 and soon sold it to William Gordon who then sold it to Fred and Lillian Easton in 1906. Fred Eaton came to Sioux City shortly after the Silver Crash of 1893. He was the Eastern creditor’s chief representative of the Credits Communication Corporation, a company set up by eastern capitalists who had lost heavily when the effects of the crash and depression hit Sioux City. Eaton convinced eastern investors that Sioux City’s economy was healthy and spearheaded the completion of a number of projects, such as the stalemated Combination Bridge. He helped create the Live Stock National Bank and organized the Sioux City Stock Yards Company to manage Sioux City’s ailing main industry. Upon his death in 1925, his daughter Dorothy lived in the house. She became wife of Edward C. Palmer and lived in the home until 1967. The Palmer family was involved in various Sioux City businesses, one of which is the Palmer Candy company. To many Sioux City residents the house is known as the Palmer House or chocolate house.
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John Peirce House – 2901 Jackson St.
Built in 1892 and constructed of South Dakota quartzite, this home was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style by local architect Charles Brown. It was constructed by John Perice, a prominent realtor and Sioux City Promoter. Peirce, a Civil War veteran, came to Sioux City in 1869 and soon joined the other Sioux City entrepreneurs promoting and developing Sioux City’s northside neighborhoods. One of the most significant projects was the construction of a cable line that ran the full length of Jackson St. from downtown to the Country Club at 39th St. In the 1893 crash, Peirce lost his entire fortune, but attempted to recover his losses by raffling off his house. In 1901 the family moved to Seattle, where he began building another fortune. He died n 1910. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently used as the Sioux City Public Museum. The future plans for home include turning it back into a period home once the new Sioux City Museum is opened in downtown.
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T. J. Steele House – 2911 Jackson St.
Built in 1912, this home is a pleasant mix of Prairie and Colonial Revival architectural styles. The Prairie style is found in the exposed rafter tails and the knee braces (visible on the first floor, south side of the home) while the Colonial Revival style can be found in the Doric columns supporting the front porch. T. J. Steele, a local stockbroker, was the first resident of this stately home.
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Christopher Moller House – 2933 Jackson St.
Built in 1891, this Queen Anne style home was constructed for Christopher Moller, manager of the Sioux City Cable Railroad and his wife, Mary Helen (Peirce), daughter of John Peirce. In 1896, the Mollers were no longer listed in the City directories. It may be that they, along with many other prominent Sioux City entrepreneurs, had fallen victim to the 1893 crash and left town. Many of the details that identify this home as a Queen Anne style have been removed. But one notable feature remains, a beautiful stained glass window located above the interior stairway, on the north side of the home.
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Andrew M. Haley House – 3003 Jackson St.
Built in 1889, this Queen Anne styled home was the residence of Andrew M. and Emily Haley, parents of William Haley, who resided at 2822 Jackson St. Andrew ran the Founders and Machinists Company at 303 Pierce. Andrew was a riverboat captain on the Missouri River.
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Robert M. Candee House – 3007 Jackson St.
Built in 1889. Mr. Candee is listed as a travel agent for Haley and Company. In the early days, this meant that he was a mover/hauler. The style of the house is Queen Anne.
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Robert F. Baker House – 3025 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, this home was constructed for Robert F. Baker, a local carpenter. It is representative of the Queen Anne architectural style. Even today the home retains much of its original 1890’s characteristics.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 99: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St. Part 11: 2800 Block
2800 Block
D. T. Hedges House - 2803 Jackson St.
Built in 1889, the home was located on the site of the current church. The elaborate Queen Anne style residence was home of Sioux City captialist, Daniel T Hedges. He moved to Sioux City in 1857 with his brother, Charles and later married Mary C. Van Dyke. Projects in which he played an important roll include the elevated railroad, developement of the Leeps and Morningside neighborhoods, the development and promotion of th emeat packing industry and the construction of a cable railway. After the panic of 1893, he moved to San Francisco and died there in 1903. The home was demolished in 1938.
Cina Call House – 2808 Jackson St.
Built in 1912, this large Craftsman styled residence was constructed for Ms. Cina Call, widow of Asa F. (Frank) Call. In 1908 Frank moved to Corona, California and became one of the wealthiest citrus growers in the southern California. In 1913, he was killed when a train struck his car. Cina lived apart from her husband for many years. In his will Mr. Call stated: “ I have made no provisions for my wife, but have already made ample provisions for her through an angered division in our property”. In addition, the will made no provisions for male relatives, because he did not believe in leaving men money. He feared that it would remove their incentive to make a living.
Photo:
Horace P. Chesley House – 2814 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, this Queen Anne styled home was constructed for Horace P. Chesley, general manager of the Union Stockyards Company. When the panic of 1893 forced the company into bankruptcy, Chelsey served as receiver and was a key figure in its reorganization as the Sioux City Stockyards Company. He went on to serve as the first general manager in 1894 through 1896. This home has been altered over the years, including one remodeling in 1918 designed by local architect William Steele
Photo:
John Hornick House – 2817 Jackson St.
Built in 1896. Sadly there are no photo’s of this house available. It was razed in the 1960’s to make way for church parking. The home was a Queen Anne style with an original stained glass, woodwork and even had beveled windows. In 1880 Hornick entered the druf business and continued in this work until his death in 1911. In 1889 with A. S. Garretson, James E. Booge, Edwin Haakinson and D. T. hedges, John Hornick organized the Sioux City and Northern Railroad. His family lived in the home until 1927 when the C. E. Haakinson family purchased the home. Of special interest is the fact that Hornick Iowa is named after John Hornick.
Henry C. Shull House – 2819 Jackson St.
Built in 1924, this home was constructed for Henry C. Shull, an attorney with the firm, Shull, Stillwell, Shull and Wadden, this home is representative of the Spanish and Italian eclectic style. It features half-timbering under the gables, fanlights and ecorative brick arches over the front entrance. Old photo’s indicate this home sits on the site of a carriage house that belonged to the property to the north.
Photo:
Zeno Brown House – 2821 Jackson St.
Built in 1888, this parking lot was once the site of a Queen Anne styled home. Zeno Brown was manager of the Pixley Company, which sold clothing, gent’s furnishings, hats and caps. He married Molly, born Mary, who was the daughter of D. T. Hedges, February 14, 1888. Grandfather Hedges gave the young couple a check for $1,000 and Molly’s parents gave her the deed to this house which was still under construction at the time. This home, less lavish than her father’s at 518 Jackson. Boasted fine mirrors, lavish woodwork and was the scene of many parties. It was known as Honeymoon Cottage. When the crash came in 1893, th eBrown’s moved to California and lived there until Mr. Brown died. Molly moved back to Sioux Citym ran a dance school and Society Editor for the Sioux City Tribune. She died in 1936.
William G. Haley House – 2822 Jackson St.
Built in 1898, this large Queen Anne Styled home was constructed for William G. Haley, who came to Sioux City from Ohio in 1879 with his parents, Andrew and Emily. He attended school here, went to Pittsburgh for several years and returned in 1881 to take a position as a bookkeeper for J. D. Farr and Co., dealers in eggs and butter. By 1885 he bought a share in the company and by 1892 he had controlling interest in the firm and renamed it Haley and Company. William Haley was one of the first wholesale grocers to bring fresh produce to Sioux City including crates of bananas, oranges, grape-fruits, lemons and lettuce. Located at 2nd and Pierce Streets, the company employed 200 workers and did a gross business in fruits and groceries of $3 million a year.
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D. T. Hedges House - 2803 Jackson St.
Built in 1889, the home was located on the site of the current church. The elaborate Queen Anne style residence was home of Sioux City captialist, Daniel T Hedges. He moved to Sioux City in 1857 with his brother, Charles and later married Mary C. Van Dyke. Projects in which he played an important roll include the elevated railroad, developement of the Leeps and Morningside neighborhoods, the development and promotion of th emeat packing industry and the construction of a cable railway. After the panic of 1893, he moved to San Francisco and died there in 1903. The home was demolished in 1938.
Cina Call House – 2808 Jackson St.
Built in 1912, this large Craftsman styled residence was constructed for Ms. Cina Call, widow of Asa F. (Frank) Call. In 1908 Frank moved to Corona, California and became one of the wealthiest citrus growers in the southern California. In 1913, he was killed when a train struck his car. Cina lived apart from her husband for many years. In his will Mr. Call stated: “ I have made no provisions for my wife, but have already made ample provisions for her through an angered division in our property”. In addition, the will made no provisions for male relatives, because he did not believe in leaving men money. He feared that it would remove their incentive to make a living.
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Horace P. Chesley House – 2814 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, this Queen Anne styled home was constructed for Horace P. Chesley, general manager of the Union Stockyards Company. When the panic of 1893 forced the company into bankruptcy, Chelsey served as receiver and was a key figure in its reorganization as the Sioux City Stockyards Company. He went on to serve as the first general manager in 1894 through 1896. This home has been altered over the years, including one remodeling in 1918 designed by local architect William Steele
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John Hornick House – 2817 Jackson St.
Built in 1896. Sadly there are no photo’s of this house available. It was razed in the 1960’s to make way for church parking. The home was a Queen Anne style with an original stained glass, woodwork and even had beveled windows. In 1880 Hornick entered the druf business and continued in this work until his death in 1911. In 1889 with A. S. Garretson, James E. Booge, Edwin Haakinson and D. T. hedges, John Hornick organized the Sioux City and Northern Railroad. His family lived in the home until 1927 when the C. E. Haakinson family purchased the home. Of special interest is the fact that Hornick Iowa is named after John Hornick.
Henry C. Shull House – 2819 Jackson St.
Built in 1924, this home was constructed for Henry C. Shull, an attorney with the firm, Shull, Stillwell, Shull and Wadden, this home is representative of the Spanish and Italian eclectic style. It features half-timbering under the gables, fanlights and ecorative brick arches over the front entrance. Old photo’s indicate this home sits on the site of a carriage house that belonged to the property to the north.
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Zeno Brown House – 2821 Jackson St.
Built in 1888, this parking lot was once the site of a Queen Anne styled home. Zeno Brown was manager of the Pixley Company, which sold clothing, gent’s furnishings, hats and caps. He married Molly, born Mary, who was the daughter of D. T. Hedges, February 14, 1888. Grandfather Hedges gave the young couple a check for $1,000 and Molly’s parents gave her the deed to this house which was still under construction at the time. This home, less lavish than her father’s at 518 Jackson. Boasted fine mirrors, lavish woodwork and was the scene of many parties. It was known as Honeymoon Cottage. When the crash came in 1893, th eBrown’s moved to California and lived there until Mr. Brown died. Molly moved back to Sioux Citym ran a dance school and Society Editor for the Sioux City Tribune. She died in 1936.
William G. Haley House – 2822 Jackson St.
Built in 1898, this large Queen Anne Styled home was constructed for William G. Haley, who came to Sioux City from Ohio in 1879 with his parents, Andrew and Emily. He attended school here, went to Pittsburgh for several years and returned in 1881 to take a position as a bookkeeper for J. D. Farr and Co., dealers in eggs and butter. By 1885 he bought a share in the company and by 1892 he had controlling interest in the firm and renamed it Haley and Company. William Haley was one of the first wholesale grocers to bring fresh produce to Sioux City including crates of bananas, oranges, grape-fruits, lemons and lettuce. Located at 2nd and Pierce Streets, the company employed 200 workers and did a gross business in fruits and groceries of $3 million a year.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 98: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St. Part 10: 2700 Block
2700 Block
Byron H. Kingsbury House – 2704 Jackson St.
Built in 1915, this Colonial Revival styled home, with some Italian Renaissance influences, it was built for Byron H. Kingsbury who came to Sioux City in 1899 when he was 23. among his many accomplishments Kingsbury was Vice President of Sioux City National Bank, President of Sioux City Brewing Company and President and General Manager of the Missouri River Sioux City Bridge Company, which was involved in the management of the Combination Bridge that connected Sioux City with South Sioux City, Nebraska. In 1936 he moved to the house next door at 2706 Jackson St. Kingsbury died in 1942. Special features of this home include a decorative fan window over the front door, the pediment dormer windows, and the classical Tuscan columns supporting the sun porch on the south side of the home. The Italian Renaissance influence is represented by the triple arched front entry.
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Frank McClure House – 2706 Jackson St.
Built in 1915, this home was designed in the Colonial Revival style, this was the home of Frank McClure, manager of F. L. McClure and Company wholesale groceries. The home features a single story entry porch with tall Doric columns supporting a triangular pediment and a fanlight above the front door, all defining characteristics of the Colonial Revival architectural style.
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George Parker House – 2709 Jackson St.
Built in 1891 and completed in 1907, construction on this home began in 1891, but sold at a sheriff’s auction before completion. George Parker who was an officer at Farmer’s Loan and Trust bought the house and finished construction in 1907. The home is an example of the Queen Anne style and features a large corner tower that was added to the home in 1917 by architect William Steele.
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William Gordon House – 2719 Jackson St.
Built in 1896, a small modern residence sits on the site of the original home. The older home was constructed in the Queen Anne style for real estate developer and Sioux City promoter William Gordon. Gordon came to Sioux City in 1883 and was involved in many projects including developing Leeds, helping to create the elevated railroad, and promoting many new businesses and industries. Gordon Drive was named in his honor.
Howard Pierce House – 2722 Jackson St.
Built in 1915, this home is a Colonial Revival brick foursquare, first occupied by Howard G. Pierce and his wife, Mary. Peirce was Secretart and Treasurer of the Fiztsimmons-Peirce Livestock Commission Company.
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Charles W. Hornick House – 2727 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, this Queen Anne styled residence was constructed for Charles W. Hornick, President of Hornick Hess and Moor Druggist. In 1894 the house was sold to George Sweetser, Secretary of Farmer’s Loan and Trust Company. In 1912, C. F. Lytle of the Lytle Construction Company bought the home. Special features of note include the full wrap-around front porch and the corner tower with bell-shaped roof.
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Henry Michelsletter House – 2728 Jackson St.
Built in 1912. The first residence of record of this stately Craftsman styled home was Henry Michelsletter, a printer for W. H. Bastain Company. This home features prominent Doric columns, a porte-cochere on the south end of the home, and exposed rafter tails.
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Byron H. Kingsbury House – 2704 Jackson St.
Built in 1915, this Colonial Revival styled home, with some Italian Renaissance influences, it was built for Byron H. Kingsbury who came to Sioux City in 1899 when he was 23. among his many accomplishments Kingsbury was Vice President of Sioux City National Bank, President of Sioux City Brewing Company and President and General Manager of the Missouri River Sioux City Bridge Company, which was involved in the management of the Combination Bridge that connected Sioux City with South Sioux City, Nebraska. In 1936 he moved to the house next door at 2706 Jackson St. Kingsbury died in 1942. Special features of this home include a decorative fan window over the front door, the pediment dormer windows, and the classical Tuscan columns supporting the sun porch on the south side of the home. The Italian Renaissance influence is represented by the triple arched front entry.
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Frank McClure House – 2706 Jackson St.
Built in 1915, this home was designed in the Colonial Revival style, this was the home of Frank McClure, manager of F. L. McClure and Company wholesale groceries. The home features a single story entry porch with tall Doric columns supporting a triangular pediment and a fanlight above the front door, all defining characteristics of the Colonial Revival architectural style.
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George Parker House – 2709 Jackson St.
Built in 1891 and completed in 1907, construction on this home began in 1891, but sold at a sheriff’s auction before completion. George Parker who was an officer at Farmer’s Loan and Trust bought the house and finished construction in 1907. The home is an example of the Queen Anne style and features a large corner tower that was added to the home in 1917 by architect William Steele.
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William Gordon House – 2719 Jackson St.
Built in 1896, a small modern residence sits on the site of the original home. The older home was constructed in the Queen Anne style for real estate developer and Sioux City promoter William Gordon. Gordon came to Sioux City in 1883 and was involved in many projects including developing Leeds, helping to create the elevated railroad, and promoting many new businesses and industries. Gordon Drive was named in his honor.
Howard Pierce House – 2722 Jackson St.
Built in 1915, this home is a Colonial Revival brick foursquare, first occupied by Howard G. Pierce and his wife, Mary. Peirce was Secretart and Treasurer of the Fiztsimmons-Peirce Livestock Commission Company.
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Charles W. Hornick House – 2727 Jackson St.
Built in 1890, this Queen Anne styled residence was constructed for Charles W. Hornick, President of Hornick Hess and Moor Druggist. In 1894 the house was sold to George Sweetser, Secretary of Farmer’s Loan and Trust Company. In 1912, C. F. Lytle of the Lytle Construction Company bought the home. Special features of note include the full wrap-around front porch and the corner tower with bell-shaped roof.
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Henry Michelsletter House – 2728 Jackson St.
Built in 1912. The first residence of record of this stately Craftsman styled home was Henry Michelsletter, a printer for W. H. Bastain Company. This home features prominent Doric columns, a porte-cochere on the south end of the home, and exposed rafter tails.
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Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 97: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St. Part 9: 2400 to 2600 Blocks
2400 to 2600 Blocks
Fred J. Sulzbach House – 2423 Jackson St.
Built in 1918, this stately Prairie styled home was constructed for Fred J. Sulzbach and his family. A stonemason by trade, Sulzbach came to Sioux City in 1880 where he began winning contracts to work on the city’s buildings, streets and sewers. Eventually he turned his business into a successful construction company, which continues operations today.
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John H. Kelly House – 2501 Jackson St.
Built in 1913, this prominent Prairie styled residence was constructed for John Kelly, vice president of the Sioux City Tribune. The home’s design is attributed to the local architect William Steele. By 1919 Kelly was president and general manager of the Tribune, having taken over of the newspaper for his father John C. Kelly, owner of the newspaper since 1884. A few years before his death in 1933, John Kelly moved from this house to 2619 Jackson St.
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Millard – Steele House – 2512 Jackson St.
Built in 1902, this home is notable for the association with prominent local architect, William LeBarth Steele. The home was constructed in 1902 for Ezbon Millard, owner of Millard and Anderson, a local building contractor. By 1910 William Steele purchased the house.
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Joseph Cenell House – 2519 Jackson St.
Built in 1939, this Tudor style, which was popular in the United States during the 1930’s and 1940’s is represented by this home. It was the home of Joseph Cenell who worked in the Claims Department in the Insurance Exchange Building.
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Benjamin Schulein House – 2604 Jackson St.
Built in 1913, this home is one of the earliest Prairie styled designs by prominent local architect William L. Steele, this was the home of Bencamin Schulein. Ben’s father, Sigmund, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, was one of the earliest Jewish settler in Sioux City. Ben Schulein operated a shoe business that was founded by his father. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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William J. Weir House – 2616 Jackson St.
Built in 1924, the Dutch Colonial sub-category of the Colonial Revival architectural style is represented by this house. Defining features include the gambrel roof (barn like) and he beautiful door surround with an arched pediment and large Doric columns. The first known resident of this home was William Weir, manager of A. Y. Weir and Sons Real Estate.
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William H. Beck House – 2619 Jackson St.
Built in 1893 a modern apartment building now sits on the site of the William H. Beck house that was severly damaged by fire in 1970. Richardsonian Romanesque in style, the Beck house was designed by local architect William McLaughlin. William Beck arrived in Sioux City in Sioux City from Indiana with his wife in 1878 and was involved in the jewelry business. His downtown store was known as one of the finest jewelry stores in the country. Beck was an avid Sioux City promoter and involved in many social and business organizations. He lived in this home until his death in 1921.
Roy McKee House – 2620 Jackson St.
Built in 1913 this Prairie styled residence was constructed for Roy McKee, manager of the Sioux City Blau Gas Company. Although a representation of the Prairie style, it shows influences from other styles. The Palladian window located above the front entrance for ecample, is more reminiscent of Colonial Revival style.
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Fred J. Sulzbach House – 2423 Jackson St.
Built in 1918, this stately Prairie styled home was constructed for Fred J. Sulzbach and his family. A stonemason by trade, Sulzbach came to Sioux City in 1880 where he began winning contracts to work on the city’s buildings, streets and sewers. Eventually he turned his business into a successful construction company, which continues operations today.
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John H. Kelly House – 2501 Jackson St.
Built in 1913, this prominent Prairie styled residence was constructed for John Kelly, vice president of the Sioux City Tribune. The home’s design is attributed to the local architect William Steele. By 1919 Kelly was president and general manager of the Tribune, having taken over of the newspaper for his father John C. Kelly, owner of the newspaper since 1884. A few years before his death in 1933, John Kelly moved from this house to 2619 Jackson St.
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Millard – Steele House – 2512 Jackson St.
Built in 1902, this home is notable for the association with prominent local architect, William LeBarth Steele. The home was constructed in 1902 for Ezbon Millard, owner of Millard and Anderson, a local building contractor. By 1910 William Steele purchased the house.
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Joseph Cenell House – 2519 Jackson St.
Built in 1939, this Tudor style, which was popular in the United States during the 1930’s and 1940’s is represented by this home. It was the home of Joseph Cenell who worked in the Claims Department in the Insurance Exchange Building.
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Benjamin Schulein House – 2604 Jackson St.
Built in 1913, this home is one of the earliest Prairie styled designs by prominent local architect William L. Steele, this was the home of Bencamin Schulein. Ben’s father, Sigmund, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, was one of the earliest Jewish settler in Sioux City. Ben Schulein operated a shoe business that was founded by his father. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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William J. Weir House – 2616 Jackson St.
Built in 1924, the Dutch Colonial sub-category of the Colonial Revival architectural style is represented by this house. Defining features include the gambrel roof (barn like) and he beautiful door surround with an arched pediment and large Doric columns. The first known resident of this home was William Weir, manager of A. Y. Weir and Sons Real Estate.
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William H. Beck House – 2619 Jackson St.
Built in 1893 a modern apartment building now sits on the site of the William H. Beck house that was severly damaged by fire in 1970. Richardsonian Romanesque in style, the Beck house was designed by local architect William McLaughlin. William Beck arrived in Sioux City in Sioux City from Indiana with his wife in 1878 and was involved in the jewelry business. His downtown store was known as one of the finest jewelry stores in the country. Beck was an avid Sioux City promoter and involved in many social and business organizations. He lived in this home until his death in 1921.
Roy McKee House – 2620 Jackson St.
Built in 1913 this Prairie styled residence was constructed for Roy McKee, manager of the Sioux City Blau Gas Company. Although a representation of the Prairie style, it shows influences from other styles. The Palladian window located above the front entrance for ecample, is more reminiscent of Colonial Revival style.
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