USA > Iowa > Bremer County > Readlyn > Fiftieth anniversary : town of Readlyn, Iowa, 1904-1954. > Part 1
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Fiftieth Anniversary
TOWN OF READLYN, IOWA 1904 - 1954
Celebration JUNE 10-11-12, 1954
This golden anniver- sary booklet was pre- pared and written to re- fresh the memories of those who contributed to the progress of Readlyn and to enlighten our younger citizens with some of the happenings of our town during its first fifty years of history.
See Page 27 For Program of Events
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 with funding from Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
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Readlyn History
That section of the Chicago Great Western railway between Waverly and Oelwein was built and in operation in year 1903. It cut across Maxfield township, entering on section 12, traversing the township in in a direct line due west, leaving the township at section 7. This is one of the richest communities, not only in Bremer county, but in the State of Iowa. The farms are highly productive, large quantities of oats and corn are produced and a great number of cattle are raised for the markets. Creameries abound, and in fact almost everything is raised in this section that goes for the creature comforts of man.
In 1903 certain enterprising citizens in the neighborhood prevailed upon the authorities of the railroad to establish a station at a point on its line within this magnificent farming district, to enable them to have a closer market for their products. The request was aceded to and the company established a stopping point on section 11. Appreciating the generous compliance with their wishes, those active in the movement and living in the vicinity named the town Readlyn, in compliment of Read, one of the officials.
Active preparations were at once made for the laying out of a town. To this end a public sale of lots was advertised and on Nov. 10, 1903, a large number of building sites was disposed of by the Iowa Town Site company, which had platted and laid out the town and in a short time several substantial buildings were put up. The first building erected was a residence by George Vanderwalker.
On Oct. 26, 1904, the enthusiastic citizens of the young village voted on the proposition of incorporating the town of Readlyn. The election disclosed the fact that 29 ballots had been cast in favor of the project and not one vote was in the negative. At this time there were less than 50 persons living within the corporate limits but they were all so united for the betterment of the town that public improvements were discussed and carried out at an early date. At the same election which resulted in the incorporation of Readlyn, the following officials were elected to govern the affairs of the little municipal corporation: Mayor, George Vanderwalker; Treasurer, J. D. Brooks; Henry Klemp and Her- man Thran.
Among the early business concerns in the town was a lumber yard. Soon a number of business places were in operation and everything bid fair to the realization of the hopes of the profectors of the trading point. In 1904, the same year the town was incorporated, the Readlyn Creamery was built. Herman Thran built a meat market and the post office was established. In 1908 Poock & Meier built a harness shop and Christ Miller moved his blacksmith shop from Klinger to Readlyn. Many more business were established but the exact dates are not known and for that reason are not mentioned.
Quite a dampener, however, was placed on their enthusiasm when, on the night of Sept. 9, 1912, the greater portion of the business district was destroyed by fire, occasioning a loss of about twenty thousand dol- lars. No one was dismayed by the disaster. The debris was soon cleared away and better and more substantial structures took the place of the old ones. But everyone was taught a lesson and the movement was at once advanced for the erection of a waterworks system. To this end the question of bonding the town for $6,000, to be used in the building of a waterworks system, was submitted to the suffrage of the citizens on the 10th of February, 1913, and was carried practically by unanimous vote. At this election there were 91 votes cast and but six of them were
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X
A. H. MOELLER
CONTRACTOR OF ROCK, LIME, PHOSPHATE AND SAND
Phone 1622
READLYN
IOWA
Readlyn Poultry Service & Hatchery
COMPLETE POULTRY SERVICE Sargent's and Bolson Feeds We Buy Eggs and Poultry
Phone 8301
READLYN
IOWA
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against the proposition of building a waterworks. It should be added in justice to the women that of the 27 feminine votes cast, every one was for the improvement. The work of laying mains was at once pushed rapidly forward, a water tank with a capacity of 30,000 gallons was erected on a steel tower 100 feet in height and by the 1st of September, 1913, the system was practically completed. This included a well 108 feet deep.
On main street was constructed a concrete building to be used as a pumping station. The water is of fine quality and in sufficient quantity to give the citizens a plentiful supply of their daily uses and afford the town ample protection for fire. The pressure is about one hundred pounds. The building is also used for a council room and jail.
Readlyn is the youngest town in the county but it appears to be for the short time of its existence the best put up little place in this section of the state.
The bank was established on May 25, 1904, and opened for business June 15 as the Readlyn Savings Bank. It was capitalized at $10,000 and had for its officers: William Meyerhoff, president; Carl Bruns, vice- president; J. W. Hough, cashier. It is located in its own building which is a substantial brick structure. In December, 1910, Mr. Hough resigned as cashier and was succeeded by Emil C. Stumme and on the 15th of August, 1910, the capital was increased to $25,000. Upon Mr. Stumme's death, Louis Widdel was appointed cashier. In 1942 Mr. Widdel resigned and replaced by B. C. Stumme, the present cashier. At last report the deposits are shown to be $1,146,248.13.
The fire of Sept. 9, 1912, wiped out six business establishments and the telephone exchange. Those included the Henry Everding restaurant, the Otto Hahn barber shop and restaurant, the Wm. Klemp barber shop and pool hall, the J. W. Kehe drug store, and the J. A. Beckius hardware. The telephone exchange was located on the second floor above the drug store.
In the fall of 1914 another lot sale was held in the north part of town which is known as Wolf's addition. Most of the new homes the past few years have been built in this addition.
By 1916 the school enrollment had increased and a second one- room grade school was built.
In 1917 Zion Lutheran church was built.
In January of 1918 electricity was made available to the citizens of Readlyn. Power lines were built by Tegtmeier Bros. from Westgate to Readlyn. Soon thereafter lines were built in the rural areas surround- ing Readlyn.
In 1932 the water mains were extended to various parts of town and all mains were hooked in a circuit.
In 1934 Readlyn entered into an agreement with the City of Cedar Falls to buy their electricity from them. Six miles of high line was built to hook up with the Cedar Falls line. The town then built its own distribution system and has been retailing electricity to its citizens since that time.
In 1935 the present high school building was built which houses both the high school and grade students.
In 1947 a new well was dug to supply water for its residents. The new well has a depth of 208 feet and is so constructed to meet the most rigid health requirements.
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LOCKARD'S GAS & APPLIANCE
Appliances - Bottle Gas - Hardware MOORE PAINTS PLUMBING SPRED PAINTS
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Phone 6601
READLYN IOWA
WE TREAT YOU SQUARE ALL THE YEAR 'ROUND
RICHARD BAST
BLACKSMITHING
Residence Phone 5906
READLYN
IOWA
0
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In 1950 all streets were blacktopped.
In 1953 the Community Building was completed.
Readlyn has two city-owned parks. One at the north end of Main street is the scene of many group gatherings and family reunions during the summer months. It is equipped with swings and playground equip- ment. The other, known as the Athletic Park, is located in the north- east part of town and is used by the Readlyn High school. The Readlyn Baseball club plays its home Cedar Valley league games here and many youngsters use its facilities during the summer.
Readlyn numbers among its local organizations the following: VFW Post, VFW Auxiliary, Boy Scout troop, Commercial club and a volunteer fire department that serves both town and rural area.
Doctors who served this community during the past fifty years were Drs. Feeker, Dunham, Guernsey, Harmon, Osnes, Miller, Allen and at present, Ridenauer.
Readlyn has no major industries but numbers among its businesses 26 retail establishments, two bulk oil plants, one station agent, one doctor, two veterinarians, two ditching and tiling machines, six carpenter, painting and cement crews, a local telephone exchange that rings 490 phones, and is the home of the Readlyn Mutual Insurance Association.
Readlyn has 153 well-kept homes, plus four new homes now under construction and seven up-stairs apartments. It now has a population of 503 and is looking to the future with confidence.
Main Street In 1905
Business section of Readlyn during the winter of 1905, looking east.
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.
24 HOUR WRECKER SERVICE For All Your Motoring Needs Contact
POOCK CHEVROLET CO.
Chevrolet Sales and Service D-X Products --- Fisk Tires Phone 2801
READLYN IOWA
READLYN MUTUAL
INSURANCE ASS'N.
FARM AND CITY PROPERTY INSURANCE
Phone 75
READLYN
IOWA
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First Mayor
Geo. Vanderwalker
City Park
The park at the north end of Main street is shown here at an early date. It is now equipped with playground equipment and in the summer is the scene of many family gatherings and reunions.
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Readlyn's First Officials
H. Rathe, __ Clerk
Wm. Brooks
Geo. Winegar
H. Thran
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Readlyn's First Officials
C. J. Kuenster
J. D. Brooks, Treasurer
H. Klemp
Dr. H. A. Feiker
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04
THE BREMER COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
and
THE WAVERLY DEMOCRAT
A PART OF THE
READLYN COMMUNITY
THROUGHOUT ITS
50 YEARS
OF
PROGRESS
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Readlyn Fire Department
With the founding of the Town of Readlyn, a form of fire protection had to be arraigned and a't this writing, the first records cannot be found, so the early history of the Readlyn Volunteer Fire Department is taken more or less from the memory of the early residents of Readlyn.
The first fire department was composed of eight men and the equip- ment at the time was a fire bell to give the alarms and one two-wheel chemical engine or extinguisher which had to be pulled by hand or behind a team and wagon.
This equipment was used to handle the fire on the west side of Main street in 1912. Water was carried in pails, tubs and anything available from the private wells of the town's residents, so the fire department and the people of Readlyn should be commended for their excellent performance in averting a major disaster.
The installation of a water distribution system brought about the need for a better organized fire protection system, so on Aug. 27, 1913, a meeting of the citizens was called to order by Mayor George Vander- walker for the purpose of electing 12 citizens to constitute the Readlyn Volunteer Fire Department. The men elected were: F. L. Diekmann, C. W. Diekmann, C. H. Poock, Ernest Spier, E. C. Stumme, John Niedert, F. H. Meyer, Dem Mersch, Herman Bock, H. G. Moeller, H. F. Klemp and Herman Thran.
On Sept. 2, 1913, the Town Council met and approved the election of the firemen and the minutes of the citizens' meeting. The newly elected firemen held their first meeting on Sept. 3, 1913, at which time 38 Articles and By-Laws were adopted. These same articles and by-laws are still in effect with but few changes or additions. Election of officers was held and F. L. Diekmann was elected chief, which position he held until 1935; Assistant Chief, Dem Mersch; Secretary, E. C. Stumme; Treasurer, H. G. Moeller; Trustees, C. H. Poock and H. F. Klemp. It was also agreed that fire alarms were to be sounded with a series of three taps of the fire bell.
At the end of the year 1913 the records show the fire department consisted of one two-wheel chemical engine; one two-wheel hose cart; approximately 500-feet of 21/2-inch hose; 2 nozzels; 2 roof ladders; two 32-foot extension ladders; one 20-foot single ladder; one ladder wagon; two fire hooks; one chain and hook; two lanterns; one hydrant pump; four coats; 4 hats.
Records of the first Fireman's Benefit Dance held in December, 1913, tell us that 86 $1.00 dance tickets were sold and 10 25c spectator tickets were sold. There has been no change in the price of Fireman's Dance tickets up to date.
During the year 1917 four extra firemen were added to the depart- ment, bringing the total members to 16.
On May 7, 1918, a fire siren was purchased with donations of $2.50 from each business place and each dwelling in Readlyn. The siren was placed on top of the Town Hall, where it has remained to date. The first smoke masks were purchased by the Town Council in 1922.
Mr. E. C. Stumme served as secretary of the fire department from Sept. 3, 1913, until his death on Dec. 16, 1934. His death was the first among the active members of the department since its organization in 1913 and the first among the original 12 members.
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Matthias
Implement Co.
McCormick Farm
Equipment
Refrigerators & Freezers
COMPLETE REPAIR STOCK
EFFICIENT SERVICE
Phone 42-O1
READLYN
IOWA
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In December, 1936, the Town Council purchased the first fire truck. It consisted of two chemical tanks and hose mounted on an International chassis. This truck was without a cab and was purchased . from the city of Waterloo, Iowa.
With the increasing demand for more and better fire protection in the farming area, it became necessary to have a community-owned fire truck that could legally be used outside the Town of Readlyn.
Chief O. R. Thran called a joint meeting of farmers and firemen and it was decided to put on a drive to raise funds to purchase a Community truck. The goal was set for $25.00 per farm and $10.00 per house in the area to be served by the truck. The men went in teams of one fireman and one farmer. The drive being successful, a committee of three farmers and three firemen was electd to purchase the new truck and equipment. They purchased from the Hooker Supply Co. a 500-gallon per minute pumper mounted on a Ford chassis with 2-speed axle. This truck was delivered in the summer of 1946.
National fire magazines have given recognition to the Readlyn Fire Department for their original and efficient method of transporting a continuous supply of water to rural fires.
In 1950 the use of the chemical truck was discontinued and a new Chevrolet truck was purchased and equipped with ladders and hose. This was done to assure fire protection to the residents of Readlyn while the Community truck is on duty in the country.
Since the delivery of the Community truck to the Readlyn Volunteer Fire Department in 1946 it has been on 61 fire calls, 52 in the country and nine in the Town of Readlyn and the property saved is many times the original cost of the truck.
Having been asked many times as to the salary of the volunteer firemen; the only reward the firemen receive is an annual chicken dinner and an annual oyster and chili supper, the expense of which is taken from membership dues and for fines payed for not attending meetings or practices.
Yours for fewer fires and better equipment,
THE READLYN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
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BECKER IMPLEMENT
YOUR CASE AND FERGUSON DEALER
Phone 73
READLYN
IOWA
+0
HEINEMAN & KLODT
Tiling Contractors
Phone 72 or 37
READLYN
IOWA
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St. Paul's Lutheran Church
By J. L. Strelow, Pastor
St. Paul's Lutheran church is the first congregation to be founded in Readlyn, Iowa, having been organized on October 24, 1909, only five years after the founding of the town. This organization has its roots in the Immanuel Lutheran church, Klinger, Iowa. 3 miles south of Readlyn. As more and more members of Immanuel, Klinger, moved to Readlyn, the desire to organize a congregation in Readlyn grew. Charter members of St. Paul's were A. H. Moeller, H. W. Meyerhoff. Fred Strumpel, Christ Warneke, W. F. Meyerhoff, Fred Kraeft, Wm. Albrecht, John Judas, J. W. Kehe, F. L. Diekmann, C. W. Diekmann, Wm. Klemp, H. W. Meyer, Fred Diekmann, H. Griese and Christ Miller.
Beginning in the summer of 1908 Pastor R. Piehler of Klinger held services in the town hall. In the fall of 1909 the newly organized congregation decided to erect a house of worship. A. H. Moeller, H. Meyerhoff, Chris Warneke, J. W. Kehe and C. Diekmann served as build- ing committee. The cornerstone was laid on May 22, 1910. The new edifice was dedicated on Sept. 25, 1910. Vicars H. F. Buettner and Cordts served the congregation until the fall of 1912 when the first resident pastor in the person of Rev. Herman Maas. came to St. Paul's. He remained until August. 1926, when he accepted a call to Lowden. Iowa. At the time of his leaving the congregation had grown from 15 families to 72 voting and 229 communicant members.
The parsonage was completed in November, 1912, shortly after the arrival of Pastor Maas.
In the spring of 1914 the congregation purchased the three lots north of the church for the purpose of erecting a Christian day school, which was dedicated on Nov. 12, 1916. At that time the enrollment was 48. Pastor Maas was the teacher. In 1920 the congregation was debt- free, despite the rather ambitious building program of the first 10 years of its history. During the years 1922-24, the school was taught by Students Ernest Huedepohl and Adolph Grebing, respectively, of River Forest. Student W. J. Dicke taught in 1924-25. In the fall of 1926 the first regularly called teacher was installed. Mr. Fred Torgler, who came here from Courtland, Minn. The enrollment at that time was 58. Pastor Maas taught the three lower grades in the church basement.
On Nov. 21, 1926, the Rev. Theo. Frese was installed as pastor of St. Paul's by Pastor Louis Yockey of Klinger, vacancy pastor.
In 1928 it was found necessary to build an addition to the church edifice. A new pipe organ was purchased and installed the same year.
On Sept. 27, 1942, Pastor Frese was granted a peaceful release to Trinity Lutheran church, Guttenberg, Iowa. At that time the congrega- tion had grown to 80 voting members and 258 communicant members.
His successor was the Rev. Mark J. Steege, who was installed on Nov. 8, 1942, having come here from Cedar Rapids.
In 1943 St. Paul's resolved to organize a Sunday school.
During the summer of 1944 the school building was completely modernized.
In October, 1943, Mr. Torgler resigned as teacher, due to ill health. Pastor Steege taught during the rest of that term.
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READLYN HARDWARE
E. A. Dettmering
General Hardware Plumbing & Heating PAINT AND APPLIANCES
Phone 2502
READLYN
IOWA
READLYN LOCKER
SERVICE
Slaughtering
Processing - Curing
Phone 3801
READLYN IOWA
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On June 11, 1944, Mr. Eldon G. Handrich was installed as teacher and organist. The enrollment at that time was 33. By the end of the term the enrollment had increased to the point where it was deemed necessary to engage a second teacher. The following were engaged to teach the lower grades since that time: Miss Maurin Rathje, Miss Melba Potratz, Miss Lillian Schultz, Mrs. W. Lindemann, Miss Ruth Benning, Miss Fern Suchow, and Miss Miriam Miller.
On Oct. 2, 1946, Pastor Steege was granted a peaceful release to accept the call as Professor of Homiletics at Concordia Theological seminary, Springfield, Ill. At that time the congregation numbered 87 voting and 274 communicant members.
The Rev. George Koch served the congregation as pastor from the fall of 1946 to the end of 1947.
The Rev. Alfred Ernst was installed as pastor in May, 1948. In 1951 the church basement was enlarged and completely modernized, including a large kitchen.
Pastor Ernst remained until the fall of 1953 when he was granted a peaceful release to accept a call to Scottsbluff Nebraska.
The present pastor, the Rev. J. L. Strelow, was installed by Rev. Wm. F. Reddel on Jan. 17, 1954, having come here from Canton, Kansas.
St. Paul's congregation, at the time of this writing in May, 1954, numbers 274 communicant members, 387 baptized souls and 76 voting members.
The present Christian day school enrollment is 37 in the four upper grades taught by Mr. Handrich, principal of the school, and 29 in the kindergarten and four lower grades, taught by Miss Miriam Miller.
Mr. Herbert Poock is superintendent of the Sunday school.
The Walther League is the youth organization of St. Paul's. It numbers 28 members. Arthur Wehling is president.
The Ladies Aid Society is the oldest group within the congregation, having been organized in 1913. It has a membership of 53. Mrs. Arnold Poock is president.
The character of a community is no better or worse than the character of its citizens. Giving all credit and glory to God for any and all success in its work, St. Paul's congregation is happy and thankful to have had a part in the character building of the citizens of this community during nearly all of the past half century. By the teaching and preaching of God's word, the power of God unto salvation, we have been privileged to show young and old the way of salvation, and to train them to live as God would have them to do. Good Christians make good citizens. We are grateful for having had the opportunity to build God's kingdom and promote the welfare of Readlyn these many years. May the churches which teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ continue to be a mighty influence for good in this community.
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Zion Lutheran Church By E. Jacobs, Pastor
Zion Lutheran church is the youngest congregation of the con- gregations in Readlyn and surrounding territory. It cannot boast of golden or diamond jubilees, but it is nearing its 40th anniversary. It has an interesting history. It can point to growth in numbers as well as things material. Above all it has the means of grace, the Word of God and the Sacraments which make for spiritual growth and strength.
The beginnings of Zion congregation date back to the late 70's when Pastor Paul Bredow of Maxfield township served a group of Lutheran families living in the vicinity of Knittel, 12 miles east of Waverly. Under his direction this group organized under the name: St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran church. Pastor L. Lobeck, who had just finished his theological studies at the Lutheran seminary at Mendota, Ill., was called to serve this group. He became its first resident pastor. During his ministry the congregation grew rapidly in membership. He served the congregation for 30 years.
After the town of Readlyn-just one mile south of the church-had grown to be the business center of this community with prospects of ever increasing growth, many members of the congregation began to move to Readlyn, some to engage in business, others to retire. It was evident that many more would do likewise in the future.
Meanwhile many members began to feel that the church should be located in the growing and prospering town of Readlyn. This was con- sidered to be the logical place for the church to be. Their dream be- came a reality under the wise leadership and foresight of the late Pastor M. O. Jahr, who succeeded Pastor Lobeck. At a meeting held in the home of Mr. Rudolph Tiedt on March 12, 1917, the first steps toward the founding of a new congregation in Readlyn were taken. Soon another meeting was held at which Zion Lutheran church was organized. A new constitution was adopted and signed by 38 charter members who were present at the meeting. Definite plans for the erection of a new church building were made. Rev. Paul Kumpf of Talmage, Nebr., was called to serve this new congregation.
Under his guidance the congregation at once proceeded to buy suitable grounds for the church and parsonage buildings. A beautiful modern house with adjoining lots was available at the time. This property was bought and the church building erected on the grounds next to the parsonage in the summer of 1917. It was completed in the fall of the same year and dedicated on Sunday, Oct. 7, 1917. This day was a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving for Zion congregation. The neighboring congregations and many friends from far and near came to take part in this joyful event. The pastors, M. O. Jahr, E. Rausch, D.D., and Prof. John Becker, D.D., were the speakers for the occasion.
This valuable church property is beautifully located on the east side of the town of Readlyn in a residential district away from the traffic noises of Main street and within easy walking distance from all parts of town. In 1927 the parsonage was greatly enlarged by the addition of a modern kitchen with full basement and an extra room on the second floor.
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