Chamber requests help with masonic building

DID YOU KNOW...

Osceola Chamber-Main Street  is working to get the building located at 101-103 South Main St.  here in Osceola listed on the National Register of Historic places.  This would open up grant and tax credit opportunities for us to make the building safe, restore it’s beauty  and preserve it’s history  in the community.  

This building (c. 1872) is a major 3 story landmark on the Osceola public square. It anchors the northeast corner of the historic downtown area.  The Osceola Lodge No.77 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons purchased the 3rd floor of the building from banker, A.H. Burrows, in May of 1872 prior to the building’s  construction. 

The builder, O.J. King, is thought to have been involved with other construction projects in county seat towns in South Central Iowa during this period. The north half of the building was used as a bank for decades (probably until the depression) and the south half, a hardware store from 1883 until around 1907.  In the”1886 History of Clarke County, Iowa”, it says of Burrows, “To his untiring energy and zeal, Osceola is indebted for the foundation of its prosperity, and the magnificent brick block on the northeast corner of the public square is but one of the monuments to his industry”. 

Molly Naumann, a historical consultant has been working on the nomination, which has now  been approved by the Iowa State National Register Committee. This committee gives guidance and extra suggestions to consultants for the final nomination to be sent to the National Committee for its final determination.

To be considered eligible, a property must meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation.  Along with architectural significance, other criteria include the property’s association with events, activities or developments that were important in the past.

WE NEED YOUR HELP...

The state committee has determined that Ms. Naumann needs to add more information about the important role that the Masons played in the history of our community.  

We would like to hear from anyone who has memories or information about the Masons and Eastern Star activities that took place in the building, or activities that were planned in the building and actually took place somewhere else in town – parades, parties/picnics, visits to patients in hospitals, etc.