Chapter IV: Introduction (4)

Dr. Koch acquired the building lot and erected the home in 1884. Evidence of the years he spent in the house came to light some years ago when sheet music with Dr. Koch’s name was found in the attic of the home.

The house was purchased in 1901 by S. J. Robertson, a Fort Dodge businessman, who resided there until 1910 when he sold the property to Mrs. J. F. (Helen) Monk and her sisters, Lynn S. Anderson and Florence A. Anderson. Prof. and Mrs. Monk and the Anderson sisters occupied the home at various times during later years. Monk was a professor at Tobin College here and owned the college in partnership with C. V. Findlay. The college was located at the northwest corner of First Avenue North and Seventh Street and at one time had between 400 and 500 students in its various departments.

Monk was married in 1892 to Helen M. Anderson and they were parents of four children—Florence, Melville, Dorothy and John. The father was prominent in Fort Dodge affairs—was president of the Chautauqua Assembly, director of the Commercial Club and president of the official board of the First Methodist Church.

Miss Lynn Anderson became sole owner of the 910 5th Ave. N. house in 1936 and retained possession until 1951. A native of Clarence, Iowa, she came to Fort Dodge in 1904 after completing her education and teaching for a time. She helped organize the YWCA here and was its first physical director and secretary. Leaving the YWCA she worked for the Webster County Welfare Department and then was probation officer here for many years. She taught a Sunday School class at the First Presbyterian Church for 20 years, was a member of the Fort Dodge Business & Professional Women’s Club and the Story Tellers Club. She received the Kiwanis Club’s “Golden Ruler” award some years prior to her death in 1972 at age of 100 years.

THE FINDLAY HOME

A Fort Dodge mayor—C. V. Findlay—who served as the city’s chief executive for 10 years, owned and occupied this house for many years. The two-story frame house at 1707 8th Ave. S., was built in 1895 by Charles Hayler and sold in 1901 to James Findlay.

The home remained in possession of members of the Findlay family until sold to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Pieper in 1953. In 1973 it was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Gary D. Reel who presently reside there with their two children. Reel is a sheet metal worker with Northwest Furnace Company.

The house has undergone some remodeling but has substantially the same room arrangement now as in past years. The first floor has living room, dining room, family room, kitchen and bath. The second floor has four bedrooms, (one used as a children’s playroom) and bath.