Preserving Our Past

In 1979 the original Committee to restore the Old Stone House took a building whose Southeast wall had fallen away exposing the building and rebuilt it into a building they could be proud of. They made sure it was listed on the Historical Register as well. The years have passed, and much work remains to be done.

First, a little history:
Leander Reeve traveled from Ashtabula County, in the Northeast County of Ohio on Lake Erie to the prairies of Northern Iowa. He met up with his brother James who was living in a sod house and was the first white man to live in the county. They broke ground and began farming.

Leander wanted to bring his wife and family out, but needed to build her a proper house! In 1852 they started to build the Old Stone House and completed it in 1854. Limestone from the area was used and a proper house with 4 bedrooms, a full basement and a bathroom outside was built. He brought his family out that year.

Since then 15 other families have lived in that house, the last living there in 1954. The Old Stone House is believed to be the only one still standing between here and the Mississippi. It holds a place in Iowa history – and we in Franklin County are proud to have it here.

A new committee has been formed. The Old Stone House Association, affiliated with the Franklin County Historical Society. The committee members are Darwin Meyer, Joe Pitsor, Keri Holmes and Deb Brown. Advisors are Jeff Burkley and Paul Wuhlbrandt. (Darwin, Joe and Jeff pictured)