Newest Historical Marker Unveiled In Oskaloosa

Julie Hansen shares history of the Iowa Building. Photo by Hailey Brown

By Hailey Brown

(Oskaloosa, Iowa) – The unveiling ceremony for the Iowa Building Historical Marker took place indoors on Thursday, June 14, despite wind and a downpour of rain. The building is located on the corner of Market and High Avenue on the Oskaloosa City Square and is part of a larger project called the Historical Building Marker Project. The project was approved by the Oskaloosa Historical Preservation Commission in September 2017 and in January 2017, a committee formed to launch the project.

Committee member Ann Brouwer gave the welcome during the unveiling, followed by a speech from Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt.

“The markers on historic buildings give us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history that surrounds us as we walk through the city of Oskaloosa on a daily basis,” said Mayor Krutzfeldt.

Julie Hansen, Iowa Building Historian, gave a brief but detailed presentation and unveiled a brass sign made specifically for the event.

This is the third installation of the historical project, which is a volunteer and community based initiative. The Iowa Building Historical Marker unveiling follows a marker placed at the Oskaloosa Fire Station and one at the Mahaska County Courthouse.

For more information, or to share information, contact committee members Ann Brouwer at 641-660-8075, or Sherry Vavra at 641-660-7504. To learn more about the project and historical marker sites, visit www.oacdg.org/history/.