Delmar Calaboose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Delmar Calaboose
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 520 Vane St. Delmar, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1878 |
| Built by | A.T. Phillips |
| Architectural style | Vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000231 |
| Added to NRHP | March 19, 1981 |
The Delmar Calaboose is a historic one-room jail located in Delmar, Iowa, United States. A "calaboose" is an old word for a small jail or prison. It comes from the Spanish word calabozo, which means dungeon. This building was built to be a jail in the early days of Iowa. Its walls and roof are made of strong limestone and mortar. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 because of its historical importance.
Contents
Why Was the Delmar Calaboose Built?
When the Davenport, St. Paul and Midland railroad was being built, the town of Delmar was growing. Many workers were in town, and the community needed more order.
The town of Delmar officially became a town in 1876. Citizens soon asked for a town jail. In March 1877, a group looked into using the old school building as a jail. It's not clear if this plan ever happened.
By early 1878, there was a strong desire for a new, purpose-built jail. Another group was formed in April to find a spot and plan the new building.
Building the Jail
By early summer, land on Vane Street was bought for $50. The town council approved plans for a stone building. A local builder named A.T. Phillips offered the lowest price at $175. Construction started right away.
The calaboose was finished in early October 1878. The town then took ownership of it. This small jail is the oldest public building still standing in Delmar. The town used it for many years, well into the 1900s. Similar small jails can be found in other parts of the United States.
What Does the Delmar Calaboose Look Like?
The Delmar Calaboose is a small building, about 10-by-12-foot (3.0 by 3.7 m) in size. Its roof is made of concrete and is shaped like a vault, reaching about 8 feet (2.4 m) high.
Building Materials and Features
The walls are very thick, about 2 feet (0.61 m) (two feet) thick. They are made from sandstone found nearby. There are narrow window openings on the east and west sides of the building. These windows have metal grates over them.
The main door is on the south side. It is a heavy cast iron door with strong hinges and a grated opening. Inside, the building has just one room. The walls are covered in plaster and have no fancy decorations. Some old furniture from the early 1900s is inside, including a stove, a folding cot, a bureau, a table, and a chair.
