G.A.R. Memorial Hall (Algona, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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G.A.R. Memorial Hall
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 122 S. Dodge St. Algona, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1867 |
| Built by | James Henderson |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 13001077 |
| Added to NRHP | January 15, 2014 |
The G.A.R. Memorial Hall, also known as the Algona Schoolhouse, is a special old building in Algona, Iowa, United States. It was first built in 1867 to be the city's very first school. Later, it became a meeting place for important groups of veterans and is now a museum.
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A Schoolhouse with History
This building started its life in 1867 as the first school in Algona. It was a two-story building made of wood. Its style is called Italianate, which means it has a classic look with features like a sloped roof (called a gable roof) and decorative brackets under the roof edges. It used to have a small bell tower on top, but that was removed a long time ago.
In 1887, the school building was moved to its current spot. After it stopped being a school, it found new purposes.
A Home for Veterans
After the building was moved, it became a meeting place for a group called the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). This group was formed in 1883 by soldiers who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. The local G.A.R. group in Algona was called the James C. Taylor Post No. 165.
From 1899 to 1904, the first floor of the building was even used as a public library! As the years passed, fewer and fewer Civil War veterans were still alive. So, in 1919, the G.A.R. Post gave the building to another group of veterans called the American Legion.
The American Legion's Clubhouse
The American Legion is a group for military veterans who have served in later wars. The local American Legion group, Hagg Post No. 90, used the building as their clubhouse. They met there and used it for their activities until 1967.
A Museum Today
In 1967, the Kossuth County Historical Society took over the building. They now use it as a museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the area. The building itself is an important part of history. In 2014, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as a significant historical site.
