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. It has a long history, starting as the town's very first school.
This building was first built in 1867. It was moved to its current spot in 1887. The hall is a two-story building with an Italianate style. This style often includes features like wide, overhanging roofs and decorative brackets.
The building has a pointed roof called a gable roof. It also has decorative supports under the roof edges, known as bracketed eaves. The outside is covered with wood siding. It once had a belfry (a small tower for a bell) on its roof, but that was removed a long time ago.
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A Schoolhouse Becomes a Meeting Place
After the building was moved, it found a new purpose. The James C. Taylor Post No. 165 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) started using it. The G.A.R. was a group for soldiers who fought for the Union in the American Civil War. This local group was formed in 1883.
From 1899 to 1904, the first floor of the building served as a library. This meant people in the community could borrow books there.
From G.A.R. to American Legion
As time passed, fewer and fewer Civil War veterans were still alive. Because of this, the local G.A.R. Post gave the building to another group in 1919. This new group was the Hagg Post No. 90 of the American Legion. The American Legion is a group for military veterans from all wars. They used the building as their clubhouse until 1967.
A Museum for History
In 1967, the Kossuth County Historical Society took over the building. They now use it as a museum. This means the building helps tell the story of the area's past. The G.A.R. Memorial Hall was recognized as an important historical site in 2014. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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