Central School Preservation

05/12/2026

You know where the Union Church stands today, at the corner of Main Street and Michigan Street? The Presbyterian Church in Lake City used to be located there. Thanks to Steve and Judy Boedecker of Twin Lakes for donating this china plate to Central School's collection. Shirley Janssen painted this plate years ago to honor this history. Here's a photo (circa 1915) of the Presbyterian Church, as well.

05/06/2026

Look at this! Our collection at Central School now includes a postcard showing the July 1981 RAGBRAI route that came through Lake City. That route really zigzags over the state, doesn't it?

04/17/2026

What a great morning! This is what planting hope and creating community looks like. Thanks to Darcy Dougherty Maulsby for writing a federal grant application that helped Central School Preservation secure $30,000 for a tree planting project in Lake City. Some of Central School's board members and volunteers helped plant a diverse array of more than 20 trees around Central School's campus this morning. Thanks to South Central Calhoun FFA members for helping mulch each tree, as well.

Since we don't need $30,000 worth of trees at Central School, we're sharing about $25,000 of this grant with the City of Lake City to help re-tree areas along Main Street and provide more trees for Goins Park. Thank you to everyone who is helping make this big project a success!

04/06/2026

Good morning! We have a request and wanted to see if any of you can help us. We're looking for a picture of the kindergarten class at Lincoln Elementary in 1957, along with a picture of the 1st grade class at Central School in 1958. Do any of you have any pictures like this you'd be willing to share with us? Digital copies would be great. Contact Darcy Maulsby, Central School board president, at [email protected]

01/26/2026

Look at what's new at Central School! The Lake City Alumni Association donated funds to help renovate the kitchenette in the Alumni Room on the first floor of the museum. We truly appreciate the new cabinets, microwave, countertop, sink and electrical outlets.

What a blessing to have this upgraded meeting space! Whether you want to host a class reunion, meeting or other gathering, let us know. Thank you, Lake City Alumni Association!

01/21/2026

One of the big jobs of any museum is to ensure climate control to protect the artifacts in the collection. Central School Preservation needed to replace the heat pump system that provides reliable climate control for rooms on the museum’s first floor.

The old heat pump system, which was made in China, had leaks and other defects related to the manufacturing process, according to the local dealer we’ve been working with to fix these problems. We worked with Midstate Plumbing & Heating out of Fort Dodge to replace the old equipment with a new GE system. We're pleased to report it's working great!

The new heat pump system is allowing us to provide reliable climate control to make Central School an inviting, comfortable place for visitors and groups who meet here year-round.

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to the Calhoun County Community Foundation for supplying grant funding to make this project a reality. Things like heat pumps may not be the most exciting part of Central School, but they are essential to help us meet our mission. Thank you again to the Calhoun County Community Foundation for seeing the value of preserving local history!

08/21/2025

Have you heard? Dwight Morenz celebrated his 90th birthday on August 20. Central School is throwing a party in his honor, and you’re invited!

We’ll be hosting a come-and-go party (complete with birthday cake and other refreshments) at Central School (211 South Center Street, Lake City) on Sunday, Aug. 31, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

We hope you can stop by and visit! If you’d like, you can also mail a card to Dwight at 304 West Washington St., Lake City, IA 51449.

I wrote a feature story about Dwight for the Fort Dodge Messenger in 2019. Dwight continues to work at Central School part-time, giving tours, organizing the archives and conducting historical research. We truly appreciate Dwight and all his contributions to Central School and preserving local history. We are so grateful that he continues to be a key part of Central School, too.
Here's a bit of his story:

Dwight Morenz Helps Keep Local History Alive
by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, Central School Preservation board president

The extraordinary treasures housed in rural Iowa’s museums reflect remarkable chapters in the state’s history, but vintage photos, yellowed newspaper clippings and other artefacts are just part of the story. Behind each item are amazing tales and secrets to be revealed by curators like Dwight Morenz with Central School Preservation (CSP) in Lake City.

“There’s so much history here,” said Morenz, a part-time CSP employee from Lake City who works at the museum from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each week day. “This museum tells the story of the birth and growth of a small Iowa farming town.”

Morenz himself is rooted in rural Iowa, where he grew up with his eight brothers and sisters on a farm near Auburn.

“I was always watching and learning when it was time to fix equipment,” said Morenz, who learned to troubleshoot challenges and try to prevent problems before they start. “A lot of it’s just common sense,” added Morenz, who uses these skills to help maintain the 135-year-old school building that houses CSP.

“I have a purpose here”
Central School was a center of learning in Lake City from 1884 to 1980. Designed by architects Foster and Liebee of Des Moines, the brick school originally included four rooms. The west wing, built in 1897, added four more rooms to the school, which housed grades 1-12.

After Lake City High School was built on a separate campus in 1904, Central School served as a grade school until the building was closed in 1980. Local volunteers formed CSP in the early 1980s and helped get the school listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. CSP’s board and Morenz continue to operate the school as a museum and public meeting place for the community.

“I like working at Central School and feel I have a purpose here,” said Morenz, who gives tours of the building, helps organizate the museum’s collections and assists people with historical research, such as tracking down obituaries in old issues of the Lake City Graphic.

Serving others and preserving local history are important to Morenz, a 1954 Auburn High School graduate. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Morenz moved to Lake City, where he became a mechanic at Snyder Implement starting in 1959. “When I started, the company was located by the northeast corner of the town square,” said Morenz, who noted this historic building now houses Dobson Pipe Organ Builders. “The shop was in the basement, but there was enough room to drive the two-cylinder tractors in there.”

During Morenz’ career, two-cylinder tractors were replaced by four-cylinder tractors and today’s modern machines. One thing that didn’t change? Morenz’ focus on continuous improvement.

“When I’d come home at the end of the day, I’d think about what I was working on and figure out ways I could tweak something with the equipment or make it better,” said Morenz, who became a service technician at Deere dealerships in Algona and Harcourt after Snyder Implement closed around 1985 during the Farm Crisis.

After Morenz retired from Deere in 2000, he was contacted Rose Rosendahl, a former Central School third-grade teacher and CSP volunteer, who invited him to help with basic building maintenance at Central School. As he spent more time at Central School, he became a point of contact for visitors and others who reached out to the museum for information. “I enjoy helping people and sharing the history of this building, which is an architectural gem,” said Morenz, who is also active in the Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Lake City.

For Paul Ferderer, pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Philippians 2:4-7 comes to mind when he thinks of Morenz. “’Let each look not only to his own interests, but to the interests of others.’ In humble faith, Dwight consistently offers his energy and talent to serve his community’s needs.”

Giving back
CSP brings people together by providing a unique venue for class reunions, history lectures, civic groups and organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous that host meetings at the museum.

Morenz invites people to discover the treasures within CSP’s archives, including items from not only from Lake City (such as memorabilia from the Madden-Stillian Players, who provided circus acts and musical performances around Iowa), but keepsakes from Yetter, Lanesboro and Auburn. The collection also includes historic newspapers from Rockwell City, Lohrville and Churdan; and yearbooks from Lake City High School. “It’s interesting that local students used to study Latin,” Morenz said.

Tours of Central School are available during the mornings when Morenz is on site, and by appointment. “Dwight is a self-starter with a great work ethic and is always willing to help out wherever he’s needed,” said Linda Stotts of Lake City, who served on the CSP board for 25 years. “He’s a tremendous asset to Central School.”

Morenz appreciates the opportunity to help more people connect with Iowa history. “I try to do the best I can. I’ll stay involved with Central School as long as I can be helpful.”

07/22/2025

Restoring Lake City’s Beautiful Bandstand—Part 2
by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, Central School Preservation board president

Have you heard the news? The Jazzed Up Big Band is coming to Lake City Sunday, Aug. 3, to help raise funds to restore the bandstand in the historic town square.

Jazzed Up is outstanding—and you won’t want to miss this concert at F***y Howell Auditorium at the high school, says Keith Lampe of Lake City, who is working with other local volunteers to spearhead the bandstand restoration project. Thanks to generous donors, 100% of the concert ticket proceeds will go towards restoring the bandstand.

The public is invited to this unique event. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Aug. 3, with the concert starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $20 each at Lake City Hardware, United Bank of Iowa in Lake City, and Lake City Flowers.

(Anyone wishing to donate to the Lake City bandstand restoration project can mail checks to Bandstand Project, P.O. Box 125, Lake City, IA 51449.)

In case you’re wondering why restoration work is needed for the bandstand, would you believe the bandstand is nearly 30 years old? Last week we delved into some of the history of bandstands in Lake City’s historic town square. This week, let’s explore more of the history of the current bandstand.

By the early 1990s, there had been no bandstand in the town square for decades. Around 1994, community leaders launched fundraising efforts to build a new bandstand, inspired by the original bandstand that was built in the town square around 1885. By early 1996, fundraising efforts were well underway.

While the original idea to rebuild the bandstand came from the Lake City Kiwanis Club, their members decided this was too big of a project for just one group. That’s when the Lake City Betterment Association (led by Jenni Paulsen) got involved. The Betterment, along with a bandstand committee, worked together to make the dream a reality.

By late February 1996, they had raised more than $8,500 of the $22,000 needed to complete the project. (That $22,000 equates to more than $45,000 today.) In addition, various people donated lumber and other materials, along with labor. (An article in the February 28, 1996, edition of the Lake City Graphic noted that financial donations could be made at Alliance Bank or Hawkeye Federal Savings Bank in Lake City.)

“The bandstand is a complicated structure and will be built in sections at Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, then transported to the square and erected,” added the article. The plan was to build the bandstand in June 1996, in time for Western Days.

The project was an official Iowa Sesquicentennial Project, in honor of the state of Iowa’s 150th birthday. The award-winning Eastern Iowa Brass Band from Mount Vernon, Iowa, was booked to perform at the dedication of the new bandstand.
“The bandstand will be a great addition to our town,” the Graphic noted. “With everyone’s help, it will be built and be part of our town for generations to come.”

Dean Zenor of Lake City, a long-time Dobson employee, added some more details about this project. Thanks, Dean, for taking the time this summer to put these memories together:

“The bandstand is largely built of western red cedar. Construction lumber was used for the roof and floor structures. The period-correct colors and placement scheme were determined by Lynn Dobson.

In the course of researching the bandstand, every available photo was sought. Early postcards provided several views of bandstand, from different angles, but the details of its ornaments were too small to make out clearly. The best source came in an early cabinet card that showed the bandstand in primer, newly erected on the square.

During its design, it was realized that the original architect of the structure used the Classical principles of design, namely the golden section and the square. These geometric shapes were prominently used in the design of the structure. Even the bandstand’s skirting used the golden section for the angle of its latticework.”

[Editor’s note: In architecture, the golden section refers to a mathematical ratio believed to create visually pleasing, harmonious proportions in design. Squares can symbolize stability, symmetry and simplicity, plus they can be aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful. Classical elements of design include symmetry, proportion, balance and the use of columns and arches, which create a sense of harmony, grandeur, and timeless beauty.]

Former Lake City resident Paul Iverson built the various parts of the bandstand in his workshop, God’s Wood, on South Center Street, according to plans drawn up by Dean Zenor. “Paul was arguably one of the largest donors to the project,” Dean noted.

A flagpole company from California built the tall roof mast on the bandstand. A company from the East Coast built the copper weathervane. Dobson employee Dean Heim gilded the round ball at the top using 24 carat gold leaf. “Randy Hausman turned many of the roof bracket wood turnings,” Dean added. “Paul Iverson turned the rest.”

The original 1880s bandstand was smaller than the current bandstand, which was built to accommodate a larger band. This came from a suggestion from Tom Plummer, the local high school band director.

During the bandstand’s assembly, Cecil Remsburg, a volunteer from rural Lake City, was shingling the roof when a couple from Germany passed through town during their trip to the United States. They saw the bandstand and pulled over. They started talking to Cecil in German.

Someone tracked down John Panning at Dobson. John speaks German and was able to translate, Dean said. The couple was astonished to see that a new bandstand being built in Lake City. “They explained that bandstands are common in Germany, but they were surprised to see a new one going up here,” Dean said.

The bandstand placed third in the state’s Sesquicentennial competition of projects. It also won the Governor’s Award, which came with a cash prize of $500. This amount put the bandstand project over the fundraising goal. The project was finished with a small surplus, which was earmarked for future maintenance, Dean recalled.

Since 1996, the bandstand has hosted band concerts, weddings, prom photos and more. It has weathered many severe storms and two tornadoes. Time and the elements have conspired to undermine its structure and decorative elements, however, which need to be replaced or repaired, Dean said.

“With contributions and volunteer assistance, we can restore this city landmark to its former self—an asset that will continue to symbolize the pride we all take in our town and its accomplishments.”
[Watch for more information about the future of Lake City’s bandstand in an upcoming Central School Remembers column.]

07/18/2025

Thanks to the Carroll Times for running news about the Lake City bandstand restoration efforts and the upcoming Jazzed Up benefit concert on Sunday, Aug. 3 in Lake CIty!

Jazz has been called the power of now. This energetic spirit is alive in Lake City, which will host the Jazzed Up Big Band on Sunday, Aug. 3, to raise

07/15/2025

Restoring Lake City’s Beautiful Bandstand—Part 1
by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, Central School Preservation board president

One of the gems of Lake City is the town square. Think of all the elements that make this space exceptional, including the elegant bandstand. Lake City has had various versions of a bandstand here since the late 1800s.

The history of the current bandstand dates back to the mid-1990s. Since the bandstand is nearly 30 years old, it needs some repairs to help fix this icon and prepare it for many more years of service. To raise the money, local volunteers (headed by Keith Lampe of Lake City) are bringing the Jazzed Up Big Band to Lake City on Sunday, August 3.

This top-notch band regularly performs at the Roof Garden Ballroom at Arnolds Park in the Okoboji area. They will play an incredible concert at F***y Howell Auditorium at the high school in Lake City at 4 p.m. on August 3. Tickets are $20 each and are available at Lake City Hardware and other local venues (stay tuned for more details).
All the proceeds from the ticket sales will go towards restoring the bandstand. This work is slated to begin in late summer/early fall this year. I encourage you to buy tickets for this unforgettable, unique event that will help preserve a key piece of Lake City’s history.

Speaking of history, let’s delve into the history of how the current bandstand came to be. When I was growing up, there was no bandstand in the town square. I’ve asked a variety of long-time Lake City residents about when they thought the old bandstand was torn down. No one really remembers. (If you do, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected]).

One of the last references I could find in Central School’s Lake City Graphic archives was a reference to the bandstand in the early 1960s. The August 31, 1961, edition of the newspaper reported that the Lake City Y-Teens were hosting a book sale at the bandstand to raise money for various Y-Teens projects during the coming year.

Somewhere between the early 1960s and the early 1990s, the old bandstand was removed. By 1994, however, the Graphic began reporting on efforts to rebuild a bandstand in the square. “A community projects has been undertaken to raise money for a new bandstand in Lake City’s square,” reported the June 15, 1994, edition of the Graphic. “This new structure will be a replica of the one that used to be there.”

The article noted that the Kiwanis Club was leading the charge. “The second annual Kentucky Ducky Derby is racing into the town square again this year. The Derby race kicks off the Lake City Kiwanis’ fundraiser for a new bandstand in the city square.”
(In case you’re wondering, the “starting gate” for the derby was in the fountain in the town square. Contestants’ small, plastic ducks helped them compete for prizes ranging from new televisions to $100 gift certificates. “Five dollars buys you a chance on your lucky duck,” added the paper.)

The article also provided a history of the bandstand in Lake City’s town square, compiled by Dean Zenor, president of the Lake City Historical Commission:

“The history of the town bandstand really finds its beginnings with the courthouse square. This block, along with the rest of the original town of Lake City, was surveyed and platted by Charles Amy in 1856.

The current town square in Lake City marks the site of Calhoun County’s first courthouse. The courthouse was located here from the time it was constructed in 1857 until the county seat was moved to Rockwell City around 1876.

Shortly thereafter, the old courthouse was relocated to the southwest corner of Main Street and Center Street. While the courthouse was gone, the block where it was located has remained in continuous use as a public square.”

The town square wasn’t anything spectacular in Lake City’s early days. It was basically empty after the courthouse was removed, Zenor noted. Around 1887, the city council improved the site with a windmill-powered public well, along with a watering trough for the horses that pulled area residents’ wagons, buggies and carriages. The city also installed a new hitching chain around the perimeter of the square, along with an ornate bandstand in the center of the square.

Construction of Lake City’s municipal water system, which began in the 1890s, eliminated the need for a public well in the town square. In 1894, Cyrus Fulkerson bought the city’s windmill in the square and moved it to his property at the north end of Center Street. Not that many years later, the automobile eclipsed the horse as the primary mode of transportation, and the hitching rail became obsolete.

In 1908, the city added a 100-foot flagpole with a large electric light installed at the top. The town square was quite an eye-catching space by 1910, Zenor noted. “Painted in a multi-color scheme that was popular at the time, the bandstand was a distinctive, prominent structure worthy of a growing, prosperous town.”

In 1914, Lake City residents had a unique opportunity to make another big improvement to the town square. Phoebe Stewart donated money to purchase an elegant, new fountain in memory of her daughter, Leona Stewart Odell, who died in 1912. This fountain was dedicated on Memorial Day 1915.

[Phoebe (W**d) Stewart (1847-1943) married Dr. F.W. Stewart (1837-1888), a Union Civil War veteran, in 1864. The young couple moved to Lake City in 1871, where Dr. Stewart worked hard as a country doctor, traveling countless miles with his team of horses and buggy to make house calls. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is named in honor of Dr. Stewart.]

The old bandstand was moved north so the new circular fountain could be located in the center of the town square. For the benefit of area residents who still relied on horses for transportation, the city installed a new horse watering fountain at the northwest corner of the square. The Civic Improvement Society also raised money to pour cement sidewalks diagonally both ways across the block.

The bandstand and fountain would continue to define the town square for generations to come. When plans were announced to rebuild the bandstand in the mid-1990s, many area residents supported this exciting proposal.

“The Lake City Historical Commission enthusiastically endorses the reconstruction of this notable town landmark,” Zenor wrote. “Since the reconstruction will be based on photographic evidence, we urge everyone to dig through their family photo albums and bring in any photographs that might aid in this project.”

Watch for more information about the history of Lake City’s bandstand coming soon!

07/10/2025

Since we're talking football this week, in honor of the recent football alum gathering during Western Days 2025, here are photos in Central School's collection of the 1995 and 1996 Southern Cal High School football teams. Who do you see that you recognize?