The Newell Historical Society

12/07/2025

The Newell Historical Society is ready for our Open House today at the Allee Mansion from 1-4. See you soon!

12/06/2025

Due to impending weather conditions, the Open House for today, Saturday December 6, is CANCELLED. Please join us tomorrow from 1-4

11/30/2025

Next weekend!!

The Allee Mansion is ready for Christmas! Be sure to visit for the annual open house in December!

11/08/2025

Just a month away!! Please join us!

10/12/2025

Join us today at 1:30!

10/03/2025

Join us at the Allee Mansion on Sunday, October 12 at 1:30 p.m. for a fun travel talk!

To say the Allee Mansion is not your typical farmhouse is an understatement. Located south of Newell, Iowa, this elegant “painted lady” is not only a jewel on Iowa State

09/22/2025

Join us on Sunday, October 12, at 1:30 p.m. when Tyler Sullivan (from Iowa Scenic Views by Foot) will regale us with stories and pictures of his travels around Iowa. Tyler is in the process of visiting all 99 counties of Iowa, with the goal of experiencing 257 museums and posting pictures and information about them on his page, "Iowa Scenic Views by Foot." In March 2025, he visited the Allee mansion and posted many beautiful photos. Come out for a look at Iowa as you have never seen it!! Following the program, light refreshments will be served and you will have an opportunity to meet Tyler and ask questions. No charge for admission, but donations are always welcome!!

09/12/2025

A look back at the Allee golf tournament.

08/19/2025

Saturday's temps look to be in the 70s so it will be a beautiful day to golf!! Grab three of your friends and enjoy a fun day that includes a yummy lunch!! $140/team of four, best ball, 10 a.m. shotgun start, lunch, cash prizes! Register at the Newell Golf Course by calling 712-272-4424

08/14/2025

The ALLEE MANSION
Rural NEWELL, IA
BUENA VISTA County

One mile south of Newell, Iowa, adjacent to the Iowa State University Allee Demonstration Farm, stands one of the most remarkable Victorian homes in Buena Vista County. Known today as the Allee Mansion, it was built in 1891 by Jesse J. and Mary E. Allee. Costing $4,000 to construct, the three-story home is a classic example of late 1800s style — with an eye-catching turret, steep rooflines, different types of siding for texture, and wide porches for catching a summer breeze. Painted in authentic Victorian colors, it remains one of the most elaborate houses of its kind in the county.

Jesse Allee was among the area’s early settlers, first seeing the Newell prairie in 1863 before returning to stay in 1876. He raised his family in the mansion: daughters Hannah and Sarah Rose Alice, and son George M. Allee. None of the children married, and the family line ended with George’s death in 1958. Inside, the mansion retains its late 1800s décor, with patterned wallpaper, chandeliers, fine china, pocket oak doors, a butler’s closet, and an open staircase. The Newell Historical Society offers guided tours, including hands-on demonstrations of a pump organ, Victrola, pedal sewing machine, and hand-crank corn sheller. Student tours, titled Life Without Electricity, explore how Iowans lived and worked before modern conveniences.

George M. Allee graduated from Harvard in 1904 and dedicated his life to agricultural innovation, particularly hybrid and self-pollinating seed corn. He was recognized by Iowa State College for developing an earlier-maturing strain of corn and was a frequent consultant in seed development. In 1909, he hosted the first corn show in Storm Lake and continued the event in Newell for over forty years through the Newell Farmers Institute. George was also the first president of the Iowa Small Grain Association, now the Iowa Corn Board, and perfected the “yield test” still used worldwide.

In 1958, George bequeathed 160 acres to Iowa State University to establish the Allee Demonstration Farm, adjacent to the home. The mansion was donated to Iowa State and leased to the Newell Historical Society in 1989. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Today, visitors are often surprised to find such an elaborate Victorian home in rural Iowa — a carefully preserved link to the area’s agricultural and architectural heritage.

08/11/2025

Come out and enjoy Newell's beautiful course.

08/06/2025

Some pictures from the Open House last Saturday, including the vintage quilt display.