23 Cowles House
– This
stately old home is one of the earliest Bentonsport landmarks. It was
built in the early 1840s. A long-time owner was Dr. Chester W. Cowles,
an early physician, credited as one of the builders of the Academy. The
house was extensively renovated in the 1970s; however, much of the
original charm and beauty of the house is still intact. It is currently
a private residence. |
|
24 Rose Garden –
These rock walls were the foundation walls of
Brown’s five-story grist mill and, to the west, the mill race. Such
foundations originally lined almost the entire riverfront, from near the
Odd Fellows Hall to the bridge area. A garden of old and historic roses
has been developed within the walls. The garden is County owned and
maintained by a garden committee and volunteers.
Add’l. Info |
|
25 Lock and Dam
#6 – In the early 1800s, steamboats plied the Des
Moines River with passengers and cargo. To make the river more
navigable, the State erected a system of locks and dams along the river.
Bentonsport was the site of #6. In 1870, the railroad became the
transportation of choice and the steamboat traffic soon stopped. The
town mills still continued to employ the high water caused by the log
and stone dam until the 1879 flood knocked the dam over. It was not
repaired. The rapids you see around the old bridge are the remains of
the dam rocks. A 12 foot walnut beam can still be seen in the water
under the bridge when the water is shallow. |
|
26 Iron
and Lace Shop – Built in 1990 using 100-year-old posts and
beams salvaged from old barns in Van Buren and Lee Counties, it was
constructed for the use of a pottery and blacksmith shop. Owned and
operated by Bill and Betty Printy. Bill is a blacksmith and makes hand
forged artistic iron work. Betty makes the Queen Anne’s Lace Pottery
and jewelry. Also available are hand woven rugs and runners from the
Fiber Arts Shop. Iron and Lace is open April to December and during the
winter by appointment. Bill and Betty give demonstrations and various
workshops. For more information call 319-592-3222. |
|
27 Ira
Corns House – This frame building was originally a
dwelling and stood west of the Bentonsport Academy. In about 1926 it was
moved to the main street by use of horses and a stump puller, and
converted to a store. There was a barber shop in the upstairs’ room
for many years. It is owned by the Conservation Board and is currently
the Gems 4 Me shop. |
|
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23 Cowles House
– This
stately old home is one of the earliest Bentonsport landmarks. It was
built in the early 1840s. A long-time owner was Dr. Chester W. Cowles,
an early physician, credited as one of the builders of the Academy. The
house was extensively renovated in the 1970s; however, much of the
original charm and beauty of the house is still intact. It is currently
a private residence.
24 Rose Garden –
These rock walls were the foundation walls of
Brown’s five-story grist mill and, to the west, the mill race. Such
foundations originally lined almost the entire riverfront, from near the
Odd Fellows Hall to the bridge area. A garden of old and historic roses
has been developed within the walls. The garden is County owned and
maintained by a garden committee and volunteers.
Add’l. Info
25 Lock and Dam
#6 – In the early 1800s, steamboats plied the Des
Moines River with passengers and cargo. To make the river more
navigable, the State erected a system of locks and dams along the river.
Bentonsport was the site of #6. In 1870, the railroad became the
transportation of choice and the steamboat traffic soon stopped. The
town mills still continued to employ the high water caused by the log
and stone dam until the 1879 flood knocked the dam over. It was not
repaired. The rapids you see around the old bridge are the remains of
the dam rocks. A 12 foot walnut beam can still be seen in the water
under the bridge when the water is shallow.
26 Iron
and Lace Shop – Built in 1990 using 100-year-old posts and
beams salvaged from old barns in Van Buren and Lee Counties, it was
constructed for the use of a pottery and blacksmith shop. Owned and
operated by Bill and Betty Printy. Bill is a blacksmith and makes hand
forged artistic iron work. Betty makes the Queen Anne’s Lace Pottery
and jewelry. Also available are hand woven rugs and runners from the
Fiber Arts Shop. Iron and Lace is open April to December and during the
winter by appointment. Bill and Betty give demonstrations and various
workshops. For more information call 319-592-3222.
27 Ira
Corns House – This frame building was originally a
dwelling and stood west of the Bentonsport Academy. In about 1926 it was
moved to the main street by use of horses and a stump puller, and
converted to a store. There was a barber shop in the upstairs’ room
for many years. It is owned by the Conservation Board and is currently
the Gems 4 Me shop.