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Brooklyn Historical Museum

The Brooklyn Historical Society was organized in 1996 to develop the former William Manatt home built in 1869 on the original site, overlooking the business district into the local history museum.

 

The house was given to the City of Brooklyn by his youngest son, Coe Manatt in 1963 to be used for "library, civic and cultural purposes". The home then housed the Brooklyn Public Library until the spring of 1999 when a new library was completed.

 

The Brooklyn Historical Museum, home of the Brooklyn Historical Society located at 304 Jackson Street is on the National Register of Historical Places. It is furnished with furniture, clothing, and antiques artifacts from the 1895 to 2000 era, along with displays of local residents who has served or is serving in various government positions of earlier days to present and of John Wayne living in Brooklyn. For more information or appointment to view call 641-522-7744 or 641-522-9632 or 641-522-7869

 

Brooklyn Opera House

The Brooklyn Opera House was incorporated in 1910 and opened on February 28th, 1911 with the "Toymaker's Dream". The Opera House was the center of cultural activities with various performances and silent movies held during the early years. Over past several years restoration of the building had been a project for several volunteer groups. Currently, the Opera House is under private ownership. The Opera House is located on downtown Jackson Street.

 

Brooklyn Service Station

A 1930 built full-service station is located on Corner of Jackson and 2nd Streets. White glazed-brick and terracotta building with the words “Service” and “Standard” project above the roofline in erne-style script. Its architectural style still piques the interest of historians. Phases such as “Fill it up” and “Check air pressure in the tires, please” can still be heard at this full service station.

 

First National Bank

On the corner of Jackson & Front Streets. Built in 1908 it was considered the town’s most distinguished business building of the time, at a cost of $16,000. Two huge granite columns graces its entrance with the exterior constructed of buff pressed brick. In 1919 its resources passed the million and a half mark, it was the second largest bank in Poweshiek County. But on a November 1925 morning, a notice was posted on the bank door announcing it was closed by the board of directors and turned over to a federal bank examiner. On the same day new accounts were opened across the street at Poweshiek County Savings Bank, which after many years as such it is now known as the Patriot Bank.

 

Hotel Brooklyn

Hotel Brooklyn was built as a home in 1875. The original builder used the building as a saloon before it became a hotel known as the "Stephenson House". Dr. C. D. Busby purchased the hotel and made it not only his residence but also turned it into a hospital. He later closed the hospital, but continued to live there. It was later used again as a hotel and restaurant. In early 1900 the hotel advertised Sunday dinners for one dollar. In 1941 Robert Lawson bought the hotel as his residence.  His family sold it in 2005 to another individual for a private home. The vine covered, Hotel Brooklyn, located at 154 West Front Street, is on the National Register of Historical Places.

Kent Chapel

Kent Chapel, long-time rural landmark in the community north of Brooklyn at the intersection of V-18 and Kent Church Road.

A schoolhouse long stood on the spot where the Kent Chapel now stands. Schoolhouses were built before most of the churches, and were often used for church services.

In 1907 the schoolhouses were redistricted and the Kent School house was moved. This left a cemetery with no place for the community to have church services. In 1907 the Ladies Aid group for the church drew up plans for the present Kent Chapel. The dedication for the chapel was held on May 23, 1909.

At present the Kent Chapel is under consideration for renovation by the younger generation.

For more information call Jan Bittner - 319-277-5788.