A Surprise Find In North Iowa: Floyd County Historical Museum
On a recent visit to Charles City, Iowa and Red Cedar Lodge I was surprised by a treasure that too many folks drive by, including myself. I had driven by the Floyd County Historical Museum several times and was glad that I was forced to visit and explore while in town.
CHARLES CITY, IOWA IS HOME TO THE WORD TRACTOR
The tractors here are numerous and are in tip-top condition. Fun fact: Charles City, Iowa is where the word tractor was coined in 1901.
Hart and Parr set up shop in Charles City, Iowa in 1897, which evolved into bigger things in the world of the tractor. In 1903 Hart and Parr built 15 tractors, the first successful production-model tractor line in the United States.
In 1929, Hart-Parr was one of four companies that merged to form Oliver Equipment Company and the White Farm- New Idea Equipment Company.
It’s no secret that Iowa is my home and I am an Iowa farm girl. The moment I walked in and saw that agriculture was a huge part of this museum, I knew my visit would hit a home run.
LEGEL DRUGSTORE COLLECTION: CHARLES CITY, IOWA
I enjoyed the tractors, but you know what really surprised me? The Legel Drugstore Collection is a treasure that everyone needs to see. How often have you walked along the main street and thought, “Where did those old fashioned drug stores go?” Well, the Floyd County Historical Museum has the Legel Drugstore Collection on site, with artifacts from 1884-1962.
Does anyone remember doing this for an eye exam?
OPEN YEAR AROUND FOR VISITORS
The Floyd County Historical Museum also surprised me, as it’s open all year long. Often times museums like this in the midwest are closed 1/2 of the year. Plan a visit and you won’t regret it. Standard hours are: Monday-Friday 9 am- 4:30 pm, in May, add Saturdays from 1- 4 pm. For the months of June, July and August add Saturdays and Sundays from 1- 4 pm.
Admission is as follows:
Adults: $5
Ages 6-18: $3
Children under 6, FREE
Another plus: There is complimentary wifi throughout the building, which means you can easily share your experience through social media.
This is just a “touch” of what the Floyd County Historical Museum has to offer. Plan a visit now and you won’t regret it!
*Thank you Charles City, Iowa and Floyd County Historical Museum for hosting me.
SaraB
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