2025-03-10 Web Co Historical Society

Preserving Local History
Currently located at the library, the Webster County Historical Society started in 1907 and was incorporated in 1931. Over time it has been incorporated and reincorporated.
Most recently, a new Board was organized in 2024 with Randy Kuhlman serving as president. Their goal is to preserve the rich history of this town. Roger Natte has been instrumental in preserving local history, volunteering and working with information for decades. How can the Webster County Historical Society (WCHS) maintain and make records more accessible?
One of Webster County Historical Society’s goals is to organize materials and catalog them on the computer. It hired Meg Beshy, who works 12-15 hours per week, spearheading this effort.
There is an informative website containg 12 elements. It is at www.fortdodgehistory.com and contains:
  • Historic Eras from 1600 to 1950
  • Iconic People
  • Iconic Buildings
  • Iconic Places
  • Iconic Events
  • Nostalgia
  • Places of Worship
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Sports
  • Archives
The WCHS is also hoping to hold more public events:
  • In April there will be a “50 yr celebration” and to honor Roger Natte at that time.
  • WCHS Board Member Rick Carle told the club about the upcoming Oakland Cemetery Walk, scheduled for Saturday, June 21st. Four portrayers will tell a short story about persons buried there, and tour guides will point out additional headstones of noteworthy Dodgers.
Lastly, Randy Kuhlman gave a FD history quiz. Test your knowledge! Answers are at the end of the article. Good luck.
  1. Who was the first settler of Fort Dodge?
  2. Who was the pioneer that came to this area to handle retailers, who eventually founded the city and first mayor?
  3. What was the name of young Native American who became William Williams’s son’s best friend?
  4. 1856, what Iowa town was Webster County’s c0unty seat?
  5. Born and raised in Fort Dodge, who was one of America’s most famous sheriffs in the Wild West?
  6. In 1910, how many passenger trains served Fort Dodge every day?
  7. How many 4 year-colleges has Fort Dodge had since the 1800s?
  8. Fort Dodge had a steamboat that took passengers up and down the Des Moines river. What was the name of the steamboat?
  9. In 1870, Webster County was the fourth-highest coal-producing county of Iowa. How many mines operated at that time?
  10. What Fort Dodger became the eighth governor of Iowa?
  11. Bonus Question: During 1946-49, how many businesses were located in downtown FD?
 
Answers: 1. Henry Lott   2. William Williams   3. Wahkonsa   4. Homer   5. Bill Tillman   6. 35   7. Two   8. Charlie Rogers   9. Thirty-seven   10. Cyrus Carpenter   11. Four hundred and two