Self Guided Virtual Tour 
of Historic Bonaparte

 

  9    Stone Arch & Wall – 1938. Constructed of limestone by WPA (Works Projects Administration) workers. This unique stone structure frames Bonaparte's Riverfront Park where you will also find the Band Shell and Lock and Dam structures. Photo of Stone Arch
 
   
  10    Robert Meek Home 1865 - 1870, 564 W. 5th St. Son of William Meek, founder of Meek's Mills, later to be known as Bonaparte. Built high on a hill overlooking the Meek Brothers Mills, by one of the most important men in the community, as a mansion and symbol of his influence. Has been a private home, apartment house, bed and breakfast and today is again a lovely private residence. Photo Robert Meek Home
   
   
  11    Hinish Building 1903. Located at the east end of the business district on First St., the Des Moines river lies directly out its back door. Joseph Hinish, born in Kralowitz, Bohemia, came to America in 1862 and was a tailor by trade. The building today houses an Antiques and Crafts retail business. Photo Hinish Buidling
    
    
  12    Woolen Mill  1863, located on First St. - Once another two stories taller than it's present size, this was the home of Meek's Woolen Mills, once a major manufacturer of woolen goods in the central part of America. The front entrance addition was completed by WPA workers in the late 1930s. Currently an antiques shop. Photo of Woolen Mill
   
   
  13    Fowler Home – c. 1850 Early 1 1/2 story cottage located on Washington St. adjacent to the business district. May have been a duplex or business office. For many years in the early to mid 1900s was the home of the Bonaparte Telephone Exchange office. Currently a crafts shop. Photo of Fowler Home
   
   
  14    Johnson - Bogle Home – NW corner Main & 3rd St. Built in 1856 by Wm. J. Johnson (biography) who came to the community in 1837. Directly across the street lived his sister, Mrs. Thomas (Sarah Caroline Johnson) Christy. Johnson's wife Mary Jane was the sister of Thomas Christy. Partners in the long time "Christy and Johnson" firm. Sold home to the husband of his granddaughter, Dr. Wm. I. Bogle, for $2,000 in 1906. A private residence today. Photo of Johnson - Bogle Home
   
   
  15    Baptist Church  Built on the site of the former church in 1904 using stone from the old church. Located on SW corner of 5th & Washington St. Known originally as the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Cornerstone was laid in August 1903 with first services held in the new church April 3, 1904.  Photo of Baptist Church
   
   
  16    Stutzman Home – 1903 - Located NE Corner of 5th & Washington. Built for with widow of Dr. D.W. Stuzman who had practiced medicine in Bonaparte since 1867. One of the community's loveliest, and stately homes sitting high atop Washington St. has served as a private residence, boarding house, and nursing home. Now lovingly restored to its former glory it is again a private residence. The Stutzman House
    
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