[Illustration: The Fessler home
1110 5th Avenue North]
One of the city’s most historic houses is this brick residence at 1110
5th Ave. N. built by pioneer storekeeper and Indian fur trader David
Fessler.
The original portion of the two-story home dates back to 1869 when it
was erected by Fessler in the northeast part of the town in order to
make it easier to conduct his fur trading business with the Indians who
camped in the nearby north woods.
Fessler came to Fort Dodge from Germany in 1858 and shortly after
arrival opened a trading center and clothing store. He started his fur
trading business in his first small home located where the Blanden Art
Gallery now stands. It was a considerable distance from this place to
the Indian camp so Fessler purchased property in the northeast part of
the growing town and built a new home there.
The rear of the present home is the original part of the house built
more than 100 years ago. The old time brick is still in good condition
as are the basement walls made of stone. In pioneer days there were
gunslots in the foundation walls for use in event of Indian attacks.
The house now has four rooms and bath on the first floor and four rooms
and bath on the second floor. The property has changed hands many times
in past years and is now owned and occupied by George Bradshaw, Fort
Dodge attorney, and daughter, Vivian.
Fessler’s home on Fifth Avenue North was reported one of the largest and
most elaborate of the pioneer dwellings and included a 20x24 parlor.
Adjoining was the flower room with a white gypsum floor and at the rear
was the large kitchen. The kitchen was used primarily as a trading place
with the Indians when they came out of the nearby woods to sell their
furs. They were in groups and always remained at the house for a meal.
Fessler is also remembered for buildings he erected along Central Avenue
one of which housed the Fessler Opera House, a popular pioneer
entertainment center. Fessler had four sons and three daughters. One of
the sons, Louis, was county recorder here for many years.
Mrs. Marion Gilday of Fort Dodge is a granddaughter of the elder David
Fessler. Her father was Louis Fessler.