Another of the landmark homes along Third Avenue South is the Roberts
home, 919 3rd Ave. S., which housed publishers and editors of The
Messenger for many years. Built by George E. Roberts in 1888, the house
is a three-story frame structure with large porches that extend along
the north, east and south sides.
Occupying an impressive location at the southwest corner of Third Avenue
South and Tenth Street, the house has an expansive yard extending
southward from the avenue for a considerable distance. Large trees also
surround the home.
[Illustration: The Roberts home
919 3rd Avenue South]
Beautiful oak and cherry woodwork mark the interior of the rooms on the
first floor. A large open entrance hall with beamed oak ceiling is just
inside the front entryway. It features oak woodwork and a large
fireplace with a carved oak mantel. The open stairway to the second
floor is flanked by large columns of Grecian design.
The adjoining library room also has a fireplace and is unique with its
cherry woodwork and massive open bookcases. A large handcrafted wood
archway over a huge window at the east separates the bookcases. Floors
in the entrance hall, library, living room and dining room are of oak.
There are four bedrooms and two baths on the second floor and attic
space on the third floor. The house has a large basement area, including
a cyclone cellar with an arched brick ceiling.
George E. Roberts was an outstanding early-day newspaperman and also
served for a time as state printer for Iowa. He advanced from the
publishing business here to the office of director of the United States
Mint and later to high banking positions.
When Roberts left Fort Dodge in 1898 he was succeeded at The Messenger
by his brother, Charles A. Roberts, who also purchased the home at 919
3rd Ave. S. Charles Roberts was head of The Messenger until his death
Jan. 1, 1933.
Following the death of Mrs. Roberts in 1957, the Roberts home was
inherited by Mrs. John C. Deardorf, the former Catherine Vincent. She
presently occupies the stately home.