This Second Avenue South residence was identified for years by the huge
landmark oak tree in the front yard. Reported to be more than 100 years
old, the tree still stands in the yard at 1010 2nd Ave. S.
The house was built in 1909 and occupied by the Donald Vincents and
their daughters, Catherine and Nancy, until 1932 when they moved into
the historic “Vincent House” at 824 3rd Ave. S. Presently the house is
occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jahn Jr., who purchased the property in
1951.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent acquired the building lot in 1908 and the following
year erected the spacious two-story brick home. The first floor has
living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry and lavatory; the second floor
has four bedrooms and bath. The finished attic has one room.
The front yard tree—known as the “Hawkeye Oak”—was once recognized as
the finest example of its species (burr oak) in Iowa. It was graceful
and majestic in earlier years with spreading branches that extended well
over the sidewalk and street. At one time it received a plaque from the
Garden Club of Iowa for its outstanding appearance and age.
The tree now has lost many of its stately limbs and today little
attention is paid to it. Removal of the lower limbs started some years
ago when a house mover cut off one branch. In an attempt to give it
symmetry other branches were then cut off.
After Mr. and Mrs. Vincent and family moved from the home it was rented
from 1932 until 1945 by Mr. and Mrs. Alan Loth. Mrs. Winston O.
Larrabee, widow of Charles Larrabee Sr., purchased the property in 1945
and resided there until selling it to Mr. and Mrs. Jahn in 1951.
Donald Vincent was prominent in business and industrial affairs, being
one of the organizers of the Vincent Clay Products Company and for years
was an officer of the Fort Dodge Grocery Company. He was also identified
with banking interests here, serving as president of The State Bank for
many years. Jahn is in the furniture refinishing and upholstering work.
He and his wife are also antique collectors and have remodeled the
interior of their home for displays of their collections. They also own
the adjoining corner house which they are remodeling into a future gift
and antique shop.
[Illustration: The Donald Vincent home
1010 2nd Avenue South]