A prominent furniture dealer—A. D. (Archie) McQuilkin—who advertised
“The Big Store With Little Prices,” erected this attractive home a short
distance from the business district in 1911.
McQuilkin established his business here in 1902 and nine years later
built this south 12th St. home. It is now occupied by Mrs. E. B. Dawson,
who with her late husband, Dr. Dawson, purchased the property in 1937.
The two-story brick residence faces west at the corner of Third Avenue
South and Twelfth Street. The house originally had living room, dining
room, kitchen and hallway on the first floor; four bedrooms, sewing room
and bathroom on the second floor. In later years some remodeling was
done to the interior, including installation of 1½ more baths and
paneling of the basement for a recreation area. A study area with
bookcases and a workshop for the late Dr. Dawson were also completed.
McQuilkin was born in Pennsylvania in 1864. His father was a farmer and
came to Iowa and located in Benton County in 1866. McQuilkin remained on
the farm until 15 years of age before going to LaPorte City where he
worked as a drug store clerk. Later he operated a meat market for four
years and then took a job as a traveling salesman for a publishing
concern.
He began his career in the furniture business in Burlington and remained
there 11 years. In 1902 he moved to Fort Dodge and opened a furniture
store at 817 Central Ave. As business increased he purchased the lot
adjoining his first store and in 1913 erected the six-story building
which the McQuilkin company occupied for many years with extensive
stocks of furniture, carpets, queen’s ware and allied lines. The company
continued in business until 1943 when it was sold to the Home Furniture
Company which then took over occupancy of the big building. The Home
later moved to 611 Central Ave.
[Illustration: The McQuilkin home
227 So. Twelfth Street]
The main floor of the McQuilkin Building is presently occupied by the
Lazy M shoe store; upper floors are occupied by the Boston Store
furniture department and Sperry & Hutchinson (green stamps).
McQuilkin was prominent in the affairs of Fort Dodge and was active in
the First Presbyterian Church. He died in 1926 at age 62. Mrs. McQuilkin
died in 1942. The McQuilkins were parents of four children—Mrs. Granger
P. (Marjorie) Mitchell of Fort Dodge; Mrs. Eleanor Terrill, now
deceased; and two daughters who died in infancy.