[Illustration: The Gadd home
710 Elizabeth Avenue]
One of the early residences constructed in Snell Place after it was
platted was this large and comfortable home. Located at 710 Elizabeth
Ave., it was built in 1920 by C. W. Gadd, a well-known Fort Dodge
banker.
The two-story red brick house with red tile roof and white wood trim
faces the northeast in an attractive setting surrounded by an expanse of
green lawn, shrubbery and flower beds. At the rear of the house is a
screened-in patio.
Gadd purchased the building lot in 1919 and the following year erected
the residence which was occupied by his family until 1928. The home was
then sold to J. B. Butler and the Gadds moved into an apartment. A short
time later the house was purchased by Charles F. Isaacson, Fort Dodge
merchant—one of the organizers of the Gates Store here. The Isaacson
family owned the property until 1970 when it was sold to Mr. and Mrs.
Dale C. DeFoe who presently reside there with their family. DeFoe is
owner of DeFoe Motors.
The home has spacious rooms including a living room that extends across
the front of the house, solarium, dining room, kitchen and half bath on
the first floor; four bedrooms, two full baths, playroom and den on the
second floor.
Gadd was a native of Rolfe and lived there until 21 years of age. He
then moved to Buffalo Center where he began his banking career with the
First National Bank of that community. He resided there for 30 years
before coming to Fort Dodge in 1920 and operating a real estate business
dealing principally in farm land.
In 1929 Gadd became associated with the bank now known as The State Bank
and was active in its management until his death in 1949 at age 78. He
was executive vice president of the bank until 1944 when he was elected
chairman of the board.
Gadd was active in civic affairs, including the Fort Dodge Betterment
Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. Married in 1900
he and Mrs. Gadd were parents of five children—Robert Gadd and Mrs. Lyle
(Louise) Sells, both of Fort Dodge; Clem Gadd, now deceased; Mrs.
Kenneth (Eunice) Edwards of Silver Springs, Fla., and Richard Gadd of
Atlanta, Ga. Mrs. Gadd died here in 1936.
In addition to his banking interests, Gadd was also identified with the
gypsum industry and served for a time as treasurer of the Cardiff Gypsum
Company.