Harry L. Kurtz, a Fort Dodge clothier for more than 60 years who earned
the title of “Fort Dodge and Iowa booster extraordinary,” built this
home in 1916 directly north across the street from Duncombe Athletic
Field.
The two-story house with stucco exterior was his home until his death in
1970 at age 86. It remained the Kurtz family home until Mrs. Kurtz’
death in 1973 after which it was sold to Mrs. Margaret G. Siefert who
now resides there.
Duncombe field was the home of Fort Dodge High School athletic teams
from 1915 until 1940 when Dodger Stadium was dedicated. During these 25
years football games, track meets and other school events were staged at
Duncombe Field, practically in the Kurtz’ front yard.
The Kurtz home at 1636 7th Ave. N. has the following room
arrangement—living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bath, sun
parlor and enclosed patio area on the first floor; two bedrooms and
large storage space on the second floor.
Kurtz came to Fort Dodge in 1903 from his native Lisbon and went to work
for L. E. Armstrong in the Plymouth Clothing House at Central Avenue and
Sixth Street. When Charles A. Brown purchased the Plymouth in 1908 and
changed the store name to Charles A. Brown, the Plymouth Clothier, Kurtz
purchased an interest in the business. The store continued at Central
and Sixth until 1914 when it moved to the new Snell Building at Central
and Eighth and took over the first floor. In this location the store was
considered “the finest men’s store in Iowa.”
[Illustration: The Kurtz home
1636 7th Avenue North]
In 1927 the store moved to 917 Central where it has been continuously
since then. Brown retired and moved to California and Kurtz then took
over active management of the business. He continued as manager and vice
president until his retirement in 1964. Kurtz was joined in operation of
the store in 1951 by his son Robert R. Kurtz, now president of the firm.
Richard R. Rosien became a part owner in 1959 and is
secretary-treasurer.
Kurtz was active in civic affairs during his long career as a retail
clothier and was a member of the Riverfront Commission which developed
Loomis Park. He served on the Chamber of Commerce and Betterment
Foundation boards, was chairman of the Associated Retailers, a member of
the Rotary Club and the Masonic Orders.
Kurtz and his wife, Lucile, were parents of three children—Robert R.,
Mrs. Worley (Betty) Brown, and Jane, a twin of Robert, now deceased.