I always enjoy learning a bit more history about the Siouxland area. Most of the region was first explored and somewhat settled in the early 1800’s with more folk following during midcentury and the latter portion beginning in the 1850’s. Peterson, Iowa was first settled around 1856 with a small fort being build in 1862 because of the Dakota Indian War. One of the first people to build a frame house was J.A. Kirchner who settled in the area was a farmer. Local historian and farmer Michael Hyde gives tours of the home and history about Kirchner and other early settlers who called Clay County home. The home had many of the “modern day” conveniences for its time period and more luxurious than living in a lean-to or sod house.
I always find it fascinating and interesting to see what modern appliances and other items were available in another century. People living in comfort that today some folk might shake their heads at and not understand. But life is what you make of it and some people fare better than others which is sad. But one can learn to appreciate what is available now as compared to 100 years or more ago and what seems like hardship now may not have been then.
Angie, Thanks. I do as well, but it’s been difficult getting into places these days because of the pandemic and making certain everyone is safe and feels comfortable. Which is probably why I will have more posts about birds and critters as they don’t seem to care, as much. jerry
I live in the Siouxland area that encompasses a wide swatch of land in northwest Iowa, northeastern Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota. The people that inhabit this area are generous folk and your basic honest, Midwestern people you like to have as neighbors. I explore the area and share observations, mostly photographic, sometimes through video, and and short text. All images and video are copyrighted material of the author.
Jerry Mennenga, Sioux City, Iowa
jerrylmennenga@yahoo.com
lostinsiouxland 
So fun! I love historical tours like this and seeing how folks lived long ago. What a great snapshot in time!
Angie, Thanks. I do as well, but it’s been difficult getting into places these days because of the pandemic and making certain everyone is safe and feels comfortable. Which is probably why I will have more posts about birds and critters as they don’t seem to care, as much. jerry
That makes complete sense!! Bring on the critter posts!