History and Architecture
Adel was incorporated in 1847 which makes it the oldest community in Dallas County. Originally called Penoach, the town was founded as the county seat and was located on the first road in the county. This road carried gold seekers west and was the course of one of the most important stage routes in Iowa. Native American artifacts found in the area provide evidence of earlier residents including the Sac and Fox indians in whose language Penoach means "far away".
Adel Historical Museum
The Adel Historical Museum located at 1129 Main Street is a two-story brick building built in 1857 as the schoolhouse for the Adel community. While known to have been the residence of Leroy Lambert, an early community leader, the building will be remembered by many as Thornton's boarding and rooming house from 1898 until 1943. It is one of Adel's oldest standing buildings. This building is home to many of Adel's historic treasures. The collection was acquired through donation or purchase and includes such items as the massive gear wheel from the early mill and the office furnishings of the 21st Iowa Governor, George W. Clark.
Hours are: May 15 - September 15, 12 - 4 Saturdays. Open by appointment other days.
Call 515-993-1032.
The Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul Depot
Ninth Street - Adjacent to Bike Trail (HEFNER, BERGKAMP & BRALAND. P.C.)
This early 1900s depot was built to serve the railroad running through Adel until 1952 when the last passenger train ceased service. The railbed is currently the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
The Dallas County Courthouse
An outstanding example of French Chateau architecture, the (fourth) Dallas County Courthouse was built in 1902 at a cost of $109,000 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior of the courthouse has undergone a complete restoration and is the corner stone of Adel's Historic District.
The Methodist Episcopal Church
RACCOON VALLEY STATE BANK COMMUNITY HOUSE
Eleventh and Main
Constructed in 1862, this was the first church built in Adel. It was used by the congregation for 25 years and later became a private residence. In 1995 the building was renovated by the bank for use by community groups. Interior decor includes a collection of historic photographs of Adel which can be viewed by appointment.
Boyhood Home of Nile Kinnick
219 North Twelfth Street
Nile Kinnick was born in Adel on July 9, 1918 to Nile Sr. and Frances Clarke Kinnick. He was a standout athlete at Adel High School and at the University of Iowa where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1939, having scored 107 of the 130 points scored by the Hawkeyes that year. Kinnick was a Navy pilot during World War II and died on June 2, 1943 when his plane went down. In 1972 the University football stadium was named in his honor.
George W. Clarke House
207 North Fifteenth Street
This residence was the home of George W. Clarke, Iowa Governor from 1913-1917, both before and after his term in office. He practiced law in Adel and maintained his office in the Adel State Bank where he nearly was killed in the famous 1895 robbery (see Adel State Bank). Beginning in 1900 he was elected to four terms in the state house, and in 1913, govemor. Following his public service, Clarke served as Dean of the Drake Law School and practiced law in Des Moines before returning to Adel. The house remains a private residence.
Adel State Bank
107 North Ninth Street (Cameo Rose)
This building was the scene of a famous bank robbery in which one robber was killed and six Adel men wounded. George Clarke, later Governor of Iowa, practiced law on the second floor. During the robbery, one of the hold-up men pulled the trigger on Clarke at pointblank range but the gun misfired and the future governor was saved. The incident happened in March, 1895.
Tags: Dallas County courthouse, Iowa History, iowa travel, Nile Kinnick, Raccoon River Valley Trail