Gifford Junction Born From Railroads and Plats 1875
Gifford began as Rev. C. T. Gifford's town south of the railroad after 1875 with platted additions by Dr. R. H. Sheffield Edwin Peet and D Ankrum. The Chicago and Northwestern line passed through, boosting growth and including gravel pits saloons stores and a Tolman pottery plant relocating from Eldora. By 1883 Tolman pottery produced about 9000 gallons monthly and a tile factory thrived briefly.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gifford
Iowa River
Iowa River Railway
Iowa Central Railway
Chicago and Northwestern
Tama
R. H. Sheffield
Edwin Peet
David Ankrum
Minneapolis and
St. Louis
Ackley
Eldora
Marshalltown
Union
C. T. Gifford
Hardin County
Otsego County
New York
Rev. Gifford
New York State
Gifford Junction
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad
Sheffield
D. Ankrum
Gifford Centennial Parade and Festival Planned for July 4
The Gifford centennial celebration kicks off Friday July 4 with a parade led by a railroad train at 10:30 am, over 60 float entries, and a special children section. A garden tractor pull, centennial horse show, dress and judging contests, auction, quilt drawing, street dance, and midway entertainment follow, with rain date July 5.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gifford
Appreciation note from Herald-Index staff credits Gifford supporters
In Appreciation the Herald-Index staff acknowledges many residents of Gifford who helped with the special edition. Photographs came from numerous people, and historical research was assisted by the community and Mrs. Jesse Braga of Union. Deep thanks for assistance and patience.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herald-Index
Gifford
Jesse Braga
Union
Gifford’s two hotels once stood with one burning down
A historic photo recalls Gifford’s two hotels, one destroyed by fire. The other survived and, by 1975, stood as a private residence, preserving a piece of the town’s past.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gifford
Centennial Celebration Activities Schedule and Events
A day of events includes 10 30 a m Centennial Parade with a special children s section 11 30 a m Garden Tractor Pull noon Lunch at Gifford Methodist Church basement hosted by WSCS 1 p m Centennial Horse Show with 18 classes first place trophies and ribbons for runners up to fifth Lunch on the grounds 8 p m Street dance with Country Diamonds music Civic organizations and area groups will host various stands.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gail Hackney
WSCS
Gifford Methodist Church
Country Diamonds
Pottery move fuels Gifford growth in early Iowa
Eldora lost a key industry as Tolman Brothers moved their pottery plant to Gifford during the town’s early days. An 1884 Eldora article details the Gifford works under foreman Charles Tolman, with 40-horsepower engine, tiling capacity, brick drying and kilns, glaze sourcing from Albany, and stoneware production. The visit notes the factory turning 25,000 to 30,000 bricks daily and kilns handling 20,000 tiles and 2,500 gallons glaze.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gifford
Eldora
Tolman Brothers
J. T. Rood and Co
Charles Tolman
Kells
Milwaukee
Albany
N. Y
Ed Sausaman
Elevator burns at Gilford destroys grain and building
The Eldora Herald notes a Tuesday noon fire at the Gilford elevator while owner Mr. Weaver was away. The blaze destroyed the building and a quantity of grain, with $4,000 in insurance not covering the loss. Also mentions early pottery methods and a reference to Eldora Pottery Co. items over a century old.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Eldora Herald
Gilford
Also Mentioned on This Page
C. W
G. H. Tolman
Wood Auto Co
Eldora, Iowa
Eilers Furniture
Infanseat Company
Thermogas Company
Blue C
Virgil Brans
Mgr
Arpet Service
Eldora, Ia
Hardin County Savings Bank
Iowa
Iowa Electric Light & Power Co
Second National Bank
New Providence
Steamboat Rock
Verlin McAllister
Whitten
Hauser
International Harvester Dealer
Mis’ Steak House
Bracy Lumber
W. L. Bracy
Biersborn Funeral Home
Union, Iowa
Robie’s
Dave Robinson
Giannetto, Inc
Union John Deere
Union Auto, Inc
Ford Dea
Everett Bernard
Pres
Der
Gifford Pottery Company
Mr. Sausaman
Eldora Pottery Co
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!