For many years this residence at 1201 6th Ave. S. was the home of Paul Horn, widely-known cabinetmaker, inventor and industrialist. Built in 1908 it stands on a lot generally known at that time as the highest point in the city.

Mr. and Mrs. Horn and family resided in the house as it was originally built until 1924 when it was completely remodeled. After remodeling the house included a large kitchen with breakfast nook, dining room large enough to seat 18 persons and with a built-in buffet expertly crafted by Horn which covered the entire south wall of the room. Also on the first floor were large living room with solarium, family room and powder room.

The upstairs of the house is reached by a stairway that divides at a landing. One section of the stairway leads to the area with two bedrooms and bath; the other to three bedrooms and bath. The third floor has two rooms. The Horns retained possession of the home until 1964 when Mrs. Horn moved to Friendship Haven.

Horn had many hobbies in addition to his unique skill at woodworking. These included stonework and growing of special flowers. The basement of the house was completely finished and included his hobby shop with both wood and metal working equipment. Attached to the house on the south side is a small greenhouse where Horn raised many flowers.

A native of Germany, Horn learned cabinetmaking there and came to Fort Dodge in 1902 and worked for a time at the Fort Dodge Planing Mill. In 1909 he established his own business here known as the Paul Horn Cabinet Works where he manufactured store fixtures and repaired fine furniture. It later became the Horn Manufacturing Company.

In 1922 he invented Horn Folding Partitions for use in schools and public buildings throughout the United States. Some years later—in 1938—Horn invented the Horn Folding Bleachers that were made here and installed in school gymnasiums in all parts of the country. During World War II the Horn company made and installed large airplane hangar doors for military installations throughout the US.

In 1943 Horn retired from the company and his four sons took over active management. They expanded operations and added farm equipment to their line of products. The company erected the large manufacturing facility at the southwest edge of the city which was later sold to the Brunswick Corporation and then to Avco-New Idea. It is now owned by the Kraus Manufacturing Company, a farm machinery company.

Mr. and Mrs. Horn were parents of six children: Frederic G., Herbert, Robert, Walter, now deceased; Mrs. Herbert Blaess and Mrs. John Barnes. In addition to his manufacturing activities, Horn was active in civic and church affairs here and a member of the board of Lutheran Hospital (now Trinity Regional West) for 26 years. He died in 1963 at age 86; Mrs. Horn died in 1973 at age 96.