Dr. J. W. Kime, a Fort Dodge physician and surgeon who was credited with getting the city to change its water source from the Des Moines River to deep artesian wells, erected this large residence in 1918.

Dr. Kime came here in 1884 and began the general practice of medicine and later specialized in the treatment of tuberculosis at his sanitorium just north of the city. He built his attractive home at 728 Crest Ave. after Snell Place was platted in 1915. It combines an exterior of red brick and natural stone from the area.

The home is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fletcher who purchased the property in 1971. The Fletchers reside there with their two daughters and a son—Kathy, Jody and David. Another daughter Mrs. Bobby Clark resides in Omaha, Neb. Previous owners include Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Stowe, Dr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Echternacht and Dr. John D. Rasmussen.

The house has three floors and a basement. On the first floor are large living room, sunporch, dining room, kitchen, half bath and front entryway. The second floor has four bedrooms and full bath; the third floor has two rooms. The basement has a large family room.

Dr. Kime was born in Shelby County in 1855 and entered the University of Iowa for a general course at age 18. Later he studied medicine and received his medical degree in 1883. After a year in Angus he came to Fort Dodge in 1884.

In connection with his treatment of tuberculosis, Dr. Kime constructed a large sanitorium one-fourth mile north of the city limits. Built of brick and stone it was widely-known for years as Kime’s Sanitorium Boulder Lodge.

After the sanitorium was discontinued the building was converted into living quarters and for many years was occupied by Mrs. Jett Wray who also remodeled it into an elaborate place for parties and dinners. She changed the name to Wraywood and the present Wraywood Manor apartments are built around the original structure. At one time the building was also a popular night club.

Dr. Kime was a state lecturer on tuberculosis and active in medical groups. His wife, Sara, was also a graduate physician and assisted her husband in his work. They were parents of two daughters—Marian and Isabelle.

Interested in things pertaining to the city Dr. Kime was elected to the city council for one term under the ward system of government. He was an advocate of pure drinking water and campaigned for many years for water from deep wells. It was largely through his efforts that the city began sinking deep artesian wells and drawing water from them for city uses. The first well was completed in 1907 and there are now seven such wells in use.