Harry L. Kurtz, a Fort Dodge clothier for more than 60 years who earned the title of “Fort Dodge and Iowa booster extraordinary,” built this home in 1916 directly north across the street from Duncombe Athletic Field.

The two-story house with stucco exterior was his home until his death in 1970 at age 86. It remained the Kurtz family home until Mrs. Kurtz’ death in 1973 after which it was sold to Mrs. Margaret G. Siefert who now resides there.

Duncombe field was the home of Fort Dodge High School athletic teams from 1915 until 1940 when Dodger Stadium was dedicated. During these 25 years football games, track meets and other school events were staged at Duncombe Field, practically in the Kurtz’ front yard.

The Kurtz home at 1636 7th Ave. N. has the following room arrangement—living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bath, sun parlor and enclosed patio area on the first floor; two bedrooms and large storage space on the second floor.

Kurtz came to Fort Dodge in 1903 from his native Lisbon and went to work for L. E. Armstrong in the Plymouth Clothing House at Central Avenue and Sixth Street. When Charles A. Brown purchased the Plymouth in 1908 and changed the store name to Charles A. Brown, the Plymouth Clothier, Kurtz purchased an interest in the business. The store continued at Central and Sixth until 1914 when it moved to the new Snell Building at Central and Eighth and took over the first floor. In this location the store was considered “the finest men’s store in Iowa.”

In 1927 the store moved to 917 Central where it has been continuously since then. Brown retired and moved to California and Kurtz then took over active management of the business. He continued as manager and vice president until his retirement in 1964. Kurtz was joined in operation of the store in 1951 by his son Robert R. Kurtz, now president of the firm. Richard R. Rosien became a part owner in 1959 and is secretary-treasurer.

Kurtz was active in civic affairs during his long career as a retail clothier and was a member of the Riverfront Commission which developed Loomis Park. He served on the Chamber of Commerce and Betterment Foundation boards, was chairman of the Associated Retailers, a member of the Rotary Club and the Masonic Orders.

Kurtz and his wife, Lucile, were parents of three children—Robert R., Mrs. Worley (Betty) Brown, and Jane, a twin of Robert, now deceased.