  Another of the landmark homes along Third Avenue South is the Roberts home, 919 3rd Ave. S., which housed publishers and editors of The Messenger for many years. Built by George E. Roberts in 1888, the house is a three-story frame structure with large porches that extend along the north, east and south sides. Occupying an impressive location at the southwest corner of Third Avenue South and Tenth Street, the house has an expansive yard extending southward from the avenue for a considerable distance. Large trees also surround the home. The Roberts home Beautiful oak and cherry woodwork mark the interior of the rooms on the first floor. A large open entrance hall with beamed oak ceiling is just inside the front entryway. It features oak woodwork and a large fireplace with a carved oak mantel. The open stairway to the second floor is flanked by large columns of Grecian design. The adjoining library room also has a fireplace and is unique with its cherry woodwork and massive open bookcases. A large handcrafted wood archway over a huge window at the east separates the bookcases. Floors in the entrance hall, library, living room and dining room are of oak. There are four bedrooms and two baths on the second floor and attic space on the third floor. The house has a large basement area, including a cyclone cellar with an arched brick ceiling. George E. Roberts was an outstanding early-day newspaperman and also served for a time as state printer for Iowa. He advanced from the publishing business here to the office of director of the United States Mint and later to high banking positions. When Roberts left Fort Dodge in 1898 he was succeeded at The Messenger by his brother, Charles A. Roberts, who also purchased the home at 919 3rd Ave. S. Charles Roberts was head of The Messenger until his death Jan. 1, 1933. Following the death of Mrs. Roberts in 1957, the Roberts home was inherited by Mrs. John C. Deardorf, the former Catherine Vincent. She presently occupies the stately home. |
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