Walking Tour Historic Square
The tour beings at the Bloomfield Main Street Office.
101 E. Franklin St. Bloomfield, Iowa 52537
To listen to the fascinating history at each site, call 641-664-2100. Then press the corresponding number at each location.
Historic Bloomfield
Bloomfield was platted on April 29, 1844 and incorporated with a population of 300 in 1852. Bloomfield retains significant examples of historic architecture in both its commercial buildings and homes. The Bloomfield Square Historic District is comprised of 41 commercial buildings and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
1) National Bank of Bloomfield
Main Street Office
101 E. Franklin
Bloomfield, Iowa
Historic 1899 Bank with ornate tin ceiling and arched brick corner entry with pediment.
2) Mesker Brothers Group
103-112 E. Franklin & 202 S. Madison
Bloomfield, Iowa
Unique group of “Meskers” mail order metal facades constructed in the late 1800s.
3) Duckworth Bakery
111 S. Washington
Bloomfield, Iowa
Great preserved example of vernacular architecture. Arches, cast columns, decorative corbelling and gothic style windows.
4) The Iowa Theatre
107 S. Washington
Bloomfield, Iowa
Distinctive early 1900’s theater that is still in operation. Features Art Deco Carrara glass façade and neon marquee.
5) The Exchange Bank/IOOF Lodge
113-114 E. Jefferson
Bloomfield, Iowa
The only surviving three story structures on the square. The original home of the Odd Fellows and first Rebekah Lodge in the world.
6) North side “Mesker”/
Studebaker Buggy
105-6 E. Jefferson & 105 S. Madison
Bloomfield, Iowa
Ornate Mesker Bros. facade and Buggy factory building with impressive brick corbelling.
7) Taylor’s Opera House
101-111 S. Madison
Bloomfield, Iowa
Restored 1874 Victorian era entertainment venue boasting arched storefront windows and original tin ceilings.
8) Davis County Courthouse
100 Courthouse Square
Bloomfield, Iowa
The pride of Davis County. Considered one of the greatest examples of Second Empire architecture in the nation —built in 1877.
