Ruthven Lost Island Historical Society

Ruthven Lost Island Historical Society The Ruthven Lost Island Historical Society is a non-profit organization formed to preserve and promote the history of Ruthven and the Lost Island area.

1913 photo of the old brick school vs one from 1917 after the addition. Documenting school history is an important goal...
06/17/2026

1913 photo of the old brick school vs one from 1917 after the addition. Documenting school history is an important goal of the Historical Society. Join us for our Monthly Meeting this Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM and learn more about the work of the society!

Join us for our Monthly Meeting this Thursday, June 18 at 5PM at the Historical Building. We'll discuss the once fam...
06/16/2026

Join us for our Monthly Meeting this Thursday, June 18 at 5PM at the Historical Building. We'll discuss the once famed Schlosser Hunting Lodge at Lost Island (pictured below) among other topics!

How many businesses have called this building home? (1954 photo)
06/16/2026

How many businesses have called this building home? (1954 photo)

A lot has changed since this 1960 photo of the Home Economics classroom. One thing remains the same though, the origin...
06/12/2026

A lot has changed since this 1960 photo of the Home Economics classroom. One thing remains the same though, the original cabinets remain in place!

A Lost Island Icon, pictured here in 1968.
06/11/2026

A Lost Island Icon, pictured here in 1968.

There is a LOT to discover in this areal photo from 1953! Most notable might be "Old" Higway 18 before the bypass was b...
06/10/2026

There is a LOT to discover in this areal photo from 1953! Most notable might be "Old" Higway 18 before the bypass was built! What are some things you notice?

Cooling off on a hot day at the "Old Swimming Beach" on the North Shore of Lost Island circa 1919
06/09/2026

Cooling off on a hot day at the "Old Swimming Beach" on the North Shore of Lost Island circa 1919

Today we rely on rental car companies and Uber . In 1895 folks depended on the Ruthven Livery Stable for assistance wit...
06/08/2026

Today we rely on rental car companies and Uber . In 1895 folks depended on the Ruthven Livery Stable for assistance with all of their transportation needs!!

Gowrie Street looking South circa 1908
06/05/2026

Gowrie Street looking South circa 1908

A passenger train arrives at the Ruthen Depot circa 1908.
06/04/2026

A passenger train arrives at the Ruthen Depot circa 1908.

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Ruthven, IA
51358

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