Waucoma Historical Society

09/02/2026

The Waucoma Historical Society is proud to support our town and the projects that help make Waucoma a wonderful place to live and visit! ❤️

If you are interested in supporting the Waucoma Booster Club and their park equipment fundraiser, we encourage you to reach out and consider making a donation.

All donations will be recognized on a new Park Sponsor Sign, and gifts can be made in memory of a loved one or on behalf of your family.

Together, we can invest in our community and create a place that children and families will enjoy for generations to come.

💙 THANK YOU, WAUCOMA! 💙

A huge thank you to the Waucoma American Legion Auxiliary No. 189 and the Waucoma Historical Society for each donating $250 toward our new playground equipment! 🛝🌳

We truly appreciate your generosity and, most importantly, your continued commitment to making Waucoma a better place. Your support of this project is an investment in our community and in the generations of children and families who will enjoy our new playground for years to come.

08/29/2026

Main Street | Waucoma, Iowa

Postcard donated by Raymond Hack

07/29/2026

Waucoma Mill in the early 1900s

This photograph was found in the W.H. Stone home which can be seen off in the distance. Donated by Tom & Brenda Sloan.

07/22/2026

🎖️Waucoma resident is awarded for her heroism 🎖️

In 1924, Cassie Brayton received the Theodore N. Vale award for heroism in the line of duty. With the disasterous fire that effected several businesses in Waucoma the previous year, Cassie refused to leave her post. She remained at her switchboard to call nearby fire departments from nearby towns, while dealing with the sweltering heat from the fire. This national award is given to Bell telephone operators and she was the only one in Iowa receiving such an award as of 1955, although not working for the Bell company.

Mrs. Brayton was a local telephone operator here for 33 years, retiring at the age of 81 years. She and her husband, John, lived in Waucoma for the remainder of their years.

(Photo and award donated to the museum by Steve Perry)

07/21/2026

A devastating fire ripped through the Waucoma business district on July 20, 1923 destroying several key businesses in town, including one of the largest industries in Northeast Iowa at the time ---Webster Brothers Manufacturing Co.

Other businesses effected included: Theo. Perry & Sons building, J Greteman & Co Garage and Standard Oil Co. Station.

The estimated loss was $125,000 (a tremendous amount in 1923), and the businesses were only partially insured.

Despite the devastation, the community came together immediately. Neighboring towns—including New Hampton & West Union—sent firefighters, equipment, and assistance. The people and farmers of Alpha, St. Lucas, Jackson Junction, Calmar, Lawler and Hawkeye all helped to keep the fire from spreading and causing more destruction.

The Waucoma Sentinel newspaper (posted in comments) praised the incredible support from surrounding communities and highlighted the determination of Waucoma residents to rebuild. It also reported efforts to raise funds for a new fire truck to better protect the town from future disasters.

It's a powerful reminder that while the fire changed Waucoma forever, it also showcased the resilience, generosity, and community spirit that helped the town recover.

07/17/2026

Such a wonderful addition to our town✨

07/07/2026

Waucoma High School Class of 1899 🖤

The descendants of the McGovern-Scallan families stopped at the museum during the week of the Lawler Irish Fest with a donation of family photographs including this one with Anna McGovern (center, front row).

There was much excitement for them to see items from the Scallan family that are displayed in the museum, including a mantle clock, side table and table linen, and the shoe forms of James Scallan who was a cobbler.

Interested in viewing the museum buildings? Send us a message!

06/26/2026

The Waucoma Historical Society is proud to help fund the bridge light post project. While not the same style as the original light posts, we felt they fit perfectly and can be enjoyed for generations to come.

✨ Bridge Light Posts ✨

It's happening! A huge thank you to Dave Wenthold, Steve Baumler, Steph Langreck, Andrea Schnieder, Justin Haught, Kevin Kleve, Marlene Klemp, Jim Franzen, Jason Wenthold, the Waucoma Historical Society, the Waucoma City Council and Marv Smith Electric for your time, hard work, and support.

Waucoma shines a little brighter because of you! 💡❤️

Coming soon: lights that fully work! 😉

05/01/2026

✨ Reminder! ✨

Join us this Sunday for a special afternoon of local history, storytelling, and community connection at Our Town, Our Stories!

🗓 Sunday, May 3rd
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Old Federated Church Building, 202 Riverside Dr., Waucoma

Bring your stories, photographs, and artifacts to share—we’d love to hear and see them! Enjoy our featured guest speaker, great conversation, and refreshments.

Come be part of preserving Waucoma’s story—we hope to see you there! 📖