Keystone, Iowa
Kids Day in Keystone features many traditional German games.
The community of Keystone is another town born as the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad expanded westward in the late 1800s.
Primarily German immigrants settled Keystone in 1881. The origin of the town’s name is unclear; one theory suggests its founders selected the name because their new home lay halfway between Chicago and Omaha. Another idea suggests the settlement was the “keystone” of the railroad line.
A devastating fire destroyed one block of two-story frame businesses in 1886. With the exception of the brick German State Bank, the buildings were replaced with one-story structures. A fire in 1906 threatened to destroy the area again, but the brick bank saved the wooden structures.
By 1914, Keystone was a booming community with 15 thriving businesses. Residents enjoyed cement sidewalks, water and electrical service as the railroad brought prosperity to the community.
The city’s relationship with the railroad continued until the last train pulled through in 1980. The tracks were later removed.
KEYSTONE TODAY
Located three miles north of Highway 30 on County Road V42, Keystone has 687 residents who enjoy small town living and the city’s close proximity to Cedar Rapids and Waterloo – both within 30 miles.
Evidence of the community’s strong German heritage remains alive today, 118 years after a group of local men organized Keystone’s Turnverein Society.
The organization originated in Germany in the early 1800s and espoused a perfect physique and strong mind are necessary companions and could not exist without the other.
Known as the Turners, the organization occupied several facilities in Keystone since its early days. It has offered its members and Keystone residents an auditorium, library, reading rooms, a gymnasium, gymnastic classes, dance hall, bar, bowling alley, lockers and game rooms.
The present Turner Hall at 91 Second Ave. opened in June 2007, just 13 months after fire destroyed the former hall at the same location.
The $1.3 million facility is home to a six-lane bowling alley, a 2,000 square foot bar room, large reception hall with dance floor, a rental room and kitchen. Turner Hall is a popular spot for community events, wedding receptions, dances, meetings and social gatherings.
The Turners host Children’s Day on the first Saturday in June, an annual event since 1904. Festivities include a boys’ bird shoot, girls’ crock hit, a parade and kids’ dances.
Keystone Elementary serves area third through sixth graders and is one of four elementary attendance centers in the Benton Community School District. This winter, students and staff occupied a new addition featuring two classrooms, a computer lab and staff workroom.
Allers Park on Fourth Street offers a serene spot for a picnic and other recreational activities. You’ll find open shelters, restrooms, a tennis court, lighted ball diamond and a modern playground.
The community values residents of all ages and is home to Keystone Nursing Care Center and Keystone Senior Suites, an assisted living facility.
Priding themselves on small-town values and friendliness, Keystone residents are also forward thinking. A new housing development on the west edge of town boasts 20 lots, three of which are sold.
For more information about the community of Keystone, call City Hall at (319) 442-3246 or Schroeder Public Library (319) 442-3329.
KEYSTONE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Michael J. Seeck, Term ends 12/2011
Kathy Janss, Term ends Dec. 31, 2013
Jeff Junge, Term ends Dec. 31, 2013
Mike Kaiser, Term ends Dec. 31, 2011
Darin Rieck, Term ends Dec. 31, 2013
Chuck Peddicord, Term ends Dec. 31, 2011
The mayor is elected to a two-year term. Council members are elected at-large and serve four-year terms. The council meets the first Thursday of the month at the Keystone City Hall at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. To be on the agenda, notify the city clerk at (319) 442-3246 at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Keystone City Hall is located at 208 First St. The mailing address is P.O. Box 215, Keystone, IA 52249. City Hall has not set hours; please call ahead.
Water bills are due the 10th of each month. A drop box is available at City Hall or pay at Keystone Savings Bank, 81 Main St.
KEYSTONE CITY STAFF
Angie Hagen, City Clerk
(319) 442-3246
Email: keyclerk@netins.net
Steve Bunn, City Superintendent
(319) 442-3246
Jennifer Zahradnik, City Attorney
(319) 442-3747
(319) 444-3285
PUBLIC SAFETY
For emergencies call 911
Police – Benton County Sheriff’s Department
113 E. Third St.
Vinton, IA 52349
(319) 472-2337
Keystone Volunteer Fire Department
208 First St.
Keystone, IA 52249
(319) 442-3246
Fire Chief – Jamey Clemann
Keystone First Responders
Call 911
UTILITY INFORMATION
Water/sewer – City of Keystone (319) 442-3246
Electric/gas – Alliant Energy (800) 822-4348
Phone and Internet – Keystone Communications (319) 442-3241
Trash/Recycling – Waste Management (800) 542-8392
EDUCATION
Benton Community School District
Administrative Offices
304 First St., Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8702
Benton Community High School/Middle School
600 First St.
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Keystone Elementary School
280 Fourth St.
Keystone, IA 52349
(319) 442-3221
Van Horne Elementary
101 Third Ave.
Van Horne, IA 52346
(319) 228-8701
Central Lutheran School
310 Third St. West
Newhall, IA 52315-0190
(319) 223-5271
SERVICES
U.S. Post Office: 87 Main St. (319) 442-3611. Window hours: Monday through Friday, 8:45 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 4:15 p.m.; Saturday 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
Schroeder Public Library: 93 Main St. (319) 442-3329. Wireless Internet. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
WHERE TO WORSHIP IN KEYSTONE
St. John Lutheran Church – LCMS
www.stjnluth@netins.net
201 Fourth Ave., P.O. Box 176
(319) 442-3514
Rev. James F. Eggert
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