A seventh building in downtown Oskaloosa has received a historical marker.  On Tuesday (10/29), the Iowa Masons Benevolent Society Building at 121 High Avenue East received its marker.  The building was originally home to a life insurance company and is now occupied by Hawkeye Real Estate and Mahaska Title.  Ann Brouwer, a member of the steering committee for the historical marker project, says the building we see now was once actually two buildings built in 1883 and 1892.

“The architects did a wonderful job of matching the Iowa Masons building.  Most people don’t know that it’s two buildings. But if you look at the facade, you can tell that it was two buildings originally.  Or it was two buildings put together to make the one.”

Brouwer says in all, ten historical markers will be placed in Oskaloosa as part of this volunteer effort.