Allee Mansion

Built in 1891 by Jesse and Mary Allee, the Allee Mansion is considered to be one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture in Buena Vista County. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture, as well as its connection to the couple's only son George Allee who pioneered the small grain yield test that is still used by producers of corn around the world today. The house is open to the public as a house museum operated by the Newell Historical Society, which offers guided tours and hands-on demonstrations. In terms of design, the house features an asymmetrical design, clapboard shingles, a three-story turret with a conical roof, and spindlework detailing and bracketwork on the porches. The interior features most of the original woodwork and a fireplace with decorative tiles. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also available to rent.

Jesse Allee, who served in the Civil War, was one of the first settlers in Newell. He first surveyed the area in 1863 and came back in 1876. As a war veteran, he was awarded land vouchers from the federal government and used them to acquire land. Allee was a successful farmer and eventually owned 20 farms. He also introduced horse racing to the area and owned a local bank called the Peoples Bank. Mary Allee came from the prosperous Kingman family. Three of her uncles became wealthy in the railroad industry and her family had connections to the Illinois legislature. The family would later establish a company that became the large corporation known today as "Caterpillar." Interestingly, Mary thought having a toilet in the house was immoral and as a result, the family used a three-room outhouse for some time after the mansion was built in 1891.

The Allees had three children—Hannah (1874-1952), Sara (her birth and death dates are not available), and George (1877-1958). As an adult, Hannah struggled with mental health issues and lived in a mental hospital in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. However, she apparently was active in politics and enjoyed the symphony. Her will included funds for the Minneapolis Symphony and a butterfly garden in St. Paul. Sara attended Cornell College and was engaged but her fiancé broke off the engagement. She became reclusive after that and lived in the house during the last years of her life.

George graduated from Cornell College in 1901 and from Harvard in 1904 (it is unclear what his degrees were but it appears he studied science). His Harvard class included future President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After graduation, George moved back to Newell to work on the family farm. He started experimenting with growing hybrid corn and created his own strain (called the Allee Hybrid) that was more resilient in Iowa's climate. In 1920, he developed the grain yield test. As a result of his work in corn production, George became a prominent figure in the industry. He started an annual corn show in the town of Storm Lake that he hosted for 40 years. He was also involved in the state corn show and served as a judge on several occasions.

George never married nor had children. When Roosevelt was elected president, he invited his entire class to the inauguration celebration. George did not go because he did not drink or smoke and was a Republican. For the rest of his life, George continued to experiment with hybrid strains and was active in the local community.

After George died in 1958, Iowa State University acquired the house and farm, which was named the Allee Experimental Farm (it is now called the Allee Research and Demonstration Farm). Managers employed by the university lived in the house. In 1989, the university leased the house to the Newell Historical Society and this arrangement continues today.

Collins, Virginia L. "Jesse J. and Mary F. Allee House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. March 26, 1992. https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_IA/92000271.pdf.

"History." Newell Historical Society. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://newellhistorical.org/the-family/history.

"The Newell Historical Society." The Newell Historical Society [Brochure]. Accessed September 17, 2021. https://newellhistorical.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AlleeBrochure_617_F.pdf.