Fessler’s home on Fifth Avenue North was reported one of the largest and most elaborate of the pioneer dwellings and included a 20x24 parlor. Adjoining was the flower room with a white gypsum floor and at the rear was the large kitchen. The kitchen was used primarily as a trading place with the Indians when they came out of the nearby woods to sell their furs. They were in groups and always remained at the house for a meal. Fessler is also remembered for buildings he erected along Central Avenue one of which housed the Fessler Opera House, a popular pioneer entertainment center. Fessler had four sons and three daughters. One of the sons, Louis, was county recorder here for many years. Mrs. Marion Gilday of Fort Dodge is a granddaughter of the elder David Fessler. Her father was Louis Fessler. THE LEON VINCENT HOME [Illustration: The Leon Vincent home 1024 3rd Avenue South] The large brick residence at 1024 3rd Ave. S.—known in earlier years as the Leon Vincent home—was built by a pioneer Iowan who was a civil engineer, railroad builder and gypsum industrialist. The house dates back to 1896 when it was erected and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Vincent. The house, of exterior brick construction, now has three rooms and bath on the first floor, four rooms and two baths on the second floor, two bedrooms on the completely finished third floor and a large finished basement area. Ownership of the house has changed several times since it was built by Vincent. At one time it was owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Vincent and later by Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Thornton. In 1965 the Thorntons sold the property to Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Eide who now, with their family occupy the home. Leon Vincent, a first cousin of Webb and Beth Vincent, came to Iowa in 1867 and as a civil engineer worked in laying out the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad, now part of the North Western system. He continued in this work until 1873 when he came to Fort Dodge. In 1881 Vincent was employed as assistant cashier of the Merchants National Bank until its merger with the early-day First National Bank here. He was secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Plaster Association in 1891 and was identified with gypsum operations here for many years. In 1899 he rebuilt and re-equipped the Central Gypsum mill, first of the early-day gypsum plants here. When the U. S. Gypsum Company took over the Iowa Plaster Association in 1902, Vincent remained as manager of the Blanden mill. Vincent was active in many affairs, one of which was designing and building of the present St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, which replaced an earlier edifice destroyed by fire. He also helped in laying out and beautifying of Oleson Park and in designing of 17th Street as a boulevard.