Naig

Editor’s Note: Mike Donahey is a member of the Historical Society of Marshall County Board of Directors.

Lisa Naig of Marshalltown left the Historical Society of Marshall County (HSMC) several years ago. She has now returned.

Naig’s application to serve again was approved unanimously by the Historical Society of Marshall County’s board of directors at its regular monthly meeting Feb. 19 in Marshalltown at the Mowry Irvine Mansion (MIM) in Marshalltown.

“I left the board after about five years of service a number of years ago because I was extremely busy with service on five other boards and needed to reduce my commitments,” she said in an interview with the Times-Republican on Friday. “I recently finished a commitment to the Marshalltown Community Theatre and will finish another commitment next month. I wanted to join again because I have a deep love of history and especially for the MIM. I believe the MIM is a significant asset to Marshalltown, Marshall county and Main Street. Also, I bring a strong skill set to HSMC having developed many connections over the years while serving as a volunteer for many organizations.”

Naig’s application was greeted with enthusiasm by HSMC president Michelle Roseburrough of Marshalltown and other board members.

“I was excited that Lisa wished to come back on the board after her distinguished service previously,” said Roseburrough at the Feb. 19 meeting. “Lisa’s application now gives us six board members which will help us be more effective in our mission of preserving city and county artifacts and educating the public. We have a strong program of work and another talented board member is significant and cannot be understated.”

HSMC board member Julie Jontz Lang of Marshalltown, who has extensive tenure as a board member, echoed Roseburrough’s remarks.

“I served with Lisa previously and know her to be sincere and conscientious,” said Lang. “Her many connections throughout the Marshalltown area will be extremely valuable”

HSMC was established in 1908 in Marshalltown by a group of civic-minded women. It operated a museum and headquarters at 202 E. Church St. for many years before the building was severely damaged by the July, 2018 EF-3 tornado.

While no city or county artifacts were destroyed, the tornado’s wrath did make it difficult for museum staff to safely conduct tours for the public and conduct other business. The building was later damaged in the 2020 derecho.

The lot and property was sold to a local contractor who repaired damage. He converted the building into a tavern and meeting space now known as The Fletcher House. It recently opened for business.

Marshalltown residents Steven and Madelyn (nee Mowry) Irvine donated the MIM to HSMC in 2018. The home serves as HSMC headquarters and has numerous city and county artifacts on display. It is also used for meetings and special events.

The ornate and distinguished property at 503 W. Main St. was built in 1876 by local businessman Fred Grumme. Years later it was sold to John Mowry – Madelyn Irvine’s father – who was a prominent attorney. He also served as an FBI agent, a state representative and state senator.

The property was bequeathed to Madelyn after her parents died. On Feb. 2, the National Park Service informed HSMC that the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places after an application was submitted by HSMC treasurer and board member Mary Pfantz of State Center and consultant Paula Mohr of Keosauqua.

Naig is a native of Emmetsburg. She and her family lived in Fort Dodge for a period before moving to Marshalltown in 1979.

Naig graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1987. She continued her education at Iowa State University in Ames, culminating in her earning a Master’s degree and a PhD in education.

She is a consultant for the Central Rivers Area Education Agency in Marshalltown. Naig is also a Marshalltown resident.