Bancroft, Iowa
Bancroft was established in 1881. A.A. Call named it Bancroft, after George Bancroft who was an historian and diplomat. It was originally organized as a railway reservation. Today it is the second largest community in Kossuth County.
The business community includes over 70 establishments, which serve a population of over 1,000 people. It has a number of great recreational attractions including: Memorial Park with its history of great baseball, a municipal swimming pool with a new bath house, a city park with playground equipment and camping facilities, lighted tennis courts, and a lighted softball diamond. Its visitor’s guide quotes, “Bancroft prides itself on having strong retail and service businesses including manufacturing and strong agricultural businesses. Bancroft also is proud of its strong educational programs, a safe environment, and varied recreational activities for all ages.
Bancroft truly has a small town atmosphere with large town facilities.”
Highlights
A town that has been synomous with baseball for its state titles and major league players, Bancroft features the Memorial Baseball Park. The Bancroft Historical Museum features baseball pictures from years ago, trophies won “back then,” and many other historical and fun artifacts from years gone by. The Sister’s Inn in Bancroft is a renovated Catholic Convent. It is now a beautiful Inn, complete with meeting rooms. The original chapel where the Franciscan Sisters worshipped is still intact. Tour Welp Hatchery, a facility that ships poultry all around the world, and Aluma, LTD, a small manufacturer. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church features beautiful stained glass windows, reminiscent of European churches. After taking a tour of Bancroft, please stop by the Main Street Pub and Grill. This is a renovated dry goods store and shows off the original wood floors and tin ceilings from this old building. For more information, contact (515) 885-2382 or www.BancroftIowa.com.
Works Cited
Much of the historical information was taken from Kossuth County history booklet. The information was compiled by Richard Schiek as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Kossuth County and the “Kossuth on State” project, dedicated on July 13, 2001. There is a complete bibliography in the back of the Kossuth County History booklet.
Discover Bancroft Brochure sponsored by Prairie Meadows and Bancroft Municipal Utility. Brochure done by the City of Bancroft. Published in 1999.
Welcome to Kossuth County Iowa Visitor’s guide funded by Kossuth County Economic Development Corporation, Western Iowa Tourism, and Algona Publishing.
Published in 2001.
Some of the information used was taken from the Algona Upper Des Moines in its articles on the Communities of the Month. Permission was granted to use this information by the newspaper. The following are the articles from which the information was found.
Buchta, Shari. February: Bancroft’s month to shine.
Algona Upper Des Moines, 1 Feb. 2001.