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WBFD helps burn one of county’s oldest houses
by By Susanne Gubanc and Tyler Rozinek · News · June 19, 2024
A significant piece of Cedar Bluff’s shared history was lost in a controlled burn on Saturday, May 25.
The house, believed to be either the first or second ever built in Cedar Bluff, was reduced to ashes, leaving a void in the community’s historical landscape.
About 100 locals gathered to watch the three-hour production and to say goodbye.
The current owners, Dusty and Lisa Miller, at 1205 State Street in Cedar Bluff, had their house used as a training exercise for local firefighters.
The Millers bought the house in 2006 and said the cost of further renovations was just too much because of its age.
The Millers built a new residence on that lot in Cedar Bluff.
In 1854, Dr. W.C. Dodds, who came from Ohio, was a physician and a farmer. He built the house to use as his doctor’s office and home of his seven-member family.
Dr. Dodds practiced out of the residence for 40 years. Historical records report that he was to be available 24 hours a day and serve the community with or without payment.
Records show he was often paid in livestock and dry goods. Since he was also a farmer, these supplies served his family well.
After he passed, the home was used as a post office until 1953, when Tipton began serving the town.
Four fire departments — Tipton, West Branch, Blue Grass and Bennett — were on site for the burn along with Johnson County EMS personnel.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources helped with the execution of this controlled burn.
Cedar Bluff was established in 1851. The town once had three grocery stores, a hotel, a blacksmith shop and three saloons before Prohibition. Its dance hall, which is still standing, became a community center.
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