A Walk Through Time: 632-634 Avenue G
Let’s journey back to a cornerstone of Fort Madison history — the iconic brick structure at 632-634 Avenue G, known as the Valentine Buechel Building.
Completed in 1873, this distinctive Second Empire-style building has stood proudly at the heart of downtown for over 150 years. Its striking mansard roof and detailed cornices made it a landmark then — and a piece of architectural nostalgia now.
The historic photo above, taken around 1890, offers a vivid glimpse into the building’s early life.
A Snapshot in Time: Circa 1890
At the time, the rear portion of the building housed J.W. Frow’s Grocery Store, serving the local community with staples and dry goods. But the Buechel Building was more than just a place to shop — its second floor served as meeting rooms for the Knights of Pythias and other civic groups, a common feature of multipurpose buildings in this era.
J.W. Frow wasn’t just a grocer — he also served a stint as Fort Madison's postmaster, adding yet another layer to the building’s civic legacy.
Once a very important business block in Fort Madison the 600 block of Front Street or 600 block of Avenue H. Now the home of Connection Bank.
A New Century, A New Purpose
By 1893, change was already afoot. The ground floor on the Avenue G side became home to H.F. Stempel & Son’s Drug Store. If you look closely at the third-floor windows in the photograph, you’ll spot a bit of Fort Madison’s artistic heritage: local artist Emil Dassau advertising his talents to the passersby below. Dassau would go on to become a well-regarded name in local art circles.
Then, on July 15, 1901, another transformation began. The Mosser Safe Company was on-site to install a secure vault — the building was becoming a bank. Under the leadership of Dennis A. Morrison (President), J.C. Brewster (Vice President), and J.A.S. Pollard (Cashier), the new Fort Madison Savings Bank opened its doors, ushering in a new era of commerce and financial stability for the community.
A Legacy That Lasts
Current day 632 Avenue G
In 1969, the bank changed its name to Fort Madison Bank & Trust, reflecting its growing role in the region. Nearly five decades later, in 2016, it rebranded once more to become what we know today as Connection Bank.
From groceries and harness shops to fine art and financial institutions, the Valentine Buechel Building has seen it all. Millions of dollars — and just as many stories — have passed through its doors. It remains one of Fort Madison’s enduring symbols of growth, resilience, and community spirit.
Want to see more Fort Madison history? Visit the North Lee County Historical Society Museums and take a deeper dive into the people and places that built our town.
