You’re looking for a stately white house with a bright red hipped roof, two dormers peeking out at the top, wide sash windows, and a grand arched porch right in the center-just follow the walkway and it’s the one with the inviting, cherry-red door.
Now, let me paint you a picture: Imagine it’s 1919, and the streets of Iowa City are bustling with the promise of a new era. Ahead of you stands not just any house, but the Emma J. Harvat and Mary E. Stach House-a monument to bold steps and big dreams! Built by two powerhouse women, Emma Harvat and Mary Stach, this place stands as Iowa City’s answer to ‘who rules the world?’ Back then, Emma rolled into town at 43, having already conquered the business world and decided retirement was just too dull. So, she teamed up with Mary, and together they opened one of the best women’s clothing shops in town.
But Emma wasn’t satisfied just dressing the city-she became its first female mayor! Not only was she Iowa City’s first lady in charge, but get this: she was the very first woman to lead any U.S. city with a population over 10,000. Talk about smashing the glass ceiling… she put a stylish roof over it instead!
And this house? Designed by Orville Carpenter, it’s got a Colonial Revival flair with enough classy touches to make a history buff swoon-like the sunroom extension and that elegant central hallway. Secret parlors, bay windows perfect for people-watching (or cat-napping), and the laughter of friends building a legacy fill these walls. The neighbors called it the De Saint Victor House for a while, but the spirit of Emma and Mary lingers, reminding passersby that here, in the heart of Goose Town, two women changed the course of local history-one bold decision (and perhaps one fabulous dress) at a time.
