The Dexter Community House (aka Roundhouse) was built 1916 through the efforts of Reverend E.A. Moore, Methodist minister, and Reverend W. F. Goff, Presbyterian minister and several prominent members of the community. The idea was fostered by a taberancle that had been constructed in the early 1900's as a place for revival meetings, social gatherings and entertainment of the time. When the temporary structure was removed, it's loss was keenly felt and the proposition of a community building was placed before the people. Subscriptions were made, and when at last enough money was pledged, plans were drawn for a public building of such uniqueness and size that it was deemed the first of its kind on the American Continent . The architect was Major Matthew Leander King, a well-known agricultural engineer and Grandfather of actor Nick Nolte. A significant advancement in engineering technology was demonstrated by King in the construction of the building. The unique design of the building was made known by King during the construction process, apparently through membership in the Permanent Building Society.
Total cost of the building was $10,000. It was divided into $5.00 shares and no one person was allowed to own more than 60 shares of stock. The first managing board was made up of seven people: two members from each church. O.S. Neal from the Presbyterian church and Dr. Fred Nolte, Methodist church, one from a farm program group, R. A. Lenocker representing the rural farm comminuty, one from the school-Geo W Matston and one from the town council-Hazel Bales, Dr. W. J. Hemphill and Attorney Allen T Percy. There were 188 names on the original list of stockholders and they had purchased from 1 to 60 shares.
The 100 x 68' building appears to be round at the ground level and is commonly referred to as the "Roundhouse". But, in fact, the building is elliptical. It is constructed of hollow brick throughout. The roof is domed without support exept at the walls. The roof is secured by a tension ring at the base of the dome , is truly self-supporting. Rumors and fears about the impending collaspe of the roof began before construction was even completed. In January 1914, several engineers from across the state came to observe the "load test" where cars were driven on the roof up board ramps onto the roof to prove the strenght and durability of the seemingly unsupported dome and order to alleviate these fears.
In 1917, the building was dedicated and became the social life in Dexter. The interior offered an entrance with a box office at the South end of the ellipse, and at the opposite hend, a fully equipped stage with footlights, stage lights and landscape scenery. Beneath the stage were 3 dressing rooms, two coal rooms and a library. The huge auditorium proved more than adequate for Chautaqua assemblies, Lyceum courses, Revival meetings, entertainment, political and social gatherings, moving pictures, religious services and a host of other events. A wooden gymnasium floor was installed over the clay floor in 1923 to attract athletes.
Succeeding years saw extensive use by the Dexter School District. In 1927 the Roundhouse was leased to the school as an auditorium/gymnasium. Because of the excellent acoustics and seating capacity, the building was used for various activities including school plays, musical presentations and graduation ceremonies. Before the completion of the new High School in 1975, basketball games, including sectional tournaments were held in the facility with seating for 1000.
The 90 year old building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on 1975. It continues to be a popular site for a variety of community and social fuctions such as dances, talent and variety shows, theatrical productions, recitals, plays, wedding and anniversary receptions, reunions, church services, club
meetings, dinners, flea markets, fitness and sport activities, and a multitude of other events.
The building which is owned by the City of Dexter, is operated and maintained by the Dexter Community House Board. The Board has worked since 1985 to keep the facility in usable condition. Major and minor repairs to the roof and chimney, the exterior, the window and sills, the doors and locks and interior have been made wiht money raised through an assortment of fundraisers. In the fall of 2001, a full-blown campaign for a full restoration was begun. Grant appliacations have been made and several major fundraising evens have been held and others are planned for future dates. in 2002, the Roundhouse was places on the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance Most Endangered Properties.
The project is to be completed in five phases beginning in 2002 and ending sometime in 2010(?). The 1st phase of the restoration was completed in fall of 2001 with the install of a new roof membrane. The 2nd phase included work on the inside, removing all of the plaster on the ceiling and applying a sealant, masonry work around the top of the walls and oustide around the corbel.
Phase 3 was completed in the fall of 2008 through an HSPG grant and matching funds raised by the Community House Board. Work included a new heating and air conditioning geothermal system and new electrical. Also the South wall was moved inward 7 feet to accommodate an accessible restroom, a small kitchen, an office area and a storage room. There is also a mezzanine area to provide audio and lighting for future stage productions. The front entryway was also included in this phase with wall lights for future display cases and new access to the original box offices.
To this day, the Dexter Community House remains an architectural wonder of engineering technology. Each first visit by an architect, engineer, contractor or even the general public elicits a jaw dropping "WOW" upon entering the auditorium with its 30' high dome. It is thought to be the only building of its kind in the state and possibly the nation.
