Editor’s Note: This is the first of what is hoped to be several articles about how Marshalltown streets were named — some later changed — and background on new streets.

Readers who have knowledge of how streets were named, name changes, of others no longer in use, or new streets or avenues are asked to contact Times-Republican reporter Mike Donahey at medonahey@gmail.com. Today’s article details the considerable number of street name changes from 1899-1949.

What is in a name?

A lot — if one considers the sizable number of name changes of many Marshalltown streets from 1899 to 1949.

An article in the “Fifty Years of Progress in Marshalltown” identified the 16 name changes but did not include why they were changed.

That publication was prepared by Times-Republican staff and published June 6, 1949.

It was produced upon the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the purchase of the T-R newspaper property on June 5, 1899 by D.W. Norris and associates – and his continuous ownership until it was purchased by Ogden Publishing Co. of Wheeling, W.V. many years later. Norris would also make his mark in manufacturing. In 1904, he and partners purchased the Lennox Manufacturing Co. from David Lennox. The company would grow to be an international leader in cooling and heating equipment for commercial, industrial and residential applications.

Some of the interesting findings, original street names and changes identified in the “Fifty Years of Progress in Marshalltown” were:

– A number of streets east of Center Street were changed to avenues.

– Six roadways have had three name changes.

– For example, present day Player Street had two previous names. Originally it was Claire and later renamed Plair.

– Similarly, Lincoln Way was originally known as Coal and then re-named Doty.

– In like manner, Madison Street was originally named Ralls and later changed to East Railroad Street. The latter may have come about from its proximity to the original Central Iowa Railroad tracks.

That railroad later dissolved. The ballast, ties and tracks were removed. The right-of-way was initially purchased by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. That not-for-profit organization deeded it to the city of Marshalltown at no cost approximately 10 years ago, said Marshalltown mayor Joel Greer. Several miles have been paved and are currently in use as the Iowa River’s Edge recreational trail. The paved portion begins at the Ann C. Keyser trailhead in the 100 block of West Madison Street and terminates at Radio Tower Road).

– Also, Washington Street was originally Sharp and then re-named Shepard.

– Marion Street was originally known as Thompson’s Court and later renamed Court.

– Present day Third Avenue was originally known as Station Street.

– Riverside Street was originally Catalpa.

– A portion of East Boone Street was previously Cunningham.

– Another portion of E. Boone St. was originally Frederick.

– South First Avenue from May Street south was previously Iowa.

– South Second Avenue between Anson and High Streets was originally known as Mitchell.

– South Second Avenue from Helm Street South was previously Preston.

– Turner Street was originally Ketchum.

– Swayze Street was previously Lawrence.

– South 11th Avenue from Anson Street South was originally Leverton.

Some of the original street names came to be when Marshalltown was known as Marshall, after a town in Michigan where town founder Henry Anson had previously lived. However, it was renamed Marshalltown in 1862 to avoid confusion with another town named Marshall in Henry County, which was renamed Wayland 18 years later.

Marshalltown was platted and recorded as a village in 1853 and as a town in 1863.

The intersection of West Madison Street and Lincoln Way in Marshalltown is shown. Madison Street has undergone three name changes over the years.