Vincent House
Main Office at YWCA
(515) 573-3931, extension 204
824 3rd Avenue South
The Vincent House was built in 1872 by one of the first pioneer families in Fort Dodge, James and Adeline Swain. The Swains worked in the wholesale and retail drug business. During the time that the Swains lived in the house, Adeline dedicated most of her time to educating women. Adeline was the first woman in Iowa to lead the women's rights movement, which furthered the rights of women's suffrage. She was elected state secretary in 1874 and was on the Greenback political ticket. The spiritualist movement became popular and caught the attention of the Swains. This movement was believed to communicate with the dead and equality across humanity, especially in gender. The Swains held séances in the third-floor room which is considered the ballroom. The home is still a popular ghost hunting location.
Catherine Vincent bought the home and moved into it on October 17, 1879. Members of this family would believe and rally for the equal rights of women. They were also interested in the arts and would provide pieces to the Blanden Art Museum’s permanent collection.
On April 23rd, 1973, the Vincent House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is available by appointment for tours and as an event venue.