March 18, 2024

Fond stories of the Hotel Maytag

Reading about the City of Newton purchasing the Maytag Hotel on a temporary basis brings back a family story I have heard a number of times about this historic building. I would like to share just a few of my family details with folks our community.

Harry M. Rosenberger sold his farm near Ladora to start working for the Maytag Company back in the spring of 1926. During a cut-back in production, he was assigned to the building crew at this soon-to-be hotel in downtown Newton. “Rosie” as he was called, had learned to lay bricks in his younger days, so he had a ready-made job. There were a zillion bricks in this new four-story hotel. It was to be a true “Masterpiece” in the eyes of F.L. Maytag who was watching every detail of the construction.

As Mr. Maytag repeatedly stated to the workers “I’m having this hotel built strong and sturdy, just like my factory, because I want it to last forever.” Extra heavy steel girders were involved as I understand, and nothing was spared. The specifications were exactly as Mr. Maytag requested.

My grandfather John D. McNeer heard the details a number of times directly from “Rosie,” his father-in-law … who was on the job six days a week all during the summer and fall of 1926. There was a deadline to meet, with completion, and ribbon cutting scheduled for late December.

My great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Rosenberger were part of the celebration that day, wearing their Sunday best. Dignitaries from all over the United States were on hand, the workers who built this magnificent structure were given special recognition by Mr. Maytag himself. Official occupancy wasn’t scheduled until Jan. 2, 1927 ... nobody seemed to know why.

Back in its hay-day the Hotel Maytag was the centerpiece of much major activity in Newton, and for good reason. People say it was the first completely air conditioned hotel west of the Mississippi, with a magnificent ball room on the second floor that would accommodate hundreds. Special events were scheduled almost weekly ... city and state functions, political rallies, family weddings … you name it. My granddad remembers the 50th Anniversary reception for Monsignor Thomas J. McCann, who was known and loved by everyone in our community. Company Christmas dinners, church functions, business banquets special meetings of the Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees, etc. weekly Rotary luncheon meetings were also held in the ballroom for years.

A huge publication of the Newton Daily News commemorating this new Maytag Hotel was published on Dec. 18, 1926. Special articles and congratulations were included from all over the country. An original copy is still on hand at our historical museum, but guarded closely due to its fragile nature. It is suggested that a complete review can be made on microfilm at our Newton Library for those interested.

Hopefully the “glory days” of this 90-year hotel will be repeated in future years. If the signs are right this can happen ... and I hope it will!

Joshua Adam McNeer

Newton