History

History

Treynor, originally named Four Corners, is located in southwest Iowa, 12 miles east of Council Bluffs, Iowa on Highway 92. Treynor's motto "Treynor takes pride in its people"; is demonstrated in all aspects of living, to include: academic, athletic, business, and recreation. Visit our friendly community.

Early Days

In 1893, a salesman by the name of Fritz Ehrig was visiting town and he recommended that a post office be established here. The salesman told the postmaster that if he approved the post office, they would name the town after him. Postmaster Treynor accepted the offer and a post office was established and the name of the town was changed to Treynor.

During the time period of 1900-1910, the first school in Treynor was a one room building on the north edge of town. Another room was added around 1911. When the district was consolidated with outlying rural areas, a new building was built in 1921 and the old 2-room school was sold to Dr. R.H. Stephens who converted it into a corn crib.

On February 25, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Holst laid out a part of their farm into town lots, to encourage others to come and build, thus helping the town to grow. On each deed was the clause that there was not to be any intoxicating liquor sold on the property, in this way barring the building of saloons.

On February 21,1904, the Treynor Bank was broken into and robbed. The men made their getaway on horses, which were bogged down in the mud on a hill west of town. They fled on foot, hiding in a barn on the Arthur Saar farm southwest of town, where they were later apprehended.

1905, Treynor was Incorporated! The first mayor was Ferdinand Schoening. The businesses at this time were Treynor Savings Bank, two general stores, a furniture & implement house, a livery stable, two saloons, several blacksmith shops, and a number of small places of business. The independent school had an enrollment of 40 pupils.

Early in 1910-1920, a high voltage electrical system was installed for $6.000. Before that, many homes were lit by a home electric plant or carbide lights.

On June 29, 1911, the Treynor Shortline railroad was dedicated. The cost to build this railroad, which was shut down five years later, was $300,000.

Early in the winter of 1919-1920 a terrible coal shortage hit the nation, and Treynor, along with the rest of the states went under the Garfield orders whereby all businesses opened at 9:00 am and closed at 5:00 pm. Saturdays excepted. Churches were to remain closed except for a 3-hour service on Sundays. All social entertainments were called off, theaters, shows, dance halls, pool halls, bowling alleys, and other amusement places were ordered closed until further notice.

The new building for Treynor High School was dedicated in March of 1923. During this time, the price of a haircut was 50 cents.

In 1925, the population of Treynor was 223, compared to 204 in 1920. The current population is 919.

TREYNOR

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