Something very important is currently underway in Otho.

The small Webster County community is in the midst of a robust celebration of its founding 125 years ago. Those extensive festivities began Friday, continue today and conclude on Sunday with church services in the park that commence at 8:30 a.m. Full details of the three-day event appeared in The Messenger on Friday.

The town was founded in 1893 when 6 acres of farm land was plotted for town lots. It is interesting to recall that there was another settlement named Otho that was established in 1857 farther south in the county nearer to today’s Dolliver Memorial State Park. That’s where the first Otho post office opened its doors in 1858. For a variety of reasons the community relocated.

Manufacture of clay products in Craig’s Hollow helped Otho to grow according to a history of Otho. After the plant was started in 1890, it was sold in 1895 and became known as the Kalo Brick and Tile Co. It grew to be the largest plant for clay products in Iowa, employing 65 to 100 people with an output of 50,000 tons of tile and brick annually, according to a town history.

Just as is the case for so many Hawkeye State communities, railroad transportation played a huge part in the town’s growth. The Otho Railway Station, found along Railroad Street in the modern-day Otho, was established in 1895. The thriving farms that surround Otho were key factors in its economic history.

Preserving a town’s story is a worthy undertaking. So too is celebrating key milestones in its progress. The folks who call Otho home have worked hard to accomplish both goals. The Messenger applauds these efforts. We applaud the observances taking place and join the celebrants in looking forward to a bright future for this fine community.