Our focus this week centers on one of the beautiful landmark homes built on N. 3 rd St. and N. 4 th St. The majority of these homes were built in the last quarter of the 19 th century and a few in the early 20 th century. These houses were homes for many of Clear Lake’s early leaders. As you will note by the streets mentioned, none of these are lakefront homes they were constructed on the hill rising from the lake shore since it was not “idea” at the time to build too close to the lake due to the number of insects, flies, mosquitos and May Flies to mention a few. Early Clear Lake residents chose the areas on 4 th and 3 rd streets because of the lovely breezes coming off the lake in the summer and the lovely view of the lake they had from that location.
With that background in mind, let’s explore the F.M. Rogers house located at 315 N. 3 rd St. It was built by Mr. Francis Medad (F.M.) Rogers for his family in 1895. Born in 1838 in Newstead N.Y. Rogers moved to Cerro Gordo County with his family when he was a young child. The family resided in Mason City. When the call for soldiers to enlist to fight for the Union in the American Civil War, Rogers joined other Cerro Gordo County men by joining up and serving in Company B of the 32 nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was listed on the roster as a musician, playing the fife for his company as they fought primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi. Following the war he returned to Mason City, soon married his lovely Phebe and in 1895 decided to move to Clear Lake and build their beautiful home.
It is an excellent example of late Queen Anne architecture which can be noted by the “tower” on the north side of the house. This tower is an entire room for each of the floors. As a result, the home did not need an alcove as was found in many Victorian-style homes of the time period. The house also used innovative lighting and heating techniques. Mr. Rogers was most notably known about Clear Lake as a merchant and banker. He is best known for his creation of the First National Bank in Clear Lake. He also was a public servant actively involved in many county and community offices.
This historic house is the first Clear Lake home to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and noted in the categories of architecture, commerce and politics. It is privately owned today.
The photos of the home and Mr. F.M. Rogers, both from the Clear Lake Historical Society collection. Be sure to watch for the Clear Lake Historical Society’s new walking tour of our historic homes’ neighborhoods coming in 2026 to help celebrate the nation’s 250 th anniversary!