Earl Bentley driving his 1912 Stanley Steamer on the south edge of Oran. The building with arched entry is the Oran Savings Bank.
The rear of Shippy - Harwood General Store can be seen directly across the street from the bank.


The town of Minkler was located one mile north of the current Oran community in Bremer County. It is recorded as having a post office in 1889. The March 18, 1909 Waverly Republican newspaper reports that Minkler post office would be transferred to Oran on April 1, 1909 and that Oran now boasts a new creamery, general store and a lumber yard. Minkler is now a “has been”. References to Oran’s beginnings were in the August 27, 1903 Sumner Gazette: “Richard Rundle is building a large new barn near where the new C. G. & W. station is going to be located. We wonder if Dick doesn’t know that when the new town begins to spread out his barn will be somewhat in the way?” The town of Oran was officially platted in 1909.

Above: Free lots in Oran Des Moines Register ad February 16, 1911

Two and half years later
Below: Oran Lots for Sale - Sumner Gazette ad August 8, 1913

Waverly Democrat August 7, 1913

On August 12th, the Farmers’ Western Land Company will hold a lot sale at the town of Oran, east of Waverly, on the Great Western railroad, when 88 choice residence and business lots will be sold at auction. William Holland, of Waterloo, will be the auctioneer, and his reputation for honesty is unquestioned, so purchasers will not be deceived in that they buy. Oran is a thriving little city that has a bright future in the store, and persons investing in these lots are sure to reap a profit in the near future. Oran is situated in the best agricultural district in the state, and is bound to grow, and property there will make money for it’s owner. These lots are not an addition to the town, but are sandwiched between business places and residence property. A visit to Oran will convince anyone that it is a growing town, with many branches of business thriving, and this lot sale will tend to greatly increase the population of the place.

Oran Main Street

Sam Ramsey & Horace Reith. Photo can be dated 1923 or after because Bennett’s Grocery Store built in 1923 is visible in the background. Donation from Millie Napoli’s photo collection shared with Connie Wedemeier on July, 21, 2005

Oran Mutual Telephone Company

For many years the switch board was located in a home on Main street. An Oran Savings Bank calendar is visible in the background. Telephone operator unidentified. Contributed by Joyce Trotter

Oran Savings Bank & Train

Jim Richards’ interest in Oran history led him to visit Mildred Bentley in 2000.
She loaned her Oran photo postcard collection to Jim.
They were scanned by Ben Stong to preserve Oran history.