Ring House

The William Ring House

The William Ring House "The first frame house in the Maple Valley." Now located on North 6th Street, Mapleton, Iowa.

Tours are available by appointment or for special events.

To schedule a tour please contact Keith Robinson at 712-881-1460.

The Ring House operates entirely on the contributions of people interested in the preservation of our history, It is owned by the City of Mapleton, but receives no public funding.

If you would like to make a donation to this project you can do so by leaving check or cash in the donation jar near the door. If you would like to make a larger donation or have an item you would like to give to the Ring House for display contact Keith Robinson, Ann Collins or Leo Dean.

Built in 1865, nine years after Wm. Ring settled in northeast Monona County.
Originally was located 2 3/4 miles north of Mapleton on the east side of what is now Highway 175.
The lumber was purchased in Boone and hauled to Mapleton by ox and wagon.
The house has one room on the first floor and two rooms on the second floor.
In 1929, the Women's Civic Club secured the house from Albert Fisher to use as their meeting house.
February 30,1929, the Civic Club House is dedicated. In 1997, the property is given to the City of Mapleton.
In 1997, a group of volunteers plan for restoration.
Much of the work on the house is completed by high school students.
July 4, 2003, the Ring House is formally opened during Mapleton's 125th Anniversary Celebration.
The Ring House operates entirely on the contributions of people interested in the preservation of our history. It is owned by the City of Mapleton, but receives no public funding.
The Rings had one child. The son died in infancy and is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mapleton.
In 1863, William was elected County Superintendent of Schools, but he was unable to hold the job because he did not meet the state mandated job requirements.
In 1867, William became a member of the Monona County Board of Supervisors.
In 1867, he was defeated for County Treasurer.
In 1870, William Ring built the first iron bridge across the Maple River near Mapleton.
In 1873, William was elected County Treasurer.
In 1873, the Rings moved to Onawa, but kept their farm and home near Mapleton.
In 1875, he was defeated for re-election as Treasurer.
In 1876, he was engaged in furniture building in Onawa. The partnership also did undertaking.
In 1877, he was defeated for County Auditor.
In 1878, the Rings moved back to their farm.
In 1879, he was defeated for County Treasurer.
January 9,1891, William Ring died at his farm home near Mapleton. The funeral services were held at his home.
In 1902, Sarah Ring sold the farm and moved to Mapleton.
July 16, 1905, Sarah Ring died. Services were held at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church.

We offer the following items for purchase to help support the "Ring House":

Order form for ornaments, plates, or mugs.

Mapleton 125th Birthday Mug

Centennial Plate 1878-1978

$15

The William L. Ring House Ornament

$10

Limited Edition Mapleton School Ornament

$10