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On Saturday 1 week ago Kountry Krafts owner Jean Richards brother Mike was married at the Murphy Church which is a few miles east of Oran and a few miles north.The party was held at the K of C hall in Oelwein Iowa. A fine time was had by all, but Jean and Kenny. They got the bar stools with no seat belts and kept landing on the floor. But once they found out they could be served while on the floor they just stayed there and had a grand old time. Many others visited them down there. On a much sadder note we attended the funeral of Gene Reiter Sunday at Woods in Fairbank Iowa. Gene, age 51, was the brother of Donna Sadler, a director of the Oran telephone Co. Many were there for Gene, even the Mayor of Oran. Gene, formerly of the Oran area, will be missed by family and people of the Oran and Fairbank area.

Our son is 5 years old and enetered his name on google, you guessed it ! In fact Oran is quite an unusual name in the UK. He was excited to see Oran in Algeria, but even more excited to see that people in Iowa USA had put up a sign welcoming him to their town.

Matt Wenger formerly of Oran Locker Fame and now of Iowa State University Meat Lab Fame on April 12-15 celebrated VEISHEA and his 30th Birthday in Ames, Iowa. A good time was had by all. A prayer was said for 2nd Lt. Jared Wilson who is now serving in Iraq, who has the same birthday as Matt and had a fine time celebrating their bithdays last year with all friends and relatives. Congratulations to Brent Doese of lower Oran township on being elected 2008-2009 Iowa FFA Reporter. Also to Josh Richards who received a proficiency award.

With a name like Oran, it has to be good!

I need to book the community center. I've tried the phone number listed, but never get an answer. Who do I need to contact? My email is lizzynieman at yahoo dot com. Thanks.

Very interesting site. I would appreciate anyone that can give me a source of the name Oran, IA or any information as to how and why it was named Oran. Greatly appreciated to people of people Oran and its Mayor. Thank you

I am curious if the person who manages this website has the original photo that was supplied of "The Old Oran Tavern" by my father Tom Reith (Son of Vincent Reith). My father recently past away and the surviving family members are trying to collect any remaining family photos. Please contact me by email if you have this original photo.

Thank you for the 1862 map made during the Civil War. It is very interesting. You've no doubt noticed where Oran is placed on the map (east of Fairbank). Readlyn, Westgate, Dunkerton and several towns weren't around yet. It shows Lester which was moved to Dunkerton when the railroad went through and it shows a railroad running through Lester that was started but never finished. I suspect the town of Oran as we know it was founded much later in the century. Again, many thanks for the intriguing map. I've made a copy to study.

hi all i searche for origin of the ORAN .And want to have frindes :-)

I'd like to visit your city someday and learn more about it. It seems that Oran was derived from the Arabic name Wahran (possibly the prononciation is the origin of the name Warren). I am a junior named for my Father, who we understand was named for a friend of the family. My son is the III and his son is the IV. At this rate we'll have a city full of Oran's in a couple of centuries. My email is omcamet @ bellsouth . net

Hey Ben, how are you,feller? Been a while... I had a bounce a while back emailing you... changed or hid your address, I guess. I had a couple hard crashes this year - lost a bunch of files and contacts. Gave up trying to fix the unfixable and bought a laptop (another learning curve). Now rebuilding (again). You know how all this goes. I'm at ironbarr(at)cox-dot-net if you get a chance and care to, drop a line; I'd like to hear from you. Meanwhile - be careful out there. -AndyB

Genealogy brought me to Oran. Looking up distant relatives (Vanlaningham). Didn't quite find what I came for, but left Oran with so much more. Thanks for sharing your community with us.

My father grew up in Oran. His name was Les Buenzow and his parents were John and Clara Buenzow. I know that we were related to the Bailey's and I remember as a child meeting John Bailey. If anyone would like to email me they can at amycallahan at hughes dot net.

Hello again, I posted in Dec 2005 looking for family history, I hope I may find someone to help again. I was hoping to locate information on the Frederick D. Smith family from Oran. They lived there in the 1880's thru at least the early 1900's. Fred D.Smith, first wife Matilda (Bellmer)and their sons George W. Carl F. Henry I. and Frederick jr. George W married Dollie and his second wife was Lula and his son is Ralph. Fred jr (Fritz) married Bess and Carl married Agatha Davis ( these were my great grandparents)There were also daughters Minnie, Emma and Rosena. It's my understanding that Fred jr lived there at least through the 1930's according to the census. Does anyone have any idea who I may contact to find out more about this family? Thank you so much! looks like a great little town Tracy

Sorry we missed Oran when we came through Iowa in summer 2003.

Visit ORAN Algeria

Paysage d'Algerie

Does anyone in Oran do genealogy research? I have a cousin with family connections to Oran in 1880 and have been trying to find more information about the Bates and Hunt families who lived in Oran or the nearly area. I can be reached at dsiefkinsutton at yahoo dot com. Thanks!

I was able to visit Oran yesterday. The Mayor is an amazing man and I see only good things happening as long as he is in control. You've got my vote Russell!

Good to see our name is travelling well and prospering! Slainte Bha

I live 2.5 miles away from Oran and I like it. Would someone from Miami, Florida tell me what it is like there. Or maybe if you are from somewhere on the east coast I would like to move there when I graduate and go to college.

Hey people of Oran IOWA ! how are you ? I still don't know how your city got its name ! hihi I know there are another 4 cities with the same name in the Americas...I will tell my friends about that ! cheeeeeeeeeeeers !!

Hi to everybody back home in Oran. Temp yesterday here was 86. Will see you all in April. Have a nice winter. I'll see you Trish in 5 days. Solong from Texas..

Message to the webmaster, if you are interested to know where the name Oran is comming from and what does it mean, please contact me.

Hello oranais and oranaises of Oran of Iowa. I am too oranais but of the city of Oran in Algeria. And I am very interested in the existence of two cities which have the same name and which are in thousands of km one of the other one. Shall I can connaitre of people of Oran, American, to couple both cities and become friends or partners? Thank you in advance.

Season's Greetings, Ben. I like your holiday greetings on the title page. You have a marvelous and unique cite. Fantastic. It is good to see the Mayor provide his yearly state of Oran. I expect he is terribly busy with his official duties and it is quite a bit to expect that he would take the time to write this piece.

This was my first visit to your website. I have been curious to find out about your town for a while. In doing some family genealogy, I found that my grandparents were married in Oran, and there were many other references to your town as well. I plan to visit there soon and see your beautiful town firsthand.

I have been addressing my communications to my Uncle Russell: "Mayor Russell Cummings, City Hall", for years so have particularly enjoyed the recent "Russell Cummings for Mayor" additions! Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends in Oran!

Thank you for posting the Mayor's photo. He apparently was conducting the business of the city with the city council as he seems quite serious. It is obviously necessary for him to be agressively sober to keep the rowdy city council in order. With the election now history, it is hoped that, this being his sixteenth term, there won't be any need for more elections, especially when one considers the prosperity that Oran has enjoyed under his tutelage. With the proper respect conferred on Mayor Cummings, it is hoped that he will complete his life long term as Mayor and won't be challenging the Governor of Iowa in the next Gubernatoral election for the post as Governor.

What a great site you have provided highlighting the fantastic attributes of the one and only beautiful Oran, Iowa! No kidding, it's great! The only disappointment is not seeing a photo of the reelected Mayor of Oran. I understand Mayor Russell Cummings was reelected Mayor with a plurality of 126, which is noteworthy since Oran has only 96 residents,and that includes kids and dogs. Perhaps the rumor that Mayor Cummings was working on building a new city hall, developing a world class airport near Oran that could accommodate 747s, and building a super highway from Chicago to Omaha through Oran, the half way point between the two cities. Of course a luxury hotel would need to be built in Oran to provide for the needs of all the visitors. What is amazing, is that, reportedly, this can all be done without rasing the property taxes of Oran! Too, it is rumored that Mayor Cummings will take the necessary steps to advertise Oran as The Road Kill Capital of the World with a warning to the deer "You smash my car, Oran locker will sausage you." Well,some of this may not be quite right, but at least it is hoped Mayor Cummings will be recognized as the best Mayor Oran has ever had. That is important since Oran has never had a mayor. Russell is my kid brother.

I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was to find that Oran, Iowa has a website. My aunt & uncle, Randy & Brenda Henry, live in Oran and enjoy their time there. My husband and I have been looking for a home and are looking in the Fairbank & Oran area to raise our six children. Living in a big city has it's perks but nothing beats living off the beaten path. I have had great memories babysitting for my aunt and uncle while they lived in Fairbank and Oran. We would love to bring our kids up in a tight-knit community as my cousins have had the opportunity to do. Thanks for the great in-site of your great community and keep up with the great community information - I will continue to visit your website often.

This is my second visit here. I was looking at all the pictures on the site and the history of the businesses. WOW! What memories! I spent some fun filled times with my Grandpa Otto Suhr at Bennett's Store. Remember when a pack of chewing gum was a PENNY! My Great Uncle Louie Suhr owned and operated the Oran Garage in the 60's and 70's!

I spent quite awhile tonight checking out the web site. You all have done a wonderful job making our town so inviting to the rest of the world. I know when I am feeling down, there is nothing like coming home to cheer me up!!! Keep up the great work...see you all soon!! (P.S. I love you, miss you, and think of you every day mom!!) Love Michele

i live in Oran in Algeria,it's nice town i think like our oran

As a former resident of the Wapsie Valley area, I get a little homesick and like to visit the Oran website every so often and haven't done so in about a year. The website looks awesome! You have added a lot of stuff lately. I especially like the features of the river area. Thanks for all the photos:)

Greeting to the citizens of Oran, Iowa! I'm Oran Lloyd Turner III, so I'm from a long line of Oran's! I’ve always been known as “Oran”, but my grandfather was known as “Lloyd”, and my dad was known as “O.L.”. It’s great to see that we’ve all been recognized by having a town named in our honor! Seriously though, Oran seems like a nice town, and I’ll love to visit one day. One question…if I visit, will I get VIP treatment? ;-) Oran Turner nospamoturnatmchsidotcom

Absolutely impressive small town. Plover is about the same size however we do not have the businesses you have. Looks like a wonderful place to live.

I am forty years old this year and have always hated my middle name. Today I saw a truck that said Oran, Mo. So I started searching and have found out much in a little bit of time. This included your site. I can be reached at Geraldrice916atyahoo.com. I can finally be proud of my name.

I knew that Oran was in Algeria North Africa and was a Gaelic name meaning "the fair one" and thus the name of my only son- happy to know about Oran, Iowa too!

je susi ravi de voir une autre ville au nom d'Oran.je suis né a Oran a ville en ALGERIE.Les Oranais d'ALGERIE disent bonjour au Oranais des USA. Abientot

Note from Webmaster: Translation anybody?

Oran is my "home" town, even tho we lived in the country. Grama lived next to the school and we were neighbors to Jim and the rest of the tribe as children. Many good memories of softball, and football games will all the kids.

Although Oran is a little town it still feels like home to me. My grandparents and Dad still live outside of Oran. This site is great!! Nice Work!!!!!!!

Wow! This is cool. I live a mile outside of the town of Oran and just bought a computer. I have been playing with the different web sites, never thought the small town of Oran would have it's own web site. This is the best one I have seen so far when compared to the other towns. Great job to who ever put this site together. I will continue to visit the Oran site. Keep up the GREAT work Oran! Julie

The pictures of Oran Street day were nice, but people feel as though there could have been more games and current residents photographed at Oran Street day.

Oran - Great web site. Glad to have you shine the light in Fayette County. Respects, Bill

Hi, my dad's middle name was named after Oran and his dad came from Iowa.

Not only have I heard of Oran, but I have been there! There's nothing more fun than touring some of the small or forgotten cities in Iowa. Donnen. Jubilee. Eagle Center. Hey, I am a singer of sorts. Got my picture in the New York Times anyway, and headline in Chicago. I'd love to do a show in Oran sometime. CCPSTUDIO@MCHSI.COM I love the midwest. It's always nice to have roots. Gary Forney

I want to get in touch with Teresa Jo Coyle from Ames, Iowa: We met at Iowa Stete University in the summer of 1978 and came to Venezuela in August 1979. My phone numbre is 0058-0414-2774722 0 0058-0212-5041952 and my adress is : Abog. Reynaldo Sánchez Escorihuela Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC) Carretera Panamericana. Km 11. Altos de Pipe. Edo Miranda. Venezuela. 0r Reinaldo Sánchez Escorihuela. Urb. Mendoza. Calle 3 Nº L-10. Valencia,Edo Carabobo. Venezuela

I like Lindsy Timmerman!! Go Oran!! Who HA! I love Craig McGrane

am from oran algeria

I loved your web site, looking for history about my dad Elery Taylor, it anyone knows him are his family please contact me.

Love the web page.Mildred Rundle is my aunt.Would someone please stop and check on her, and give her my Love in a big hug.Thanks , I hope to be up there soon to visit. Happy holidays to all.

Hi, I am visiting your website after doing a search for ORAN. Well since I am a "Junior" I will have to ask my dad if he knows where his first name "Oran" came from. I am 55 and he is still living in his 70's.

before i think that he give just one oran in the World. Now i think Mr Oran he was everywhere

Hi...nice sight. I was hoping to locate information on the Frederick D. Smith family from Oran. They lived there in the 1880's thru at least the 1930's. THe father was Fred D.Smith, first wife Matilda (Bellmer) sons George W. Carl F. Henry I. and Frederick jr. I think the second wife was Elinda OConnor?. George W married Dollie and his second wife was Lula. Son Ralph. Fred jr (Fritz) married Bess and Carl married Agatha Davis ( these were my great grandparents) I would love to hear from any one who might have some information on the family such as descendants, dates, burial records etc. Please send to Twegian@AOL.com Thank you Tracy

This is to let everyone in Oran know that there is going to be another Land moving into Oran around the 17th of dec. 05. I am the wife of Bill Land and the mother of Lil' Bill. Lori if you read this then I will let bill know that you said hello.

Hi everyone in Oran! I am Beth the bartender's babysitter thanks for hiring her so I can be paid....well. I cant stress this enough tip her tip her tip her.

Hi! If anyone out there knows Bill Land, tell him Lori says HI from N.Y.!!

We came across on entry from Cletus Kane, August 2004. It referred to some of our relatives. Please contact vcathans at cvip.net. Interested in exchanging family info. Cy and Von Athans

you have a nice website here. i really enjoy helping people reserch their family trees and the one that i am working on now was a famiy who lived in oran and moved to oelwein. the information that I have is very scattered and i thought that someone might have advice on a good site that i can use in this instance. elery taylor was born in oran in 1927.

I am Dave Napoli, the son of Dom and Millie Napoli and grew up in Oran. I have lived in Plano, Texas for over 27 years now and enjoy logging on to the Oran page and seeing what is happening there. Talked to mom yesterday and she was telling about the Street Days on Saturday. Seeing the pictures today made it look even better than she had explained. Keep up the good work!!!

Dave

Gidday, I work with friend from La Porte City in Iowa. Was looking for pictures of the old water tower to paint picture for her. Its nice to see pictures of home when you are a long way from it. Bye for now.

I found your web page by chance. I graduated from Oran HS in 1956.. I left the same year for 20 years in the Navy. Back to Hazleton in 77 then move to Idaho in 2000

To Uncle Jim, You have been greatly missed. We wish you could be at all of the Richard gatherings again, Christmas at grandma's house isn't much without your jolly laugh. With love, Berneice P.S. Thanks for the nickname Uncle Jim.

Joey ? of I can find your grandpaents I will stop over and explain to them and give them a hug for you. I have to tell you what a sweet sweet thing I believe you have requested. I just moved to Oran this will be my 3rd year here...I moved from waterloo and I don't know to many of the people here...I pretty much keep to myself but we bought the house from our daughter & her husband and I beleive it's the old Brickman house...anyway I will pop back in once I have accomplished the task...take care and your grandparents are very lucky to have a grandson who loves them so much... for now....Jude

I have a favor to ask - if anyone reads this and knows my grandparents, Dom and Millie Napoli, can you stop by the house and give them a hug (or handshake) from me? I'm missing the 90th birthday party - too far away. I'm there in spirit, and I've love it if anyone can physically let them know I'm thinking of them. Thank you!!

Love the website. It's a very sentimental town for me, it represents my grandparents. Dominic turns 90 years old today, imagine, 90 years (mostly, with a few in Oelwein) in this tiny town. Thank you for the instant memories, when I live so far away.

My teacher, colleague, and friend, Rev. Rick Burns, told me about this wonderful website. He speaks fondly of his early days growing up in Oran. You gave him something special, that I missed out on growing up in a big city. Thank you, Oran, Iowa, for your hometown boy, Ricky Burns! He continues to be a blessing sent from Iowa.

I was born in Oelwein (1951) and lived there until 1962. Your websit is great.

Great site! I grew up in Fairbank and Oelwein in the 50s/60s. I went to IC school in Fairbank and my best friend in elementary school was David Meier. We used to bring army men to school in Sister Josaphine's Kindergartern class. David's dad was the butter maker in Oran's Creamery and I spent a few nights in Oran on sleepovers. Later, I moved to Oelwein, but kept my Fairbank ties by joining the 60s Rock group, the Avengers, with Terry McGrane, Randy Robinson and Ronnie Jans (1965-68). We played the Midway club, between Fairbank and Readlyn many a night. We always had our Oran contingent at our dances. Since then, I have often refected on the great friends we made in those days and would love to hear from anyone remembering our group. Greg Ohl, Minneapolis, MN

Yo naci y me crie en la Ciudad de Oran, al norte de la Republica Argentina. Oran fue fundada en el año 1794 por los españoles, fue la ultima ciudad fundada por los españoles. Tiene un poco mas de 100 mil habitantes y su economia es agro-industrial. I born and live in the Oran City, to the north of the Republic Argentina. Was founded in the year 1794 by the Spanish, was the last city founded by the Spanish.have 100 thousand habitants and his economy is agro-industrial.

I had to come back for another look, great site.

I don't really no how i got here; but what i can tell you is that there is a city here in the north of Argentina called SAN RAMON DE LA NUEVA ORAN (SAINT RAMON OF THE NEW ORAN);most known as ORAN . It has aproximally 200 000 hab.The principal activities are bananas and tobacco.

I am going to try to translate : "It was a surprise for me to find a town with the same name as the town where I was born in 1943, 10 months after american army liberate my birth town from the government of Vichy.Thank you for having remind me my youth."
Note from webmaster: Thank you!

J'ai été étonné de trouver une ville ayant le nom de la ville où je suis né en 1943, 10 mois après le debarquement américain, debarquement qui a libéré ma ville du gouvernement de Vichy. Je vous remercie de m'avoir rappelé ma jeunesse.
Note from webmaster: Now if someone would be so kind as to translate this for us :-)

Hi, I was born in Oran - Algeria. I am trying to find other places in the word named Oran. Most of them have not a proper site like yours. I already found :Colombia http://www.calle.com/world/CO/33/Oran.htmlMexico http://www.maps-of-mexico.com/zacatecas-state-mexico/zacatecas-state-mexico-map-b1.shtmlPeru http://www.calle.com/world/PE/16/Oran.htmlUSA Missouri http://www.city-data.com/city/Oran-Missouri.htmlArgentina 3places http://www.camdipsalta.gov.ar/INFSALTA/oran.htm http://www.calle.com/world/AR/24/Oran2.html http://www.calle.com/world/AR/24/Oran.html Japan (?) http://www.sw-pbm.net/oran/Ireland http://www.calle.com/world/EI/0/Oran.htmlIndia http://www.gazetteer.de/d/d_in_up.htmSpain 2 places?http://www.calle.com/world/SP/58/Oran.html http://www.pueblos-espana.org/castilla+la+mancha/albacete/oran/Mapa-Zoom/USA NYS http://www.calle.com/world/US/36/Oran.htmlUSA Texas http://www.cityreview.us/texas/oran/Thank you for helping me to find others if you can

I LOVE the website, especially the pictures in the Oran Tap. It brought back so many memories of my childhood, spending the day in Oran when Santa came to town. Dad (Dennis Neil) was always at the table (where uncle Dale and Russell are sitting) playing cards and/or pool and Mom (Brenda Neil) was always in the round corner booth with all the ladies. It was AWESOME to just be able to run around town without having to worry; unlike today's times!! I feel like I grew up in the Oran Tap (as bad as that sounds!!). We went there after softball games, when Dad had pool league, etc. No one made a better burger than John Bailey!! To those of you who think growing up in a small town would suck...I have been a resident of a small town AND a major city and I would move back to Oran in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity!! You won't find any other community with the heart and soul and helping hands of this one. Anyone who thinks it would be boring to grow up like this doesn't know what they are missing. Just look at the website and you can see that the technology is pretty savvy there also!! Great job on the website and I look forward to seeing more pictures!!

Just looking up my name and came across your web site.It's great!! Thanks

Just wanted to update my information, I have been in Arizona now for three years and would like to hear from any Edgeton. I am in the Real Estate business so check out my web site for more information.

P S. My mothers sisters (Lizzie and Mary) and brother Tony lived 1 block east of Lorbers store from 1910s until 1934. Sold the house to Louie Suhrs parents.They were Philips brother and sisters They taught schools in Bremer Co. for years. Tony was in the picture with Horace and Vincent Reith in Tavern.Iwas in with Tony a number of times As I spent quite a lot with them.Use to go into Vinces Wenever i up home. Then Herman Pearls before John took it over to meet people I knew.

I grew up 1 Mi. North 2mi.east.east of little Wapsie. Philip Schmit, Joe Lorbers brother-in-law was my uncle.There was an Oran P.O. 5mi east and 2mi. south near the Oran township cemetery shown on 1868 oran township plat. I have postcards addresed to Mary and Lizzie Schmit Minkler Ia. Bremer co. They lived 2mi east of oran. The Minkler P.O. was on co. line and hiway 3 by the minkler creamery. Oran was built in the early 1900s when the railroad came through. My father F.J. Franck Kane helped a number of the buildings. Ileft there at age 19 in 1943 for the air force. never returned excpt for visits. Talked to Leo Reith Several times in the late years. Katie Is my 1st cousin.

Hello, my town in Algeria called also Oran - http://www.djamila.be/Documents/oran.htm
God bless you
Djamila

Hello, My name is Alicia Meier and my grandparents live in Oran, Iowa. I also lived in Oran when I was little. Now I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and I miss the little town where you know everyone. I come back often to visit my grandparents. Its great for riding four wheelers because the cops dont come by very often. Your smalltown friend, Alicia Meier

I live is this beautiful podunk town of Oran and it is slpendid to live in such a close nit town as this i love all the Oranites!!!!!!!

I have just found out that my father, William Dudley George attended Oran High School through the 9th grade, in the year 1952. He left school to join the Air Force. If anyone knows of him or any of the George family, I would love to hear from you.

You HAve A Great Website And you Are All Write We ALl Miss him He is Also known as My Grandpa And The The Best One in The World And I Wish He Was Still Here He Was Sutch great Person We All remember Him For His Big Great Bear Hug And I Still Have All of them he Gave In my Heart He Will Be there Forever and I Remember That he Would Anonce (COME ON GUYS WE HAVE ICE CREAM TO MAKE) We Will All Miss That IF YOU EVER Felt How Comfertable it Felt But We Still Are Very Happy Because We Still Have BEv Bailey (my Grandma) All I Have To Say Is I miss Him Dearly And Always Will

Hi there, found this site again! I signed the guest book about 2 years ago and somone mailed me, but i lost the address, lets here from you again.

I have Odhran as saint's name and believe or not, was born in Iowa. Lake Okoboji/Spirit Lake "the Iowa Great Lakes" area to be exact. I had no idea there was an Oran, Iowa. Anyone looking for more information on Odhran should google Odhran and Iona and Columba- Odhran and Columba founded a monastery on Iona. Looks like a gorgeous spot!"http://www.iona-bed-breakfast-mull.com/iona/iona_abbey.htm#reilig"

Done some further surfing,seems my Dad didn't get it all correct.Best information I've found is that my name should have been Orin as that was the name of the character played by Paul Muni in 1933 film titled The World Changes.Well it just goes to show that my Dad was either deaf or the cinema had a poor sound system way back then

Enjoyed your site.Just had to visit it with a name like mine.I was born in 1936 and my Dad said I was named after a character in the film "the world is a changing" starring an actor called James Muni.

I know jim at a young age his dad kenny drove school bus i got in fites on the bus jim wold come to rescue and pull me the side and talk to me my brothe steve was shocked to heaie of jim he was a good friend to the suhr.s he was a good man thank you ben and to jimes family he will be missed

This website brings back alot of fond memories.My grand-parents moved there in 1975,(Edgar and Annetta Brickman) I was only eight years old when they retired to that home and they lived there until 1999. I remember when we stayed with my grandparents we would go downtown with Pa and get the mail he would let us buys little bags of candy. I also remember going to the school to play tennis. This is a nice town I always remember our families getting together on Sundays and we would BBQ and play cards outside in the front yard.

What a fabulous Site. Having grown up in the Oelwein area, I was so impressed with your site. As a child we used to fish and hunt inthe area. We also owned Knapps Coal company and had many friends and customers from the area. I commend your webmaster, Bravo, everything so well done down to the local telephone book. Keep up the good work, this is a fine example of what can be done by people who take pride in their community. Ride on! Sonny

Found this website by accident and loved reading all of the articles. My parents Edgar/Annetta Brickman retired to Oran in 1975 and enjoyed living there so much. I have many fond memories of going to the Station north of Oran as a child. This is truly a great website. Good job!

My sympathy to the Richards family. It has to be hard for Mrs. Richards and the children to lose their husband and father at such a relatively young age. Knowing the people of the community, I know the family will find love and support from their neighbors. I lived on a farm on the edge of Oran until 1954. The friendliness and community spirit of Oran impresses me to this day. I didn't know Mr. Richards, but I knew the other honorees very well. Leonard Lorber was a mentor to many of us because of his leadership and encouragement. During our high school years Stub Bailey was the catcher for our very good Oran High School baseball team. Ken Greve repaired a very difficult problem on my motor home on a visit to Oran. They, like Mr. Richards were wonderful men and deserve the honor given them. Thank you for providing this web site for us old Oranites.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Richards family, the Oran Fire Department and your community in the loss of Assistant Chief Jim Richards. Chief Richards served your region for 29 years, and I can only imagine the loss each of you must feel. No greater gift than to give one's lifehelping another. Warm regards from Oregon. Steve Pengra, FF/PM

i send my sympathy to the Family of Jim Richard and the Fire Department Because i know its tough when you lose a brother in Arms.Corey Doyle Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department

The poem, below, is carved in stone at the National Monument for Fallen Firefighters located here in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Being from Oran, and now living in Colorado Springs I wanted to share the following poem with Oran as we remember Jim Richards. __________________________________________________________
The Last Alarm

My father was a fireman.
He drove a big red truck
and when he'd go to work each day
he'd say "Mother wish me luck".
Then Dad would not come home again
'til some time the next day.
But the thing that bothered me the most
was the things some folks would say,
"A fireman's life is easy,
he eats and sleeps and plays,
and some time's he won't fight a fire
for days and days and day's".
When I first heard these words
I was too young to understand
but I knew when people had trouble
Dad was there to lend a hand.
Then my father went to work one day
and he kissed us all goodbye
but little did we realize
that night we all would cry.
My father lost his life that night
when the floor gave way below
and I'd wondered why he'd risked his life
for someone he didn't know.
But now I truly realize
the greatest gift a man can give
is to lay his life upon the line
so that someone else might live.
So as we go from day to day
and we pray to God above
say a prayer for your local Firemen.
He may save the ones you love.

I walked into the office and heard the news on the local radio. My deepest sympathies to the Richards family. Jim will be sorely missed.

Thoughts and prayers to the Richards Family and friends at Oran during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy,David Cummings

Looked up this site upon hearing of the death of Fire Fighter Jim Richards. Had hoped there was a link to the Fire Department... We'd like to express our most sincere & heartfelt sympathy to the Richards family, and to Jim's 2nd family...the Fire Department.

Hi, I have no idea how I stumbled upon this website - but it made me smile. I am originally from New Hampton, Iowa but spent many a summer in Oran as my aunt and uncle are Wayne and Marilyn Sauerbrei and they lived right outside of town. I was Miss Iowa-USA in 1997 (Shawn Marie Brogan) and I visted your town for a parade as well. I am now a TV Show Host on Shop at Home (national shopping channel) and I'm living in Nashville trying to make a "go of it" as a country singer/songwriter. I wish you all the best and I look forward to my next visit to Iowa (the family is still there but cousin Mitch lives on the farm with his family). Take care.Sincerely,Shawn (Brogan)Diddywww.shopathometv.comsdiddy@sath.com

Hello, I was born in Oran, I was a student in the university of Senia, I worked in, got maried in, but I must leave this wonderful town like many men was born in.Peaple of Oran are nice and quiet. I never forget them.

Great site! The name Oran in Ireland/Irish means fair headed or fair skined. It can also be spelt as Odhran and is prounced the same way. Slan leat!!

Great idea to have a guest book!!!!!

I happened upon your site when I was trying to find some history on Oelwein, where my father was born. I've never met anyone from Iowa who has ever even HEARD of Oelwein (and I've asked every person I have ever met). Therefore, I was VERY excited to see it on your map - and that it's very close to Oran - which looks like a charming town! Since I was 19 when my parents passed away, I didn't think to ask either of them about their childhood. I do know my dad (Pat Loveland) went to Sacred Heart, but I think it was due to his "being bad" in the public school! Anyway, it was nice to browse and get an idea of his past. Again, great site!

HI EVERYONE, I love this site that Ben has put together. My name is Ron Loban and my uncle was Johnny Lockwood from Oran.I lived on a farm on the Wapsie River on Hwy 3 near Oran for a few years,and went to school in Oran. "A GREAT TOWN" ,I spent time at the candy counter in "BENNETT,S GROCERY STORE®". Lavern Staack was my best buddy.( "Ole PETE" ):-). I remember my Aunt Helen Lockwood went to New York City and got on a Talk show,where she said that she was from a little town in Iowa that was so small that you could "spit" over it !!!! At the time it didnt go over too good with the Town Folks.:-) I live in Atlanta,Georgia now.

I LOVE THE SITE

A friend of mine lives in St Oran's cottage. I have found out that St Oran was a Celtic Saint who settled on Oransay in the Hebridean islands in 563 AD. However, I am still trying to find out more about him. Can anyone help

SCHMIT-LORBER REUNIONJust wanted to remind everyone about the reunion WHERE: American Legion, Fairbank IowaWHEN: July 5th, 2003TIME: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, eat about 1:30BRING: Potluck, your own silverware and plates. Bring photos to shareRULES: If children want to run on the dance floor, they need to take shoes offMONEY: The cost of the hall is $75.00, and we will have to pay the bartender a tip. I figure the total cost will be a $100.00; I will be collecting money from All my first cousins that attend. Please let your families know about this. If you can think of anybody else that belongs To this family, or close to belonging, please let them know.If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. 319-635-2854, or by email, bmhiggin@iowatelcom.netSee you in JulyMary

>Hi! I'm Karen (Bailey) Hagenow, English teacher from Wapsie. I and astudent of mine, along with Mr. Wharram, guidance counselor, are trying toput together information and memorabilia about/from the Oran school. Ourplan is to have a picture of Oran (painted by Samantha Gipper), shelvesfor trophies, etc., and a display case for artifacts, pictures, etc. in thenew wing at the high school. Our desire is to honor the Oran school, so itis not left out anymore than it has been. Any info. and objects you wouldlike to donate, please call me at 638-6711. Or, if you want to e-mail me with info., that would be great, too! Thanks a lot!!>

i am new on the net..i was born in oran (algéria) i discover your web site..it was abig surprise..i would like just to say hello, friendly, to people of Oran, with alle all my warmest regards..and sorry for my bad english

I live right on the Wapsie School district line and my dad always did business with Jim, Chuck, and Big wapsie ag. and even though i go to Maynard and have a Westgate Adress im pround to say i grew up in Oran. Great Site

Im Ron Steinbronns son,long time area farmer. It is so awesome to see all the Businesses that ive grown up being in and seeing my old tractor in Jims Shop and my Cow head in Chucks locker. I love it

My name is Cody and I am 8 years old. I started a license plate collection last year and am trying to get more! If you have any old ones you could send me, my mom would be glad to pay postage (COD) and I will send you a handwritten Thank You postcard from my state of New Hampshire! Please e-mail my mom at LovinNHLivin@aol.com and she will send you our address and answer any questions you might have. I'm studying states and their capitals in 3rd grade now and this will help me. My mom is making me learn a little about each state I get a license plate from! Thanks, CodyI traveled through Iowa last June and my Mom wanted to stop the truck, right there and live. It was a very pretty place to be. We met nice people too!

Hello , really beautiful site ! The Oran I know and were I grew up is on the sea side of Algeria, a beautiful white city with Arabic, Spanish and French culture, wonderful weather and easy life.Hope you enjoy living in your Oran the way I used to live in mine,Wish you all the best, Sincèrement

I am a student at Glasgow School of Art Scotland and am doing some research on my name, Oran, wich is Galic,Scottish.Maybe i'll visit 'oran' one day..

I noticed that most of the entries in the guestbook are of fairly recent matters. Our family is connected with Philip Schmit, one of the builders of the outhouse. All of our scrap books contain a copy of the picture of the outhouse and the story of its history. Just to update the lineage, the great-great-great grandaughter of Philip Schmit was born this year in California and a copy of the story will be placed in her scrapbook so she can carry on the tradition of the famous Oran Outhouse. Aubrie Rae Schmit-Athans-Hill-Hartwig, will always have a warm spot in her heart for Oran, no matter where she lives. Great Grandpa Cy Athans

I came across the website looking for information for my child. Did not think Oran would have such a nice site.I graduated From WV in 88 and spent a lot of time at my grand-parents (Edgar and Annette Brickman) house in Oran.Love that small town

I went to school there and graduated in 1980. I was looking up some information for my daughter about the year i graduated.

Hi! What about some regards from ORAN in western Algeria in north africa, here you go! u got it.

Hey everybody!

Hi Oranites! Hadn't visited the site for awhile so thought I'd leave a note. Grew up 1 mile South and 2 miles West of Oran and like so many others have many fond memories. Sorry to hear the cafe/tavern recently closed. Great memories of Fat's Hardware store, Leonard at Santa Claus day, and hanging out in Bailey's with Dad as a kid. Always had to have a penny to put in the peanut machine. It's good to come back to Oran and still have people smile and say hi. I miss Oran. Keep it going!

Nice site.....Dont know how you manage living in such a small place tho!! id think id go crazy!!

I worked with Bev Bailey at the Oran Branch of the First National Bank of Oelwein back in the 1970's. Super nice lady. Also knew Fat and Mildred Youngblut. Mildred worked for my mother when I was a small child. I found the people in Oran and the surrounding community to be very friendly. Great website for a small town. Keep up the good work.

Very nice website and history. I grew up just a mile east and south of Oran in the 60's and 70's. My Uncle Louise Suhr owned the garage in town and the Massy-Ferguson implement dealer. My Dad, Elmer Suhr, worked for my Uncle. I graduated from Wapsie Vally High School in 1973. Go WARRIORS!!! I'm very sad to hear the Oran school maybe closing. I went to the Oran School before it was redesignated as the Junior High. Many great memories from that old school. Anyone remember Mrs. Brickman the school teacher? She inspired me to become much more than what I could've settled for. Thank You, Mrs. Brickman!!Steve Suhr

I WAS RAISIED AROUND THIS LITTLE TOWN MY UNCLE OWNED THE GERAGE MY FATHER ELMER SUHR WORKED THIER AND HE SERVICE THE EQUMENT THAT WAS SOLD THERE I LOVED THIS LITTLE TOWN THANKS BEN FOR PUTTING ORAN ON THE WEB SITE

Hello everyone, I was just passing by (via the net) and thought I´d say HI. I´m english but live in Germany...here´s wishing you all a lovely day.

I haul milk around Oran and just happened onto the site. Very interesting

i'am from algeria and i want to sea oran of algeria in some photos .by chance i see oran of usa .i am happy to know that there is an other oran in the world

congratulation

Spent my last year of high school with the Briddles.Enjoyed your town.

thought i might be the only aussie to visit the site but 2 have beat me to it, love the feel of the town good luck to you all

WHAO!!!!,I really love your page,keep it up men.

el salam aliakoum walah yahfed wahran wa maliha .

Hi, I am very happy for visiting your site and I love your site keep it up.

What a great site! Sorry to hear about your creamery closing. Coming from a small town, I know how just one business closing can affect others. Thanks for a great visit to another Iowa small town.

You folks are "Real Americans" and a great example of what this country is really about. I spent my youth in Missouri and had the pleasure of living out where hardworking real Americans are. The big cities in this country think they are it, but they don't have a clue. God Bless you and keep America proud.

I'm visiting Iowa to find out more about Ellis Parker Butler.

Very interesting! I did not realize that any town shared a name with me. If anyone has any information about the name "Oran" I would be interested. Any information would be appreciated.

Finally happened on this web page... Having grown up in Oran am not surprised by the great website. Always have and always will be proud of being an "Orannite". The website brings back many great memories of days gone by...Really liked the photos of the "forbidden" Sand Pit.

Great Job Ben. Nice to see old pictures and tributes to long time residents. The picture of the sand pit with the people in it is myself and my son Roger W kerns III. Also I am in the process of trying to organize a clas reunion for the class of 1983 Wapsie Valley of course any people interested let me know. What a place to grow up Oran. Have many memories of school there and of the good old ORAN DAYS wow long time ago.

Hey ALL!! Got here lookin for info on Wapsie Valley class reunions...I graduated from good ole WV in 1982 so we're lookin for that 20 year class reunion announcement!! Love hearin about all the accomplishments of the sports teams in the past years from Wapsie...you guys are the greatest!! But if anyone has any info on any class reunion info for the class of '82 plese email me if ya have a moment

It is very special for me to look back and recall growing up in Oran. Such memories!

Married to Mary Jo Bailey a former Oran resident.

I don't know how I came to your site,I was searching for "Oran" which is a lovely mediterranian city in Algeria,and I found another town with a similar name in the U.S.A. what a great surprise. Do you know about Oran in the mediterranian side? a bieutiful city city with a long History.I am not from there, but I used to live in Oran.

Hello from Oran, Missouri. Would like to hear from someone in Oran, IA.

I was reasearching independent telephone companies and came accross Oran Mutal Telephone. I couldn't find a number off the site, but your phone book on line helped out. Thanks for the tour!!!

Did a John Peter Schmitt and his wife Magdalena Noel ever live in Oran, IA? They had a son Peter Schmidt who married a Amfahr in 1875 in BlackHawk County, IA. Thanks, Very nice site.

I DON'T KNOW HOW I GOT TO THIS SITE .. YOU DID A GREAT JOB ON YOUR WEB SITE THO ... GLAD I DON'T LIVE IN ORAN - I THINK I WOULD BE VERY BORED ...

Hello, Oran,Iowa I grew up in Winthrop,Iowa. My cousin Jean owns Kountry Krafts. Oran has a great webpage.

My nephew, Gary Wilson, sent us your address. Nice to see that Oran has gained worldwide fame. I chuckle at those requesting info on hotels and inns - I guess they don't know that the photo is ALL of Oran.

Oran has a special place in our hearts because of all the warm, wonderful people there. In the past number of years the Oran Telephone has been our telephone company. Though we have limited access with out toll, we have special people we can call....our family, friends, and neighbors. It is a great community!

Hey fellow residents of Oran! Just wanted to say Hi to everyone, since you all probably know me. Nice to see such an awesome page about the best town in the world ORAN RULES!!! Good job, Ben ~Jar

Not sure how I got into your site because I'm at work (Sydney, Australia) looking for information on Algeria. But, thanks, it's very interesting!

I am currently in my seasonal home in Colorado Springs and visiting my son David who also lives near me. Have enjoyed my grandchildren Chaz and Bryana for the past few months. My daughter Janice also lives in Colorado in the Denver area. I moved to Oran October 18th, 1958 when I married Dale Cummings and lived with him in the home he built which is now occupied by Russell Cummings. We moved from Oran in 1966 but before we moved I worked at the Oran Bank as a teller and bookkeeper and as bookkeeper for the telephone Company. I had the opportunity to give some of the area children piano lessons. Dale managed the Oran Telephone Company. I enjoyed the website including the plat map and dediciation to Leonard Lorber. Hello to all my friends in Oran! Bev Cummings, Colorado Springs, CO

When I was a very small child we lived in Oran, Iowa. We lived in the house with the double decker outhouse.

WENT TO SCHOOL IN ORAN CLASS OF 1980. GREAT TO SEE THIS PAGE...

Hi..My sister, Sue Fette just let me in on this great web site. My mom and dad, Walter and Evelyn Fette sill live outside of Oran. I graduated from Wapsie Valley in 1962. Loved the pictures....brought back lots of memories.

I LOVE THOSE CRAZY DIXONS!!! OH, AND THE HENRYS TOO!!!

was so tickled to find this. i don't have much contact with many people from up there. graduated from wapsie valley in 1976. interested in hearing from anyone from our class or close to it.

Think Global, act local. Well done Uncle Ben, send me a note.

This website is pretty cool i didnt know they had a website for such a small community

Hey Oranites! Just wanna say hey to you all! I Love the Henrys And the Adamsons!

Thanks Uncle Cyril. Thank you for sharing Oran with us. I'm Phillip Schmit's great granddaughter. I've never been to Iowa, I've met some of my grandfather's relatives when they visited Arizona.

My relationship to ORAN is that Phillip Schmit, one of the 2 Story Outhouse constructors was my wife's Grandfather. There are a lot of Schmits out there that are related to Phillip. This is a great vehicle to get in touch with our roots and extended family of Schmit-Lorber-Langerman and others. At a time when the rest of the world seems to be loosing its identity, where else but in the heartland of America, Oran Iowa, could we turn things around. I have encouraged all the family I know to sign in and identify themselves. This can be a tribute to Leonard Lorber, to show that family still cares, and that sign that he guards has real meaning of family. Stand up, sign in, and let us know who you are.

Hello Very nice - I am Shirley Westendorf's niece and she told me to look at your website.

This is a great Web Site, Ben. You did a great job! Oran is definitely well known now. I'll be sure to check back here more often.

Great web page! Living just one mile south of Oran I really enjoyed reading and seeing the past history of the town.

Great Site! Was not really surprised to find it, but WAS surprised how long it has been here without me knowing about it! Hi to All of Oran and alumni of Wapsie!

Hope to visit your town this summer.

Such a nice little town. I would like to visit someday.

Hey Oran! You guys are missing a great guy(LA)! I am sure he is giving us all a wink from Heaven. See you all soon!

Where the name ORAN comes from? I was searching for links to my home town in Algeria (0ran, a big town) and I stumbled on your site. That is a coincidence. Oran is where the British Royal Navy destroyed the French Navy back in the second World War (after France fell). Anywho I leave you in peace and god bless.

I grew up in Fairbank and have since lived the last 15 years in the neighboring state of IL. Have many fond memories of attending Jr. High in Oran. Very impressed with your website. What a great idea.

The name Frerichs came up in Oran as I searched. My family Frerichs were from Grundy center Iowa

My mother's family came from Grundy Center, near Waterloo Iowa. This family of Frerichs arrived from Germany about early 1870's. Some live in Tehachapi CA. My grandfather changed his name to Anderson when the family moved to Alberta in about early 1920's.

Dear Oranites (or should it be Oranians?), Your website is truly impressive! Wow! I wish every community like yours even had one page, let alone what you’ve put together! Hopefully someday I’ll manage to come to visit and stop in and have whatever the house specialty is at the tap and a cold one to wash it down with. I don’t know any of you from Adam’s housecat, but you’ve made me feel right at home. Bless y’all!! Best, Ort.

Cruising Ag sites and found you. My Mother was born in Mystic Iowa, and I still have relatives living in Iowa, so your site holds a special interest for me. Thanks for all the local info. See you again soon.

Nice site! It's great to see a small town putting together a web site. I found it by accident while searching for information on William Niblock (died 1902)and Louisa Niblock (died 1891)who are both buried in Oran.

Very awesome to see a town of your size with a webpage. I'm in Tampa,FL but grew up in a town in Western Iowa about the same size. " Halbur" There is something special about being able to say you're from a small town in Iowa. And Iowa is the greatest state in AMerica!!!!!!

Great Website. WV class of '79. Where's the rest of you guys? My great Aunt Alice Reith lived in Oran many years.

Hi Oran---neat website.

je cherche des amies ....

Hello to all in Oran,It looks like a great place. I have printed out and laminated the picture of the Oran welcome sign from your website with that guy Leonard,and stuck onto the gates of my house. People find it amusing and find me rather pathetic for doing this, but so what? May God bless Oran (the place).

Thanks for the wonderful information. I will be passing through this summer and will be sure to visit for awhile.

I'm looking for help with some history from your area. I received a framed print that has on the back " Clovis and Gage - hardware, furniture, rugs, and undertaking - Shenandoah Iowa". The picture was of a "wooing" couple who are attending college in Cedar Falls. From the details I'd say it is from pre or at least very early automobile days. The artist's initials are CEP and initials carved in a tree on the print are M.G. + E.W. An intersting addition to the print iis that on the back is written a name. Margurite Gregson(the last name is smeared so it may be slightly different from that. I am curious to learn when that store existed in Shenandoah. I've had no luck trakcing the historical society.Anyone who may be able to help or has a suggestion for me, please email me Thank you. Keith

Hi, I see in this guestbook that many people ask where the name "Oran" comes from. I can give my two cents : Oran is the French name of the second city of Algeria, a country in North Africa. Its Arabic name is Wahran. If it's real, it won't surprise me because another city in Iowa has the name of Elkader because of a great historical person of Algeria. And I know that there is an important Algerian community in Elkader, Iowa. You may ask them.

Hey! This is an awesome web-page. I would just like to say hi to my grand-parents:Leonard and Roberta. I love you guys and hope to see you soon! Also, does anybody have Roger Lorber's e-mail address. I'd appreciate it if someone would write to me! Thanks!

HI, I HAVE A SON NAMED ORAN BUT NEVER KNEW THERE WAS A PLACE NAMED ORAN. IN IRELAND ORAN IS THE IRISH FOR THE BOYS NAME ADRAIN AND DATES BACK TO THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. ORAN WAS MEANT TO DISCOVER AN ISLAND OF THE COAST OF IRELAND. I JUST THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THAT. I REALLY ENJOYED VISITING YOUR SITE AND I'LL DEFINITELY BE BACK AGAIN.THANK YOU

This is a great website!!I lived in Oran for the first few months of my life, have sinced lived in many places and states. Now I live 3 miles from Oran, who says you can't go home again???

My dads middle name was Oran. His grand Parents came from Iowa. I'am tracking our family tree and didnt know who he was named after. It must of been after the town of ORAN.Thanks for letting me visit.

REALLY ENJOYED YOUR WEB PAGE AND HOPE TO VISIT THERE SOMETIME.THE TWO STORY OUTHOUSE WAS MY REASON FOR FINDING YOU.GRANDPA HAD A NICE 3 SEATER OUTHOUSE BUT NOTHING LIKE A TWO STORY,,,,,,,MAN WOULD HE BE PROUD OF YALL.

What a great webpage for a little place like Oran! Was looking for something on Oelwein (nothing!) and hit Fayette County. Voila! Oran. I grew up in Oelwein, went to Sacred Heart High and remember playing basketball against Oran. (Your gym had a cement floor, but was a lot bigger than ours.) I'm chair of the Geography Department at Sonoma State University in California. I've gone from corn to winegrapes agriculturally, but part of my heart's still in Iowa. Congrats on a great site!

iowa is awesome!!! so is this web page. i'd just like to say hey to L.A. and Roberta down there in oran. You guys are the coolest!!! hope to see you soon!

What a blessing to visit a site of this caliber in a town BIGGER THAN ITS NAME! A pleasant visit, to be sure and God Bless all of you. A true-life story, a Web Ring, Office Max, You name it, at my site! And my Common Sense Digest just might interest some farmers! GK

I am fairly new to the area as I have just put up a new home north of Fairbank. The people around the Oran/Fairbank area are tremendous. There is a lot of pride in both the communities and the schools. It is a shame to hear rumors of the Oran school closing. A school brings a heartbeat even to the smallest town and I hope they will find some way to keep it open. Knowing my 1st grade daughter will have to attend the high school after grade 6 makes me nervous. The other connection I have to Oran is I buy all my meat from the Oran Locker. The BEST steaks I have ever eaten have been processed there. GOOD LUCK WV Warriors wrestling team and b/g basketball teams.

Greetings from Santa Barbara. I spent a lot of great years in Oran from 1943 to 1951 when I was inducted into the army during the Korean War. We lived on the Cummings farm on the east edge of Oran. Graduated from Oran High School in 1947. Helen, my wife, was Helen Staack who lived in the second farm north of Oran. She graduated from OHS in 1950 and hope to return for the 50th anniversary of her graduating class this summer. My brother Russell lives in Oran. Helen's sister and husband Joanne and Duane Heineman live west of Oran and are moving to Oran this spring. After my term in the army I taught school in Cedar Rapids for nine years. We moved to Santa Barbara in 1965 for a better climate. I taught school in Santa Barbara until 1988 and having been selling real estate since 1978. A BIG HELLO to all my acquaintances.

I was glad to see the Oran site when I was surfing. My father, Laurence Anthony Schmit, was born in Oran IA in 1918. I can still remember the stories he use to tell us about the 2 story outhouse his father had built for them. According to dad, they use to live on the second floor above the store. Keep up the good work on the site. I'll try to locate some of dad's old pictures of Oran and send them your way.

Hello from Fayette, Iowa!! I was raised on a farm just south of Oran and went there many times as a child. My mother ( Helen Snyder) graduated from Oran High School. Nice to visit your site!!!

I BEEN THERE DONE THAT HAD A LOT OF FUN THERE PARTY THERE THEN LEFT WENT////live in jesup IA just south of ORAN IA SAYING HI TWO EVERYBODY BACK HOME miss IOWA alot jan 28 2000

Oran rules!!!!!!! It is the best village in all the land.My moms picture is in the telephone company picture.

To Larry and Connie Wedemeier, Reference the Pictures on the Web page. About 15 November 1999 we left a message on the web page guest book about the 2 story outhouse. Phillip Schmit( not Smith) was my grandfather. My grandmothers maden name was Anna Lorber, her brother was Joe Lorber, my great uncle. We have an old newspaper article with a picture of Joe Lorber himself standing in front of the outhouse. My dad was Louie Schmit, son of Phillip Schmit and he married Vera Langerman and they lived in Fairbank and had 2 children Veronica and Dale Schmit. Dale lives in Phoenix as does his mother Vera. Veronica married Cy Athans and lives in California. I think this type of family information and history is fun.

I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS SO MANY PEOPER WITH THE NAME OF KAUTEN

Hello everyone back home. I'm currently stationed here near Seattle and work as a First Sergeant. I heard about this site over the Holidays. Like one earlier email said "Oran Rules". This page is very nice. Jim Ziegler

Hey there in Iowa! Just happened across this page while surfing over lunch. My grandparents used to live down the road from the Wapsie school (Stub and Helen Snyder). I went to school in Maynard (but never played sports). Hi to Amy T (now Boevers)! Haven't seen you since Todd Neil's wedding. I'll have to show this site to my mom and my uncle Glen. He's still around Fairbank. Nice page!

New to the internet: Great Web Page, ORAN! Like to see Fairbank match this, Ben! Keep up the Good Work!

Nice site, I think the Edgetons in Oran are distant relatives.

This is so cool, I live in an Oran Missouri and Thought we were the only ones other than the one in algeria, oh well ORAN RULES!!!!!! always has Always WIll!!! \

Are you near Des Moines.

Correction to previous message 12 NOV 99, . Name should be Vera Langerman not Lorber. Other names correct.

I have a picture from an old Newapaper that referrs to the Oran Oddity. It is a 2 story "Outhouse" built by Joe Lorber of Oran. He referrs to the only other one built that he knew of , by his brother-in-law, Philip Schmit, circa 1913. I am married to a Veronica Schmit from Cresco, daughter of Vera Lorber and Louis Schmit, who moved to Phoenix in 1951. If anyone knows about this or remembers it, let me know. This is "old" trivia but I enjoy looking into things like this especially if it is in the family. ( Incidentally the comment "looking into" had nothing to do with the outhouse.

I miss Iowa. My grandparents (John and Bev Bailey) live in Oran and my father (Bob Bailey) grew up there. I can't wait to come home and see everyone. We miss you all. Oran is the best little town next to Readlyn.

Came across your web site while searching for info on Oran of Iona who wrote,"The way you think it is, may not be the way it is at all." Got some clues from your guestbook. Before I leave I will check out your web page.

It is with a great amount of joy that I have found a home, other than my own, We are of kinship. The reason for my visit was by mistake. only now do I realize there is more to a name then what seven generations of family have discovered already. If a could impart alittle of my own background, I will say that my blood line is of direct descent of William of ORange. Although the first name oran means of light colored skin. The last name in my case is from the term ORangemen. I will cherish my time here today knowing of your fine community,and of course plan accordingly for a trip to visit some day. May God Bless your Harvest, and always remember the gleanned fields of your home.

Wapsie Valley Community Schools now has an official web site. Wapsie Valley serves the Fairbank, Oran, and Readlyn area. Check it out and let me know what you think!

This way cool! I'm always looking for links and articles about Wapsie Valley...and this is kinda one?? I'm keep up the good work W.V. Jesup still kicks:) :)

Hello !!!! I am also born in ORAN but In Algéria !!! Etje suis très content d'appendre qu'il existe un autre Oran ailleur !!!! Longue vie au Oranais de toute la planete !!!! ;o))))))))))

I am originally from Sumner, IA, I enjoyed your web site a lot, hoping maybe some other Sumnerites might get in touch with me. It would be nice to hear from some old friends, I'm not able to get home much! Nice web site Ben, Thornton has a population of about 500, it would be nice to do something similar for our small town. Keep up the great work! Sherry Johnson (Meyer)

Although Oran is very small and I go to school there it is o.k. The school is very very very very very very small and old I think we need a brand new school cause it is unsafe.

Born and bred in Dysart. Enjoyed my visit to Oran.Just like going home for a few minutes!!! That's for the link to your outhouse picture. Unfortunately the link to the world famous outhouses did not work. So sad!!! Thanks for all you do!!

I'm proud of my little home town too and would like to have a place to showcase it. I was also born in 1952 so it seems we already have a lot in common. Thanks for presenting such a good web page. You should be very proud. P.S. R.R.A. stands for Registered Records Administrator or medical records professional (people usually ask so I got in the habit of just goin' ahead and tellin' 'um up front don'cha know?)

iam the fastest man on earth iam a great track runner for wapsie vally track tream iam faster then steve wallace have you seen me ?? hi to everyone in oran hows the fishen ben?????

I like you website, keep adding more things,

An excellent work. I was born in Oran in Algeria and I like your locality "Oran". It is splendid. I wish you a good continuation. Thank you very much. Merci beaucoup

I like Lindsy Timmerman!! Go Oran!! Who HA! I love Craig McGrane

THIS IS JUST TOO CUTE! I WOULD HATE TO BE THE ONE,WHO ''FELL THROUGH TO THE SECOND FLOOR,OF THIS MUCH NEEDED,AT THE TIME,BUILDING WHERE ONE COULD JUST GO,AND READ,YET ONLY IF IT'S DAYTIME,FOR I DON'T THINK THAT ''LIGHTS WERE USED,YET WHO'S TO SAY!'' THIS JUST MADE MY DAY! THANK YOU FOR ''SHARING PART OF HISTORY,ALL BE IT,RECENT,YET HISTORY,NONTHELESS! MAY ''GOD'' ''BLESS'' ALL OF ''YOU!'' SINCERELY,THERESA TURNER

Just surfed in to see the site of the village closest to us, just moved in here, need to adjust

Amy Boevers took me here on a personal tour! Makes me want to do this for Barnum! What a treat Oran must be!

It's nice to see the old Wapsie Valley students visiting this site. Oran is a very nice community and Wapsie Valley is a great place to go to school.

Oran has the best bar ever. But Shaun Henry if you see this I'm gonna warn you, I turn 18 in six months so you can be prepard to become the second best bartender in Oran.Great job on the site Ben.

Judy Neil was just visiting and she showed me the Oran site. Wow! I enjoyed reading about the history and the tales that surround this lovely community and its wonderful citizens. I went to WV Junior High in Oran and I enjoyed playing basketball in the gym there. My mom still teaches art in the Oran school everyday. Hello to all!

It's funny how you can come upon a site completely unlike what you were searching for. Oran looks like a wonderful little town. Aren't you folks somewhere near the geographic center of the US? Good luck, Iowa, as you influence the upcomming presidential primaries!

You did a nice job on the web site, Ben. But you forgot to mention Kerry's best bartender. It happens. For all of those that want to visit this small town, it's a must. You'll never meet a community quite like this. If you all were wondering about the best bartender, that's me. See you all later and have a nice day.

Hi everyone. I sure miss Oran. Tell Glenn and Mona hi. Tell Glenn, Matt will meet him at BIG AL's on Friday!!

I enjoyed my visit to Oran, it's a little smaller than Cinti Ohio. You're town makes me want to give up the fast paced city life. I'm glad a place like Oran still exists today, thanks for the peek.

I grew up in Iowa so when I'm missing it, your site is truly appreciated. You've done a fine job!

Great site. I think you are a town that is slightly smaller than us! I didn't think that was possible. Please check out our site sometime

And here's yet another Oran for you!

Great Job Ben. We just got on line and had to check out the Oran site. For anyone out there: YES--ORAN IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

Hi Oran !.. Bonjour Ben ! Just to let you know that I came by and as each time I do really appreciate your marvelous site. I'd like to wish you and all population of Oran A VERY MERRY XMAS and A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR May this upcoming year bring you all : Peace, Joy and lots of happiness. Take care and stay safe BEN ! JOYEUX NOEL !... BONNE ANNEE !... Keep up the good Work ! Greetings from PARIS !!!...

Happy Holidays.

Your city has a wonderfull name, and different too. So, Happy New year to you!

Like two others, I want to know more about the history and origins

Hi again, Ben. Just dropping in to tell you that an AP Internet dispatch (on the web) a few minutes ago, Dec 6, put out a story about a two-story outhouse in Illinois. Stealing your thunder? (I sent the internet page to John Loose of the Outhouse web site, if you need more details.) Best regards, Lynne

What a suprise to find good ol' Oran, IA on the web. It brings back many fond memories of my childhood. No matter where I go Wapsie rules! I'd love to hear from former classmates so please e-mail me.

Good stuff. You put the sites of many much larger cities to shame. Having been born and raised in Melbourne,Mo., which was about the size of Oran, I can appreciate what you've done. I noticed a Buzynski in the telephone listings. I know a Mark Buzynski, a seargent on the Des Moines police force. I think he is from that area, so perhaps they are related. Again, Good Stuff!