History in miniature

Wood worker creates small-scale replicas of Iowa town’s historic buildings

Janelle Atyeo
Jul 18, 2023
Jul 18, 2023

Wood worker (49).JPG — Wood worker Joe Joyce, left, and Cylinder, Iowa, mayor Harry Bormann sit by a display of miniature buildings Joyce made to preserve the memory of Cylinder’s historic businesses and public buildings. About two dozen of the creations are on display at an office building in nearby Emmetsburg.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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In a workshop in Emmetsburg, Iowa, historic buildings of a nearby town have come to life in miniature.

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Wood worker (15).JPG — Joe Joyce stands in his wood shop where he creates miniature replicas of buildings in the nearby town of Cylinder, Iowa. This large home under construction this past spring was the most intricate of his projects yet.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Wood worker (63).JPG — The Jay Letson hardware store of Cylinder, Iowa, sits on display with other miniature buildings from the town.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Wood worker (55).JPG — The elevator of Cylinder, Iowa, and an old tractor is recreated in wood.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Wood worker (41).JPG — Cylinder Mayor Harry Bormann looks at one of the more modern buildings on display, J T Body Shop, which is still in operation
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Wood worker (20).JPG — A miniature replica of the creamery, the Cylinder Butter and Cheese Co., founded in 1890.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

Wood worker (22).JPG — The Cylinder Butter and Cheese Co. is seen in here, along with the windmill and water tower that are part of Joyce’s replica.
Submitted photo

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Wood worker (3).JPG — In his workshop, Joe Joyce looks over photos of the historic house he uses to build his replicas out of wood.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Janelle is editor of the Tri-State Neighbor, covering South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at jatyeo@tristateneighbor.com or follow on Twitter @JLNeighbor.