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Current and historic images of the Princess--Sweet
Shop Courtesy of the Iowa Falls Historic
Preservation Commission |
The Princess--Sweet Shop is an outstanding example of Art Deco design from 1935.
The Carrara glass façade, and streamlined woodwork are typical of Art Deco design
of the 1920s and 1930s, but a rarity in a small town in Iowa. This building replaced
a brick building, which burned on Christmas day 1934. The owners displayed a great
deal of faith in the architect, and in the people of Iowa Falls too. The community
was somewhat surprised when a drawing of the new façade was released to the newspaper.
Not only was the design modern, both inside and out, but the equipment was utmost
in efficiency and convenience. It was the first building in town to be air-conditioned.
Gas ranges replaced the old wood and coal stoves that had been used before the
fire, and gas water heaters provided sufficient water for the washing and sterilizing
of the dishes. The total cost for the building and equipment of the Princess was
approximately $30,000, a surprising amount during the years of the Great Depression.
When the Princess--Sweet Shop reopened, the citizens of Iowa Falls could once
again treat themselves to Princess "velvet" ice cream; Princess homemade candies
and Chinese food. The chef was Yee Foong Young. The façade of the Princess is
outstanding; the street level features black Carrara glass with a pale green linear
design at the corners and sides and dark zigzag treatment enframing the second
floor windows. Trim on the building is "pitco" metal. The neon sign, which
extends out from the façade, was designed by the Pioneer Neon Sign Company of
Minneapolis and was one of the largest in central Iowa in 1935.
Historic images of the Princess Cafe Courtesy
of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission |
| The interior also retains a very high level of integrity and
displays significant detailing. The 25-foot-long fountain with stools and original
equipment still produces old fashioned shakes. The candy display cases are now
used to display local school children's art projects. The fixtures are made of
two-tone walnut. Panels of figured oriental walnut of light shades, imported from
Africa, are at the ends of the tables in the booths. Avodire veneer and American
Black Walnut is used in the booth suites, which have carved rosettes inlaid at
the ends. The Princess--Sweet Shop is located at 607 Washington Ave., in
Iowa Falls. Still a cafe and ice cream parlor, it is open from 11:00am to 2:00pm
and again for dinner at 4:00pm Monday-Saturday.
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