A New Era Begins at the Reed-Niland Corner: Community, Preservation, and a June 14 Celebration
Tuesday morning arrived with a message that many in Colo have been waiting for, especially the board members of the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc. “Well, we are officially owners of the Reed‑Niland Corner as of yesterday! (Do we break out the champagne yet?),” wrote President Brenda McGuire. [ I will bring the Lincoln Highway wine, Brenda!] After a year of planning, meetings, and community collaboration, the historic corner officially has a new future.
A Journey Rooted in Community History
My story of this preservation effort stretches back to 2023, when I wrote my first article for this newsletter, and it was on the 100th Anniversary of the Reed-Niland Corner. In 2024, I was contacted by Brenda, a member of the Colo Historical Association, to film an oral history video with past Reed Station employees.
When I received a call from Brenda on Feb 4, 2025, it didn’t seem unusual. However, that was a phone call that I will always remember. It happened to be my birthday, and I had a full schedule, but Brenda caught me when I was on the road. She was in a bit of a panic and revealed that the Colo City Council had discussed the possibility of selling the Reed‑Niland Corner due to insurance costs. We were extremely concerned that someone who didn’t value the history could end up with the corner and tear it down.
Seeking guidance, I turned to Ann Opatz, of the Pleasant Grove Heritage Park, Inc, a non-profit formed due to a similar situation along the Lincoln Highway in Lisbon, IA. The Meyers Farm Historic District is a National Register listed property that suffered structural damage after the 2020 derecho.
The City of Lisbon (the owner) was informed by their insurance company that they needed to demolish the buildings in order to be insured. Ann was a member of the Lisbon Historic Preservation Commission at the time and she worked to establish the non-profit who took over ownership of the property which proved to be a model for what could be possible in Colo.
Mobilizing a Community
A public meeting soon followed, filling the community room with city officials, former employees, longtime customers, and residents who shared heartfelt memories of the corner. Tears were shed from both sides of the discussion. Representatives from the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association and the Jefferson Highway Association also attended to explain the importance of the Corner to the story of automobile and roadway development in America.
With guidance from preservation specialist Shellie Orngard, the group aligned around a plan to pursue National Register of Historic Places status and establish a local preservation commission. The group also agreed to explore nonprofit ownership.
The Colo Historical Association (who had been running the Reed Station Museum) supported the effort but recognized that managing a café, motel, museum, and apartments was beyond its mission. They were currently outgrowing the station and looking for an alternative space. That clarity helped pave the way for a new organization dedicated solely to the Reed‑Niland Corner experience and for the Colo Historical Association to take the plunge to build an extension to the community room for their new larger Colo Museum.
Reed‑Niland Corner, Inc.
After several meetings, it was clear that establishing a separate nonprofit was going to be necessary. The first meeting was set for April 10th. The founding members of the nonprofit were: Brenda McGuire, Kathy Mens, Sue McKinney, Paula Cady, Leeann Beavers, Michael Keul, Deborah McIntosh, Ryan McKinney, Danielle O’Rourke, Russ O’Rourke, Jan Gammon, Jeanie Hau, and Shellie Orngard.
The nonprofit took shape with a mission dedicated to preserve, maintain, and promote the visitor experience of the historic Reed-Niland Corner and the continued operation of the cafe, motel, museum, and apartment buildings. Nearly every month someone new would want to join the board. The board now includes experts in history, restoration, insurance, finance, grant writing, and maintenance, along with representatives from the Lincoln Highway Association, Jefferson Highway Association, and Colo Historical Association.
Recent Accomplishments/Media Attention
- WHO and Gabe On the Go on channel 13
- A Jefferson Highway Association monthly podcast show: “Visit the Historic Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, IA” on Big Blend Radio.
- A $5,000 grant was secured from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to pursue National Register status.
- The Business Insider documentary on the Reed‑Niland Corner (and the world’s biggest truck stop) surpassed 3.8 million views.
- Additional grants were submitted for neon sign restoration, door repairs, and other needs.
- Donations covered the first year of insurance
On April 6, 2026, less than a year since the first meeting to form the nonprofit was held, the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc. became the owners of the Reed-Niland Corner.
Mayor Jeff Brinkman shared his appreciation in writing, “Thanks to the Reed-Niland group for taking over this historic corner. The group of volunteers will do a fabulous job maintaining such an important part of Colo’s history. Thanks for working with the City for the past year and I wish you the best of luck in your mission!” Sincerely, J. S. B. Mayor
The Colo City Clerk, Amy Kohlwes, unofficially did a little dance, and Reed-Niland Corner Inc President, Brenda McGuire, took in a deep breath.
Reed-Niland Corner Board Member, Janell Komodromou, says that she is “excited to make a difference in the area of maintenance needs!”
A Celebration of the Reed-Niland Corner, Sunday, June 14th
To celebrate this new era of the corner and several major anniversaries, the Reed-Niland Corner Inc. along with the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway and the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway are throwing a full-day celebration!
The event marks:
- Niland’s Café’s 100+ years
- Colo’s 150th anniversary, settlement of New Albany 170th anniversary
- The Colo Historical Association will have an event on Sunday, April 26th at their new location!
- America’s 250th anniversary
- The meeting of the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways 100+ years anniversary
- The beginning of Reed‑Niland Corner, Inc.’s stewardship
A jam-packed day is planned for all. A national event will be present. A kids’ show from Silly Sally will start the day, followed by a pie-eating contest for all ages, a 12-time Fiddle state champion, Bingo, games, and contests. The evening will begin at 4 pm with the Lincoln Highway Band, straight out of Iowa, who were inspired by the Reed-Niland Corner! Food specials will also be available and pies, pies, pies courtesy of Niland’s Café and the Pie Maker!
A National Event: Portraits of Hope: America 250
One of the most exciting parts of our day of celebration is Portraits of Hope: America 250, a national art project traveling to all 50 states. Colo is one of three Iowa locations participating and currently the first.
Participants will paint large 4′ x 10′ acrylic sheets that will later be assembled into illuminated lanterns displayed in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., this October. The project is designed for ages 14 and up, though younger children may participate with hand-held guidance to paint within the lines.
At least 71 painters are needed but the team is aiming for 150. Discover Ames awarded us a grant, Niland’s Cafe, and the Lincoln and Jefferson Highway Heritage Byways are our first Sponsors.
We are looking for more sponsors! If you would like your business or community group logo and name on our banner and posters, contact reednilandcorner@gmail.com or jhau@prrcd.org. We have several levels to choose from!
See you on the byway!
