Standing tall and sturdy, the Koschmeder silo in Bremer County at 2513 220th St., Readlyn, has stood the test of time. Constructed in 1939 by the Independent Silo Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company guaranteed its durability and resistance to frost. The inside walls were of California redwood, followed by a thick waterproof “silafelt” layer, and then a cedar outer layer with tongue and groove construction to fit the curve of the silo. After being used for silage for many years, the lower sections were later used for shelled corn, and at that time metal bands were added to strengthen the walls.
The family of Leslie Koschmeder, John, Leslie, and Irwin are the proud owners of the silo that was in use until the mid-1980s. In 2022 the silo received a new metal roof as well as coats of paint. The barn pictured below was built sometime between 1912 and 1939. (2024 photos)
