August 27, 1974 – The ten-room Jacob Wentz House is designated on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2014, becomes the perfect host to the popular bookstore – The Haunted Bookshop.
Jacob Wentz (1816-1883) – a shoemaker – was a native of Germany and arrived here in Iowa City in the early 1840’s. Records indicate that Jacob and his wife, Christina, purchased two pieces of property in Iowa City, building very similar homes – two-story, yellow-brown sandstone houses – on both. The first deed (June 28, 1847) was written for a lot located at 409 E. Market Street, and there, Wentz began construction immediately. On that same date in 1847, Caroline Wentz – Jacob’s sister – was listed on a deed for the second property – located at 219 N. Gilbert. Here, Wentz build a second home – similar to the one he had built on Market Street, only larger and bit more decorative.
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Just to clarify. The Haunted Bookshop moved into the space in about 2014, replacing Murphy-Brookfield bookstore.
Thanks Joshua for the clarification and added info. :0)