-- written by Holstein native Mary (Knuth) Otto. Taken from an article from The New York Times dated September 25, 1988 entitled For Every Child There is a Hometown.
November 10, 1982 -- the initial lots in Holstein were sold and the town platted. The first train had finally arrived that fall and vital transportation would now be available.
Although the actual town of Holstein didn't become a reality until 1882, as early as 1868 pioneer farmers had been preparing the way...
In 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thielmann had purchased prairie land in Ida county one mile east and one mile north from the present town of Holstein. At this location a combination saloon, blacksmith shop, and dance hall was built. This area was widely known as the "German settlement." ...
Jochim Thode, one of the early settlers of the area, having arrived in 1876 with other settlers from New Holstein, Wisconsin, became the first mayor of Holstein. He also suggested the name "Holstein" in honor of the province in Germany that had been the homeland for so many of the residents of the town...
(excerpt from the 1982 Holstein Centennial Book) For more on the history of Holstein you may contact Stubbs Memorial Library.