Wellman, Iowa
Wellman's story began long before the town itself existed. During the 1830s and 1840s, settlers established farms along the English River, where a grist mill and river crossing became gathering places for travelers and the surrounding agricultural community. An early settlement developed near the river along the stage route between Iowa City and Oskaloosa, serving as a small but important stop in southeastern Iowa.
The community's future changed dramatically in 1879 when the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway extended through the area. Local farmer Joseph Edward Wellman donated land for a railroad depot, and businesses and homes quickly followed the tracks. The new community soon surpassed the original riverside settlement and was incorporated as the Town of Wellman, bearing the name of the man whose land helped make it possible.
As the decades passed, Wellman grew into a resilient small town, investing in the infrastructure and public services that allowed it to thrive. Volunteer organizations, improved streets and utilities, and what local history recognizes as Iowa's first sewage treatment plant in 1940 reflected a community committed to looking ahead while remaining rooted in its agricultural heritage.
Today, Wellman's story is still being written. Every business, every organization, every volunteer, every family, and every neighbor adds another chapter. The Advancing Wellman Podcast exists to help preserve those stories—so that decades from now, future generations won't just know when Wellman was founded, but who built the community it became.
Nathan Klostermann
I was born and raised in Wellman and graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1998. After graduation, I spent the next 20 years living in the Iowa City and Coralville area, where I built a career, made lifelong friends, and started a family.
I truly enjoyed those years, but there was always something missing. As great as Iowa City and Coralville were, they never quite felt like home the way Wellman did.
In 2020, my family and I made the decision to move back. It wasn't just a move—it was coming home.
When we returned, I knew I wanted to become involved in the community that had given so much to me growing up. Since then, I've had the opportunity to serve on the Wellman City Council, volunteer with the Wellman Community Club, become a board member for Wellman Golf Club, and work alongside many incredible people who care deeply about making our town an even better place to live.
These opportunities and experiences led me to an important realization. Some of the most interesting people in Wellman have incredible stories that are never shared outside their own circles. Local businesses are quietly doing remarkable things. Volunteers give countless hours without recognition. Our history is rich, yet many of those stories risk being forgotten.
That's why I created The Advancing Wellman Podcast. This podcast exists to celebrate the people, organizations, businesses, and history that make Wellman special. Through conversations with community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, first responders, coaches, volunteers, and longtime residents, my hope is to preserve our stories, strengthen community connections, and inspire others to get involved.
Because every town has a story worth telling—and this is ours.