About Emma J. Harvat and Mary E. Stach House
Historic Architecture, Architecture, Interesting Places, Other Buildings And Structures
The Emma J. Harvat and Mary E. Stach House, also known as the De Saint Victor House, was the home of Emma J. Harvat, who was the first female mayor of Iowa City, Iowa and the first female leader of a U.S. city with a population greater than 10,000. Harvat was a successful businesswoman who had become financially independent and retired to Iowa City at the age of 43. After arriving there she became partner in another business venture with Mary (May) Stach, establishing Harvat and Stach to sell women's clothing. Harvat and Stach had the house on Davenport Street built for them in 1919. The house was designed by Iowa City architect Orville H. Carpenter, incorporating a variety of historical revival styles, dominated by Colonial Revival.
