July 5, 2013: The Colo Motel at the Reed-Niland corner.
In 1923, a Colo farmer began a gas station at the east junction of the Lincoln and Jefferson highways. The station, which expanded to include a restaurant and lodging, thrived for decades. In the past 30 years operations at the cafe have been off and on, but they are currently on.
Prairie Rivers of Iowa has an article chronicling the history of the corner, its ownership, and its place in Iowa and national highway history. The corner was the site of the first grade-separated intersection in Iowa as the Jefferson Highway, later US 65, joined/left the Lincoln Highway here.
On Saturday there will be a 100th anniversary celebration. There will be live bands and food will be served.