PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TRAER HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Traer’s St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church building was moved from Blairstown to Traer in September 1950. The moving job was handled by the Kreger house moving company of Waterloo. After the spire was removed, the church stood 36 feet high. About 1,000 electric, telephone and telegraph lines had to be lifted to allow the church to pass. Total distance traveled was 46 or 47 miles, most of it in a zig-zag route to avoid towns. Twelve bridges were crossed. Top road speed was 10 miles per hour, but the average speed was much less. The church was purchased for $1,345. The cost of moving was around $2,500. It was erected in Blairstown in 1879 and is remarkably well preserved. The church building, located at 207 Taylor Street, is still in use today and has had additions and renovations through the years.