Comments for Iowa Tourism

Comment on Swedish Heritage Museum – Swedesburg, Iowa by Jean Reed

Jean Reed — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:25:34 +0000

My ancestors are all from Sweden, settling in NW Pennsylvania (Chandler’s Valley near Warren, Pa.). I’ve visited some relatives in Sweden and some have visited us.
We now live in Florida, but our son is at U. of Iowa so I will stop to see you when I get to Iowa.

Comment on Meskwaki Indian Pow Wow – Tama, Iowa by rock johnson

rock johnson — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:12:09 +0000

I have been to the pow wow many times when I lived in ia I. Now live in Kentucky and was wondering. When the pow wow will be in 2012. As I would like to bring my wife to see it as she has never been to anything like it

Comment on Kalona Historical Village – Kalona, Iowa by Sheila B.

Sheila B. — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:56:35 +0000

I am not a Mennonite, but love the Mennonite people for their loving dispositions and am very close to their beliefs. Although I believe in baptism by immersion. I think the covering is a womans hair and not necessarily the hat,( but I am not against the lovely white caps.) I love their simple lifestyle and ways. Wishing I had a Mennonite friend. I am moving to Iowa In June with my son. Would enjoy Mennonite neighbors.

Comment on Monroe County Historical Museum – Albia, Iowa by Cathy Mathias

Cathy Mathias — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:16:25 +0000

Looking for any information on the Mathias, Rader, Stocker families from Monroe County including hiteman, hynes, albia, avery, blakesburg. The Mathias family (Lewis, Guy, Joe) and possibly others were coal miners there in the late 18s ealy 1900s. Thanks

Comment on Mitchell County Historical Society Cedar Valley Memories – Osage, Iowa by Paul Ehlinger

Paul Ehlinger — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:39:37 +0000

I am one of the volunteers that operates a Phoenix steam powered log hauler in Wabeno Wisconsin. Wabeno Antique Power Association has their show on July 13h-15th 2012. When is the show in Osage for 2012? I would like to attend and bring the 1/6th scale model that Dan Kiekhafer built of the Phoenix log hauler.

Comment on FLOYD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Charles City, Iowa by Gary Kellogg

Gary Kellogg — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:22:18 +0000

I have relatives buried in riverside Cemetery in Charles city. Hannah and John Kellogg were on of the first familys to come there in 1854. I was looking for more information.

Comment on Pioneer Ridge Nature Area And Nature Center – Ottumwa, Iowa by Jennifer Milot

Jennifer Milot — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:21:59 +0000

I have tried calling them over and over no one ever answers their phone here, they are always gone!! I left a message and still no call back! its pointless to call but you MIGHT find someone if you go in!

Comment on NATHANIEL HAMLIN PARK – Audubon, Iowa by Nancy Hamlin Offield

Nancy Hamlin Offield — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:56:11 +0000

Hello Hamlin Cousins,

I’m a gr-granddaughter of Nathaniel and Margaret Poage Hamlin through their son Nathaniel Douglas Hamlin and Elva Crane. I live in Missouri, about 25 miles northeast of Kansas City and have been researching the Hamlin and allied families for almost 30 years and have fond memories of many trips to Exira over the years for the 4th of July celebrations and family reunions.
I am wondering if any of you might be interested in having a Hamlin Family Reunion this fall at the Hamlin Park there in Audubon? I have made some memorials for the family on Find A Grave if anyone is interested in checking them out and possibly linking your family to them. Looking forward to hearing from many new cousins.

Nancy

Comment on Belinda Toy And Antique Museum – Chariton, Iowa by PENNY BREEHER

PENNY BREEHER — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:24:02 +0000

i love your mueseum! and i seen a dopey from snow white,i really like it.we are thinking about driving up from st louis,mothis weekend,would you be able to open on saturday?

Comment on Eagle Point Park – Clinton, Iowa by Jo

Jo — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:10:50 +0000

Ahh…the monkey house. A relative of mine used to work at the monkey house at the park and I’ve been trying to find out more about him and the monkeys. In fact, that branch of the family had Nelsons….Nels or Elmer Nelson…his a second marriage to a widowed blood relative – Katharine Christiansen Kramer.

Comment on Historical And Coal Mining Museum – Centerville, Iowa by Vickie Trent

Vickie Trent — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:21:10 +0000

Response to Jim Stovall regarding Bidwell, Iowa:
I just found your email on this site by chance last week and am happy to respond, although your question has been waiting for quite some time! I asked Effie Walters Mather about the Bidwell site and found that her father, Benjamin Walters, worked at the coal mine during the 1920′s. There were only a few houses (12?) there at the time and a train frequented the tracks that ran through the town. Upon one occasion, when she was about ten years old, Effie was able to tour the first portion of the mine with her father and she said that the men who worked there all wore hats with lanterns attached. There were only a few homes in Bidwell and the families were close to one another. Effie remembered the name of the “Stephens” family, the “Brady” family and the “Pyle” family. Children would often gather at a green house – it is the house that still remains. It was also the train depot. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at vickie.trent@uni.edu Best wishes!

Comment on Iowa State Penitentiary – Fort Madison, Iowa by Bill Green

Bill Green — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:45:06 +0000

Yes people would pay to go in and see it and there are so many stories I worked there and its a amazing structure.

Comment on ALLIS CHALMERS TRACTOR AND FARM MUSEUM – GRISWOLD, IOWA by Editor

Editor — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:03:12 +0000

The Museum is open by appointment, call and they will meet you there for your tour and to provide information.

Comment on ALLIS CHALMERS TRACTOR AND FARM MUSEUM – GRISWOLD, IOWA by Dave Best

Dave Best — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:42:27 +0000

What hours is the musium open winter and summer?

Comment on Wapello County Historical Museum – Ottumwa, Iowa by clarence brady

clarence brady — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:35:08 +0000

My mother and father mary and fly brady lived all their lives in ottumwa. I found this week, in their possesions a book of pictures of the 1947 flood.
I was 8 years old at the time, but the water did not effect us. we lived at 419 ash street. I am now in my seventies and I am sure the book will be thrown away when I am gone. The pictures were put in a book and sold by Ottumwa Stamp Works. Perhaps you already have this book, the cover says DISASTER. If anyone wants this book my email is cb2052@earthlink.net

Clarence jip brady

Comment on Lillie Mae Chocolate – Marshalltown, Iowa by Carol Bottom

Carol Bottom — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:31:51 +0000

I would love to be able to order on-line. This would become a top gift giving site for me.

Comment on Iowa Historical Museum – Des Moines, Iowa by Dorris O'Neal Bull

Dorris O'Neal Bull — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:04:54 +0000

Are there still displays of fossils found by Corwin O’Neal of LeGrand?

Comment on The Gallup House – Jefferson, Iowa by David Comstock, Jr.

David Comstock, Jr. — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:20:28 +0000

The death of George Gallup Jr. prompted my visit to this site. My grandmother, Edna Gallup Short, was raised in this house and spoke of it often and lovingly. She spoke of the town, the local Indian tribes, and the care that went into building the house by her father. I am glad to see that the home is so welled cared for.

Comment on Camp Harlan Civil War historical marker – Mount Pleasant, Iowa by Ray Russell

Ray Russell — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:19:23 +0000

I am looking for any information, history and documents on Edward J. Bebb. He served in the 4th Iowa cav. company D. during the civil war, and received the medal of honor. I am his great great grandson . I have many photos of Bebb and Mary as well as photos of his daughter Mthra who married Rudolph Russell. (great grandparents) Any info. would be very much thankful
Thank you.

Comment on Clinton County Historical Society Museum – Clinton, Iowa by Mary

Mary — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:48:32 +0000

Angela,

Do you mean the littlebrownchurch.org/ ? It’s in Nashua, Iowa about 30 miles north of Waterloo. An inquiry there might bring the results you seek. Mary

Comment on Blackhawk Bridge – Lansing, Iowa by Julie hard

Julie hard — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:32:44 +0000

I’ve been to Iowa before it is beutiful this bridge is magnificent i’m recentley doing a project on this bridge i picked it because it is beautiful you did a really good job on the website i will love to learn more about it though

Comment on St. Patrick’s Church – Georgetown, Iowa by monica fairchild

monica fairchild — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:19:31 +0000

To my knowledge and belief it would have been my Great, Great, Great Grandfather who built the Church and so named after him there in Georgetown Iowa. Any information on the Church or Patrick Quinn would be wonderful. Thank You.

Comment on Iowa Energy Basketball – Des Moines, Iowa by joetta dameron

joetta dameron — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:51:06 +0000

loved the energy game

Comment on Palo Alto County Historical Museum – Emmetsburg, Iowa by Jon Zinnel

Jon Zinnel — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:51:40 +0000

I am looking for pictures related to the Rock Island railroad running through West Bend up through Esterville in the 60′s and 70′s. Specifically, I am looking for pics of locomotives.

My grandfather was a retired depot agent in West Bend and lived just a block off the tracks where my parents now reside. I remember my little brother and I running to the edge of the block at the end of the lumber company building to watch the train roll through town whenever we heard the whistle blow! It would have been all diesel when I was a kid!

Let me know if you have anything in your archives that might fit. thanks!

Comment on Dewey, the Rescued Library Cat – Spencer, Iowa by Mae Bozeman

Mae Bozeman — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:46:08 +0000

What an enchanting book. I thank Vicki for sharing her story with us all. I’ve had 5 cats in my adult life (many more than that as a child growing up on a small Ms farm). They’ve all been/are very special to me. These 5 have “shown up” at my home in the country throughout the years. My experiences have come from “taking in” these strays that steal your heart, comfort you when your sad and lonely and make you laugh when you least expect it! Cats with “ATTITUDES”! What companions they all have been/are.

Comment on Meskwaki Indian Pow Wow – Tama, Iowa by kim webb

kim webb — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:58:04 +0000

I am traveling from California to Tama to try and find my family roots. I am related to jim thorpe. my family came from Tama area.How can i find ancestor info? I will come during your pow wow.It sounds awesome!can we bring large shade set up and share it?Can we bring food cooler?How much is local motel?can we camp?Can i get in touch with other thorpe family?Thank you.

Comment on Santa Fe Swing Span Bridge (Toll Bridge) – Fort Madison, Iowa by Jim Austin

Jim Austin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:17:43 +0000

Worked on this bridge many times, up in “crows nest” on top. Now everything is on highway level.Was a train-order clerk,operator

Comment on Iowa State Penitentiary – Fort Madison, Iowa by Peggy Hughes

Peggy Hughes — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:49:53 +0000

I am looking for info on my grandfather, Harry James Hughes, 16 July1884-20 Dec 1920, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
I found his draft registration from 1913 and it states he was a prisoner at Iowa State Prison. I have very little informaion on him. He and my gr-mother apparently separated when my Dad was very young. The draft registration also states that he was nearly blind, which does fit with somer other info I have found. If you still have records from that time frame, I would appreciate anything you might have on him. My Dad never spoke of him, but he was born in 1913, so there was probably no contact. In fact, I don’t remember that anyone ever mentioned him. There was also mentionthat he was in a mental institutionh, but no dates on that.
Thanks for anything you might have.
Peggy Hughes THompson

Comment on Bonebright Museum Complex – Webster City, Iowa by Karen Erickson

Karen Erickson — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:27:03 +0000

My grandparents were caretakers of the museum and grounds when I was very young. Before they left, gram made a point of inventorying everything at the site because she was certain things would disappear. Last I heard she was right and many of the museum items are “lost”, most likely sold or put in private collections. It’s too bad, the museum should be put back to its original state. There were so many great things to see in there.

Comment on Plymouth County Historical Museum – Le Mars, Iowa by Editor

Editor — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:20:58 +0000

I have forwarded your email to the museum so you should hear from them soon.
You have had an amazing life, so glad you are willing to share the experiences with others.

Comment on Plymouth County Historical Museum – Le Mars, Iowa by Bud Withrow

Bud Withrow — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:36:02 +0000

I wish to volunteer time to the museum. I am 76 years old, My past includes 14 years on submarines, both conventional and nuclear, 12 years as a engeneer with Westinghouse Marine operations. Including 2 years as senior engineer on the DSV1 Bathyscaph Trieste Had a partnership in an after market automotive warehouse in Calif. for 5 years, followed by purchasing and running a Resort Motel “Lazy T” In Estes Park, CO. 43 rooms, 37 seat restaurant, separate 200+ seat banquet room, and a corner 7 pump gas station. Sold and moved to Le Mars Joined Moormans and in two years became a manager in feed sales. I Then attended a California school on Home Inspection. I opened and operated “HIS Home Inspection Service” eventually conducting 5,000 Inspections in the tri state area. I have retired. Being restless I have a recertly attained Asheford Institute of Antiques certification as both Antique dealer and appraiser. I can not write or spend a lot of time on my feet. But with my background I should be of some value.

Comment on Belinda Toy And Antique Museum – Chariton, Iowa by sharon peterson

sharon peterson — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:30:25 +0000

I collect all type of Barbies and I was wondering what you had that I may not. I have over a 1,000 of them

Comment on The Little Brown Church in the Vale – Nashua, Iowa by Brenda Abbott

Brenda Abbott — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:56:33 +0000

My greatgrandmother worked for Dr. Pitts as his assistant and nurse. My grandparents, parents and other relatives were married in the church. Dr. Pitts is buried in the same cemetary as my grandparents and his home is in the same town that my father was born in. Fredricksburg Iowa.

Comment on Bonebright Museum Complex – Webster City, Iowa by Linda House (Gramblin)

Linda House (Gramblin) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:44:45 +0000

We came one day to see the old courthouse that my grandparents lived in for many years. We also lived with them at different times. We found the door open and no one around. We were glad to get in but wondered why it was not locked.

I also am interested in the paranormal activity going on there. I would love to come when the paranormal team comes back around halloween but not sure of day and time. My grandparents (Jerry and Rose House) were both living in the house when they passed away so wonder if they continue to live there in spirit.

Comment on Marshall County Historical Museum – Marshalltown, Iowa by Melanie Stevenson

Melanie Stevenson — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:10:54 +0000

I have a question, please. I live in Illinois, however, my grandparent, great-grandparents are from Iowa….Decatur, Marion, and Lucas Counties.

I just learned that Decatur Co., IA has a township named Burrell Township. Do you know who/what that township was named after or for? Burrell is my grandmother’s maiden name and I find that interesting.

Can you help or point me in the right direction?

Comment on Airpower Museum – Antique Airfield – Ottumwa, Iowa by J Cole Mitchell

J Cole Mitchell — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:44:08 +0000

MY dad was WW2 hero ..marine fighting japs at tinian, siapan and iwo jima.. im lucky to be here.. do yall have the plane he said Saved them and they cheered whenever they saw the Corsair airplane coming to help the men that hit the beach..Dad was in amphibous tank.. Got blown up and he and one other got out..two others didnt make it.. thanks and Godspeed from JCM River city Memphis

Comment on Belinda Toy And Antique Museum – Chariton, Iowa by Amber

Amber — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:20:36 +0000

Hello I saw your museum on american pickers. I collect holiday barbies, saw some on the show and was wondering what years you have?

Comment on Humboldt County Historical Museum – Dakota City, Iowa by Glenn Markley

Glenn Markley — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:29:03 +0000

I visited the Museum today for the first time and was impressed with it. Everyone was friendly and knew their history and was taking great pride in being involved with the Museum. It was very orderly and clean, lots of history here and a pleasure to visit. The new building looks great, good craftsman built it and my hat is off to them.
Glenn Markley Rolfe IA

Comment on NATHANIEL HAMLIN PARK – Audubon, Iowa by kcmeredith

kcmeredith — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:42:09 +0000

Nathaniel Hamlin was my great-great-great grandfather, and Nathaniel Douglas Hamlin was my great-great grandfather. I will be visiting Exira for the first time this weekend for the burial of my great-aunt. Looking forward to seeing the park and other sites to which my family has ties! I’ve got a list of descendants going back to Robert Poage, who was the great-great grandfather of Margaret Poage, as well as a picture of Nathaniel and Margaret with Poage siblings and spouses. I believe my grandma has a book about the history of the family and the area. I’d love to know some of my distant relatives!

Comment on Bonebright Museum Complex – Webster City, Iowa by Karen Brewer

Karen Brewer — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:27:51 +0000

I find it amusing that after the admission it states “none”. We found out that is very true on Sept 17, 2011. We were to have a Brewer family reunion at the park and had anticipated we would be “allowed” to visit the home of our Grandparents, Wilson & Margaret Brewer. After arriving we were informed there was no key to open the door to the cabin. I was at the park on Heritage Day just a few weeks ago and the door was unlocked. It makes me wonder who is guarding the gate when a key can’t be located. We relocated due to unfavorable weather it was a great diapointment but we did have a good reunion. Maybe by the next reunion the key will be found.

Comment on Children’s Square USA – Christian Home Association – Council Bluffs, Iowa by Ken Carlson

Ken Carlson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:20:05 +0000

Thank you the time I spent there in the late 50′s. I have many great memories. Ken Carlson

Comment on Andy Williams Birthplace – Wall Lake, Iowa by Isabel

Isabel — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:13:01 +0000

I’d love to see this house. I love Andy Williams.

Comment on Old Fort Madison – Fort Madison, Iowa by flip33

flip33 — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 06:18:04 +0000

Looking forward to the Candlelight re-enactment on October 22, 2011. I hope they can put it together. The city of Fort Madison should support and advertise this event better.

Comment on Clark Museum Of Area History/ Clark’s Antique Acres – Milford, Iowa by IRENE CLARK

IRENE CLARK — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:51:47 +0000

WE OPEN IN THE SPRING AS WEATHER PERMITS. WE ARE OPEN IN THE FALL UNTILL THE WEATHER TURNS TO COLD.
THANKS, CLARK MUSEUM OF OKOBOJI AREA AND IOWA HISTORY AND CLARKS ANTIQUES ACRES.

Comment on Wide River Winery – Clinton, Iowa by Diane & Larry Shore

Diane & Larry Shore — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:06:04 +0000

Hello…I hope the proper people get this message. We just traveled thru the wonderful state of Iowa & were very impressed. Not only with the beauty of the state but also because the people of the state care about their state & how others perceive it. We especially were impressed by the road side rests & also the miles & miles of wind turbines. They are such a majestic picture while driving down the road. We stayed in Clinton at the Holiday Inn Express. Wow what a beautiful place. I just hope that guests & employees alike will try to keep it that way. We stayed in a lot of motels in our travels & found the Holiday the best yet. So a BIG THANK YOU to the state of Iowa for making our travels memorable.

Diane Shore

PS: My children & I lived in Storm Lake, Pochahontas & Newell, back in the late 60′s & early 70′s. Loved Pochahontas for sure.

Comment on Mitchell County Historical Society Cedar Valley Memories – Osage, Iowa by Amy

Amy — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:42:37 +0000

The threshing show / power show is usually during the second weekend in August each year. This year it was held on August 13th & 14th, 2011.

Comment on Children’s Square USA – Christian Home Association – Council Bluffs, Iowa by Jon Elphic

Jon Elphic — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:26:50 +0000

My mother was adopted from here in 1918. Alive and well in AZ

Comment on Historical And Coal Mining Museum – Centerville, Iowa by Linda Jones

Linda Jones — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:34:48 +0000

Hi! My great grandfather, Robert Lee Ruby, died on 01-11-1936 in a Bidwell Fuel Company Mine on the Henry Oswalt Farm one mile south of Christiansburg. If you have pix of that area…… or any knowledge of what happened, I would be obliged if you would contact me at LSJRJT@YAHOO.COM. I am very curious about his death. I do have an article from the newspaper that tells a little of the story….. if someone knew the TRUE story……. it would be a blessing to be able to finally put it to rest. Any assistance you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks!! Linda

Comment on Iowa Army Ammunition Plant – Middletown, Iowa by donna andrews/pierce

donna andrews/pierce — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:06:11 +0000

would love to see housing when i lived with w,p, musgrave and his wife and son from 1954 to 1957.

Comment on Cherokee PRCA Rodeo – Cherokee, Iowa by Editor

Editor — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 02:05:48 +0000

The rodeo for 2012 is May 31, June 1,2, 2012