Comments 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

By: Judy Wilcox

Judy Wilcox — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:09:18 +0000

In the 1880 census I found a listing for Ottumwa, Center, in Wapello, Iowa. Should this be Ottumwa Center (no comma), and can you tell me something about it? It appears from the census that this may have been an institution of some kind. I have a relative who is listed as a resident there in 1880, and I am curious about the purpose of the center. Thank you for any help you can give.

By: Larry Roeder

Larry Roeder — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:43:34 +0000

Dear Sirs,

I’m the great, great, grand nephew of Paris Caldwell who arrived in Ottumwa May 1, 1843 and died 1899, and for whom Caldwell Park was named. Paris street was named after him, and Caldwell street after his family. Arrison Street was named after Newton L. Arrison, a son in law of Paris.

Though I am aware that Newton had something to do with the City park system, I’ve never been clear as to what,nor when the park was formed and when the streets got their names. Do you know if he also named Benton and Clay streets? Benton was a family name and Clay is the first name of a famous Iowan and relative, who rose to fame in the Civil War anemd Henry Clay Caldwell. Do you have early photographs of Caldwell Park and the environs?

You may be interested to know that Paris was born Parris, not Paris, though both spellings were used over time. I would be pleased to know if you ever have a history or pioneer day in Ottumwa and if Paris, who helped create the city and once owned most of west Ottumwa, is ever mentioned.

Larry Winter Roeder, Jr.

By: Editor

Editor — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:13:03 +0000

I have sent your offer on to the Museum and requested they contact you personally. How nice of you to offer your paintings by Newton Roberts to the Museum.

Pat Watson
Editor

By: Lozetta Sandin

Lozetta Sandin — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:41:17 +0000

We have two original paintings done by Newton Roberts. Would you be interested in them. They were painted about 1967.

Lozetta Sandin

By: Editor

Editor — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:45:02 +0000

I have forwarded your email to the CVB too, hopefully you will hear something from the director of the museum regarding you generous offer.

Pat Watson
Editor

By: Mrs. Bonnie E. McClung

Mrs. Bonnie E. McClung — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:10:12 +0000

My mother, Ruth Eleanor Gillen, was born in Ottumwa in 1907. She had a sister, Mabel, and a brother, Elmer. Elmer was about 19 when he died in France during World War I and we have many letters he wrote home to his family and also some pertaining to his death. He served as a medic during the War and my grandmother went to Paris as a “Gold Star” mother years later. Would the Museum in Ottumwa like the letters that we have from Elmer? We would love forward to your response.
Bonnie McClung

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:57:07 +0000

Michael,
I have forwarded your inquiry on to the Ottumwa CVB and asked them to contact the museum and then you regarding you inquiry. They should be contacting you soon.
Pat Watson
Editor

By: Michael Rapp

Michael Rapp — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:37:51 +0000

I found a medallion from the “Street Fair”, 1899, carnival, Ottumwa, Iowa. I would like to find out something about this event. Can you help or put me in touch with someone who can. I have tried to get the email of the museum, but haven’t been successful. Thanks.
Michael Rapp