Courthouses were a big boost for the economies of frontier towns, and they were willing to do nearly anything to get them. When a long-running courthouse feud started again in Clinton County, Iowa, in the mid-1800’s, a group of local citizens decided to not take these insults lying down.
Episode 69: The Missing Bell – The Clinton County, Iowa Courthouse War Read More »
Courthouses are, without a doubt, iconic structures within our civilized societies. However, many people would probably be shocked to discover the lengths – both legal and illegal – that pioneers would go to in order to get one To many people, courthouses represent justice. They promise us law and order, that we will be judged
The Missing Bell – The Clinton County, Iowa Courthouse War Read More »
The world was breathing a little easier at the end of 1945. For the past several years, the Second World War had raged across the globe. Towns and cities had been razed throughout the Pacific and across Europe. Millions had lost their lives during the course of the conflict. Now, the war was finally over.
Rising From the Flames Read More »
August 30, 1945, was a day like any other in DeWitt, Iowa. That is, until the explosions started. What happened that fateful afternoon, and what is its connection to the modern day? https://media.blubrry.com/kitchentablehistorian/content.blubrry.com/kitchentablehistorian/Yegge_Final.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Episode 15: Rising From the Flames Read More »
If you were to peruse a history of the small town of Long Grove, Iowa, you are very likely to find a very interesting black and white photograph. In it stands a huge man, looking at the camera with relative disinterest. The viewer can’t help but notice the man’s size. Yes, he’s very overweight, but
Little Stone For a Big Man: The Giant of Scott County, Iowa Read More »
I’ve always admired people who could play an instrument, especially those who could do it well. In the 1800’s, a DeWitt, Iowa pioneer used his musical talent to not only entertain, but build a small fortune. Do you have any ancestors who were musically inclined? Drop by and tell me about them sometime!
DeWitt, Iowa Pioneer Farmer Makes Small Fortune Playing Antique Violin Read More »
Have you ever seen a memorial or a monument to someone and wonder who that person was? I’m willing to say that we all have. Here is an unusual memorial in an unexpected place from my hometown of DeWitt, Iowa. After you read the article, please share some of the memorials that you’ve seen from your neck of the woods. I’d love to hear about it!
Stone Memorial: The Life of P.J. Maher Read More »
Hello friends! Sorry about posting this a day late, but my new laptop decided to die. This week, I’m going to tell you about an artifact in a small town Iowa museum that saw some truly violent moments in our past. As always, I if you enjoy what you’ve read, please be sure to click you like buttons on Facebook or on my website!
Small Town Iowa Museum Artifact Bears Witness to Violent Events in U.S. History Read More »
The mural was old. The colors were still vibrant through, the lines still clear and sharp. It was simple – a farmer in his field, harvesting corn while his dog runs nearby. It was painted in a stylized design that is deceptively primitive. If you’re only glancing at it, it seems to lack any
John Bloom: The Regionalist and Me Read More »
August 30th, 1945 was just another day for most people. The Second World War had just come to an end a few weeks before. William Galitz was just another working man making a buck at the F.L. Implement Store in DeWitt, Iowa. The day had been uneventful, and all was well. And then he
Healing Fire: The Explosion That Led to A Small Town Hospital Read More »
