Ames - Making Sense of the American Civil War - Series Begins January 8, 2012

The Ames Public Library has a series of presentations and other events in Making Sense of the American Civil War.  These begin January 8 with Point/Counterpoint:  Was the Civil War Necessary? 

Then a five-part reading and discussion series Let's Talk About It begins January 23.  You can sign up for this series and borrow copies of the readings at the Library.

Included in the presentations is one that is part of the Ames Historical Society 2012 Lecture Series.  This will be February 28 at the Ames City Auditorium on Iowa in the Civil War.

Further details at the Library or on the poster.

Slater - Winter Newsletter Published

The Slater Area Historical Association has published the latest edition of their newsletter.  It includes highlights of their recent activities and notices of upcoming ones.  See it to learn about their exhibits and opportunities to participate.  It can be found here.

Slater - Growing Up in a Small Town, Slater, Iowa, First Volume Now Available

The Slater Area Historical Association now has the first volume of your stories from their exhibit "Growing Up in a Small Town, Slater, Iowa" available for sale for $1.00.  The exhibit is still available and you are encouraged to share your stories for future volumes!

Story City - Christmas On The Home Front (1944) - December 10, 2011

The Story City Historical Society will have a large variety of artifacts from the period of Christmas 1944 on display on Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bartlett House Museum.  In addition, you can share your own experiences during World War 2 at the oral history station.  Tell us what life was like in Story City during the period.

Admission is free with a small donation encouraged.

Ames - Story County World War II Veterans Index Online

The Ames Historical Society had their World War II Veterans Index online in time for Veterans Day.  This contains nearly 5300 service personnel from all branches, both from Ames and throughout Story County, Iowa.  There are thousands of scanned articles, photos, and other materials available online.

Preparing this information for online availability was aided with a grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa.  Learn more about the creation of this material during WW II and its history in this Ames Tribune article.  The Ames Historical Society.also describes how it came to be available online.

As an example of the range of information that may be found, see the entry for Ralph L. Miller.

Note that the Ames Historical Society welcomes additions to the project.

Gilbert - Gilbert History Documentary DVD, December 8, 2011

The Gilbert Historical Society has its next meeting December 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. in room 121 in the high school.  The main program will be viewing the Gilbert History DVD produced last year by two Gilbert students.  All are invited to see this.

Slater - Growing Up in a Small Town, Slater, Iowa - Opens Thanksgiving Day

The Slater Area Historical Association will have a new display Growing Up in a Small Town beginning on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011.  This is a display through the eyes of kids growing up in the 1940's and 1950's with memories, stories, and photos.  They will be open from 2 - 5 on both Thanksgiving and the next day (24th and 25th) and then Sundays during the holidays from 2 -5 and their usual Thursday hours.

The Opening Reception will be Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 2 to 5, the same time as Slater's Christmas on Main celebration.

Story County Theaters in Hollywood in the Heartland

Hollywood in the Heartland is a research project of Preservation Iowa and the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office that seeks to document Iowa's movie legacy.  Part of this has been identification of motion picture theaters and other buildings that have served as theaters.  Their online database of these buildings allows searching by name, city, county, and architect or builder.

There are 16 buildings found by searching for Story (as a county) in the database as shown below.

Theater	Address	City
Varsity Theatre (85-00961)	2410 Lincoln Way	Ames
Ames Theatre (85-00962)	2420 Lincoln Way	Ames
Princess Theatre (85-00990)	115 Main St	Ames
Scenic Theater (85-00994)	121 Main St	Ames
Collegian Theatre (85-01049)	411 Main St	Ames
Opera Hall (85-01133)	233 Main St	Ames
Shattuck Theater (85-01459)	Wallace Rd	Ames
Maxwell Opera House (85-01670)		Maxwell
State Theatre (85-01681)	73 Main St	Maxwell
Camelot Theatre (85-01840)	1114 6th St	Nevada
Nevada Opera House (85-02005)	Lynn St	Nevada
Roland Opera House (85-02025)	217 Ash St	Roland
Grand Auditorium and Hotel Block (85-02243)	500 Broad St	Story City
Alderman Building - Palace Theater (85-03209)	1038 6th St	Nevada
Collins Theater (85-04389)	203 Main St	Collins
Cambridge Theatre (85-04390)	222 N Water St	Cambridge

16 theater(s) found in county search for story.

Follow the theaters links to see information about its history, current use(s), and historic status including whether it is listed on the National Register.

The project is continuing to look for information about the theaters it has identified and any that it has missed.  You can help them by adding to their survey as described in Get Involved on this page.

Also, be sure to check out the section labeled Extras.  This includes Iowans in Hollywood and Hollywood in Iowa.

Postcards of Story County on the Web

The Penny Postcards site, a USGenWeb Archives Web Site, includes a number of early photo postcards from Story County.  Ames, Cambridge, Nevada, and Story City all have postcards shown.

Penny Postcards from Iowa, part of the site, has links to the postcards by county.  Then within the counties many are arranged by town.

Story City - World War One Presentation Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Story City Historical Society will present Trench Knives and Mustard Gas: Central Iowans in World War One on Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be in the Carriage House Museum with a small donation encouraged for admission.

Story City - Traveling Civil War Exhibit, November 2 - 3, 2011

The traveling exhibit Fiery Trail - Iowa and the Civil War will be located within the Story City swimming pool parking lot on November 2nd and 3rd.  It will be available to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday the 2nd and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday.  This exhibit from the State Historical Society of Iowa is a 32 foot trailer that shows Iowa's involvement in the war.

“The Fiery Trial” exhibit includes:

• A visual timeline of Iowa’s participation in the Civil War
• Panels about Iowans and their Civil War experiences
• Information about Annie Wittenmyer, a Sanitation Agent for Iowa who oversaw the needs of Union Army soldiers
• The impact of the Civil War on Iowa
• The role Iowa played in the Civil Rights movement when it approved the right to vote for African-Americans
• A computer program that allows visitors to research Civil War ancestors by person, town, township or congressional district

 See additional information on this History on the Move exhibit.

Story City All Members Meeting September 29, 2011

The Story City Historical Society will have its All Members meeting Thursday, September 29, at 7 p.m. in the Carriage House Museum.  This is an opportunity to meet the new director and learn upcoming plans for the museums of Story City.  Also, Rev. Glen and Mary Kappelmann will share the story of Mary's ancestor, Jens Ritland, a Story City resident that fought in the Civil War.

Nevada - Cemetery Walk September 24, 2011

The Nevada Historical Society will have a Historic Cemetery Walk at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  Tickets ($8) should be purchased in advance as the number is limited.  See the files on the left for additional details (click on them and click it a second time for a larger version) or contact Kris at 382-4854 for additional details.

Story City - From Prairie to Corn Belt - August 20, 2011

The Story City Historical Society is hosting "From Prairie to Corn Belt," a special event focused on the evolution of agricultural technology from prehistoric cultures through the present.  Located at the green space near the historic Sheldall School, this special event is scheduled for Saturday August 20th from 4:00pm-7:00pm.  Admission is free with donations accepted.

(Note: To see a larger version of the flyer, click on it and them click the flyer again.)

Ames - Second Saturday History Walks on Main Street

The Ames Historical Society has a series of historical walking tours in conjunction with the Main Street Farmer's Market.  The next tours are Saturday, August 13 and Saturday September 10, 2011.

Story City - Horse Brasses July 10, 2011

The Story City Historical Society will have a presentation by Cindy Doolittle on Horse Brasses at the Carriage House Museum on Sunday, July 10, 2011.  The museum will be open from 1:30 to 4 with the presentation at 2 p.m.

Slater Agenda for June 14, 2011

SLATER AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

June 14, 2011

1:30 P.M. Meeting

AGENDA

 

 

Call to Order

 

1.  Minutes of March meeting - Louise

2.  Treasurer’s Report -  Mary              

3.  Old Business and Updates

• Board of Directors position to be filled
• Garage Sale results    
• Photo requests from

1. South Story Bank 
2. Sheldahl Crossing Antiques
3. Ballard High School

 

4.  Proposed projects:

• Slater School Alumni reunion July 2 (provide info about SAHA open house during Ballard reunion) - Howard
• 4th of July
• Ragbrai - July 27  (participate or not)
• Cemetery Walk  -  Sunday, September 25
• Ballard reunion - Sept 30 thru Oct 2 - Open house
• Heritage showcase event for visitors over Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Wedding Heritage exhibit  (no report - keep on agenda for June 2012) 
• Recipes/memories/histories book (no report - keep on agenda for target date 2015)

 

 

5.  Other items for discussion/consideration:

• Thursday activities and visitors
• Grants
• Revision of mission statement

 

Call for Adjournment

Next meeting:  July 12, 2011

Ames Final Presentation in 2011 Historical Society Lecture Series - April 26, 2011

The final presentation in this series is The McFarland Clinic Story:  Making Medical History for 65 Years by Shelley Goecke and Retired Clinic Physicians. 

All of the lectures in the series will be at 7 pm on the last Tuesday of the month.  Location:  Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street, Ames.  A $2 donation is requested at the door.

Story City - Upcoming Events

The Story City Historical Society has a busy schedule of upcoming events.  These include:

• April 29, 6 – 10 - Celebrate Iowa Wine and Beer Festival, Factory Stores of America
• April 30, 9 – 12 – Story County Historical Alliance, Cambridge
• May 8, 1:30 – 4- Bartlett Museum and Carriage House open for season.  Celebrate National Train Day with new “The Train That Moved a Town” exhibit.
• May 15- 1:30-4-Iowa Museum Day, Share the museums with a neighbor or friend.
• June 3, 4, 5- Scandinavian Days, Fri. 4-6, Sat. 1- 5, Sun. 1:30 -4.  Grandma’s Cookie Sale.

The Celebrate Iowa Wine and Beer Festival will feature 6 wineries and 2 or 3 breweries who will offer tastes of their wares.  Music, desserts and door prizes galore.  Tickets are $15 or $20 which includes a wine glass.  Bring your friends for a fun evening.  Factory Stores of America, Friday, April 29, 6-10.

Slater - Panorama Celebration May 6, 2011

The Slater Area Historical Association has set Friday, May 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 for the presentation of the Slater Panorama to the public.  Come and see this 8-foot long model of the west side of Slater during the 1940's and 1950's created by Ron Harmon.  Come and share memories of Slater back when!

Slater - New Tee Shrts for Sale

The Slater Area Historical Association has three new tee shirt designs for sale.  See them at the April 30th Grand High Trestle Trail Celebration.  Also at the June Garage Sale, the Fourth of July, and at Heritage Hall.  Or check them out online and contact any board member or the Hall to purchase.

Huxley - Fjord Dinner and Meeting - April 9, 2011

The Huxley Historical Society has a Fjord dinner and their annual meeting on Saturday, April 9, 2011.   The guest speaker will be Duane Finch:  The History of the Fjord Restaurant.   Reservations are required - click on the picture and click it again for a larger version for details.

Slater - Planning Fall Cemetery Walk - Meeting March 29, 2011

The Slater Area Historical Association is planning a cemetery walk this coming fall.  All interested people are welcome to attend a meeting March 29, at 7 p.m., in Heritage Hall.  If you have information on the families buried in the Slater Municipal Cemetery to share with the group or would like additional details, please contact Howard Hammond (515-685-2271) or Myrna Harmon (515-685-3488).

Ames Third Lecture in Historical Series 2011 - March 29

All of the lectures in the series will be at 7 pm on the last Tuesday of the month.  Location:  Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street, Ames.  A $2 donation is requested at the door.

Nevada - Mystery Dinner - February 26 and March 5, 2011

The Nevada Historical Society is taking reservations for "The Watersdown Affair" presented on February 26 and March 5th.  The Society is taking reservations for eight actors and additional "observers" for the two performances.

Held at the Dyer-Dowell Victorian House, the mystery allows actors and observers to enjoy hor d'oeuvres and dinner while participating in the mystery and solving it.   Reservations by calling 382-6703 or 382-4876.

Ames Historical Society Displays at Ames Public Library

The Ames Historical Society has a display area in the Ames Public Library where it highlights some of its materials and topics.  For example, the current display shows 19th century autograph books.

The display case is located between the non-fiction books stacks and the Iowa Collection.  Stop in and see their displays!

Slater - Annual Meeting and Luncheon February 16, 2011

The Slater Area Historical Association is having its Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at the Heritage Hall.  Luncheon is from noon to 1:00 pm followed by the meeting at 1:15.  The public is invited. (Click on the picture to the left for more details.)

Future events include the Spring 2011 reception for the Slater Panorama and the Summer 2011 In the Good Ol' Summertime Exhibit.

Ames Historical Society Lecture Series 2011

The Ames Historical Society 2011 Lecture Series will begin Tuesday, January 25 with The Life and Legacy of Jack Trice presented by Dorothy Schwieder.  All four of the lectures in the series will be at 7 pm on the last Tuesday of the month.  Location:  Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street, Ames.  A $2 donation is requested at the door.

For information about the other lectures, click on the picture to the left for more details and click it again to see a larger version or go to the Ames Historical Society website.

Story County Historical Alliance Meets with County Supervisors

Once a year the members of the Story County Historical Alliance meet with the Story County Supervisors to describe the accomplishments of our groups.  The Ames Historical Society hosted this years meeting on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.  Thank you to Supervisors Jane Halliburton, who is retiring as Supervisor after 24 years, Wayne Clinton, and Paul Toot, the newest Supervisor, for their interest and support.

Among the highlights of the last year were:

• The Roland Historical Society has digitized the Roland Record (1895 to 1975) so it can be searched and browsed online.
• The Slater Area Historical Association Hall of Heroes room showcases 200 5" X 7" photos of service personnel.
• The Gilbert Historical Society held Gilbert Stories Night (40s and 50s) and a Reunion of Gilbert Girls Basketball (6 on 6) for people to share memories
• The Ames Historical Society will mark its 30th anniversary with Ames Reads (and Remembers) Farwell Brown.
• The Ames Historical Society has received an Historical Resource Development Program grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa for digitization of their World War II information.
• The Ames Historical Society will have their 6th Winter Lecture Series on the last Tuesdays of January through April.
• The Story City Historical Society will become an official site of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area.
• The Story City Historical Society hosted the Abraham Lincoln traveling exhibit in May.
• The Cambridge Historical Association working with the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary has identified veterans in the Cambridge Cemetery for the Memorial Day services. 
• The Cambridge Historical Association has created a separate website listing current Cambridge events.
• The Maxwell Community Historical Society has worked with a school class in researching Maxwell artifacts.
• Several members of the Maxwell Community Historical Society were on the Honor Flights to Washington, DC.

 In addition to these accomplishments by the groups, the groups have worked together to promote Story County's history through projects such as the Take a Historic Drive Through Story County Iowa map and the Story County Historical Alliance website.