Ames Historical Society 2013 Lecture Series

The Ames Historical Society has announced their 2013 Lecture Series.  This series of four lectures is held at 7:00 pm at the Ames City Auditorium (520 6th Street, Ames, Iowa) on the last Tuesday of January through April.  A $3 donation is requested to cover the auditorium rental costs.  Speakers and topics are:

Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Making Waves: The People and Places of Iowa Broadcasting
Jeff Stein, author, broadcast historian, and university educator
 
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Iowa Department of Transportation Centennial: 100 Years of Contributions to Ames, Our State, and the Nation
Leighton Christiansen, DOT Archivist
Andy Loonan, DOT Field Services Coordinator
 
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Mavericks, Minister, Movers & Shakers: The Mayors of Ames
Shannon Bardole, Ames Historical Society Researcher
 
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
By the Side of the Road: Along the Lincoln Highway in Ames
Jeff Benson, Lincoln Highway Historian

Slater - New Exhibit "What They Wore" Starts December 2

A new exhibit, “What They Wore”, antique clothing from our collection, will be on display from December 2 through February. Continuing on display is “Farm Country”, paintings by Louise O’Donnell. Hours during the holiday season are our normal Thursdays from 10-2, and in addition we will be open Sundays 1-4. We will also be open on New Years Day.

Gilbert Christmas Open House December 1

The Christmas Open House at the Gilbert Historical Society Museum is Dec. 1st, decorating the tree the old fashion way plus stories will be read, and treats will be shared. The time has yet to be set. If you have pictures of your Christmases long ago bring to the museum so we can hang them in the Christmas parlor.  Also needed...Old fashion Christmas decorations to loan to the Museum for it's Old Fashion Christmas display.

Update:  Old Fashion Christmas open house....Saturday, December 1st, 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Children's activities from 3:00 to 5:00. Santa will be at the fire station at 5:30. Come Join Us!!! 

Story City Bartlett House on Tour of Homes - December 1 and 2

Thanks to our wonderful group of volunteers who helped decorate the Bartlett this week. The house looks fantastic! Don't forget to stop by the Bartlett House on December 1st and 2nd (Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm - 4:00pm) during the Tour of Homes. We will have complimentary refreshments!  Peanut brittle and other holiday gift items will also be available for purchase.

Story City Homemade Peanut Brittle and Pecans

The Story City Historical Society is once again offering homemade peanut brittle this holiday season.  There are two container sizes of this delicious peanut brittle available for purchase at the Carriage House Museum.  A small container costs $3.50 and a large container is $6.00.

Mammoth Pecan Halves are also available.  Sold in 1 pound bags for $11.00.  The Carriage House Museum is open Wednesday - Friday from 12-5pm.  For more information please call 515-460-1749.

Slater Paintings Exhibit "Farm Country" Through November 10, 2012

The Slater Area Historical Association has an exhibit of paintings by member Louise O'Donnell entitled "Farm Country" which will be on display September 26-November 10. Some familiar faces and places are illustrated in Louise's work.

Story City Historical Society Fall Open House - October 16, 2012

The Story City Historical Society will be having their Fall Open House on Tuesday, October 16th.  Stop by the Carriage House Museum to meet our new Historical Society Director and learn about future plans for the Museums. A Fall themed free-will offering dinner will be provided, including grilled hot dogs, chips, dessert, and apple cider. Local resident Sam Senti will give a presentation on his unique wood burl bowl craft. If you haven't seen these creations, the Open House is a great chance to check them out and learn about Sam's process for creating his pieces.

Schedule:  Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30  Welcome address by Members of the Society's Board and New Director 6:30  Sam Senti's presentation 6:45

Carriage House Museum
619 Grand Ave
Story City, IA

Story City STORY! Festival Events - Saturday, September 22, 2012

As part of Story City's STORY! Festival, the Story City Historical Society has several events on Saturday, September 22.

Kay Munsen, the author of “Lake Comar,” will present stories, many first-hand, about this former recreation area once located near Story City.  Lake Comar offered a park, outdoor auditorium, swimming and boating area, and many special events that attracted area residents up to the 1940s.  Kay’s presentation will begin at 9 a.m. at the Bartlett House Museum, 619 Grand Ave.  Admission to Kay’s presentation is $5.00.  Tickets are available at the Historical Society prior to the event and also at the door.  Kay’s book, “Lake Comar,” will be for sale for $20.00 during Kay’s presentation at the Bartlett House Museum.  It will also be available to purchase through the Historical Society or PDG Printing after the presentation.

The Story City Historical Society’s former Director, Darrek Orwig, has written a newly published book entitled “Story City”.  He will be participating in the STORY! Market on Saturday, September 22nd, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., located on Pennsylvania Ave where the book will be for sale at $22.00 each.  Please stop by and visit with Darrek to have your copy of “Story City” autographed.  The books will be for sale through Darrek on Saturday and also through the Historical Society at the Carriage House Museum.

The Historical Society will have all four museum buildings open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, September 22nd.  The Bartlett House Museum and the Carriage House Museum are located at 619 Grand Ave.  The Sheldall School and the Story City Brick Museum are located at the intersection of Broad St and Hillcrest Dr.  Please stop by and visit us to hear stories of Story City’s past!

Story City - See a 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton Sept. 16, 2012

This Sunday Derral and Anna Tressler will be at the Bartlett Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. in their 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton.  Stop by and see this rare luxury model!

The Bartlett House Museum, part of the Story City Historical Society,  is located at:
619 Grand Ave
Story City, Iowa 50248

Slater - The History Behind Buttons - September 19, 2012

The Slater Area Historical Association presents the talk “ The History Behind Buttons” by Janice Roxberg, antique button expert, on Wednesday, September 19, at 7 p.m.   The lecture will be held at Heritage Hall, 318 First Avenue, Slater.

Mrs. Roxberg has served as vice-president of the Iowa State Button Society, and her collection has been shown at the Brunnier Museum in Ames and at Terrace Hill in Des Moines.

A display of antique buttons will remain at the Hall through September 30.

Gilbert Harvest Fest and Homecoming - September 28 - 29, 2012

The 2012 Gilbert Harvest Fest and Homecoming begins with a parade Friday night, September 28 at 5:30.  Harvest Fest competitions and celebrations are on Saturday followed by A Walk Through Zenorsville at Zenorsville at 2 and 4.  More details will be available later.  Check the Gilbert Historical Society's webpage for updates.

Huxley Prairie Festival August 24 - 25, 2012

The annual Huxley Prairie Festival is Friday and Saturday, August 24th and 25th, this year.  More details can be found at www.huxleyprairiefest.com .

Story City Coffee Chat This Thursday

The Story City Historical Society has begun having Coffee Chats in the Carriage House Museum to discuss Story City history.  This weeks Coffee Chat will look at the lives of pioneers in the Story City area.  Thursday from 1:30- 2:30 for this free event.

Slater Exhibit Now Open Sundays and July 4th

Slater Exhibit Getting Hitched: Weddings in Small Town Iowa - Opening Reception June 9, 2012

The Slater Historical Society has an opening reception for its new exhibit Getting Hitched:  Weddings in Small Town Iowa Saturday, June 9th.  Join them from 1 to 4 on Saturday for wedding cake and punch.  A vintage car show will be held simultaneously.

The exhibit continues through the end of August.  Visiting hours are every Thursday from 10 - 2 p.m.  To view by appointment, call 515-228-3600.

Gilbert Historical Society Museum Grand Opening - June 9, 2012

The Gilbert Historical Society is having the Grand Opening of their new home this Saturday, June 9th, from 10 a.m. to 2.p.m.  See them at 209 Main Street in Gilbert.  Learn more about the Gilbert Historical Society in this article from the Ames Tribune.

 Following the Grand Opening, the Museum will be open Tuesdays from 3:30 - 7:30 and Saturdays from 10 -2.

Ames - Rail Reality Exhibit - June 1, 2012

The Ames Historical Society and the Octagon Center for the Arts are presenting the exhibit Rail Reality: How the Trains made Ames from June 1 through October 28, 2012.  There is a free opening reception from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, June 1, including a Meet and Greet with artist Stewart Buck.  There is also a series of free Gallery Talks at Octagon beginning June 19.

Ames - From Small Town to Big Top

The final lecture in the 2012 Ames Historical Society Lecture Series is Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 7 p.m. with From Small Town to the Big Top: the Leininger Sisters Join the Circus by Zellettia Leininger Streit.  This will be at the Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street  A $2 freewill donation is requested at the door to assist with auditorium rental.


Additional details about these lectures are available at the Ames Historical Society website.

Gilbert Originally Named Gilbert Station

The Gilbert Historical Society has information on why Gilbert originally had to be named Gilbert Station and how it was able to change its name.

Ames Residents Among the Titanic Passengers

Marking the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking this month, the Ames Historical Society has several newspaper articles describing Ames residents connections to the tragedy.

Ames - Trains Across Iowa March 27, 2012

The next lecture in the 2012 Ames Historical Society Lecture Series is Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 7 p.m. with Trains Across Iowa by Rudolph Daniels.  This and the other lectures in the series will be at the Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street  A $2 freewill donation is requested at the door to assist with auditorium rental.

The subsequent lecture in the series is:

• From Small Town to the Big Top: the Leininger Sisters Join the Circus by Zellettia Leininger Streit April 24

All are at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month.

Additional details about these lectures are available at the Ames Historical Society website.

Ames - Annual Meeting and Contract Burning Party March 3, 2012

The Ames Historical Society invites members to the 2012 Annual Meeting Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. at the Ames Public Library Auditorium.  After the short business items, Teresa Larson, local media specialist, will present an overview and video clips from our Oral History Project:  Did You Know?  She'll also present the public premier of Machinery of Change:  The Tribune Press.  our mini-documentary featuring the last run of the Tribune's printing press and interviews with the paper's staff.  Curator Dennis Wendell will close with highlights of a new exhibit at 416 Douglas featuring items from the Bert and Mary Adams Collection.

The Contract Burning Party, to celebrate the milestone of the first permanent building for local history, will immediately follow the program at 416 Douglas (around 11:30 a.m.)  The contract burning ceremony will be on the sidewalk outside the building.  Then from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. the Society's headquarters will be open for tours, exhibit browsing, lunch and celebratory cake.

Gilbert - Huge Photo at Vets Auditorium of Gilbert Fans in the 1950s

See the Gilbert Historical Society website for a view of the photo of Gilberts fans at the Girls' State Basketball Tournament in the 1950s.

Ames - Iowa in the Civil War February 28, 2012

The next lecture in the 2012 Ames Historical Society Lecture Series is Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 7 p.m. with Iowa in the Civil War by O. J. Fargo.  This and the other lectures in the series will be at the Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street  A $2 freewill donation is requested at the door to assist with auditorium rental.

The subsequent lectures in the series are:

• Trains Across Iowa by Rudolph Daniels March 27
• From Small Town to the Big Top: the Leininger Sisters Join the Circus by Zellettia Leininger Streit April 24

All are at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month.

Additional details about these lectures are available at the Ames Historical Society website.

Cambridge - Next Meeting February 21, 2012

The next meeting of the Cambridge Historical Association is next Tuesday, February 21st, at 7 p.m.  This will be a combination business meeting and work session.  Everyone is invited to attend and to see (and help with) the new exhibits we are preparing!

Gilbert - Next Meeting February 16, 2012

The regular meeting of the Gilbert Historical Society is this Thursday, February 16, at 7 p.m.  Come to 209 Main Street and check out the progress we are making toward our grand opening!

Story City - Valentine's Day Cards Exhibit at the Library

The Story City Historical Society has a new exhibit on historic Valentine's Day cards at the Story City Public Library.

Nevada - Murder Mystery Dinner - February 25 and March 3, 2012

The Nevada Community Historical Society is again presenting a Murder Mystery Dinner at the Dyer-Dowell House on 5th Street.  You can participate in this either Saturday, February 25th or Saturday, March 3rd beginning promptly at 5 p.m.  Advance tickets ($25) are required and can be obtained by calling Maxine at 382-6703 or Paula at 382-4005.

Slater Area Historical Association Annual Meeting and Luncheon - February 15, 2012

The Slater Area Historical Association has its Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Lunch is at noon and the meeting begins at 1:00 at Heritage Hall.  Members, guests, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the Association are invited.  More details in their Winter Newsletter and soon on their website.

Ames Historical Society Has New Old Town Brochure

The Ames Historical Society has a new brochure showing many of the historic houses of the Old Town Historic District.  This 28 page PDF describes the history of many houses in the area between 7th and 9th Streets from Duff to Clark.Avenues.  This 12 block area was designated a local historic area in 1989 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.  The pictures and description show the history of homes in Ames from the 1870's to the mid-1920's.  Included in the brochure is a suggested walking tour.

The link to the 26 MB PDF can currently be found on the main Ames Historical Society page.  If this changes, we'll add the new information here.

Ames Historical Society 2012 Lecture Series

The 2012 Ames Historical Society Lecture Series begins Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 7 p.m. with Outside In: African-American History in Iowa by Hal Chase.  This and the other lectures in the series will be at the Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth Street  A $2 freewill donation is requested at the door to assist with auditorium rental.

The subsequent lectures in the series are:

• Iowa in the Civil War by  O. J. Fargo February 28
• Trains Across Iowa by Rudolph Daniels March 27
• From Small Town to the Big Top: the Leininger Sisters Join the Circus by Zellettia Leininger Streit April 24

All are at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month.

Additional details of these lectures is available at the Ames Historical Society website.

Gilbert - First Museum Work Day - January 21, 2012

Congratulations to the Gilbert Historical Society on their museum!  To help prepare it, they are having their first Museum Work Day on Saturday, January 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Everyone is invited to help out with general cleaning and preparing the walls and surfaces for painting.

Huxley - Meeting Schedule and Website Address Update

The web address for the Huxley Historical Society has changed with the new website for Huxley, Iowa.  It can now be found at http://history.huxleyiowa.org/  (previously a www. was required; now that redirects to the city's homepage).  Please update your links.  (We have updated the link in our sidebar.)

Their meetings are usually held at City Hall and generally start at 6:30 on the last Monday of the month. Feel free to call 515-231-9174 for more information.

Gilbert - Next Meeting January 12, 2012

The next meeting of the Gilbert Historical Society will be Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m. at the Gilbert Lutheran Church.  We will be discussing moving forward with the museum.