Story City Historical Society Winter Dinner and Presentation - January 16, 2014

Stop by the Carriage House Museum for the Historical Society's Winter Dinner and Presentation on January 16th. A free-will donation soup and chili dinner will be provided, including spicy and mild chili, vegetable beef soup, oyster soup, Norwegian flat bread, and traditional Norwegian desserts.

Following the meal we will be showing a television program that originally aired on WOI-TV on March 1, 1960 entitled “TV Schooltime: Landmarks in Iowa History: Story City”. Herb Hake visits Story City and the Sheldall Schoolhouse and talks about some of the customs of the Norwegians who settled the area. 

Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30pm

Welcome and announcements 6:30pm

30 minute video on Sheldall Schoolhouse 6:45pm

Join us for dinner and a show!

Story City Bartlett House Museum on Tour of Homes December 7th & 8th

The Bartlett House Museum is a free bonus stop on this year's Tour of Homes. Our Queen Anne style home will be fully decorated for Christmas with vintage ornamentation.  In addition to the antique decorations throughout the home, there will also be several Christmas trees and collections of ornaments on display, loaned from one of our members Sandy Jacobson. 

Visitors to the Bartlett House will also be able to partake in a 12 Days of Christmas themed scavenger hunt. Images representing the gifts in the song will be placed throughout the house. Participants who find all 12 images will be entered in a drawing. The winner will receive a Story City themed gift basket.  We would like to thank Ackley State Bank and Romsey Art and Gifts for their donations to the gift basket.  

Complimentary refreshments will be served. A variety of gift items will also be for sale, including pecans, posters, rosemalling, and books. Please stop in for a visit and try your luck at the scavenger hunt!

Dates: December 7th & 8th

Time: 1-4 pm

Location: 619 Grand Ave, Story City

Slater City Flags on Sale

SLATER CITY FLAGS
2’ x 3’ $28
SLATER CITY GARDEN FLAGS
12” x 18” $19
On sale at City Hall and at Heritage Hall, 318 First Avenue, Slater  Or call 515-480-9789 or 515-228-3293 to purchase.  For Holiday Gift Giving!  The Slater Area Historical Association also sells RADA knives, Iowa made cutlery of superb quality, in gift sets or as individual items.  Visit our website, slaterhistory.org or drop into our gift shop, Hobo Jungle Mercantile, at 318 First Avenue, Slater during our hours, Thursdays 10-2, to view memorable gift items, Slater history books, t-shirts, prints, DVD’s, cards, and more.

Slater City Flag Contest Winners to Be Announced December 1, 2013

Join the Slater Area Historical Association in announcing the winner of the Slater City Flag Contest at 3 p.m., Sunday, December 1, at the Slater Fire Station during the Slater “Christmas on Main” event. Prizes will be awarded and flags will be available to purchase. All the entries will be on display at the Fire Station on Sunday, then will be on view at Heritage Hall during the month of December. Hours 10-2 on Thursdays or call 515-480-9789 or 515-228-3293 for an appointment to view. Fly the City flag!

Slater Display "The Great Train Wreck" Begins December 1, 2013

On view at the Slater Fire Station during the “Christmas on Main” event Sunday December 1, will be a new exhibit, “The Great Train Wreck…100 Years Later”. This new exhibit from the Slater Area Historical Association commemorates the largest railroad disaster in Slater’s history which occurred in October of 1913. The Great Train Wreck exhibit will be on display at Heritage Hall, 318 First Avenue, Slater, through the month of December. Hours 10-2 on Thursdays or call 515-480-9789 or 515-228-3293 for an appointment to view.

Ames History Center Book Sale - November 15th & 22nd, 2013

The Ames Historical Society wants you to know:

Visit our book sale!

Friday, November 15 1-8pm
Friday, November 22 1-8pm

10% off all gift shop items
Up to 50% off new books
$1, $2, and $3 used books!

Ames History Center
416 Douglas Ave.

We have books from our gift shop on sale, as well as many other books that have been donated to us for the sale.

Cambridge American Legion Mural Being Restored

The Cambridge American Legion had a mural created on their building in 2005.  This mural created by John Neal and Ken Tynan was listed as number 49 in The 50 Most Stunning Wall Murals From Around The World!

Restoration of this mural is now underway by Shawn Palek of Slater.  You can see his pictures of some of the restoration on his Facebook fine art page.  The picture above shows the mural as of November 8, 2013.  The Tri-County Times November 7, 2013 (subscription required to read online) has an interview with him about the project.  Funds from the Cambridge American Legion and a grant from the Story County Community Foundation  have made the restoration possible.

Come and see this Cambridge landmark on Water Street!

Day Trip to Davenport's Putnam Museum - December 14, 2013

We are planning a trip to the Putnam Museum in Davenport to see a couple of traveling exhibits.  One is an exhibit featuring over 150 of Princess Diana's objects including her famous wedding dress.  Here is a link to more info about the exhibit: http://blog.traveliowa.com/a-tribute-to-one-of-the-most-influential-women-of-the-twentieth-century/

The Putnam also has the Smithsonian's Crochet Coral Reef currently on display.  This exhibit was originally on display at the National Museum of Natural History, it was put up while I was working there.  I made one of the crochet coral pieces and helped sort all of the pieces that were sent in from all over the US.  It would be great to see this again and see if I can find my piece!  Here is more info:

http://www.putnam.org/Exhibit-Halls/Changing-Exhibits/Smithsonian-Community-Reef.aspx

We are planning on making the trip to Davenport on Saturday December 14th.  I have looked into a chartering a bus to take over to Davenport.  We would be able to take up to 47 people and it would cost between $25 to $35 per person.  The Putnam will give us a group rate on tickets to the museum, prices are as follows:

$16.00 for adults

$15.00 for seniors

$9.00 for kids 3-12

If you would like to join us on this trip, please call me at 515-460-1749.  Please respond by November 7th if possible.  If you know of friends or family who would like to join us, please invite them. Feel free to call with any questions. Thanks!

Kate Feil

Director

Story City Historical Society

Grand Opening Ames History Center - November 6, 2013

The Ames Historical Society will be hosting a Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, of the Ames History Center at 416 Douglas.  The Open House will be from 1-7 pm with a Ribbon Cutting at 3 pm.  Enjoy light refreshments, view all new exhibits, and tour the expanded archives!

Slater Display "Faces of the Civil War"

The Slater Area Historical Association’s current display, “Faces of the Civil War”, tells the story of our nation, our state, and Story County in words and pictures from those who experienced the terrible conflict that caused over 600,000 casualties. The life of a soldier and life back home are part of the exhibit as well as stories of battles from Iowans that fought for the Union. The educational display is available to view by appointment, call 515-480-9789 or 515-228-3293, or regular hours, Thursdays 10-2, at Heritage Hall, 318 First Avenue, Slater.

Ames - Abe Mezvinsky: His Life and Legacy in Ames - October 18, 2013

Abe Mezvinsky: His Life and Legacy in Ames, 1934-1980
 
Many Ames residents remember Abe Mezvinsky and his three Ames Fruit & Grocery Stores. A program tracing his life from his arrival in Ames in 1934 to his retirement in 1980 will take place on Friday, October 18, 2013 at Reiman Gardens. The focus will be on Abe as a businessman and benefactor and on life for one of Ames' very few orthodox Jewish families. If you have recollections of Abe that you would like to share, please email them to info@ameshistory.org.
Some of these stories will be shared during the program.

Story City - Fall Dinner and Presentation - October 3, 2013

The Story City Historical Society will be hosting their Fall Dinner & Presentation on Thursday October 3rd.  Stop by the Carriage House Museum to see an apple press demonstration! A fall themed free-will donation dinner will be provided, including grilled hot dogs, chips, 3 bean salad, apple coleslaw, caramel apple dessert, and fresh apple cider. 

Following the dinner will be a short presentation on the Century Homes & Buildings that were built in Story City in 1913.  

Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30

Apple press demonstration 5:30-6:30

Century Homes/Buildings presentation 6:30 

We look forward to seeing you on October 3rd!

Ames - Ted Kooser Biography Author Reading October 1, 2013

Tuesday, October 1, biographer Mary K. Stillwell will be in Ames to do a reading and signing of her new book, The Life and Poetry of Ted Kooser. The event will take place at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas, Ames, Iowa. It is free and open to the public.

Stillwell has written the first complete biography of Ted Kooser, who grew up in the Old Town Neighborhood in Ames and was named the 13^th U.S. poet laureate, serving from 2004 - 2006. The book includes information that has not previously been available, and the author interspersed Kooser’s poetry throughout to illustrate how life events became inspiration for his work.

Stillwell will read from her book and will be available to sign copies. The Life and Poetry of Ted Kooser will be available for sale at the event. Attendees may also sign up for a door prize drawing.  The author is a poet and a Nebraska resident with a PhD in Plains Literature from the U. of Nebraska Lincoln.

Sponsored by the Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames Public Library, Ames Historical Society. Book sales by The Little Bookroom, 328 Main Street, Ames, Iowa.

Story City - Abe Lincoln Visits Sheldall Schoolhouse September 21, 2013

Join Story City Historical Society at the building where people actually voted for the real Mr. Lincoln during the election of 1860 for a story with Lance Mack. Using Mister Lincoln's own timeless words and wearing period attire, including President Lincoln's signature stovepipe hat and black frock coat, Lance has been mesmerizing his audiences for more than twenty years with true Civil War era stories. Through his stunning physical resemblance to Abraham Lincoln and dignified Lincolnesque demeanor, Lance impressively and unforgettably brings this beloved American Icon to life before his audiences' very eyes!

Location: Sheldall Schoolhouse Museum, corner of Broad St and Hillcrest Dr.

Admission: Free-will donation appreciated

In honor of Mr. Lincoln coming to Story City for the STORY! Festival, the Story Theatre will be showing the Lincoln movie on 9/19 and 9/20, with free admission thanks to the STORY! Festival!

Slater Civil War Cemetery Walk - September 29, 2013

To commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, the Slater Area Historical Association is featuring three veterans in their Civil War Cemetery Walk, Oley Nelson, Severt Tesdell, and Thomas Weeks. Those attending will gather at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall, 318 First Avenue, and proceed to the Bethlehem Cemetery on the eastern edge of Slater.  After the Walk there will be a talk at the Hall with an exhibit of Civil War stories, letters, photos and memorabilia. “Taps” will be played and uniformed Civil War portrayers will be present.

The Walk is free to the public. Rain date is the next Sunday, October 6th.

Story City Historical Society Has a New Website

The Story City Historical Society's new website is up and running!  Please check it out at  http://www.storycityhistory.org/.  Their intern for the summer, Hope Mitchell, has also created a wonderful online exhibit about the Sheldall Schoolhouse.  The exhibit can be found on their website here: http://www.storycityhistory.org/sheldall-schoolhouse.html  Please take a look at the website and let us know what you think.

Ames Historical Society Hoggatt School Event - August 25, 2013

This Sunday is the last Hoggatt School event of the season! Come listen to Pam Riney-Kehrberg present, Connections: The Homestead Act to Pioneer Life.

Sunday, August 25th, 2:15 pm.
Although this is our last scheduled event, Hoggatt School is open by appointment for group tours and programs until October 31. For more information visit our website:
http://www.ameshistoricalsociety.org/index.html

 

Hope to see you there!

Story City Ice Cream Social and Summer Games - August 18, 2013

Stop by the Sheldall Schoolhouse Museum for the Story City Historical Society's summer ice cream social and outdoor games. Homemade ice cream will be available for a free-will donation. Plenty of outdoor games will be played on the lawn next to the schoolhouse, including croquet, kubb, and more.  If you’ve never played kubb, stop by on Sunday and learn about this Scandinavian wooden block game, fun for all ages.  Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon with us!

Date: Sunday, August 18th

Location: Sheldall Schoolhouse Museum, corner of Broad St & Hillcrest Dr, Story City, IA

Time: 1:00-3:00 pm

We look forward to seeing you on the 18th!

Cambridge Jubilee Days - June 7-9, 2013

The Cambridge Memorial Library has the schedule for this years Jubilee Days in Cambridge, Iowa.  It begins Friday with several events starting at 5 p.m.  Saturday has a full schedule including the Parade which starts at 10 a.m.

As part of this, the Cambridge Historical Association will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Stop in and see their displays.

Ames Historical Society Announces Hoggatt School 2013 Summer Programs

ANNOUNCING the 2013 Summer Season at Hoggatt School! Programs this year will include Civil War Era Games, Ice Cream Social, and a series of presentations. See the full Hoggatt School Summer lineup.  It is open every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. during June, July, and August.

History of 4-H in Story County

The Iowa 4-H Foundation began encouraging the writing of 4-H History with their Centennial in 2001.  In 2011 they began making these available online as a blog.  This page contains links to the history by County in Iowa.  There are currently 44 counties histories available.

The History of 4-H in Story County is one of these.  It describes the history by decade and then special projects such as the Story County 4-H Foundation, the Inspiration Program, and the Story County 4-H Fair.  You can find out more from the Story County 4-H History Committee.  Contact details:

Story County 4-H History Committee
Carolyn Manning
211 Valley View Circle
Nevada, IA 50201
515-382-6616
cmann@midiowa.net
ISU Extension and Outreach - Story County
220 H Ave, Nevada, IA 50201

Current Story County 4-H Highlights and Events are also available online.

STORY COUNTY SESQUICENTENNIAL EVENT AT NEVADA COMMEMORATING THE CIVIL WAR ON FLAG DAY

On Flag Day, June 14, 2013, a ceremony commemorating the original dedication of two important Story County Civil War artifacts will be held in Nevada. The U.S. is observing the sesquicentennial of the Civil War from 2011 through 2015.

A cannon and bronze tablet, long a part of Story County history, will be re-dedicated at noon in front of the Story County Administration Building, 900 Sixth Street, Nevada.

The cannon is a Confederate Parrott 3-inch cannon that was placed in front of the old courthouse in 1901 by the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic). The tablet, mounted on granite, features a profile of President Abraham Lincoln and the words of the Gettysburg Address. It was dedicated on Flag Day 1930 by the WRC (Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic).

SUVCW (Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War) re-enactors will take part in the ceremony that will also honor Jason Devillo Ferguson, Story County's first hero of the Civil War. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, 6 April 1862, where he is buried. Both the GAR Post #31 and the WRC Post #147 are named in his honor. These organizations donated the historic cannon and tablet to the county.

All Civil War 452 Story County enlistees, the 85 soldiers who lost their lives due to the conflict and the 511 veterans who found their final resting place in Story County will be honored.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd M. Jacobus of the Iowa Guard will speak, members of the Ames Children's Choir will lead the national anthem, and President Lincoln will honor us with a recitation of his Gettysburg Address.

The Iowa Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee has endorsed this event and the use of its special logo. It is hoped the event will be designated a National Sesquicentennial Signature Event as well. The public is invited to this free event. And, please bring your lawn chair.

The event is supported by National Woman's Relief Corps, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Story County Board of Supervisors, Story County Veterans Affairs, Iowa Genealogical Society, Ames Historical Society, Cambridge Historical Association, Gilbert Historical Society, Huxley Historical Society, Kelley Historical Hall, Maxwell Community Historical Society, Nevada Community Historical Society, Slater Area Historical Association, Roland Historical Society, Story City Historical Society, Story County Historical Alliance and Story County Genealogical Society.

For a day-to-day history of the Civil War, go to www.civilwar150.org  More information, call 515.460.8304 or gretchen.triplett@gmail.com

Ames Historical Society Lecture - April 30, 2013

The last Ames Historical Society 2013 Lecture Series program will be April 30, 2013 with a lecture titled "By the Side of the Road: The Lincoln Highway in Ames" presented by Lincoln Highway historian Jeff Benson. The lecture begins at 7 pm at City Auditorium (520 6th Street). This lecture is co-sponsored by the Ames Historic Preservation Commission. Admission is free. See the full Lecture Series lineup.

Story City Spring Dinner and Presentation on Hank Severeid - April 23, 2013

Stop by the Carriage House Museum for the Story City Historical Society's Spring Dinner and Presentation. A ballpark themed free-will offering dinner will be provided, including grilled hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, and dessert. Local resident and baseball enthusiast Dwayne Fiihr will give a presentation on Story City's own Hank Severeid and his long career in baseball. If you want to know more about Hank, come on over to the Carriage House Museum to learn more about this great catcher from Story City!

Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30pm
Welcome and announcements 6:30pm
Presentation by Dwayne Fiihr 6:40pm

We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd!

Story City Iowa Wine & Beer Event - April 12, 2013

Factory Stores of America Outlet will once again host the Iowa Wine & Beer Event! This is a fundraiser for the Story City Historical Society on Friday, April 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.  Here's a sneak peek of the theme for this year... skål {a Scandinavian toast of friendship}. Tickets will be available at the GCC Office, ACT Insurance, Norsemen Realty, Carriage House and at the door the night of the event! Ticket Prices: $15 for 8 tastings $20 for 16 tastings with commemorative tasting glass (purchased before the day of the event) $25 for 16 tastings at the door (with glass too!)
*There is a FB offer for $2 off but it's limited to the first 50 people!

Wineries:
Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyards
River Valley Orchards & Winery
Train Wreck Winery
Eagle City Winery
Penoach Winery
Rosey Acres Winery
Dubuque Heritage Winery
La Vida Loca

We will also have local home brewers, fabulous appetizers and live music by Greg Tesdall and friends! Come on out!!

Sponsored by the Story City GCC and Historical Society

Huxley Historical Society Annual Meeting - April 13, 2013

The Huxley Historical Society will have its Annual Meeting Saturday, April 13th in Huxley's Safe Room.  Doors open at 11:30 with a Norwegian lunch at Noon.  The meeting begins at 1 p.m. with the theme Huxley Transportation: Horses, Trains, and Automobiles.  Please RSVP by March 29th - see instructions in the picture.  (Click on the picture to see a larger version.)

Story City Historical Society Summer Internship

Are you or someone you know looking for a summer 2013 internship at a museum? Thanks to funding from Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, Story City Historical Society currently has an internship available! For more information please click on the link below.

http://www.iowamuseums.org/aspx/careercenter/careercenterdetail.aspx?jid=357

Application deadline is April 19th.

Ames Historical Society Lecture - March 26, 2013

The next Ames Historical Society Lecture Series 2013 program will be March 26, 2013 with a lecture titled "Mavericks, Movers & Shakers, Minister: The Mayors of Ames" presented by Society researcher Shannon Bardole. The lecture begins at 7 pm at City Auditorium (520 6th Street). We are requesting a $3 donation at the door to cover auditorium rental costs. See the full Lecture Series lineup.

Nevada Historical Society Fundraiser - March 23, 2013

We need a new lawn mower! Holding a fundraiser at Sports Bowl on March 23rd at 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm. $25/person for 3 person teams. Flighted payback 50/50 per games/series and one by draw. Door prizes. Silent Auction. Percentage of food and drink proceeds. Free will donations accepted too! Come have fun with us.  See Nevada Historical Society on Facebook for details.

Ames Historical Society Annual Meeting - March 9, 2013

All members and donors are invited to join us for our Annual Meeting, held March 9, 2013 at 10 am at the Octagon Center for the Arts. After short items of business, Matt Donovan will present a program titled "30 Miles of Track: John Insley Blair and the Coming of the Railroad to Story County, Iowa." Light refreshments will be served.

Ames Historical Society Lecture - February 26, 2013

The next Ames Historical Society Lecture Series 2013 program will be February 26, 2013 with a lecture titled "Iowa Department of Transportation Centennial: 100 Years of Contributions to Ames, Our State & the Nation" presented by Leighton Christiansen. The lecture begins at 7 pm at City Auditorium (520 6th Street). We are requesting a $3 donation at the door to cover auditorium rental costs. See the full Lecture Series lineup.

Ghost Towns Around Gilbert - February 21, 2013

The next meeting of the Gilbert Historical Society will be on February 21st.  The topic will be The Ghost Towns around Gilbert. All are welcome, 7:00 at the Gilbert Lutheran Church.

Reminder - First Ames Historical Society Lecture is January 29, 2013

The Ames Historical Society Lecture Series 2013 begins January 29, 2013 with a lecture titled "Making Waves: The People and Places of Iowa Broadcasting," presented by Jeff Stein. The lecture begins at 7 pm at City Auditorium (520 6th Street). We are requesting a $3 donation at the door to cover auditorium rental costs. See the full Lecture Series lineup.

Win a Large Stuffed Pony! - Story City Raffle Added to Winter Dinner

The Story City Wells Fargo branch has donated a large stuffed pony to the Story City Historical Society.  The Historical Society has decided to raffle off the pony as a fundraiser.  This pony, named Mack, represents one of 600 horses that pulled eight stages daily for Wells Fargo & Company’s Pioneer Line.  Mack is just over 3.5 feet long and 2 feet tall.   You may visit Mack at the GCC office (524 Broad Street) where he is on display.  Raffle tickets are on sale at the Carriage House Museum as well as at the GCC office.  You may also purchase tickets at the Historical Society’s Winter Dinner on Thursday January 24th, which will be held at the Carriage House Museum.    Raffle tickets are 1 for $2.00, or 3 for $5.00.  A winner will be drawn at the Winter Dinner on January 24th; you do not have to be present to win.  Mack is very excited to find a new home!

Reminder - Full details on the Winter Dinner and Presentation are available.

Slater Area Historical Association Lunch and Annual Meeting - February 13, 2013

You are invited to the Slater Area Historical Association annual meeting on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. A luncheon will be served at noon and the meeting will follow. The public is invited as guests of the Association for lunch. Come join us and get an update on the activities of 2012 and the plans for 2013.

Story City Winter Dinner and Presentation - January 24, 2013

Stop by the Carriage House Museum on Thursday January 24th for the Historical Society's Winter Dinner and Presentation.  A free-will offering soup and chili dinner will be provided, including spicy and mild chili, vegetable beef soup, oyster soup, Norwegian flat bread, and dessert.  Local residents Marilyn & Harold Andersen will give a presentation and demonstration on spinning and weaving.  Marilyn has been spinning and weaving for over 30 years and has operated Two Cedars Weaving from her home studio since 1988. If you haven't seen Marilyn's creations, the Winter Dinner is a great chance to check them out and learn about Marilyn's process for creating her pieces.

Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30pm

Welcome and announcements 6:30pm

Presentation by Marilyn & Harold Andersen 6:45pm

We look forward to seeing you on the 24th!

For more information on Marilyn Andersen, please check her website at: http://twocedarsweaving.com/