Ames Historical Society - 2019 Lecture Series

2019 Lecture Series

All lectures will be at 7pm at the Ames Public Library Auditorium.

Tuesday, March 26 John and Rowena Stevens: Progressives in Early Ames By Peter Hallock, Society Co-President John Stevens and Rowena Edson came to Ames as students at the Iowa Agricultural College. He was in the first graduating class (1872), she was in the second. After graduating, both left to start their careers, then came back, married and provided leadership in the community for two decades. He is remembered as an attorney and judge; she is remembered for her work on voting rights for women, but both were more broadly involved and influential. Hallock will explore the larger story of this early Ames “power couple.” Wednesday, April 24 Cheers to 50 Yeras! Stephens Auditorium Marks a Milestone By Tammy Koolbeck, Executive Director, Iowa State Center "It’s a hell of a hall for a cow college," an Iowan commented as he entered the new C.Y. Stephens Auditorium to hear the New York Philharmonic on opening night. Since its debut in 1969 on a former cornfield, the Auditorium has hosted performances as diverse as pop music, classical symphonies, ballet and wrestling meets! Hear known and not-so-well-known behind-the-scenes stories about this remarkable building as it marks its first 50 years. Wednesday, May 15 The Civilian Conservation Corps in Iowa By Linda McCann, author and historical researcher The CCC was a federal program that assisted young men in supporting their families during the Depression years - 1933 to 1942. Most Iowans know about the State Park work done in Iowa, but there was so much more, including projects in Ames. Linda has spoken with 21 men who were in the CCC and shared their experiences and memories. BONUS LECTURE Thursday, May 23 History of American Popular Music By Michael Lasser, lecturer, writer, broadcaster, critic, teacher, and host of the nationally syndicated public radio show, Fascinatin' Rhythm Lasser will present American popular music as social history and will include the works of such songwriters as the Gershwins, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin between 1920 and 1950 and the role songs about the Midwest played in popular music and social attitudes of the time. Wednesday, June 26 From Fair View to Parkview: The Battle to Save the Morris Farm from Involuntary Annexation By Edie Hunter, History graduate student, Iowa State University As the population of Ames exploded in the post-WWII period, the city struggled to meet the demand for new housing. Capital, supplies, and labor were readily available - all the city needed was land on which to build. But when faced with the threat of involuntary annexation, Edward and Neva Morris resisted and the battle was on to save their beloved farm.