Iowa History Journal Volume 5, Issue 1, Now Available

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013 | Iowa History Journal | No Comments

In 1937, Universal Studios selected Stanley Leland Weed of Forest City, Iowa, to be its new singing cowboy star of the movies . They picked him over a group of other candidates, including a young fellow who would go on to movie fame as Roy Rogers. Stanley Leland Weed became Bob Baker and rode into Hollywood history, leaving a series of question marks about the direction of his career. Mike Chapman’s article explores the background of this one-time cowboy movie star from Iowa.

Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the empire of Japan, the United States enacted a daring bombing raid on Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Led by Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, the daring raid has become a part of American military folklore – and three Iowans were among the pilots who risked their lives. Michael Vogt, a civilian pilot and curator at the Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge takes Iowa History Journal readers on this trip back into history.

Also included in this issue:

• The amazing journey of Casey’s General Store
• The Iowan who made history with Lincoln
• Iowa’s Field House boasts 85 years of fine memories
• Story of trampoline founder George Nissen: book review
• Sioux City actress Constance Towers
• Columns by our regulars – Arvid Huisman, John McNeer and Mike Chapman
• Iowa History quiz
• Letters to the editor

…and much more!

Click to see the full contents of the issue…

Tags: Bob Baker, Casey's, Constance Towers, George Nissen, Iowa Field House, Jimmy Doolittle, Michael Vogt, Stanley Weed

Iowa History Journal Volume 4, Issue 6 Now Available

Sunday, November 4th, 2012 | Iowa History Journal | No Comments

In early November of 1942, the focus of the entire nation was on Waterloo, Iowa, as word came out that five brothers from one family were killed in action in the sea battle of Guadalcanal. The five Sullivan boys became a rallying point for the war effort and President Roosevelt called their loss one of the biggest tragedies any American family has been forced to endure. In a stirring account, professor Jeff Stein paints a vivid picture of the tragedy and how Waterloo has kept alive the memory of the Sullivan brothers.

Readers will also be treated to feature stories on many other fascinating persons and moments in Iowa history – ranging from the fabulous work of sculpture Christian Petersen to the overcoming of tragedy by James Hearst, Iowa’s farmer poet…..to the twelve Iowans who sought to be President of the United States, and much more.

Also included in this issue:

• Strange airships haunted Iowa skies in 1897
• Two new books “celebrate” Iowa history
• The city of Cresco calls itself “one in a million”
• Fayette dentist was also heck of a coach at Upper Iowa University
• Columns by our regulars – Arvid Huisman, John McNeer and Mike Chapman
• Iowa History Quiz
• Letters to the Editor

…and much more!

Click to see the full contents of the issue…

Tags: Christian Petersen, Cresco, James Hearst, Sullivan Brothers

Upcoming Schedule for Mike

Thursday, September 13th, 2012 | Iowa History Journal, Speaking, Wrestling | No Comments

October 4 – Mike will be part of the program at the prestigious RaySociety, a community of lifelong learners from a variety of backgrounds who share a common interest in continuing to seek learning experiences and intellectual stimulation. The organization is supported by Drake University and named for two distinguish graduates, Robert D. and Billie Ray, the former governor and first lady of Iowa. Mike will be speaking at the “Extraordinary Iowans” discussion on Thursday at 1:30 pm in the Hall of Pride.

October 18 — Mike will be making a double appearance on this day in Charles City. In the afternoon, he will talk to a group of high school students about the great athletic tradition in the state of Iowa, concentrating on the legends of Nile Kinnick and Frank Gotch. That evening, he will be the guest speaker at the Floyd County Community Foundation (FCCF) banquet.

October 20 – For the second year in a row, Mike will be the guest speaker at the Alan and Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions event in Minneapolis. Each year, the hall of fame inducts outstanding Greco-Roman wrestlers into the hall of champions. Mike will give a talk on the importance of understanding the sport’s rich and vital heritage, dating all the way back to Jacob wrestling the Angel in the Bible. For details, people can call the Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo.

November 18 – Steve Knight has invited Mike to be the guest speaker at the Excel Wrestling “Hall of Heroes” banquet at the Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. Several annual awards will be given out and Bill Smith, 1952 Olympic champion, will be the main honoree. Bill was also an undefeated, two-time NCAA champion during his career at Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI). Originally from Council Bluffs, Bill now lives in Bode, Iowa. The cost for dinner is $50 per plate. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Excel Wrestling office at 515-331-4419

Tags: Extraordinary Iowans, Flow County Community Foundation, Frank Gotch, Nile Kinnick, RaySociety

Iowa History Journal Volume 4, Issue 5 Now Available

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012 | Iowa History Journal | No Comments

Jean Seberg has emerged in recent years as one of the most enigmatic figures in Iowa history. In the latest issue of Iowa History Journal, Michael Swanger explores the many aspects of the life and career of this film legend. Swanger traces her life from humble origins in Marshalltown to her stunning selection by legendary producer, Otto Preminger, to star in the movie “St. Joan” and through her storied career in Hollywood and overseas. He discusses the role the FBI played in the later stages of her life and her tragic death at the age of 40, which is still a subject of controversy today.

Readers will also be treated to feature stories on many other fascinating persons and moments in Iowa history – ranging from a bank robbery in Adel that could have influenced history in many ways to the famous candy company begun by the Stovers.

Also included in this issue:

• The history of covered bridges in Madison County
• The reemergence of a beautiful theatre in Toledo
• An Iowa restaurant which has been in existence for 172 years
• A tough baseball manager with strong Iowa connections
• More Iowans involved with the Titanic tragedy
• The city of Humboldt honors Frank Gotch with a statue
• Columns by our regulars – Arvid Huisman, John McNeer and Mike Chapman

…and much more!

Contents
3 – Publisher’s Perspective: Story of a miracle that began in Iowa by Mike Chapman
4 – Jean Seberg’s legacy soaring again at home by Michael Swanger
9 – Bank robbery in Adel could have had huge impact on Iowa history by Mark Hanson
12 – Famous candy company has roots in Iowa by John Skipper
13 – Country Roads: Names of Iowa of towns can be confusing by Arvid Huisman
14 – Humboldt statue honors Frank Gotch
18 – Tough baseball manager was a hero to many Iowans by Jim Young
21 – Covered Bridges were hot long before the famous movie by Mary Halstrum
23 – The Way We Were: Remember when TV arrived on the scene by John McNeer
25 – After 100 years, Toledo still has a beautiful theatre by Jeff Stein
27 – Kalmes family has been serving Luxembourg fair for 172 years by Jessica Dunker
29 – More Iowas involved in Titanic tragedy
31 – Iowa History Quiz
36 – Letters to the Editor

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Tags: Covered Bridges, Jean Seberg, Madison County, Stovers, Wieting Theater