Pleiades Rise Over Iowa

Rising in the east during early evening is an open star cluster called the Pleiades, or Messier 45, in the constellation Taurus. In olden times this bed of blue white young stars (middle top in photo) was often called the Seven Sisters and considered a test of good eyes to resolve the stars. Actually there are far more than seven stars in the cluster - click here. North American nighttime viewers can easily view the Pleiades cluster all winter long - rising just ahead of Orion the hunter. Note the double contrail visible above the roof line. Interesting. Know that.

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Scotty, Beam Me to Riverside, Iowa

One of the fictional series, Star Trek's early references is to the birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk. His birthplace will be in 42N's Riverside, Iowa in the year 2228. After obtaining permission from series creator, Gene Roddenberry the city of Riverside initiated an annual festival called Trekfest in the 1980s.

Today you can find a stone marker indicating where James Kirk will be born, a Romulan bar or two (depending on their financial viability) and this object. It is a model of the USS Riverside, NCC 1818 which is present along the main road of the town. Sometimes the series actors show up for Trekfest.  The man himself William Shatner even punked the town with a fake movie gag - all in good natured fun. When traveling here regardless of your mode of transportation be sure to see the Star Trek displays, shops and pubs. Also bring your credits (think Harry Mudd) for the nearby casino action too. Know that.

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Grain Bins Hold the 2010 Harvest

As noted earlier in 42N blog posts, the countryside here reflects the grain agriculture nature of the Hawkeye state. In Iowa our mid-continent, mid latitude land is farmed primarily for corn and soybean production. These grains form the basis for livestock feed, fuel, or any number of things that manufacturers produce using these main staples (like starch.)

Small towns and rural crossroads with one or more bins like this scene above are quite common. Bins can represent storage and mixing facilities for livestock food. Feed mixture can be customized for a variety of livestock needs from poultry to cattle. Minerals and other additives can be mixed with corn or soybeans to deliver whatever the livestock producer requires for his/her livestock operation.

Steel bin imagery is often taken for granted because it is repeated so often around the region. These bins however, represent an important link from field to food, energy and material production around the world. Know that.

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Discovering the American Pickers in 42N Country

The History's Channel's hit show, American Pickers is based out of 42N's LeClaire, Iowa, just north of Davenport along the Mississippi River. Antique Archaeology featured on the show is located a block off the main street at 115 1/2 Davenport Street with store hours 11am - 4pm Mon-Sat or by appointment. The above two photos are of the business office featured on the show. Its where pickers Mike and Frank interact with Danielle, the organizer.

But where is the white truck that Mike and Frank use to cruise around the country to pick antiques from collectors? On this particular day the show's white truck was in town. LeClaire is not too big - drive around and you'll discover the truck (when in town) parked by a antique gas pump and signs. Which is, of course a sign that you have found an American Picker. Know that.

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A Beer and a Smoke in Pioneer Village

Take a stroll to 42N's Pioneer Village in Scott County, Iowa. There in a re-created historic village you'll find all things old, Iowa old that is - mid 1800s to early 1900s.

At the spirits and tobacconists store you will find a display of two cigar Indians. Whether they are of age or are more modern carvings they do give a glimpse into the 19th century marketing of tobacco products - something you don't see much these days.

To round out the experience is a display of old soft drink brands as well as the Blackhawk Beer brand, a beer brewed in nearby Davenport, Iowa during 1944-1953. Wonder how it tasted versus Bud Lite or Miller Lite. Billy will tell us. Know that.

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Fall Farmers Market in Tipton Iowa

In Iowa's Cedar County, the town of Tipton is the county seat of government. On Thursdays in October there is a farmers market on the courthouse grounds. Trading begins at 4 pm. This time of year you can buy pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, squash and baked goods. The 42N team bought acorn squash from this vendor.

We bought a bunch of Indian corn for decorations outside. Squirrels have already discovered the cobs and apparently are enjoying de-kernaling the display. 

Our visit to Tipton was a week ago - five days before the Big Blow went through the Midwest. Those 60 mph winds probably blew the yellow leaves off these trees and yard and into the next state to the northeast - that would be Wisconsin. While I took a better photo of this Tipton house, this frame is the only one with a kid on his bike. Looked a little like a Norman Rockwell scene. Know that.

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Three Stairs to Grant Wood's Grave

Three roadside steps will take you to the final resting place of American painter, Grant Wood. Here in 42N country Grant, his sister Nan and other family members are buried in nearby Anamosa, Iowa. Grant Wood was a US Army veteran from WWI, hence the military bronze marker and flags that flank his simple headstone.

One Day 2 of the the Big Wind, the lowest barometric storm over the continental US (aside from Tropical storms) the flags snapped with each gust and the fall leaves were no where to be found. Know that.

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