Iowa's Birthday Near the End of Every Year

President James Polk signed a piece of paper proclaiming Iowa as the nation's 29th state on December 28, 1846. As today ends 2012, Iowa marks 166 years and three days old. Special flags have been erected on Old Capitol located at the site of the state's first capitol location in Iowa City. The building (built in 1840 as a territorial capitol) is the centerpiece of the University of Iowa and is generally used as the icon for the university. When the capitol moved to Des Moines in 1857 the building was deeded to the University of Iowa where it serves now as a museum and cultural center. Happy birthday Iowa.

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Kirkwood Beef - Out of the Cold

A growing college here in Cedar Rapids is named Kirkwood Community College. Part of their expansive curriculum is a two year degree in Agriculture Production Management. Several acres near campus house classrooms, conference rooms and protective shelter for about 300 head of cattle including heated concrete pads. At Kirkwood's Tippie Beef Education Center students learn the latest production methods and technology through hands-on learning at the student-run college farm. Many Kirkwood graduates take that knowledge back to family farms or continue their education in ag-sciences at other universities like Iowa State in Ames. Besides, the junior member of 42N is quick to point out that her photos of range cattle exceed those of the author - I beg to differ.

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When to Put Away Christmas Decorations

As long as people have been decorating homes with Christmas themed ware the question exists - when to take it all down. Some people leave outdoor holiday bright lights up all year round. Others take down both their indoor and outdoor displays shortly after January 1st. Perhaps it really doesn't matter as long as you enjoy the decorations. However when the calendar goes into February the Christmas bulbs tend to look out of place. But worry not. November will be here in 11 months and you may display it all again - or wait until December.

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A Stroll Through Grapevine Antiques

Antique stores, like Grapevine Antiques in Amana, Iowaoffer glimpses into the past and what is currently popular with collectors. For some collectors it may be certain glassware types, others want to recreate what they had as a child. Still others collect for resale if the price is right.

Another feature of local antiques stores is historical local items. At Grapevine the regional reach of material can span from the Amana area to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City plus other sections of the state. A recent stop in Davenport and Molineoffered another element to the regional mix – that of the Mississippi River and local rail road headquarters.

Today Grapevine highlighted a ball and claw table foot for $35, a set of old time children’s books from the 1940s and ‘50s, and the ever popular pocket knives.

Collectors look for things to start or expand their collection. However sometimes an item sells because of an emotional connection with the purchaser, but not in all cases.

A few weeks ago a women came to the store looking for a 1940s era radio for her business’ new historical display. She mentioned that the radio did not have to be functioning because she would gut it and place modern speakers in the shell to broadcast the company’s history in the display she was creating. A quick search of the store turned up no radio candidates. 

My own collection of radios may have helped but I couldn't let a fully functioning tube radio become stripped for a display.

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Pink Ripples on Indian Creek

A late afternoon photo of local Indian Creek produced this non-Photoshoped pink tint on the rippling water. Maybe it was a lens abbreviation or some sort of algae bloom. When the photo was taken I did not see any pinkish flashes. Regardless of the cause the effect is striking and unexpected.

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Route of the Rockets Through Vinton, Iowa

What to do when winter arrives and weather turns cold? Go to Vinton, Iowa of course. The town’s non-functioning train station (except for special occasions) features a look of what rail transportation was like in eastern Iowa many decades ago. On property is a 1950s era Rock Island Line red caboose to inspect. The building in need of much repair also houses a historical society while the grounds host special events throughout the year including periodic special theme passenger rail service. 

Did Rock Island Rockets use the Vinton route? Perhaps, but I don’t know for sure. I bet the people of Vinton could answer that question plus point out the historical stop of the Ingalls family when young Mary and parents came to town to enroll in the Iowa School of the Blind. She was the sister of Laura who later wrote the Little House books. Mary's travels to Vinton and her stay at the school were also featured in the book series.

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Ducks on a Pond

Ducks, geese and swans on an artificial pond in Cedar Rapids, Iowa appear to huddle for warmth as their water freezes. Actually the pond is regulated with a filter and pump to allow the fowl to remain on site year round. Attempts to feed the flock were disregarded by the masses of ducks in return for bunching together. No amount of bread crumbs enticed the birds to venture near. There loss. Maybe the omni present squirrels will find the food.

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