History and Culture by Bicycle Part 195: Royalty in Sioux City

Near the intersection of Hamilton Blvd and Outer Dr. North is a house that it is said belongs to royalty. Rumor has it the home belongs to a Saudi Prince. It is not known from which Saudi country or who the member of royalty is. The front gate to the driveway is often closed. Very few if any homes and property's in Sioux City have driveway gates and high walls with a fence and natural landscaping used for privacy. Especially in this part of town.

I ride bike by this property very often. It looks like a beautiful property, fit for a prince, from what I have seen of it when the gate is open.

Here is the street view of the area. if you're not able to view the area from within the post click on "view Larger map":

View Larger Map

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 194; GN1355 Old Ironhorse

I am dedicating this blog post to my late father in law. He recently passed away from cancer. I knew him for over 20 years. One of the similar interests we shared was an appreciation for vintage and antique trains. We prefered the full size trains and steam engines vs. the scale models.

On Saturday October 17, 2009 was the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the GN1355 Old Ironhorse Steam Engine at the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association Museum. The museum, located at 3400 Sioux River Road off of Hwy 12, has had GN1355 since the 1990's and have fully restored it to non-operational cosmetic condition. GN1355 has been in Sioux City since 1955. When it was learned it was going to be retired a letter was sent to Great Northern Railroad asking that it be donated to Sioux City as a tribute to the railroad workers in the community. It was cleaned up and sent to Sioux City where it sat on display outside the Sioux City Auditorium.

Great Northern Railroad was the railroad company that owned and operated GN1355 during it's long career and history, most of which was for passenger service. Here is a brief time line of that history:
October 16, 1909 - built at the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, PA, Engine #B1477 (#33908) coal burning radial stay boiler, was fired up and tested. It was one of 25-E14 class 4-6-0 engines to be built by BLW, for the GN. The 25-E14’s were shipped to St. Paul, MN to the Dale St. Shops.
November 13, 1909 - Dale St. GN workers fired the boiler again to test it.
November 19th, 1909 - it was ready after inspections and was given the number of #1020. It was a numbered series from GN that ran from #1008-1032. #1020 was sent directly to work in the Hillyard, WA region.
August, 1919 - #1020 was sent to Spokane, WA Division passenger service.
Feb. 19, 1924 - it would became a future historical engine. That is the date it was rolled into the Dale St. Shops for a major rebuild. The other 24 E14’s would also become new H5 class engines in time. #1020 would be the 8th E14 to be rebuilt to an H5 4-6-2. It would receive 23.5”x 30” cylinders, Belpaire boiler at 210 psi, type “A” header super heater tubes, larger fire box, longer boiler, Delta trailing trucks, pilot wheels replaced with solid wheels, brake modifications, new paint and converted from coal fired to fuel oil fired. (The change between coal and fuel oil would happen 4 times in its career, ending with fuel oil).
May 29, 1924 - It was rolled out of the plant. It was now numbered #1494 & had been converted from fuel oil to coal fired. The rebuild cost was $32,118.96 total. In 2008 dollars, that would be $391,888.44 total. Through interviews and records from Engineer’s and Firemen, it was unanimous that the H5’s, with the added power and traction, were compared to be as strong, faster and more economical than the 2-8-2, O1 class engines on the GN. Then, #1494 started to run on the Willmar Division (Old St. Cloud). It is believed that it pulled the “Gopher” passenger train.
January 1925 - #1494 was put in the Dale St. Shops. It received a “Booster”
April 10, 1926 - #1494 was renumbered to #1355 and converted again from coal fired to fuel oil fired. The number series now ran from #1350-1374. #1494 was the last H5 to be renumbered from the 1400 series into the #1350-1374 bracket. It was then sent to the Butte Division. GN #1355 was assigned to handle the “Oriental Limited” for about 5 years. In its career, it is known that it handled the “Empire Builder”.
May-June 1929 - The "booster" and the Delta trucks were removed.
1944-50 - Handled the “Winnipeg Limited” (by eyewitness accounts). GN #1355 also pulled the “Oriental Limited”, the #223 local from Williston to Havre, and Snowden to Bainville, MT route. It is believed that it also handled the “Cascadian”, and “Gopher”.
1953 - #1355 was sent into the Mesabi Iron Ore Range for hauling ore.
1954 - a letter from Mr. I.W. Reck of Sioux City, IA, reached GN, requesting they donate a steamer to the city as a tribute to the railroad workers that were and are yet, a major part in the industrialization and expansion of the U.S.A.
1955 - #1355 was retired with the closing of the steamer age after 46 years and awaited the torch.
June 6, 1955 - The letter sent by Mr. I.W. Reck was granted.
July 1955 - #1355 was cleaned, then brought from the Kelly Park, MN area to the southernmost part of GN’s lines in Sioux City, IA. It was placed on outside display.
1984 - a group, of city and business leaders, retired railroad men and interested volunteers, formed a group called the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association to save #1355. This was spearheaded by Larry Obermeyer, Sr. of Sioux City, IA. Many volunteers moved #1355 and Tender #1451 to the old IC Shop site.
1995 - Work was begun. the operation was moved across town to the former Milwaukee Railroad Shops and Roundhouse. The site had seriously deteriorated. It was a salvage yard with many trees and weeds. Volunteers, besides working on the engine, commenced to clean the site up. A grant was issued and a new roof was placed on the roundhouse over #1355 and tender #1451 along with masonry tucking and new windows. The entire site has been saved and so has GN #1355 and Tender #1451. In 2008, #1355 sits dry, on static display with new paint, boiler skirting, piping, interior works and components cleaned and/or rebuilt on both units. It sits absolutely proud and ready for visitors and pictures. It is an official project of the Federal, “Save America’s Treasures Program”, by the White House and the National Trust of Historic Preservation.
October 17, 2009 - 100th Anniversary celebration and dedication of GN1355 Old Ironhorse.

“Of all the surviving steam locomotives in the U.S.A., only Great Northern Railway Steam Locomotive #1355 is the best remaining national resource to illustrate the historical associations between the railroads and the National Park Service, along with the historical development of visitation to the National Parks”.

GN13355 is on the National Register of Historic Places:
Great Northern Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1355 and Tender 1451 *** (added 2004 - Structure - #04001352)
Also known as Chief Ironhourse;GN1355; Engine 1494,GN1494;Engine 1494;
3400 Sioux River Rd., Sioux City
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Great Northen RAilway Mechanical Dpt
Architectural Style: Other
Area of Significance: Transportation, Engineering
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949, 1950-1974
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Transportation
Historic Sub-function: Rail-Related
Current Function: Transportation, Work In Progress
Current Sub-function: Rail-Related

Web sites:
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 69: Railroad Museum
History Behind GN #1355 for GNRHS Website
GN 1355 H-5 class 4-6-2 steam locomotive
Milwaukee Railroad Shops

Here are photo's of GN1355, musuem, roundhouse and turntable as well as other train cars on display:

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 193; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 19; South Sioux City Trail

South Sioux City, Nebraska has a lot to offer for recreation, including, but not limited to the wonderful trail system. Located along the trail are the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA, the South Sioux City Public Pool, beautiful Scenic Park, the softball complex, the soccer complex, the public boat launch, public parks, access to public fishing on the Missouri River, quiet neighborhoods, the South Sioux City Public School and beautiful Crystal Cove Park.

The trail easily connects to the Sioux City trail system via the pedestrian/bicycle walk way on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The SSC Trail also connects to the trail that leads into Dakota City, Nebraska.

Link to some of the amenities along the trail in South Sioux City, NE.:
Visit South Sioux City

Here are photo's taken on a recent ride along the trail:

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 192; History of a Bicycle Part 3: Gitane Gypsy

My wife recently inherited her father's old Gitane Gypsy. Gitane bicycles are still built, but they are available in France and maybe other parts of Europe only. They are no longer available in the United States. The same company that builds Gitane also builds Bianchi.

This particular model was popular in the late 1970's to early 1980's. People liked them because they were inexpensive but had a lot to offer for the price compared to higher end more expensive models. This bike has Sun Tour components, a brand that used to be comparable to Shimano 20 or 30 years ago. The shifters are the old style friction shifters mounted on the handle bar stem and it has 27" wheels.

My wife and I are working on refurbishing this bike so it can be ridden. Recently it was tuned up. We had new handle bar tape put on, had the pedals swapped out for Shimano half platform/half SPD's and had a quick release for the seat post put on. It still needs a women's saddle, a new computer, head and tail lights, instead of reflectors, a rear rack and quick release levers/skewers for the wheels so my wife can use it as a commuter bike. She won't commute on it until next spring so we have time and I can do some of the additonal work myself.

Here are photo's of this bike as it looks today:

















Gitane web site:
Gitane USA

I will post more on this bike as the refurbishing project on it progresses.

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 191; History of a Bicycle Part 2: Schwinn American: Update 1

I have cleaned the entire bike of dust, dirt and rust. Right now the 4 chromed pieces are hanging in my garage drying after I painted them with silver metallic color spray paint to protect from further rusting. It will not be an exact match to the original chrome, but will be very close and still look good, especially for what the bike is going to be used for. I am not going to repaint the frame, fenders or other painted pieces of the bike. It needs to look like it has been well used.

The reason the painted surfaces will not be repainted or the chromed pieces will not be rechromed is the bike is going to be donated to the new Sioux City Public Museum as part of a transportation exhibit. I have been in contact with the Curator and she will gladly accept the bike as a donation.

It will be some time before the museum is ready for the bike. So in the mean time I am working on what refurbishing I am doing and will haave the bike shop rebuild it with new white wall tires, chain, etc. I might even take it for a spin just to see how it handles before I turn it over to the museum.

I also have to work on reasearching the history of this particular bike and the history of bicycle transportation in this area and across the nation, past and present.

Here are some more photo's:

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 191; History of a Bicycle Part 1: Hiawatha: Update 1

I have more information from my research on the Hiawatha I inherited. It was manufactured by Clevelnad Manufacturing Company sometime in 1946/47. The chainguard is not the correct one for this bike. It either never had one to begin with and this one was added or the original was damaged and this one replaced it. The box on the frame is a battery box for a headlamp, but the lamp is missing. The battery box was an after market accessory. The speedometer is also not original to the bike and was added as an after market accessory. The button on the tank is either for a horn or a headlamp, I will not know for sure until I disassemble the bike to inspect and clean it up to refurbish it.

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 190; History of a Bicycle Part 2: Schwinn American

A few years ago I purchased a Schwinn American from a friend of mine. I think he bought it at a garage sale with the intention of refubishing/restoring it and never got around to it so I bought it from him with the same intention. The first thing I did when I bought it is took it apart, scraped the chain, spokes, crank arms and pedals, these items were either in very bad shape or were missing parts/pieces. The bearings, nuts, bolts and other hardware I put into plastic baggies and labeled them so they can be resued, especially the rear hub, bearings and brake assembly. Then it sat in my basement until recently.

I have pulled it out of the basement and am working on refurbishing it. I have washed the frame, fork, rims, handlebars, fenders, etc. I am now working on cleaning the rust off of everything. The headlamp and rims have a lot of rust on them, the frame, fenders, etc. has a little. I am using CLR and steel wool to clean it off with out scratching the metal and it is working great. After I get everything cleaned of rust I will need to figure out how to protect the bare metal from rusting again. One Option I have is chrome colored paint for the chromed pieces, like the rims and headlamp and the correct color for everything else. Once I have that done I am going to take it to the bike shop to have it rebuilt so it can be ridden. Beyond this I do not know what I will do with the bike. I do not think I will ride it. Sioux City is having a brand new air and transportation museum opening soon, perhaps I will donate it to them with a write up about bicycle transportation in this area, both past and present.

Some of the features on this particular bike are it has a working headlamp, painted fenders which are still is good shape and a basket that is is good condition.

Here is a history of Schwinn:
Schwinn History
Ignaz Schwinn

The Scwhinn American was built during the 1950's and 1960's. It came in both boys and girls frames and a variety of colors as well as offered either painted or chrome fenders.

Here are photo's of the model I have as it looks before I started the refurbishing process:

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 189; History of a Bicycle Part 1: Hiawatha

This post is about a model of bicycle called the Hiawatha. I was unaware of such a model of bike until I met my in laws over 20 years ago. After my father in laws recent passing I have inherited his old bike.

Here is what I know about Hiawatha's:
1. They were built by Cleveland Welding Company and Shelby Manufacturing Company, with a few models made by Murray of Ohio and Huffman Mfg.
2. They were largely sold by Gambles Hardware stores.
3. There are several models of Hiawatha, some more sought after then others.

Beyond this I know little about them. I am trying to track down the type of model my father in laws bike who manufactured it, what year etc. I will post more when I find out more through my research.

I know I am going to at least clean up and refurbish the Hiawatha I inherited so it can be ridden. I do not know if I'll fully restore it or not.

Web site:
Hiawatha Bicycles

Here are photo's of the Hiawatha I inherited from him:

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 188; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 18; Des Moines Inter Urban Trail

This past weekend on Sunday Sept. 20 I did the Beaverdale Fall Festival Inter-Urban Trail Ride. It was the 10th anniversary of the 3rd section of the Inter Urban Trail in Des Moines. The section of trail we rode was from the old Bike World location to the Wakonsa Trestle Bridge. This section of trail is made up of city roadways, wide city sidewalks and paved multi-use paths. It goes through residential neghborhoods, commercial districts and terminates at the Neal Smith Trail access. It goes past city parks and near schools.

The Inter Urban Trail follows the old street car line that went from Urbandale to Des Moines. From 1905 to 1950 the Urbandale Streetcar Line carried passengers in an electric powered trolley from Urbandale to downtown Des Moines for a five cent fare. The trolley lines were abandoned when buses and cars became more popular.

The Inter Urban Railway built the Wakonsa Bridge in 1905 for $50,000 to carry passengers from downtown Des Moines to Camp Dodge Granger and Perry. The electric trolley also stopped at the bridge, serving a Des Moines River residential neighborhood area known as Wakonsa Park. Passenger service over the bridge ended September 28, 1949. The track was converted to accomidate diesel engines used for freight traffic until 1983.

When I was a younger lad I would go down to the area near the Wakonsa Bridge and swim in the flood waters from the Des Moine River, fish the river and ride my free style bike along the dirt paths hidden back in the wooded areas off of the Neal Smith Trail. Not to far from this area was the old Riverview Park. It was once the amusement park in Des Moines until Adventureland was built. This area was literally my old stomping ground and where I grew up.

The Inter Urban Trail is a connection for the Trestle to Trestle Trail that goes out to Johnston and points north on the west side of the Des Moines River and the Neal Smith Trail that goes out to Big Creek State Park and the Saylorville area on the east side of the river.

It took a lot of hard work, money and time for all of the folks involved to take the Inter Urban Trail from a dream to a reality. The Beaverdale Neighborhodo Association is one such body who worked hard to accomplish this. I am very glad to see an area I enjoyed as a younger lad has been put to great use for all to enjoy.

The Inter Urban is one of the shortest but also one of the most useful trails in central Iowa. It can be used as a connector for bicycle traffic going from Urbandale and points west through Des Moines and into downtown and to points south and east.

Here are the photo's:

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 187; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 17; Lewis and Clark Information

When Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery came through this area over 200 years ago a lot more happened, according to their journals then just the burial of Sgt. Charles Floyd.

They paid a visit to Chief Blackbirds Grave, visited Tonwantonga, named a location they camped at Fish Camp, held the trial of Moses B. Reed, sat in/held council with the Otoe-Missouria and buried Sgt. Charles Floyd.

Here are photos's of the information boards I took along the South Sioux City Trail, in South Sioux City, Nebraska:

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 186; Church of All Nations.

The Church of All Nations is located on Sioux City's west side next door to Goodwill on West 4th st.

This historic structure represents two programs. The church was built in Dakota Territory in 1885 to serve a congregation which formed in 1861. It also serves as a replacement for the Church of All Nations which was founded as The Wall Street Mission in 1890.

The Wall Street Mission was the site of the first Church of All Nations , “A House of Prayer for All People” and was dedicated in 1937. It served as the spiritual center of the “South Bottoms”. The church was demolished in 1962 after a new highway and urban renewal forced the relocation of the persons it served. The Church of All Nations was revived in 1981 with the move of a former Richland (S. Dak.) Methodist Episcopal Church, to the property of the current Goodwill main offices. Regular church services are held on Sunday mornings.

Photos of the current Church of All Nations:

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 185; Artsplash 2009.

I posted about Artsplash 2008 on this post: Sioux City History & Culture by Bicycle Part 28: Art Splash Over the recently past Labor Day Weekend was Artsplash 2009. The weather was beautiful and the exhibitors, vendors, food, fun and entertainment was awesome and amazing.

Here are the photo's from this years Artsplash:

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 184; Byron H Kingsbury

In this post: Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 98: A Self Guided Bicycle Tour of Historic Jackson St. Part 10: 2700 Block I mention the Byron H Kingsbury House as part of the Historic Jackson St. Tour. Recently a decendant of Byron Kingsbury from the United Kingdom contacted me after she read the post about him. She asked how I came about the information about him, ti which I answered through the Pearl St. Research center here in Sioux City. She has been researching the history of her family, including Byron and has provided me with some updated information on him.

What I know so far is Byron moved to Sioux City in 1899 and was Vice President of Sioux City National Bank, President of Sioux City Brewing Company and President and General Manager of the Missouri River Sioux City Bridge Company, which was involved in the management of the Combination Bridge that connected Sioux City with South Sioux City, Nebraska. He had the house at 2704 Jackson St. built in 1915. He moved to the house next door at 2706 Jackson St. in 1936. Byron Kingsbury died in 1942.

What was not known until his decendant contacted me was members of her family moved the United States in the 1850's, including Byron. Byron married a Mary McClure. The McClure house at 2706 Jackson St. that Byron eventually moved into was originally the home of Byron's in-laws. In 1914, when Byron was President of the Sioux City brewing Company his earnign was $10,000, today that would amount to about $210,230. His home at 2704 Jackson St. was valued at $30,000, today that is over $600,000 At one time in the recent past the house was up for sale, the asking price was about $400,000, I do not know if it sold or not. Byron and Mary had several children. One of their sons, Byron Kirk, who called himself Kirk Byron received a delayed degree from Harvard because he answered the call from the United States to fight in a war. I do not know which war, but an educated guess is either WWI or WWII.

Here is the info. on the house from the Woodbury County Assessors web site; 2704 Jackson St.

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 183; Transportation and Aviation Museum

Soon a new Transportation and Aviation Museum will be opening up in Sioux City. On September 11, 2001 the old museum clsoed because of the terrorist attacks. The new building is located on Expedition Cir. near the Sioux Gateway Airport. The prior museum was on the 185th Air National Guard Base. The exhibits are in storage awaiting their new home with some of the large exhibits located outside the new building. The new 30,000 square foot facility will inlcude exhbit space, office, computer room and classroom. I will post more on the new museum building once it is complete and open to the public.

On Saturday August 29, there was a public Cornerstone Laying Ceremony conducted by the Grand Lodge of Iowa for the new museum. I was both proud and honored to be a part of it.

Link and photo's;

Mid America Transportation and Aviation Museum

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 182; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 16; Iowa State Fair

I am going to take a brief break from Union County and post about the Iowa State Fair.

Introduction
The internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and
industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is Iowa’s great celebration, a salute to the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. It is the true heartbeat of the Midwest, unequaled and unduplicated.

The Iowa State Fair, the inspiration for the original novel “State Fair” by Iowan Phil Stong, three motion pictures and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway musical, is without a doubt the country’s most famous state fair. National media frequently rank the Fair as one of the top events in the country. In 2004, USA Weekend named the event the #2 choice for summer fun in America, topping New York City’s Times Square, Cedar Point Amusement Park Resort in Ohio and Disneyland in California.

Midwest Living magazine named the Fair one of the “Top 30 Things Every Midwesterner Should Experience.” The Fair is also included in the New York Times best-selling travel book “1000 Places to See Before You Die” and the subsequent travel book, “1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before you Die.”

Iowa’s fair is also known as “America’s classic state fair”
because the event features all of the traditional activities
associated with state fairs in a park-like 400-acre setting (the Fair’s home since 1886). The grounds and the adjoining 160 acres of Campgrounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the buildings pre-date World War I; many are priceless examples of American exposition-style architecture.

Throughout its history, the Fair has been a unique institution, serving to educate, inform and entertain people from all walks of life. It is an outstanding agricultural showplace, boasting one of the world’s largest livestock shows. Also home to the largest arts show in the state, the Fair showcases visual and performing arts with a variety of special exhibits and activities.

Each year hundreds of manufacturers and industrial representatives clamor to rent coveted exhibit space. In addition to its tremendous growth in agriculture and
industry, the Fair is also an entertainment mecca for Iowa and the Midwest.

Several ground stages feature more than $400,000 worth of spectacular entertainment free with gate admission. Internationally-acclaimed performers and dynamic track events thrill thousands of fans in the Grandstand (Iowa’s original outdoor concert venue). More than 600 exhibitors and concessionaires feature quality merchandise and tasty foods – more than 30 of them served “on-a-stick.” Hundreds of displays, exhibitions, demonstrations, unique attractions and all kinds of competition – for fun, for ribbons and for the pride of being chosen best – make Iowa’s Fair one of the biggest and best.

In 1881, historian James Wilson noted that, “One of the most valuable effects of the State Fair is the fraternizing, humanizing consequences of bringing our people together...No one meets and mingles with 20,000 Iowa men, women and children on the Fairgrounds - the only place they can be brought together - without growth of sympathy.” Certainly this is even more relevant today, when the pace of modern life tends to isolate individuals even more from their neighbors.

Its Beginnings
The first Iowa State Fair was held in Fairfield, in southeast Iowa, October 25 to 27, 1854. This was 20 years before America's great westward movement began, when a streaming tide of countless thousands of people migrated from the east in white-topped prairie schooners to settle in what had been called "The Great American Desert."

The outgrowth of one of Iowa's early county fairs, the first Iowa State Fair was managed by the fledgling Iowa State Agricultural Society. The first president was Judge Thomas W. Clagett of Keokuk. Dr. J.M. Shaffer of Fairfield served for many years as secretary and leading spirit of the Fair.

The six-acre Fairgrounds tract, surrounded by a high rail fence, boasted temporary sheds and pens for livestock, a tent for exhibits and a circular 1,500-ft. track. The grounds, according to the State Historical Society's Palimpsest Magazine of July 1954, were policed by a "chief marshal, five assistant marshals and a number of policemen" who were made conspicuous by wearing a "blue sash around the body."

Fairgoing families traveled by covered wagon, camping on the road and at the Fair. Hardy frontiersmen with long pistols in their belts for protection and ornament rode in from outlying regions, as the Palimpsest describes.

Commenting on the three-day event, the Fairfield Ledger of November 2, 1854, read, "The attendance was large. For several days before the Fair, strangers commenced pouring into Fairfield by scores... Such a concourse of people never before assembled in Iowa. We think we are safe in estimating the number at 7 or 8,000."

Secretary Shaffer displayed a collection of "more than 100 varieties of snakes, lizards, etc., preserved in alcohol." A Mr. Moore of Fort Des Moines exhibited a "fine collection of birds, all the varieties of which are found in the state." The Ledger also noted, "As to corn, it is useless to talk of finding any better. One sample of oats was the best we ever saw." In the grain yield competition, Hezekiah Fagan of Polk County won first for the best five acres of Indian corn, with a production of 139.5 bushels, shelled, to the acre. The prize fall wheat yield was 26 bushels per acre, while H.G. and J. Stuart of Lee County raised 66 bushels of spring wheat on two acres.

The entertainment feature that seemed to have made the greatest impression upon spectators was the exhibition of horseback riding by women, or, to use the official designation, "female equestrianism." Ten performers, wearing various colored ribbons, competed for "a lady's superior gold hunting watch" offered by President Clagett. According to the Palimpsest, the contest was so exciting the first day that it had to be repeated the second. Miss Belle Turner of Keokuk, "the Lady of the Pink Ribbon, with elegant form, fine face and soft blue eyes," was judged the winner. Total expenditure for staging the first Fair: about $323.

Early Years
The second State Fair, in 1855, was also held at Fairfield on a 10-acre tract. From 1856 to 1878 the Fair was staged in the following cities: Muscatine, 1856-1857; Oskaloosa, 1858-1859; Iowa City, 1860-1861; Dubuque, 1862-1863; Burlington, 1864-1866; Clinton, 1867-1868; Keokuk, 1869-1870, 1874-1875; and Cedar Rapids, 1871-1873, 1876-1878.

The first plowing contest under the auspices of the State Agricultural Society took place in 1857. Each of the seven contestants plowed a one-fourth acre "land" in "old, loose and sandy" soil, turning a furrow at least six inches deep. According to the Palimpsest, the shortest time required was 48 minutes and the longest, 61 minutes. In the 1858 plowing match, the prize was actually awarded to the slowest plower on the principle that it is "vastly more important that the plowing be well done, than that it be speedily done."

The Civil War, at the beginning, had an unsettling effect upon the Fair but did not stop it. In 1861, the Johnson County Fairgrounds at Iowa City served as the site of Camp Fremont, occupied by a volunteer company up until three days before the State Fair. The directors resolved to carry on as best they could. The attendance was small and drastic curtailment of expenditures was necessary. In 1862 Iowa, Indiana and Ohio held the only state fairs in what was then called the Northwest part of the country. The Iowa exhibition was held in Dubuque and, despite war hardships, was greatly successful.

At the 1863 Fair special arrangements gave campers "a good, healthy location" near the river and a "trusty guard" was paid to "look after it and preserve order" both day and night. "Do not be afraid to bring your wives and daughters," urged the Secretary. "Parties having ladies in company will receive special consideration from the superintendent of the camp." At the 1872 Fair in Cedar Rapids, a "ladies saloon" was listed as one of the conveniences.

Permanent Home
In the fall of 1855, following the second Fair, President Clagett declared, "The prosperity of the Society will be greatly promoted by the permanent location of the place of holding the exhibition . . . the Society must be permanently located in some central position and permanent arrangements made for its accommodation."

In the years to come the same idea was voiced on many occasions and by supporters courageous enough to put the future of the Fair above other considerations. Finally, in 1879, the Fair moved to Des Moines and remained there, although it took six years to persuade the Legislature to appropriate the money to buy a site. In the meantime, according to historian George Mills, the Fair took place on the west side of Des Moines. Now a residential site, it was then a city park named "Brown's Park," located between 38th Street on the east, 42nd Street on the west, Center Street on the north and Grand Avenue on the south.

The Legislature appropriated $50,000 for the purchase of a location in 1884, on condition that the city of Des Moines raise an equal sum for site improvements. The new grounds on the east side of Des Moines, stretching between University and Dean Avenues from East 30th to East 36th streets, were dedicated on September 7, 1886, with addresses by Gov. Larrabee and other notables. A historian of the times wrote, "There is doubtless no more beautiful site for the Fair in the U.S. Situated about two miles east of the state capitol, it rises from the plain in a beautiful and sightly eminence from which the country for miles to the west, northwest and southwest stretches out before the view." Iowa was the second state in the Northwest to acquire a permanent home for its Fair. Several waited until the next decade.

In the 1880s the lengthening of the Fair beyond a week necessitated a special Sunday program. A sermon by a pulpit celebrity with a special musical program was the solution.

The Fair was hit hard by a cycle of falling prices that culminated in the Panic of 1893. A combination of poor crops, bad weather and hard times ruined the Fair in 1894 and only specific guarantees from the city of Des Moines made it possible to open the gates the following fall.

The Legislature appropriated $50,000 for the purchase of a location in 1884, on condition that the city of Des Moines raise an equal sum for site improvements. The new grounds on the east side of Des Moines, stretching between University and Dean Avenues from East 30th to East 36th streets, were dedicated on September 7, 1886, with addresses by Gov. Larrabee and other notables. A historian of the times wrote, "There is doubtless no more beautiful site for the Fair in the U.S. Situated about two miles east of the state capitol, it rises from the plain in a beautiful and sightly eminence from which the country for miles to the west, northwest and southwest stretches out before the view." Iowa was the second state in the Northwest to acquire a permanent home for its Fair. Several waited until the next decade.

In the 1880s the lengthening of the Fair beyond a week necessitated a special Sunday program. A sermon by a pulpit celebrity with a special musical program was the solution.

The Fair was hit hard by a cycle of falling prices that culminated in the Panic of 1893. A combination of poor crops, bad weather and hard times ruined the Fair in 1894 and only specific guarantees from the city of Des Moines made it possible to open the gates the following fall.

Fair Board Created
In 1900 management of the Fair by the State Agricultural Society was superseded by a Board of Agriculture. In 1923, the Iowa General Assembly created the Department of Agriculture as well as a separate State Fair Board to manage the State Fair.

Originally the Board consisted of the Governor, the Secretary of Agriculture, the president of Iowa State University, one elected director from each of six Congressional Districts, three at-large directors, plus a secretary/manager and treasurer elected by the Board.

By statute, the Fair Board serves as custodian of the Fairgrounds and is charged with the management of the annual Fair. The secretary-manager takes direct charge. The law provides that all operating expense, maintenance, etc., shall be paid out of the Fair's receipts unless there is a special appropriation made by the Legislature.

Special appropriations have been made since 1902 by the General Assembly for the construction of permanent buildings, purchase of additional land and grounds improvement. Tax money has never been used for salaries, amusements or operating expense. The title to the Fairgrounds and all property belongs to the state.

1919 - 1929
The "Victory Fair" in 1919 was the largest Fair up to that year and featured the theme, "Food Won the War." Because Des Moines hotels could not accommodate the greatly increased number of Fairgoers, 100 acres were turned into campgrounds. Today some 30,000 campers, in RVs, pick-ups or pitched tents, transform more than 160 acres of shady, rolling land into a small city during the Fair.

During this era the Baby Health contest became a staple feature and continued until about 1951. Hundreds of children were weighed, measured and closely examined before the "most perfect" winners were announced during each Fair.

In 1923 the draft horse pull, still an important annual event, was inaugurated. The 70th Anniversary Fair, held in 1924, included the first pedigreed dog show. The big attraction was the "Tokyo" fireworks display depicting the 1923 earthquake. As a result of the national recognition the Fair had been receiving, the Iowa State Fair and Exposition became the Iowa State Fair and National Livestock Show in 1925. The same year, a new contest was initiated for fiddlers; 105 entrants drew such crowds that the event was made an annual feature that continues today.

The Diamond Jubilee State Fair in 1929 was the biggest of all up to that time. All previous records in attendance, financial returns and exhibits were broken. Historical pageants traced the development of the Iowa State Fair, while displays featured the historical theme in agriculture and industry.

More than 15,000 children from all over the state contributed nickels and dimes to buy an elephant dubbed "Baby Mine," who was formally christened on opening day. The performing pachyderm was housed on the Fairgrounds for several years.

Great Depression
The period 1930-1935 was a time of retrenchment, as the Great Depression and destructive droughts reduced attendance and revenue. Despite sharp cutbacks in expenditures, the Fair recorded its first deficits since 1914.

In 1932 a third locomotive crash was staged in front of the Grandstand and scenes for the first "State Fair" motion picture, starring Will Rogers, were filmed. Gradual improvement in attendance put the Fair in the black, and the 1938 Territorial Centennial was another banner celebration.

1931-1932
James Hethershaw, 92 and a State Fair exhibitor for 52 consecutive years, is shown here sampling one of his giant prize melons which he has entered in the competition for the more than $7,000 cash premiums offered for farm, orchard and garden products at the Iowa State Fair.

War Time
Lloyd B. Cunningham, a Howard County farmer and Fair Board director, was named secretary-manager to succeed Arthur R. Corey in 1941. The first Fair under Cunningham's direction was a patriotic dedication featuring defense exhibits and demonstrations by the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The principal event of interest was the National Tall Corn Contest, won by a corn stalk 23 ft. 2.5 in. tall. New contests included an Iowa Quiz Derby for teams of schoolchildren and Iowa's first statewide Farmers Horseshoe Pitching Tournament. Horseshoe pitching remains a regular daily Fair activity today.

The Fair became a wartime casualty in 1942 when the Board turned its many fireproof buildings over to the Army Air Corps at a token rental to be used as a supply depot. Even plans for a limited 4-H Fair were canceled in the interest of gasoline and tire conservation. This was only the second time the Fair had been canceled; the previous omission occurred in 1898; factors in its cancellation were the World's Fair held in Omaha that year and the Spanish-American War.

After World War II ended, Iowa's 1946 Centennial celebration provided an ideal theme for the renewal of the Fair. Noteworthy among the exhibits was a display of the nation's aerial might, plus other weapons and armaments which helped gain victory for the American and Allied forces.

During the 1946-1950 period, the G.I. Farm Family Contest, designed to honor Iowa's outstanding veteran farm family, was introduced. A Farm Gadget Contest, encouraging inventions to make farm work easier, was also added. In 1950, the first Iowa State Fair Queen was selected.

Talent Search Debut
Increased interest in the Fair in 1951 led to its expansion to 10 days from eight. The 10-day experiment was an instant success; nearly 450,000 people participated that year.

The 1952 Swine Show was limited to Iowa exhibitors because of a widespread outbreak of animal disease; despite this handicap, the entry list was one of the largest in history. Attendance topped the half-million mark, as it did again in 1953 when night auto racing was introduced successfully.

Bill Riley's Iowa State Fair Talent Search debuted in 1959. This long-running talent show, featuring young Iowans age 2 to 21, is one of the enduring trademarks of the Iowa State Fair. In 1996, after 50 Fairs and 37 Fair Talent Shows, Riley retired. The Talent Show continues, now hosted by Bill Riley Jr. with the continued advice and guidance of "Mr. State Fair."

In December 1962, Kenneth Fulk, working with the newly-created Iowa Agricultural Marketing Division, was named secretary-manager to succeed Cunningham. Under Fulk's direction, the Grand Concourse was developed, blocking off Grand Avenue to traffic.

In 1964 the Clearfield Lions began providing shuttle buses to and from the Campgrounds and around the Fairgrounds. This special free service is still provided today.

The 1960s - Heritage Fairs
Beginning in 1965 the Iowa State Fair focused on Iowa's history, initiating a series of Heritage Fairs. As part of this series, a major addition to Heritage Village was made each year. The first of these Fairs was dedicated to Iowa's pre-19th century American Indian heritage. Two wick-i-ups, where Wood Indians lived, were constructed by George Youngbear and fellow Meskawki tribesmen. Later a wigwam, favored by the Plains Indians, was added.

During this period, a Native American totem pole became the first permanent addition to the grassy-park-like area now known as "Heritage Village." The totem pole, carved from a tree that was growing when Columbus discovered America, weighed about seven tons. The Thunderbird atop had a 20-ft. wingspan; its horns reached 60 feet above the walkway below. (The Totem Pole was removed in 2005.)

The addition of big-name Grandstand entertainment also marked the Heritage Fairs. In 1965 Iowa's own Andy Williams returned home to sing for appreciative crowds on five nights.

The "Explorer Heritage: 1800 to 1830" was celebrated in 1966. As a lasting reminder of the early explorers who discovered Iowa, "the beautiful land," a replica of one of the Fort Madison blockhouses, including a section of stockade, was constructed of oak from the Tama area and added to Heritage Village. Grandstand entertainment included Lawrence Welk, immensely popular at the time.

In 1967 the Fair honored the state's "Pioneer Heritage: 1830 to 1865." An exact replica of the first Iowa church ever built - in Dubuque in 1834 - was constructed from native Iowa oak.

The 1968 "Gay Nineties" Fair celebrated the years 1865 to 1900. As a permanent tribute to the one-room country schools that made Iowa a national leader in educating its children, North Lincoln Country School, then located southeast of Indianola, was donated to the Fair. Placed in Heritage Village, the school is furnished just as it was in the late 1800s, with a wood-burning stove, desks fastened to the floor, recitation bench and teacher's chair. Fair visitors attended classes and enjoyed special presentations geared to young folks.

Entertaining in the Grandstand in 1968 were country-western singer Eddie Arnold, John Davidson, George Kirby and the internationally famous pianist Liberace.

The "Roaring 20s: 1900 to 1930" were celebrated in 1969. The Fair relived the flapper era with Dixieland jazz bands and other appropriate exhibitions. Pioneer Hall's Iowa Museum of Agriculture was opened to the public, displaying a half-acre of Iowa artifacts.

The 1970s - Discovery Fairs
The theme for the 1970 Iowa State Fair, "Discover Iowa," challenged all Iowans to discover what their great state had to offer in the way of business, industry, agriculture and entertainment. Lawrence Welk made a return Grandstand appearance, along with Engelbert Humperdinck, Red Skelton and Johnny Cash. It was a year of records: Record prices were paid for the 4-H market lamb and steer, and total attendance set a record when more than 665,000 people passed through the outside gates.

"Discover Mexico," the theme for 1971, added a new dimension to the Fair, emphasizing the culture and customs of other lands and publicizing the great potential market in Mexico for Iowa's meat, milk, eggs and soybeans. Glen Campbell, The Carpenters, Charley Pride and The Jackson Five attracted huge crowds to the Grandstand.

The 1972 "Discover Canada" Fair, another in a series leading to the 1976 bicentennial celebration, featured Sonny and Cher, who still hold the record attendance for a Grandstand appearance: 26,200.

The 1973 "Discover Hawaii" Fair grossed $1,602,267 and was the most profitable in history, netting $286,605. Elton John pushed the one-show gross to more than $103,000; The Osmond Brothers, Tammy Wynette, and Seals and Croft set a new gross income high for the Grandstand. Some 15 acres of land were purchased for additional parking; University Avenue frontage was expanded 800 feet.

Also completed in 1973 was restoration of the original barn that stood on the Fairgrounds when it was purchased in 1886. Christened "Grandfather's Farm" and stocked with baby animals, it was the perfect setting for antique farm machinery displays during the Fair. Less than a decade later, the barn would be forced to close due to safety concerns; the barn was completely restored and re-opened to the public in 1994.

In 1974 "The Discoverers" Fair honored Christopher Columbus, emphasizing the land of his birth (Italy), and the country for which he sailed (Spain). The Hawaiian Village became International Place and thematic exhibits from Spain and Italy were displayed under the Grandstand. Art, photography, crafts and hobbies all were moved to the former Women's and Children's Building, renamed the "Cultural Center." Gross income totaled $1,461,851 for the 10 days. A new Grandstand record was set when Chicago grossed $129,260 - more than any single show in the history of all fairs in the United States and Canada at that time. Other Grandstand crowd-pleasers included Charlie Rich, Redd Foxx and Academy Award-winner Liza Minnelli.

"The Colonizers" Fair in 1975 featured the British Isles and presented an exciting British Premiere Show, including contemporary English singers and artists, authentic folk dancers and a town crier. In the Grandstand, Mac Davis, The Beach Boys, Helen Reddy and a variety of country stars, along with Olivia Newton-John, The Osmonds and Chicago, thrilled enthusiastic crowds.

The rainbow-colored Sky Glider, offering Fairgoers a breathtaking aerial view of the grounds as well as transportation between the Grand Concourse and Pioneer Hall, became a permanent attraction in 1975.

1976 - 1979
In 1976 attention was focused on the "Spirit of Iowa." The Fair ran 12 days in honor of the country's bicentennial. The area under the Grandstand was transformed into the "Spirit of Iowa" Theme Center, a proud and impressive showcase for the ethnic groups who settled in Iowa. Lawrence Welk, The Eagles, Frankie Valli, Johnny Cash and others attracted thousands to the Grandstand.

The first 11-day Fair was the 1977 "New Horizons" Fair. Under the first-year direction of J.D. Taylor, it turned a profit of $179,000. Taylor was appointed secretary-manager succeeding Kenneth Fulk, who resigned to run for Congress. Rock stars - notably The Beach Boys, The Bay City Rollers and Kansas - were enormously profitable in the Grandstand, as were the increasingly popular tractor pulls.

Iowans were encouraged to "Take a Closer Look" at the 1978 Iowa State Fair, focusing on the tremendous entertainment value. Close to 600,000 Fairgoers discovered that once they paid gate admission there were hundreds of things to do and see without spending another penny. Free attractions included the Toby Show, the spectacular Dancing Waters, the Mitchell Marionettes, the Kool-Aid Circus and more.

An economic impact survey, compiled by the Iowa Development Commission, indicated that a whopping $27 million worth of spending was generated in the community by the 1978 Fair.

Although six days of rain marred its run, the 1979 Fair still attracted 620,000 people who wanted to "Get in Touch with Iowa." Internationally-acclaimed sculptor Al Kidwell was artist-in-residence at the Cultural Center.

1980 - 1989
Two-for-one admission after 6 p.m. was an important factor in reaching a total estimated attendance of 632,000 for the 1980 "Celebrate, Iowa" State Fair. A sensational line-up of free entertainment heightened the Fair's family-oriented entertainment value. Discounted Midway rides and free fireworks were additional incentives.

New record prices were paid at the 4-H/FFA Sale of Champions. Nearly 40,000 turned out to see Kenny Rogers, along with Dottie West, in four performances. Six '50s/'60s stars headlined the first annual Rock 'n' Roll Reunion.

Nearly 663,000 people - the largest total in the previous five years - found "So Much More To Go For" at the 1981 Fair. Admission revenue during the Fair was the largest in its history. An unofficial attendance survey listed visitors from 36 states and seven foreign countries. One reason for the upswing in attendance was the change in dates: The Fair ran one week earlier than usual, enabling many more school children and their parents to participate. Grandstand performers, including Barbara Mandrell, Pat Benatar, and Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee, netted $104,000. A variety of money-saving promotions emphasized the Fair's extraordinary value.

Advance discount gate tickets plus two-for-one admissions after 5 p.m. pushed attendance at the 1982 Iowa State Fair up to a final total of 668,000. Paid admissions totaled 498,592, the highest since 1976. The cash balance increased $206,000 for the year. Nearly 11,000 cars jammed the Fairgrounds on August 20, when attendance set a weekday record. Two Oak Ridge Boys shows attracted some 23,000 people to the Grandstand.

New attractions in 1982 included the State Fair Museum, a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Fair's first 128 years. Fairview Stage, west of the Cultural Center, was inaugurated with a series of music feature days. Textile and food exhibits were divided and the Foods Department moved into newly-refurbished quarters in the Family Center. State Fair souvenirs, including shirts, hats, caps and more, were offered for the first time.

A sizzling August heat wave in 1983 (108 degrees one day; 100 degrees or above the next four) singed attendance about nine percent; however, the 1983 Fair beat the heat and finished on top with an estimated 611,000 visitors during the 11-day run.

The Fair ran Wednesday through Saturday instead of the previous Thursday to Sunday schedule. The change was intended to strengthen the Fair's last day; exhibitors were encouraged to stay all day Saturday, with Sunday left to tear down and move out.

A major attraction was a $100,000 earth-sheltered home constructed by the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines on Exposition Hill. The State Fair Singers, a brand-new troupe of high-school-age singers and dancers from all over the state, entertained daily. A joint project of the Fair, Luther College and private sponsors, the group added a Jazz Band in 1989. Also in 1983, the Textiles and Clothing Department was completely remodeled.

The premiere edition of the Iowa State Fair Cookbook, a collection of prize-winning recipes, went on sale. Editions have since been published every other year, and all have sold out. Subsequent issues are planned.

More than 80 towering pine trees on the northwest corner of the grounds were removed to allow widening of University Avenue and the redesigning of the East 30th Street intersection. Access to the grounds was also improved by a new five-lane entrance at East 33rd and University Avenue.

Two new cattle competitions, a production-tested barrow contest, a new swine breed show, dairy production awards, plus the introduction of "Fun Forest" for children and a celebrity dairy goat milking competition gave 636,000 Fairgoers good reason to "Just See Us Now" at the 1984 State Fair. Duffy Lyon celebrated her 25th anniversary as the Fair's famous butter cow sculptor.

Significant capital improvements were made to the Campgrounds, Cattle Barn, Livestock Pavilion and public restrooms in the Varied Industries Building. The Fair Board voted to cover the outdoor arena west of the Horse Barn. The 1984 Fair marked the sixth straight year the Fair turned a profit.

Adopting a German theme in 1985 and reverting to the traditional Thursday through Sunday schedule, the Fair's "Augustfest!" provided German beer and food, music and entertainment, colorful banners, flags and many old-world cultural exhibits. Big-name performers, free harness racing, and a combine demolition derby delighted thousands of Grandstand fans. Harness-racing, a long-standing staple of the Iowa State Fair, took a new turn in 1985 when pari-mutuel racing made its statewide debut at the Fairgrounds. Short racing seasons continued for the next three years.

A record-breaking 668,000 people attended the Fair - the largest 11-day total in the Fair's 131-year history - and generated an economic impact conservatively estimated at $56 million by the Fair Board.

Two more significant events occurred the following year: In 1986 the Iowa State Fair celebrated the 100th birthday of the Fairgrounds and a new secretary-manager took charge. Former Missouri State Fair director Marion Lucas replaced Jim Taylor, who resigned to become chief of the American Royal Livestock Show in Kansas City.

An exceptional Grandstand line-up, free entertainment by famous Iowans, plus traditional competition encouraged native sons and daughters to "Come Home to the Iowa State Fair." And they did. Thanks in part to near-perfect weather, attendance reached a whopping 732,000 for the 11-day event.

On the heels of a prosperous year, $284,000 in premiums was offered in 1987 - an increase of approximately 10 percent. WHO Radio built its own Crystal Studios on the Grand Concourse; exhibits and concessions filled the new 8,400-sq. ft. Walnut Center; children 11 and under were admitted free to the grounds. The entire 400-acre Fairgrounds district was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

"Celebrate an American Classic" summed up the pride and admiration Iowans felt about their Fair. Coca-Cola donated a new electronic marquee at East 30th Street and University Avenue.

Despite seven inches of rain and the chilliest weather in 10 years, 716,000 visitors flocked to the 1987 Fair. A record 72 county fair candidates competed in the State Fair Queen Pageant, and a debate between seven Democratic Presidential hopefuls drew 150 national media reps and an SRO audience.

Nostalgia, tradition and down-home fun inspired 1988's theme, "For An Old Fashioned Good Time." New events complemented more traditional activities: The Fair staged its first llama competition and Shire horse show; a Giant Ram was added to the Big Boar and Super Bull contests; a replica of the Vietnam Memorial was featured on Expo Hill; and a 14-ft. tall sand castle towered in the Cultural Center.

A record total of almost 787,000 visitors was tallied. Following the Fair, the Board approved a three-phase, 10-year, $30 million fund-raising plan for renovating the Fairgrounds. The first phase - private donations - was launched at the 1988 Fair.

Fairgoers enjoyed an extra day of fun to make 12 in all in 1989, celebrating another "Old Fashioned Good Time." Country stars lit up the Grandstand stage; auto racing, truck and tractor pulling and a free pro rodeo rocked the bleachers. Ice carving was featured in the Agriculture Building; the Fair's Rock 'n' Roll Reunion celebrated its 10th anniversary. "TV8 and Pepsi On Ice" provided daily ice-skating performances; 1,000 homing pigeons were released in the Great Pigeon Escape; and General Foods' colossal 40-horse hitch generated excitement with pure Belgian horsepower. All in all, more than 857,000 people visited the Fair in 1989.

1990 - 1999
The 1990 State Fair also gave Iowans 12 days to celebrate "Iowa's Blue Ribbon Fun Fest." The Iowa Tourism Building, a permanent exhibition hall featuring Iowa attractions and events, was constructed near the Walnut Street entrance and attracted more than 100,000 visitors in its debut year.

For the first time, Grandstand tickets became available statewide through Ticketmaster. Three Grandstand performances sold out; in the final tally, total attendance overall soared to nearly 874,000.

"Iowa's Blue Ribbon Fun Fest" returned for another 12-day affair in 1991. To raise funds for critical Fairgrounds repairs, adult gate admission was raised from $4 to $5. An Enormous Equine joined the jumbo livestock judging contests. The Fabric and Threads Department hosted the first Grand National Afghan Show. The '91 Fun Fest attracted 889,000 visitors - another record; substantial gains were recorded in revenue and entries.

In 1992, the Fair reverted to its previous 11-day schedule with plans to gradually move the dates up one week. The Blue Ribbon Foundation, the Fairgrounds' fund-raising arm, was established in 1993 with the goal of raising millions of dollars for renovation of seriously deteriorated Fair buildings and facilities.

"The Only Fun of Its Kind" was born - a theme that captured the essence of Iowa's Fair. The Cultural Center displayed a 24-ft. replica of the U.S. Capitol constructed out of 250,462 tiny LEGO blocks. When all was said and done, more than 891,000 people had passed through the gates in 11 days - yet another record-breaker.

The 135th annual Iowa State Fair in 1993 followed on the heels of a catastrophically wet year throughout the Midwest. Record flooding pounded the area, rendering the city of Des Moines without water for 12 days. Yet, despite heavy rain and overflowing storm sewers during the Fair's final weekend, the sixth consecutive attendance record was set with more than 893,000.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation was in full swing toward raising the money needed to refurbish the Fairgrounds. A short-term goal of $6 million by the end of 1994 was established and many major corporations made significant pledges. In an effort to contribute to renovation funds, the Fair Board initiated an all-pay adult gate admission policy.

Fabulous new free attractions and contests in '93 included: Hawthorn's performing White Tigers, the Zoppe Family Mini-Circus, a 1920s-style All-Iowa Store and daily barn tours. A sensational Grandstand schedule boasted mega-stars Garth Brooks (a sell-out in 19 minutes), Clint Black and Wynonna Judd, George Strait, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Barry Manilow and Michael Bolton.

In 1994, Mother Nature was much more cooperative. The Blue Ribbon Foundation's efforts were beginning to pay off in visible facility improvements, including rebuilding of Grandfather's Farm, external repairs to the Administration Building and rehabilitation of the Agriculture Building.

The talk of the town - and country - was Duffy Lyon's 400-pound, life-size butter sculpture of Garth Brooks. Tom and Roseanne Arnold's Loose Meat Sandwich competition ranked a close second. Martin Mull and national cable channel "Comedy Central" filmed a farce on the State Fairgrounds. State-of-the-art Sunliner Tram Shuttles provided convenient transportation from north parking lots.

Grandstand sell-outs included Reba McEntire and George Strait, while Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Christian music sensation Carman attracted more than 10,000 fans each.

Beautiful weather and earlier Fair dates (Aug. 11-21) contributed to the Fair's smashing success. Previous attendance records were shattered for the seventh consecutive year when a total of more than 913,000 visited during its 11-day run. Revenue increased approximately $550,000 over the year before.

Despite record levels of humidity and suffocating heat 789,911 visitors attended "The Fun and Only" Fair in 1995. Reflecting the extreme weather, visitor spending also decreased. For the first time in Fair history, two Grandstand shows were canceled (due to performer-related illness) and an auto race was rained out. Daredevil motorcyclist Robbie Knievel turned the last day of the Fair into one of the best attended ever with his death-defying 180-ft. jump over 20 vehicles.

Bouncing back in 1996, the Fair scored its highest attendance ever - a whopping 918,000. A spunky new theme, "Let Yourself Go," encouraged Fairgoers to kick up their heels at Iowa's favorite summertime event. Celebrating Iowa's Sesquicentennial (150th birthday), Duffy Lyon amazed visitors with her butter sculpture of Grant Wood's "American Gothic." Some $4 million worth of Fairgrounds improvements were made to the Grandstand, Ye Old Mill (an original "tunnel of love" amusement ride built in 1921) and the Riley Stage, plus the picturesque Pella Plaza was added, providing hundreds of thousands of Fairgoers with a wonderful new appreciation for the Fair.

Whether it was the great weather, stellar Grandstand line-up (headlining the Wallflowers and ZZ Top) or 400-lb. butter Elvis that enticed Iowans to "Go for It" at the 1997 Iowa State Fair, the result was the same: A record-breaking 946,239 visitors turned out for the 11-day event.

Also attracting Fairgoers were numerous physical improvements including continuing renovation of the Grandstand, a major overhaul of the Administration Building, and the addition of historical murals in Ye Old Mill. Outstanding free entertainment, including Starship with Mickey Thomas, country singer Mila Mason and a mini-circus, attracted huge crowds. Thrill standouts like the Skycoaster, which strapped one to three riders in a harness attached to a bungee cord, transported them to the top of a 100-ft. tower, then flung the brave souls skyward at 55 mph, also drew long lines and headlines.

A storm with winds topping 100-miles-per-hour hit the Fairgrounds in June 1998. A massive clean-up in July prepared the grounds in time for the Fair. Chainsaw-carver Brian Ruth transformed four storm-damaged tree trunks into permanent sculptures on the grounds.

Scorching heat and humidity didn't stop more than 941,300 Fairgoers from having "Way Too Much Fun." Temperatures hovered between 87 and 92 degrees with high humidity the second week of the Fair and head indices ranged from 96 to 106 degrees. Despite the weather, many commerical exhibitors and concessionaires reported strong sales. Stand-out Grandstand shows included LeAnn Rimes and Bryan White (a sell-out) and Alan Jackson with Deana Carter. Two free performances by rising country singers the Dixie Chicks sparked crowds estimated at 6-8,000.

Responding to the "Knock Yourself Out" theme, a record-breaking 969,523 visitors attended the 1999 Fair. Nearly perfect weather (daily high temperature averaged 71 degrees), strong-selling Grandstand shows (including two sell-outs: Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray with Fastball, plus Tim McGraw with Chely Wright) as well as Duffy Lyon's 40th anniversary butter sculpture of "The Last Supper" all attracted Fairgoers.

National and international media coverage was spurred by visiting presidential candidates plus Lyon's acclaimed "Last Supper" sculpture. Martha Stewart spent a day at the Fair, while her production company spent four days taping a 60-minute show which aired nationally. High wire aerialist Tino Wallenda thrilled large crowds Aug. 22 when he walked 1020 feet along the Skyglider cable 50 feet above the ground without a net.

2000 - Present
The theme of the 2000 Fair, "Zero In August 10-20, 2000," focused on technology and tradition. Fairgoers responded in record numbers - 978,841 visitors attended.

A $1.3 million Grandstand event gross, a $400,000 line-up of entertainment offered free with gate admission and the innovative focus on high-tech development figured significantly in the Fair's success. Two Grandstand shows were sell-outs, including Christina Aguilera plus 70s rock duo Styx and REO Speedwagon. Truck and Tractor Pulling drew nearly 6000 fans. More than 9400 people took in two nights of PRCA Rodeo, including a Thursday night performance by Sawyer Brown, filling in for the ailing Chris LeDoux.

The 2001 Fair lived up to its theme - "It's a Winner" - with wonderful weather, a renovated Varied Industries Building, Bob Dylan in the Grandstand plus live sharks and comedy cowboys. A record-breaking turnout of 985,780 visitors to the 2001 Iowa State Fair.

Phase One of the Varied Industries Building renovation and the repaving of the Grand Concourse helped draw in crowds. Legendary performer Bob Dylan was a Grandstand sell-out. The Live Shark Encounter featured six live sharks in a 9000-gallon tank with a diver swimming free. A hilarious comedy wild west show continually played to standing-room-only audiences. Other attractions included a record number of State Fair Queen candidates (96), a record number of six-horse draft hitches (19), an $883,000 Grandstand gross, a record $145,100 Sale of 4-H/FFA Champions, a new Fiesta night reaching out to Latino Fairgoers, Duffy Lyon's butter sculpture of John Wayne, plus the Farmall Promenade Square Dancing Tractors.

A quickly extinguished fire, gutting longtime Fair eating establishment Master Jack's, failed to dampen the crowds. Gary Slater took over as Fair manager after Marion Lucas retired.

Great weather, the largest final day turnout in Fair history, a $1.6 million Grandstand gross, a visit from President Bush, plus live alligators and the 135-ft. tall Adrenaline Drop all helped the 2002 Fair live up to its billing as "The Big One". (The theme was the first in a three-year campaign toward the Fair's Sesquicentennial in 2004.) Final attendance tallied 1,008,174 - marking the first time attendance topped the million mark.
More than 90,000 visitors - the largest number ever - were tallied on Extreme Sunday, the Fair's eleventh and final day, after the Fair geared up to bring more people out for its finale. A separate marketing campaign promoted several attractions including a free concert by the Village People, four thrilling sessions of freestyle motorcycle stunts, half price admission, free parking for carloads of five or more, expanded exhibit hours, and several other appealing incentives.

Additional factors in the Fair's success included a $1.6 million Grandstand gross (including a sellout for Kenny Chesney and 8000-plus seats each sold for Toby Keith, REO Speedwagon and Styx, plus Alicia Keys). Huge free stage attractions included Juice Newton, The Association, and Hotel California's Salute to the Eagles. Fairgoers lined up to see Duffy Lyon's butter tribute to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. Kachunga and the Alligator attracted record-breaking crowds during three daily shows. Two thrill rides on Expo Hill, the free-falling Adrenaline Drop and the 60-mph Skyscraper, grossed $161,000. The Fair's new mascot, a giant blue ribbon named Fairfield, made his debut.

Attendance again topped one million in 2003. More than 1,012,000 Fairgoers experience the "One in a Million" Fair. Visiting Democratic presidential candidates attracted crowds of Fairgoers as well as national media including MSNBC, the Washington Post, ABC News, Tokyo's largest newspaper and many other news organizations. Nearly 84,000 visitors - one of the largest counts ever - were tallied on Extreme Sunday.

The Sale of Champions set a new record of $157,500 with eight livestock selling prices hitting new highs. A $1.6 million Grandstand gross, including a sellout for Kenny Chesney, also factored in to the Fair's success. In addition, 9000-plus seats were sold for Alan Jackson and more than 8000 for the Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull. Huge free stage draws ranged from Vocal Trash and Riders in the Sky to Rhonda Vincent and Hairball.

Fairgoers lined up to see Duffy Lyon's butter Harley Davidson motorcycle, a salute to the company's 100th anniversary. CBS News' Early Show covered the sculpture's debut on opening day. Dutch Television filmed a half-hour show about the Fair. Maximum Velocity, a bikes, boards and blades stunt show, plus the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimpanzees, and Mr. Stinky Feet (Jim Cosgrove) attracted standing-room only audiences every day.

In the fall of 2003, a new book for travelers titled 1000 Places to See Before You Die, described as "an around-the-world, continent-by-continent listing of places guaranteed to give you the shivers," featured the Iowa State Fair as the only Iowa destination and the only state fair in the country as one of the world's must-see events. The national accolades kept coming. In May 2004, USA Weekend magazine named the Fair the #2 choice for summer fun in America (second only to Las Vegas). In June, Esquire magazine chose the Fair as one of the "15 Superlative Things to Experience Before Labor Day."

The 2004 Fair - celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Fair in 1854 - was the culmination of three years of planning. Special events including a horse caravan from Fairfield (a trek completed in 1954 as well), a reunion of former Fair Queens and Talent Search champions, plus a torch run from all four corners of the state helped drive a record 1,053,978 visitors to the 2004 Fair, the largest tally to date.

Perfect weather averaging a daily high of 76 degrees helped most food vendors and merchandise concessionaires set sales records. Steer 'N' Stein owner Stan Kranovich said business was tremendous. "I think folks would have eaten boxes if we had deep-fried 'em," he laughed. According to Calvin Campbell of Campbell Concessions, "It was our best year in over 50 years selling corn dogs." Meatballs joined the long list of food items available on a stick.

National media visiting included Bill Geist and a crew from CBS News Sunday Morning, USA Today, the Dallas Morning News, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Country Living Magazine. Monster Nation, which produces television shows for the Discovery Channel, also spent four days on site. ESPN ranked the Fair's debut Outhouse Race among its Top 10 Plays of the Day.

Additional superlatives included 103 State Fair Queen candidates, a new record; one of the top five draft horse shows in the nation; and 10.2 million hits on iowastatefair.org over the 11-day run. The Sale of Champions set a new record of $190,500 with 11 record selling prices. Plus, the Super Bull broke the 1995 record, weighing in at 3,378 lbs. The Fair's 12th cookbook, "Taste the Tradition," sold 80 percent of its 5000-copy print run, the fastest selling Fair cookbook ever.

The 2005 Fair proved it is "America's Favorite Fair" by surpassing the one million mark for the fourth consecutive year with a total attendance of more than 1,005,000.

The 2005 Grandstand line-up featured events ranging from Professional Bull Riding to Garrison Keillor, including two sold-out shows, Keith Urban with Phil Vassar and Brad Paisley/Sara Evans. Grandstand ticket sales grossed $1.68 million with 71,916 purchases. Po' boy sandwiches, french fried sweet potatoes, deep fried hot dogs, and the country's only Red Bull smoothies debuted.

Free entertainment and attractions were wildly popular during the 2005 Fair. There were daily standing room only crowds at Vocal Trash, The Nadas, Flying Fools Dive Show, and Sea Lion Splash. Extreme Sunday's finale with America featured one of the largest crowds ever at the Riley Stage, estimated at nearly 7,000 attendees. In addition, thousands visited Duffy Lyon's butter tribute to Tiger Woods, the Fair's new museum, and the Habitat for Humanity house that was fully constructed on the Fairgrounds in nine days.

In addition to being named to Midwest Living's "30 Things Every Midwestern Should Experience," the 2005 Fair also set a few records: hits to iowastatefair.org nearly doubled to more than 19.1 million during the 11-day run, seven record selling prices were set in the Sale of Champions and more livestock were shown than ever. Open class livestock entries were up more than 8 percent while 4-H livestock increased nearly 10 percent over 2004. Plus, Spread the Word Advertising named the Fair to its Discover America Top 200 Events list for which more than 3000 national events were reviewed for inclusion.

Conclusion
From simple beginnings, the Iowa State Fair has become larger, longer and wider in scope. It has become a pacesetter in the industry. The Fair's evolution from a simple stock show to today's agricultural, industrial and entertainment extravaganza is a direct reflection of Iowa's evolution from an untilled prairie to the very center of the nation's food production. The Iowa State Fair has been the historical trademark of this progress. For more than 14 decades - more than a century in the same location - the Fair has instructed, influenced and guided an agricultural people in making agricultural history.

Over the years the Fair has never veered from its primary purpose: the celebration of excellence, the recognition of individual achievement and the enhancement of agriculture. Whether it's Grandma's pickles, Dad's farm gadget, the neighbor's Cookout Contest entry or sister's photography, the emphasis continues to be recognition of the particular talent or skill that makes each person unique. The Fair is the true, ever-changing reflection of what's best about Iowa and her people.

Link and photo's;

Iowa State Fair

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 181; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 15; Union County South Dakota Part 5; Jefferson

For a population of only 586 people Jefferson, South Dakota has an impressive history. In and near Jefferson are a few historical sites. These include St. Peter's Catholic Church, Grasshopper Crosses, 14-Mile House, 12 Mile House and the town itself.

St. Peters Catholic Church

Established in 1868, this was the first permanent Catholic parish in the Sioux Falls Diocese. Father Pierre Boucher, said to be South Dakota's first resident Catholic priest, served the parish. The present church was built in 1891. In 1930, Henry Goering came to St. Peter's Church and started the famous painting of the Ascension above the main Altar in the Sanctuary, which is truly a work of art. The figure of Christ is life-size and all the paintings are done with a beauty of the 16th century. Also within the church are many beautiful statues, and the stations of the cross that were brought from Canada in the early days are still hanging in the church. The tall spire and cross can be seen for miles around. The church is visited by many tourists each year. (Highway 105, Jefferson, SD)

Link and photo's;
St Peter's Catholic Church











Grasshopper Corner

In the 1870's pioneers faced a fierce attack of grasshoppers. The insects covered inch of ground and ate all the vegetation within their path. On a Sunday in May 1876,Father Boucher appealed to a higher source for relief from the grasshoppers for his parishioners. The priest led his congregation on an all-day, eleven mile pilgrimage, placing three crosses in different locations. Though the grasshopper came again in later years, the area within the crosses was never touched. This cross is adjacent to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Jefferson, South Dakota. Another one of the crosses can be seen at the Morin farmstead 4 miles northwest of Jefferson on County Road 1B, and the third cross is on County Road 23 on the Dale Chicoine farm. (Highway 105, Jefferson, SD)

Link and photo's;
Grasshopper Crosses



14 Mile House
Built in 1861, this 139 year old historic home is named for its distance from Sioux City, Iowa, which ran to Fort Randall. It was used as a stage stop, tavern, post office and store. It was built by Francis Reandeau, a French-Canadian, who came here from Dubuque. The house is constructed of yellow cottonwood grown near the Missouri River. The logs are chinked with a river sand mixture. The primary house was twenty feet wide by fifty feet long. The home is now a private residence. (County Road 1B 1 1/2 miles northwest of Jefferson, SD)

Link and photo's;
14 Mile House



Town of Jefferson and 12 Mile House
The town of Jefferson itself has historical significance. It is on the Historic Missouri River Corridor and very near part of the area where Lewis and Clark travelled through during their expedition. Here are photo's of other historical sites and markers in Jefferson.;

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 180; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 14; Union County South Dakota Part 4; Adams Homestead

Maud and Mary Adam's of McCook Lake, donated 1500 acres to the South Dakota Games, Fish and Park Commission. The sign reads: For over 100 years, three generations of Stephen Searls James Adams worked, nurtured and respected this land. It is the wish of Maud and Mary Adams to share this natural bounty with all people. Their generous donations of land for the Nature Area is a fitting memorial to the Adams Family. In their words, "It is a place for admiration of the earth...a place for inner renewal". The area features a natural outdoor recreation area with walking trails, bird sanctuary, museum and renovated historic buildings.
(I-29 exit 4, 1 mile west, 1/2 mile south)

Links;
Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 46: Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve (repost)

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 179; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 13; Union County South Dakota Part 3; Dakota Dunes

The first South Dakota planned community which includes industrial, residential and professional areas. Arnold Palmer designed the 18-hole golf course, site of the only PGA NIKE tournament in the north central states.
(I-29 exit 1 or 2)

My wife and I lived in Dakota Dunes for over 4 years. The community is less then 30 years old, I don't even think it is 20 years old yet. It is very young by comparison to the other history in Union County, but is the first master planned community west of the Mississippi.

Links;
Dakota Dunes History
Dakota Dunes

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 178; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 13; Union County South Dakota Part 2; Sioux River Crossing

"On December 18, 1855 a license was issued at Fort Pierre, to Paul Pacquette, for a ferryboat to operate at the starting point of the Military Road to Fort Randall. On June 1, 1863 Pacquette renewed the license for a ten year term. The railroad, which was originally Dakota Southern, would run parallel to Military Road, reaching Elk Point in 1872. It would be 1868 before a "free wagon bridge" was built to allow the crossing of the Big Sioux River."

I have been riding bike across the Big Sioux River at this location for the past 15 years. I never realized its historical significance. The bridge used today has no doubt replaced the free wagon bridge that was originally built.

Link;
Sioux River Crossing

Photo's;

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 177; History and Culture Outside of Sioux City Part 12; Union County South Dakota Part 1; Union County

Union County South Dakota has a long and proud history. With 8 towns/cities to its credit the history goes back to the mid 1850's.

Chronological time line.;

1855 - Christopher Malone settled in what is now Big Sioux Township.

1859 - Jefferson and Elk Point were founded.

1860 - Norwegians settled in the Brule area, north of Elk Point.

1860 - First post office established with Eli Wixson as postmaster.

1861 - First official school was built in the county in Elk Point and was taught by N. J. Wallace.

1861 - Richland was founded.

1862 - First Legislative Assembly of Dakota Territory approved organization of the county, named Cole, after Austin Cole, a legislative member.

1862 - County seat founded at J. Chappillion home.

1863 - First homestead filing north of Richland.

1864 - Name was officially changed to Union.

1864 - County seat was moved to Richland.

1864 - Additional land was annexed from Lincoln County.

1865 - County seat moved to Elk Point.

1870 - First newspaper in the county "The Elk Point Leader" was started.

1870 - First telegraph line, from Sioux City to Elk Point to Yankton was built.

1871 - First mile of railroad was graded in the Dakotas across the town site of Elk Point.

1872 - The Southern Dakota Rail Line was completed to Elk Point.

1873 - First agricultural fair was held one mile north of Elk Point.

1876 - Father Boucher organized the grasshopper pilgrimage near Jefferson.

1883 - Beresford was founded.

1883 - Alcester was founded.

18?? - Stevens (now North Sioux City) was founded.

1898 - First courthouse in the Territory was built at Elk Point.

I have had the pleasure of riding bike throughout several parts of Union County. I have seen several of the historical sites located throughout the county. I am going to travel again through the county, but this time to photograph and document the important historical sites and locations. As I post about them on the blog you will be able to take part in the virtual tour. I also hope in the future you decide to come and visit Union County for yourself.

Link to the Union County Historical Society.;
Union County Historical Society

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 176; Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a 100 acre facility located in the Riverside neighborhood of Sioux CIty, Iowa. It has a long and unique history and is one of, if not the oldest in Sioux City.

History;

"What did the citizens of Sioux City do for entertainment in the late 1890s through the 1920s?

The answer is Riverside Park. This part of the city was a major attraction for the region. From the first amusement park (complete with a roller coaster), to country clubs, picnic grounds, baseball fields, racing tracks, and fairgrounds, Riverside had it all.

The main attraction to the area was the Sioux River. Unlike the channelized river of today, the old Sioux was a slow moving, picturesque river up to two hundred yards in width. Because people had no air conditioning, being around water was a definite summer attraction.

You could swim, canoe, row, or travel by steamboat up and down the quiet, tree-lined river. People would ride the street car to the area to picnic or camp. Another possibility for recreation was to join one of the five boat and country clubs which lined the river's shore. These clubs provided more than just water sports. There were rooms for playing cards, shooting pool, reading, and dances.

More than 20,000 people came to watch the Ringling Brothers Circus bath their elephants in the Sioux River.

The Interstate Fair, which began in 1903 and continued until 1926 was another major attraction. Under the leadership of F. L. Eaton the fair became the largest private fair in the nation. Farmers and ranchers from the tri-state area brought their livestock and crops to compete in contests. 4-H competition among the children was keen.
The fair included the usual exhibits and midway. But they also had a two-mile track where all kinds of races were held. Early automobile races, horse races, bicycle races, and even fire truck races drew large crowds to the track.

The Riverside area was also home to the city's most successful brick plant. The Sioux City Brick and Tile plant produced 100 million bricks and tiles annually. The plant was the second largest employer in the city for many years.

Other large employers in the Riverside area included the Sioux City Vinegar and Pickling Works and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad repair shops."

Today the amusement park, country club, racing track, fairgrounds, beach from which you could swim, steamboats, circus, Interstate Fair, The Sioux City Brick and Tile plant, Sioux City Vinegar and Pickling Works and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad repair shops are all gone from Riverside Park and the Riverside area in general. However the park is still here and boasts the access for the Lewis and Clark Multi-Use Trail, Bruguier Cabin, Missouri River Boat Club, Council Oak Manor, the Council Oak Building, The Mighty Council Oak Tree, Riverside Pool, a tennis court, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, sand volley ball pits, several shelters for gatherings, playgrounds for children, bathrooms, open picnic areas with grills plus a lot of spacious room for people to enjoy the fresh air. There is also an annual event called Riverssance held inside the park. Several organizations rent the shelters for their events throughout the year as do families who celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other special events. There have been at least 2 organized bicycle rides this blog author has participated in that has started from Riverside Park. It serves the community well and is very diverse in what the park offers. While the park has undergone several changes over the last 100+ years and still serves as one the areas best parks.

Link;
History of Riverside Park

Photo's;
Photo's showing the Riverside Park of the past.;













Photo's as the park looks today.;

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 175; Rocklin Manufacturing

Rocklin Manufacturing is one of Sioux City's remaining/surviving manufacturing companies that have not moved on for cheaper labor in foreign countires. They have a long and proud history in this community.

"Rocklin Manufacturing co. commenced operations in 1934 by I.J. Rocklin, who graduated from the University of Iowa in 1930 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Before WWII, Rocklin manufactured and marketed farm machinery accessories that were resumed after the War. These included pump jacks, disc and tillage tools, corn pickers, hydraulic pump and value components, farm wagon box hardware kits, farm tractor grader blades, various tractor attachments, power drive accessories such as universal joints and slip clutches, tractor and self-propelled saws and mowers, including the MY-T-MO rotary mower, and the Rocklin Water Level Control units for farm and ranch stock tanks.

During WWII the factory operated 24 hours a day to produce subassemblies for tanks and trucks, particularly tank escape hatches, transmission parts and running gear components for tanks, 4 x 4, and 6 x 6 trucks. The mural graphically details men and also "Rosie the Riveter" type women working side by side to support the war materiel effort.

In the 1960's Rocklin participated in several missile base projects providing spring mounts, pneumatic cylinder sway dampers and hydraulic blast door stand components.

In the mid 1960's, I.J. Rocklin invented and patented the Rocklinizer which electronically deposits carbide, which is a hard and wear resistant material, to tools and dies to extend their useful life, for gripping, or for maintenance applications. The Rocklinizer continues to be manufactured and is marketed worldwide to metal working and metal fabricating companies.

The companion industrial electronic product called the Moldmender micro welder was developed about 10 years ago. The Moldmender is a spot welder that applies metallic ribbon, wire, paste or powder to repair primarily plastic injection molds and die cast dies made of steel. It too is manufactured by Rocklin and marketed worldwide.

Rocklin Manufacturing Co. recently commissioned local artists Paul Chelstad and Mark Kochen to paint a 32 feet x 40 feet mural on the end of its brick building. The mural depicts metalworking and metal fabrication scenes from vintage photographs of Rocklin employees taken during World War II. The detailed photographs have been digitally reproduced and then converted into stencils that were laboriously cut out as a pattern for the actual mural painting. "IJ" is superimposed on the mural that is dedicated to his memory."

Web site;
Rocklin Manufacturing

Photo's;

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 174; Lewis and Clark Trail

Within Sioux City from the Floyd and Chris Larsen Rd intersection to Riverside Park is a Multi-Use Trail called the Lewis and Clark Trail. Some sections of this trail are more impressive then others. The section from the intersection to the children's park just before the Anderson Dance Pavilion is not all that impressive because it is in front of the casino. From the kids park to the Hamilton Blvd Chris Larsen Road intersection is really nice as it goes by the park, the dance pavilion, there is a turn off to head across the Veterans Bridge and into South Sioux City. It also goes by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Sgt. Floyd Museum. From the Hamilton Blvd and Chris Larsen Road intersection the trail is even more impressive as it travels along the river through the trees and shade with areas from where the bluffs of the beautiful Loess Hills can be seen where they parallel I-29. There are also great views of the river form this section of the trail as well.

Starting this year the Iowa Department of Transportation started the I-29 Improvement Project. Currently Segment 3 is being done, which is the Riverside Blvd/I-29 Interchange and widening of the southbound lane from Hamilton Blvd to Riverside Blvd. Right now only the Riverside/I-29 Interchange is being worked on and will be completed later this year. The trail is not affected by this in terms of being closed or interrupted. However starting in 2010 the Lewis and Clark Trail will be close from Hamilton to Riverside Blvd because of the lane widening. The trail will be removed and put back as part of the project. There may be a negative side effect to this though. Right now a good portion of this segment of trail goes through some beautiful trees that shade the trail and buffer the trail from the heat and irritating noise of the interstate traffic. These sections are some distance from the interstate, with area that are close that do not have a buffer of trees. The trail also curves and winds its way between the river and interstate. This makes riding the trail interesting.

I have found out that when the trail is rebuilt it will be the interstate, shoulder, retaining wall, trail, retaining wall then river. This means these green buffers could be removed. A concern I have is whether or not these green areas will remain intact and only the area where the trail is closest to the interstate will be affected and built on a retaining wall, or if the whole thing will be affected by this. the trail could also lost the attractiveness with the way it curves and winds its way along the river. There is nothing more boring then a trail that is straight from point to point with not change in scenery. It will also be an irritating factor to have to deal with the heat and nosie from the interstate traffic, especially when there will be more of it to deal with and with this entire section or mor of this section of trail closer to the interstate.

This past weekend I did a ride on the trail to shoot photo's of what it currently looks like. You will see what the trail looks like now along with the views tot he left and right of the trail. These photo's were taken while I was riding my bike. Enjoy.;

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 173; White Cross on a Bluff

On a high bluff overlooking the 4-corners interchange of I-29 and Wesley Parkway there is a large white cross facing to the SE. It is on private property. Not a lot is known about this cross, other then waht a cross stands for. It is unknown as to who put it there and why. That is ok though. It is nice to see this symbol overlooking the city and in a way blessing all who pass by/beneath it. If/when I find out more about this cross I will post an update.

Photo;

Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 172; Palmer Candy Company, Making Life Sweeter Since 1878

For the past 131 years Palmer Candy Company has operated in Sioux City, Iowa.

Chronological timeline.;

1878; A fire destroyed the St. Joseph Michigan home of Edward Cook (E.C.) Palmer. Instead of rebuilding, the adventurous E.C. decided to pack up his family and move to the fast-growing frontier town of Sioux City, Iowa to purchase a wholesale grocery operation.

1892;
E.C.'s eldest son, William B. Palmer, decided to go into business and opened up a wholesale fruit company and realizing that it really is better to keep things in the family, William went into business with his father and brother Charles, forming Palmer and Company.

1892 to 1900;
Prior to the turn of the century, the Palmers identified the need to diversify and delved into the candy business, selling bulk and hard candy in wooden containers from the back of their fruit house.

1900;
The company quickly outgrew its quarters and in moved into a new four-story building. They were extremely proud of their high-rise, thoroughly modern facility that bragged such up-to-date technologies as ammonia cold storage and its own electric generator and steam boilers that supplied cooking steam to make Palmers quality confections. The candy factory made everything from fancy hand-dipped boxed chocolates to penny candy as well as a variety of gumdrops and marshmallows. Candies and the wholesale fruit were delivered to customers by a fleet of horse-drawn wagons.

1900 to 1923;
The roaring 20s brought prosperity to our country and increasing sales to the Palmer fruit and candy business.

1923;
Marked the birth of Palmer Candy Company's Bing candy bar. At the time, candy bars were an innovative concept that was rapidly sweeping the nation. Nearly 40,000 new candy bars were launched as customers changed their buying behavior from purchasing their chocolate bulk at a candy counter or in a fancy box from the neighborhood drug store to buying candy bars at a grocery store and a variety of other more convenient outlets. The Bing candy bar is still produced today and remains a Midwest regional favorite!

1941;
Palmers purchased Sioux City's Soo Candy Company and its peanut-roasting department. This was the beginning of the Palmer peanut and nutmeat business that still exists today.

1956;
The company purchased the candy division of the Johnson Biscuit Company, claiming the rights to the popular La Fama candy brand. At the same time, the company began purchasing candy from other manufacturers and expanded into the repack and rack business - a division of the business continues to be an important part of the company today.

1969;
The fruit company closed its doors, allowing the Palmer Company to focus its energy on the candy business. As the company's growth continued, so did the need to expand into an updated, larger facility.

1979;
The Palmer Candy Company moved to its current location at 311 Bluff Street, - a large factory remodeled exclusively for the production of candy. The facility houses four floors of candy manufacturing, peanut roasting, candy rebagging, warehousing, shipping and offices.

1990;
Palmer Candy Company opened its retail store, Palmer's Old Tyme Candy Shoppe, in the historic Douglas Street 9former factory) location. Selling a wide variety of specialized candies, apparel and of course, the famous BING candy bar, the Candy Shoppe thrived at that location for years.

1993;
Th ecompany made yet another aquistion of purchasing the Green Mill Candy Company of Kansas City to add more depth to its product line.

1997;
Palmer Candy purchased the Art Deco building at 405 Wesley Parkway to use as a storage facility. Orignally built in 1931, this building was was the home of M & L Bakery. The successful bakery ran until 1952 when the building was taken over by the National Furniture Store and then in 1970 converted to Siouxland Furniture Mart.

2007;
This year saw another big change for the Old Tyme Candy Shoppe as the need to expand coincided with the city of Sioux City's interest in aquiring the old plant location. The decision was made to move the building at 405 Wesley Parkway. Great attention to detail and effort was made when the remodeling for the new store site. The familiar octagon tile and maple wood floors are present as well as the beaded walls and steel ceiling replicating much of the sense of the original 1900 building. Additional room was made for a larger museum area as well as packaging used by the company during the past last century. More room was made for the candy display flor area as well allowing a larger selection of every type of candy one could want. From nostalgic favorites to fancy truffles, almost any type of confectionary is available at the Palmer's Old Tyme Candy Shoppe.

Link;
Palmer Candy Co.

Photo's of brochure explaining the history of Palmer Candy Company.;




Photo's of the store on Wesley Parkway and plant on Bluff Street.;