The Des Moines County Historical Society (DMCHS) continues to make strides in preserving and celebrating local history. February brought exciting developments, from restoration projects to engaging community events.
Restoration Efforts: Breathing New Life into Historic Sites
The Garrett-Phelps House is set for a significant transformation. DMCHS is actively seeking long-term financing to support renovations and sustain a dedicated team. This initiative aims to enhance the facility’s aesthetics and functionality, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for years to come.
Simultaneously, the library stacks renovation is progressing smoothly. Recent efforts include painting touch-ups and floor buffing. A thoughtfully designed ramp is being constructed to improve accessibility without compromising the integrity of the historic stacks. Visitors can look forward to a more navigable space, especially during the bustling riverboat season.
“My Dear Vinnie”: A Glimpse into Iowa’s Past
A new exhibit, “My Dear Vinnie,” is under development, offering insights into the lives of Governor James Wilson Grimes and his adopted daughter, Lavinia “Vinnie” Noble Grimes Nichols Buck. Through a series of personal letters, visitors will explore early Iowa statehood, politics, and genealogy. Thanks to a generous donation from Joyce Harvey, a book featuring transcriptions of these letters will also be published, providing a deeper understanding of this historical correspondence.
Upcoming Events: Engaging the Community
DMCHS has a lineup of events designed to immerse the community in local history:
- Sounds of the Past – Valentine Music: On Saturday, February 15, from 10 am to 12 pm, Executive Director Colton Overton will perform ragtime pieces on the historic Martin Bruhl piano in the Heritage Center’s atrium. Attendees can also enjoy demonstrations of the Edison phonograph.
- Historic Newspaper Reading: Every Wednesday in February (5, 12, 19, 26) from 10 to 11 am, participants can delve into historical newspapers, discussing past events and their relevance today. These sessions take place in the Bart Howard Lounge.
- Burlington History Club: Following the newspaper readings, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, this club offers a platform for history enthusiasts to discuss research ideas and share insights about Des Moines County’s rich past.
- SilverCord Walk-In: On Tuesdays (5, 12, 19, 26) from 4 to 6 pm, Silver Cord students are welcome to volunteer at the museum, gaining valuable experience while contributing to the preservation of local history.
- Spider Web Youth Center Presentation: On Wednesday, March 8, from 11 am to 12 pm, staff member Amy Power will present the history of the Spider Web Youth Center, a significant cultural institution in Burlington from 1942 to 1994. The presentation will highlight the center’s impact and the dedication of Margaret Uffelman, who led the center for 28 years.
Memorial Brick Garden: Leave a Lasting Legacy
DMCHS invites community members to become a part of history through the Memorial Brick Garden. For a donation of $150, supporters can have a 4″ x 8″ India red granite brick engraved with up to two lines of 15 characters each. This is a meaningful way to honor loved ones or commemorate special occasions. Additionally, donors contributing $1,000 or more will receive a special light gray granite brick. These bricks will be part of the outdoor classroom and picnic space, serving as a testament to community support.
Artifact Spotlight: Clinton-Copeland Co. Holly Brand Chocolates Box
This month’s featured artifact is a charming chocolate box from the Clinton-Copeland Company, dating between 1910 and 1930. The box showcases a young lady with blonde hair and a yellow halo, dressed in a blue gown with red accents. The company, established in 1898, was renowned for its high-quality confections and operated a four-story manufacturing facility in Burlington. At its peak in 1907, the company employed 125 workers and had eight salesmen distributing products across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. Though the company dissolved in the late 1930s, remnants of its legacy, like the painted Holly Brand Chocolates logo, still adorn the building’s exterior.
For more information, to volunteer, or to participate in upcoming events, please contact the Heritage Center at (319) 752-7449 or email Executive Director Colton Overton at Coltonn@dmchs.org. Stay connected and be a part of preserving Des Moines County’s rich history.