As spring approaches, the Des Moines County Historical Society (DMCHS) is bustling with activity, focusing on restoration projects, upcoming events, and honoring cherished community members.
Restoration Efforts: Enhancing Historic Spaces
The Garrett-Phelps House is undergoing significant restoration to preserve its historical integrity and improve accessibility. A new ADA-compliant ramp, constructed with materials donated by Preservation Station, is being installed, ensuring that all visitors can experience the site’s rich history. Additionally, the library stacks renovation continues, with new ceiling tiles brightening the space and the installation of acrylic inserts in the bookcases to maintain the room’s historical ambiance.
Upcoming Events: Celebrating History Together
DMCHS is hosting a series of events to connect with the community and share the region’s history:
- Sounds of the Past – Iowa Ragtime: On Saturday, March 15, from 10 am to 12 pm, Executive Director Colton Overton will perform ragtime pieces on the historic Martin Bruhl piano. The event will also feature demonstrations of the Edison phonograph.
- Historic Newspaper Reading: Every Wednesday in March (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.
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.