Denison

Early Twentieth Century Iowa Farmers Make Flying The Future Of Agriculture

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Early in 1948 the Iowa Aeronautics Commission released a survey of aviation in the state. Conducted by a team of professors in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Iowa, the survey revealed there were about 1,000 planes used for private and business purposes in the state and there was an airplane for every 1,471 persons in Iowa. The state had about 200 airports most with turf runways. A handful of high schools offered courses in aeronautics, mail had been delivered by a flying air carrier after a severe snow storm and the highway patrol had used an airplane to observe traffic before and after a football game in Iowa City. Flying clubs were active in the state, including Flying Farmers of America.

Iowa History

Wartime Rumors Swept Through Iowa’s Camp Dodge in 1917

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No, the Red Cross would never solicit donations through chain letters. And the public should immediately destroy any of those bogus letters they received in the mail. Conditions at Camp Dodge near Des Moines, where thousands of boys from across the Midwest were training as soldiers were better than at many other military camps around the country, despite rumors. And that woman from southern Iowa who had helped spread juicy bits of scandal about the camp was headed for an appearance in front of a federal grand jury. The country was at war in 1917, and military leaders were busy tamping down negative press.

Iowa History

Letter-Writing Robber In 1913: Git That Money Out There

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Iowa History, a weekly column, appears at IowaWatch on Saturdays. Cheryl Mullenbach is a former history teacher, newspaper editor, and public television project manager. She is the author of four non-fiction books for young people. Double Victory was featured on C-SPAN’s “Book TV” and The Industrial Revolution for Kids was selected for “Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.” Her most recent book, Women in Blue traces the evolution of women in policing. Visit her website at: www.cherylmullenbachink.com

“I want you to fetch me 385.00 dollars and I want it by 3 o’clock.