Notes on Iowa
@notesoniowa.bsky.social
Exploring the Heart of the Heartland
Are we ready for another Thanksgiving blizzard?
On November 27, 1983, back-to-back icy blizzards wrapped up after wreaking havoc on Thanksgiving travel plans for Iowans across the state.
On November 27, 1983, back-to-back icy blizzards wrapped up after wreaking havoc on Thanksgiving travel plans for Iowans across the state.
November 27, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Are we ready for another Thanksgiving blizzard?
On November 27, 1983, back-to-back icy blizzards wrapped up after wreaking havoc on Thanksgiving travel plans for Iowans across the state.
On November 27, 1983, back-to-back icy blizzards wrapped up after wreaking havoc on Thanksgiving travel plans for Iowans across the state.
Have you ever heard of Iowa conman Norman Baker?
On November 27, 1882, one of Iowa’s greatest grifters, Norman Baker, was born in Muscatine. A noted ‘cancer quack’ of the early 1900s, Baker used radio to amass over $10 million for bunk cancer treatments.
On November 27, 1882, one of Iowa’s greatest grifters, Norman Baker, was born in Muscatine. A noted ‘cancer quack’ of the early 1900s, Baker used radio to amass over $10 million for bunk cancer treatments.
November 27, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Have you ever heard of Iowa conman Norman Baker?
On November 27, 1882, one of Iowa’s greatest grifters, Norman Baker, was born in Muscatine. A noted ‘cancer quack’ of the early 1900s, Baker used radio to amass over $10 million for bunk cancer treatments.
On November 27, 1882, one of Iowa’s greatest grifters, Norman Baker, was born in Muscatine. A noted ‘cancer quack’ of the early 1900s, Baker used radio to amass over $10 million for bunk cancer treatments.
Did you know an Iowan invented the Dairy Queen Blizzard?
On November 27, 1931, Ronald Medd, inventor of the Dairy Queen Blizzard, was born in Clinton, Iowa.
On November 27, 1931, Ronald Medd, inventor of the Dairy Queen Blizzard, was born in Clinton, Iowa.
November 27, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Did you know an Iowan invented the Dairy Queen Blizzard?
On November 27, 1931, Ronald Medd, inventor of the Dairy Queen Blizzard, was born in Clinton, Iowa.
On November 27, 1931, Ronald Medd, inventor of the Dairy Queen Blizzard, was born in Clinton, Iowa.
Do you remember when Kittle and Beathard lifted Iowa to 12-0 with a win over the Big Red?
On November 27, 2015, the Iowa Hawkeyes completed a perfect regular season by moving to 12-0 with a 28-20 win over Nebraska.
On November 27, 2015, the Iowa Hawkeyes completed a perfect regular season by moving to 12-0 with a 28-20 win over Nebraska.
November 27, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Do you remember when Kittle and Beathard lifted Iowa to 12-0 with a win over the Big Red?
On November 27, 2015, the Iowa Hawkeyes completed a perfect regular season by moving to 12-0 with a 28-20 win over Nebraska.
On November 27, 2015, the Iowa Hawkeyes completed a perfect regular season by moving to 12-0 with a 28-20 win over Nebraska.
📍Frank Gotch State Park - Humboldt, Iowa
November 27, 2025 at 12:46 AM
📍Frank Gotch State Park - Humboldt, Iowa
Do you know the story of Ralph McElroy’s KWWL?
On November 26, 1953, Ralph McElroy’s KWWL Waterloo first went live on the air.
On November 26, 1953, Ralph McElroy’s KWWL Waterloo first went live on the air.
November 26, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Do you know the story of Ralph McElroy’s KWWL?
On November 26, 1953, Ralph McElroy’s KWWL Waterloo first went live on the air.
On November 26, 1953, Ralph McElroy’s KWWL Waterloo first went live on the air.
What do you know about the namesake of Kirkwood Community College?
On November 26, 1913, a statue of Samuel Jordan Kirkwood was unveiled for the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
On November 26, 1913, a statue of Samuel Jordan Kirkwood was unveiled for the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
November 26, 2025 at 12:13 PM
What do you know about the namesake of Kirkwood Community College?
On November 26, 1913, a statue of Samuel Jordan Kirkwood was unveiled for the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
On November 26, 1913, a statue of Samuel Jordan Kirkwood was unveiled for the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.
Did you know the only woman to win the Medal of Honor in the Civil War studied in Iowa?
On November 26, 1832, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born.
On November 26, 1832, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born.
November 26, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Did you know the only woman to win the Medal of Honor in the Civil War studied in Iowa?
On November 26, 1832, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born.
On November 26, 1832, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born.
📍Rock Falls, Iowa
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 AM
📍Rock Falls, Iowa
Have you heard of Greg Tull giving the ultimate sacrifice?
November 25, 2005, 20-year-old Army Sergeant Gregory L. Tull of Pocahontas died in Anbar Province, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
November 25, 2005, 20-year-old Army Sergeant Gregory L. Tull of Pocahontas died in Anbar Province, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
November 25, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Have you heard of Greg Tull giving the ultimate sacrifice?
November 25, 2005, 20-year-old Army Sergeant Gregory L. Tull of Pocahontas died in Anbar Province, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
November 25, 2005, 20-year-old Army Sergeant Gregory L. Tull of Pocahontas died in Anbar Province, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Do you know the history of Ottumwa’s Morrell Meat Packing?
On November 25, 1847, President of Morrell Meat Packing Thomas Dove Foster was born. An influential business and civic leader in Ottumwa, Foster helped establish one of Iowa’s most important 20th-century meatpacking operations.
On November 25, 1847, President of Morrell Meat Packing Thomas Dove Foster was born. An influential business and civic leader in Ottumwa, Foster helped establish one of Iowa’s most important 20th-century meatpacking operations.
November 25, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Do you know the history of Ottumwa’s Morrell Meat Packing?
On November 25, 1847, President of Morrell Meat Packing Thomas Dove Foster was born. An influential business and civic leader in Ottumwa, Foster helped establish one of Iowa’s most important 20th-century meatpacking operations.
On November 25, 1847, President of Morrell Meat Packing Thomas Dove Foster was born. An influential business and civic leader in Ottumwa, Foster helped establish one of Iowa’s most important 20th-century meatpacking operations.
Do you remember the Iowa State Cross Country plane crash tragedy?
On November 25, 1985, a plane crash claimed the lives of three Iowa State cross-country runners, two coaches, and a trainer returning from a runner-up finish at nationals.
On November 25, 1985, a plane crash claimed the lives of three Iowa State cross-country runners, two coaches, and a trainer returning from a runner-up finish at nationals.
November 25, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Do you remember the Iowa State Cross Country plane crash tragedy?
On November 25, 1985, a plane crash claimed the lives of three Iowa State cross-country runners, two coaches, and a trainer returning from a runner-up finish at nationals.
On November 25, 1985, a plane crash claimed the lives of three Iowa State cross-country runners, two coaches, and a trainer returning from a runner-up finish at nationals.
Have you heard of the Keokuk Armory Explosion?
On November 24, 1965, a natural gas explosion at the Keokuk Armory building killed 21 while injuring many more during a Thanksgiving Eve dance.
On November 24, 1965, a natural gas explosion at the Keokuk Armory building killed 21 while injuring many more during a Thanksgiving Eve dance.
November 24, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Have you heard of the Keokuk Armory Explosion?
On November 24, 1965, a natural gas explosion at the Keokuk Armory building killed 21 while injuring many more during a Thanksgiving Eve dance.
On November 24, 1965, a natural gas explosion at the Keokuk Armory building killed 21 while injuring many more during a Thanksgiving Eve dance.
Do you remember Rath Packing Company of Waterloo?
On November 24, 1891, the Rath Packing Company of Waterloo first opened for business.
On November 24, 1891, the Rath Packing Company of Waterloo first opened for business.
November 24, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Do you remember Rath Packing Company of Waterloo?
On November 24, 1891, the Rath Packing Company of Waterloo first opened for business.
On November 24, 1891, the Rath Packing Company of Waterloo first opened for business.
Do you remember the nearly perfect UNI Panther football team of 2007?
On November 24, 2007, the UNI Panthers football team captured a playoff win after completing a perfect regular season with a dramatic last-second 38-35 victory over New Hampshire.
On November 24, 2007, the UNI Panthers football team captured a playoff win after completing a perfect regular season with a dramatic last-second 38-35 victory over New Hampshire.
November 24, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Do you remember the nearly perfect UNI Panther football team of 2007?
On November 24, 2007, the UNI Panthers football team captured a playoff win after completing a perfect regular season with a dramatic last-second 38-35 victory over New Hampshire.
On November 24, 2007, the UNI Panthers football team captured a playoff win after completing a perfect regular season with a dramatic last-second 38-35 victory over New Hampshire.
📍Thunder Woman County Park - Finchford, Iowa
November 24, 2025 at 1:12 AM
📍Thunder Woman County Park - Finchford, Iowa
What’s your favorite memory of Iowa and Iowa State gridiron legend Dan McCarney?
On November 23, 1994, Dan McCarney was announced as the new head coach at Iowa State University.
On November 23, 1994, Dan McCarney was announced as the new head coach at Iowa State University.
November 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM
What’s your favorite memory of Iowa and Iowa State gridiron legend Dan McCarney?
On November 23, 1994, Dan McCarney was announced as the new head coach at Iowa State University.
On November 23, 1994, Dan McCarney was announced as the new head coach at Iowa State University.
Did you know Alison Lacey Otzelberger could shoot the lights out?
On November 23, 2007, Iowa State freshman Alison Lacey (now Otzelberger) delivered a magnificent, three-point barrage (9-13) while notching a career high 35 points in a 67-43 Cyclone win over Michigan.
On November 23, 2007, Iowa State freshman Alison Lacey (now Otzelberger) delivered a magnificent, three-point barrage (9-13) while notching a career high 35 points in a 67-43 Cyclone win over Michigan.
November 23, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Did you know Alison Lacey Otzelberger could shoot the lights out?
On November 23, 2007, Iowa State freshman Alison Lacey (now Otzelberger) delivered a magnificent, three-point barrage (9-13) while notching a career high 35 points in a 67-43 Cyclone win over Michigan.
On November 23, 2007, Iowa State freshman Alison Lacey (now Otzelberger) delivered a magnificent, three-point barrage (9-13) while notching a career high 35 points in a 67-43 Cyclone win over Michigan.
Have you heard of Oskaloosa’s Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher?
On November 23, 1855, a future United States Navy Admiral named Frank Friday Fletcher was born in Oskaloosa. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the Battle of Veracruz, he also endures through the “Fletcher-class” destroyer.
On November 23, 1855, a future United States Navy Admiral named Frank Friday Fletcher was born in Oskaloosa. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the Battle of Veracruz, he also endures through the “Fletcher-class” destroyer.
November 23, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Have you heard of Oskaloosa’s Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher?
On November 23, 1855, a future United States Navy Admiral named Frank Friday Fletcher was born in Oskaloosa. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the Battle of Veracruz, he also endures through the “Fletcher-class” destroyer.
On November 23, 1855, a future United States Navy Admiral named Frank Friday Fletcher was born in Oskaloosa. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the Battle of Veracruz, he also endures through the “Fletcher-class” destroyer.
Did you ever watch “Uncle Dick’s Fun House” while growing up around Fort Dodge?
On November 23, 1953, “Uncle Dick’s Funhouse” debuted on KVFD-Fort Dodge. A popular program with children throughout northwestern Iowa, Dick Johnson hosted the program for six years.
On November 23, 1953, “Uncle Dick’s Funhouse” debuted on KVFD-Fort Dodge. A popular program with children throughout northwestern Iowa, Dick Johnson hosted the program for six years.
November 23, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Did you ever watch “Uncle Dick’s Fun House” while growing up around Fort Dodge?
On November 23, 1953, “Uncle Dick’s Funhouse” debuted on KVFD-Fort Dodge. A popular program with children throughout northwestern Iowa, Dick Johnson hosted the program for six years.
On November 23, 1953, “Uncle Dick’s Funhouse” debuted on KVFD-Fort Dodge. A popular program with children throughout northwestern Iowa, Dick Johnson hosted the program for six years.
Did you know Luther Men’s Cross Country Claimed the National Championship 40 years ago today?
On November 23, 1985, the Luther College men’s cross country team claimed the NCAA Division III national championship.
On November 23, 1985, the Luther College men’s cross country team claimed the NCAA Division III national championship.
November 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Did you know Luther Men’s Cross Country Claimed the National Championship 40 years ago today?
On November 23, 1985, the Luther College men’s cross country team claimed the NCAA Division III national championship.
On November 23, 1985, the Luther College men’s cross country team claimed the NCAA Division III national championship.
📍Heery Woods State Park - Clarksville, Iowa
November 23, 2025 at 12:40 AM
📍Heery Woods State Park - Clarksville, Iowa
Have you ever taken a walk in Heery’s Woods?
On November 22, 1850, John Heery showed up in Dubuque to file a claim on a stretch of woods along the Shellrock River in Butler County. Today’s Heery Woods State Park, the site stands as a great example of Iowa’s land change over time.
On November 22, 1850, John Heery showed up in Dubuque to file a claim on a stretch of woods along the Shellrock River in Butler County. Today’s Heery Woods State Park, the site stands as a great example of Iowa’s land change over time.
November 22, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Have you ever taken a walk in Heery’s Woods?
On November 22, 1850, John Heery showed up in Dubuque to file a claim on a stretch of woods along the Shellrock River in Butler County. Today’s Heery Woods State Park, the site stands as a great example of Iowa’s land change over time.
On November 22, 1850, John Heery showed up in Dubuque to file a claim on a stretch of woods along the Shellrock River in Butler County. Today’s Heery Woods State Park, the site stands as a great example of Iowa’s land change over time.
What do you know about the Great Seal of Iowa?
On November 22, 1838, the Council of the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa requested the Secretary of the Territory submit “the Great Seal of this Territory, with its impression, for inspection.”
On November 22, 1838, the Council of the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa requested the Secretary of the Territory submit “the Great Seal of this Territory, with its impression, for inspection.”
November 22, 2025 at 2:02 PM
What do you know about the Great Seal of Iowa?
On November 22, 1838, the Council of the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa requested the Secretary of the Territory submit “the Great Seal of this Territory, with its impression, for inspection.”
On November 22, 1838, the Council of the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa requested the Secretary of the Territory submit “the Great Seal of this Territory, with its impression, for inspection.”
Did you know the zoo in Des Moines used to let the big cats roam at night to discourage break-ins?
On November 22, 1974, Brucie the Tiger from the Des Moines Zoo appeared on Captain Kangaroo. The tiger gained fame after zoo director Bob Elgin employed Brucie and two other big cats as nightwatchmen.
On November 22, 1974, Brucie the Tiger from the Des Moines Zoo appeared on Captain Kangaroo. The tiger gained fame after zoo director Bob Elgin employed Brucie and two other big cats as nightwatchmen.
November 22, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Did you know the zoo in Des Moines used to let the big cats roam at night to discourage break-ins?
On November 22, 1974, Brucie the Tiger from the Des Moines Zoo appeared on Captain Kangaroo. The tiger gained fame after zoo director Bob Elgin employed Brucie and two other big cats as nightwatchmen.
On November 22, 1974, Brucie the Tiger from the Des Moines Zoo appeared on Captain Kangaroo. The tiger gained fame after zoo director Bob Elgin employed Brucie and two other big cats as nightwatchmen.