Notes on Iowa
@notesoniowa.bsky.social
Exploring the Heart of the Heartland
📍Pikes Peak State Park
McGregor, Iowa
McGregor, Iowa
January 15, 2026 at 2:09 AM
📍Pikes Peak State Park
McGregor, Iowa
McGregor, Iowa
Was Iowa State’s upset of Wilt Chamberlain’s Kansas JayHawks the greatest upset in Cyclone history?
On January 14, 1957, Gary “The Roland Rocket” Thompson and the Iowa State Cyclones went toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain and the Kansas Jayhawks.
On January 14, 1957, Gary “The Roland Rocket” Thompson and the Iowa State Cyclones went toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain and the Kansas Jayhawks.
January 14, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Was Iowa State’s upset of Wilt Chamberlain’s Kansas JayHawks the greatest upset in Cyclone history?
On January 14, 1957, Gary “The Roland Rocket” Thompson and the Iowa State Cyclones went toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain and the Kansas Jayhawks.
On January 14, 1957, Gary “The Roland Rocket” Thompson and the Iowa State Cyclones went toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain and the Kansas Jayhawks.
Did you know an Iowan helped the Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history?
On January 14, 1973, Vern Den Herder helped the Miami Dolphins close out the only perfect season in NFL history with a Super Bowl victory.
On January 14, 1973, Vern Den Herder helped the Miami Dolphins close out the only perfect season in NFL history with a Super Bowl victory.
January 14, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Did you know an Iowan helped the Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history?
On January 14, 1973, Vern Den Herder helped the Miami Dolphins close out the only perfect season in NFL history with a Super Bowl victory.
On January 14, 1973, Vern Den Herder helped the Miami Dolphins close out the only perfect season in NFL history with a Super Bowl victory.
Did you know the longest serving governor in American history was an Iowan?
On January 14, 1983, Terry Branstad took office as Governor of Iowa.
On January 14, 1983, Terry Branstad took office as Governor of Iowa.
January 14, 2026 at 12:39 PM
Did you know the longest serving governor in American history was an Iowan?
On January 14, 1983, Terry Branstad took office as Governor of Iowa.
On January 14, 1983, Terry Branstad took office as Governor of Iowa.
Have you ever caught a hockey game at Young Arena?
On January 14, 1995, the puck dropped for the first Waterloo Black Hawks game at Young Arena in Waterloo.
On January 14, 1995, the puck dropped for the first Waterloo Black Hawks game at Young Arena in Waterloo.
January 14, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Have you ever caught a hockey game at Young Arena?
On January 14, 1995, the puck dropped for the first Waterloo Black Hawks game at Young Arena in Waterloo.
On January 14, 1995, the puck dropped for the first Waterloo Black Hawks game at Young Arena in Waterloo.
📍Wildcat Den State Park
Muscatine, Iowa
Muscatine, Iowa
January 14, 2026 at 1:46 AM
📍Wildcat Den State Park
Muscatine, Iowa
Muscatine, Iowa
Will history repeat itself when Iowa State renews the rivalry with Kansas tonight?
On January 13, 1988, Johnny Orr’s no. 14 Iowa State took down no. 16 Kansas at a raucous Hilton Coliseum.
On January 13, 1988, Johnny Orr’s no. 14 Iowa State took down no. 16 Kansas at a raucous Hilton Coliseum.
January 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Will history repeat itself when Iowa State renews the rivalry with Kansas tonight?
On January 13, 1988, Johnny Orr’s no. 14 Iowa State took down no. 16 Kansas at a raucous Hilton Coliseum.
On January 13, 1988, Johnny Orr’s no. 14 Iowa State took down no. 16 Kansas at a raucous Hilton Coliseum.
Do you already miss Kum & Go?
On January 13, 1935, William A. Krause was born. Co-founder of popular Iowa convenience store chain Kum & Go, Gentle created one of Iowa’s most recognizable brands while helping to pioneer the convenience store concept.
On January 13, 1935, William A. Krause was born. Co-founder of popular Iowa convenience store chain Kum & Go, Gentle created one of Iowa’s most recognizable brands while helping to pioneer the convenience store concept.
January 13, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Do you already miss Kum & Go?
On January 13, 1935, William A. Krause was born. Co-founder of popular Iowa convenience store chain Kum & Go, Gentle created one of Iowa’s most recognizable brands while helping to pioneer the convenience store concept.
On January 13, 1935, William A. Krause was born. Co-founder of popular Iowa convenience store chain Kum & Go, Gentle created one of Iowa’s most recognizable brands while helping to pioneer the convenience store concept.
Do you remember Hawkeye Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker?
On January 13, 2014, Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker passed away. The man behind the hard-nosed Hawkeye defenses from 1999 to 2011, Parker left a legacy as one of the most beloved assistant coaches in University of Iowa history.
On January 13, 2014, Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker passed away. The man behind the hard-nosed Hawkeye defenses from 1999 to 2011, Parker left a legacy as one of the most beloved assistant coaches in University of Iowa history.
January 13, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Do you remember Hawkeye Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker?
On January 13, 2014, Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker passed away. The man behind the hard-nosed Hawkeye defenses from 1999 to 2011, Parker left a legacy as one of the most beloved assistant coaches in University of Iowa history.
On January 13, 2014, Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker passed away. The man behind the hard-nosed Hawkeye defenses from 1999 to 2011, Parker left a legacy as one of the most beloved assistant coaches in University of Iowa history.
What’s your favorite memory from the Iowa Field House?
On January 13, 1927, the University of Iowa officially dedicated the Iowa Field House. Holding up to 13,365 at its peak, the area once served as the home of Hawkeye athletics.
On January 13, 1927, the University of Iowa officially dedicated the Iowa Field House. Holding up to 13,365 at its peak, the area once served as the home of Hawkeye athletics.
January 13, 2026 at 12:24 PM
What’s your favorite memory from the Iowa Field House?
On January 13, 1927, the University of Iowa officially dedicated the Iowa Field House. Holding up to 13,365 at its peak, the area once served as the home of Hawkeye athletics.
On January 13, 1927, the University of Iowa officially dedicated the Iowa Field House. Holding up to 13,365 at its peak, the area once served as the home of Hawkeye athletics.
Have you heard the tragic tale of the sinking of the SS Iowa?
On January 12, 1936, the freighter SS Iowa crashed at Peacock Spit near Cape Disappointment in the Columbia River of Washington state, sinking and taking the lives of all 36 people aboard.
On January 12, 1936, the freighter SS Iowa crashed at Peacock Spit near Cape Disappointment in the Columbia River of Washington state, sinking and taking the lives of all 36 people aboard.
January 12, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Have you heard the tragic tale of the sinking of the SS Iowa?
On January 12, 1936, the freighter SS Iowa crashed at Peacock Spit near Cape Disappointment in the Columbia River of Washington state, sinking and taking the lives of all 36 people aboard.
On January 12, 1936, the freighter SS Iowa crashed at Peacock Spit near Cape Disappointment in the Columbia River of Washington state, sinking and taking the lives of all 36 people aboard.
What’s the worst Iowa winter weather you remember?
On January 12, two important pieces of Iowa weather history occurred. In 1888, the “Children’s Blizzard” occurred. In 1912, the town of Washta, Iowa, set the state’s all-time record for low temperature at -47 Fahrenheit.
On January 12, two important pieces of Iowa weather history occurred. In 1888, the “Children’s Blizzard” occurred. In 1912, the town of Washta, Iowa, set the state’s all-time record for low temperature at -47 Fahrenheit.
January 12, 2026 at 12:36 PM
What’s the worst Iowa winter weather you remember?
On January 12, two important pieces of Iowa weather history occurred. In 1888, the “Children’s Blizzard” occurred. In 1912, the town of Washta, Iowa, set the state’s all-time record for low temperature at -47 Fahrenheit.
On January 12, two important pieces of Iowa weather history occurred. In 1888, the “Children’s Blizzard” occurred. In 1912, the town of Washta, Iowa, set the state’s all-time record for low temperature at -47 Fahrenheit.
Have you heard the story of the man from Hospers saved from the Children’s Blizzard by his faithful dog?
On January 12, 1888, a faithful dog saved Gerritt Draayom of Hospers during a blizzard.
On January 12, 1888, a faithful dog saved Gerritt Draayom of Hospers during a blizzard.
January 12, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Have you heard the story of the man from Hospers saved from the Children’s Blizzard by his faithful dog?
On January 12, 1888, a faithful dog saved Gerritt Draayom of Hospers during a blizzard.
On January 12, 1888, a faithful dog saved Gerritt Draayom of Hospers during a blizzard.
What’s the biggest upset you remember in Hawkeye basketball history?
On January 12, 1931, the Iowa Hawkeyes topped Purdue 25-23. The upset of the reigning Big 10 champion Boilermakers featured a young man named John Wooden, who would forever change college basketball.
On January 12, 1931, the Iowa Hawkeyes topped Purdue 25-23. The upset of the reigning Big 10 champion Boilermakers featured a young man named John Wooden, who would forever change college basketball.
January 12, 2026 at 12:19 PM
What’s the biggest upset you remember in Hawkeye basketball history?
On January 12, 1931, the Iowa Hawkeyes topped Purdue 25-23. The upset of the reigning Big 10 champion Boilermakers featured a young man named John Wooden, who would forever change college basketball.
On January 12, 1931, the Iowa Hawkeyes topped Purdue 25-23. The upset of the reigning Big 10 champion Boilermakers featured a young man named John Wooden, who would forever change college basketball.
📍Black Hawk State Park
Lake View, Iowa
Lake View, Iowa
January 12, 2026 at 1:34 AM
📍Black Hawk State Park
Lake View, Iowa
Lake View, Iowa
Canteen Lunch in the Alley 🍔🥧
January 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Canteen Lunch in the Alley 🍔🥧
Vets Auditorium 🏀
January 11, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Vets Auditorium 🏀
What’s your favorite basketball memory at Vets Auditorium in Des Moines?
On January 11, 1957, the Drake University Bulldogs hosted the Iowa State Cyclones in the first college basketball game played at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines.
On January 11, 1957, the Drake University Bulldogs hosted the Iowa State Cyclones in the first college basketball game played at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines.
January 11, 2026 at 11:38 AM
What’s your favorite basketball memory at Vets Auditorium in Des Moines?
On January 11, 1957, the Drake University Bulldogs hosted the Iowa State Cyclones in the first college basketball game played at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines.
On January 11, 1957, the Drake University Bulldogs hosted the Iowa State Cyclones in the first college basketball game played at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines.
Have you ever dined at Ottumwa’s Canteen Lunch in the Alley?
On January 11, 1976, word came out that Ottumwa's far-famed “Canteen Lunch in the Alley” wouldn’t undergo demolition. Dating back to 1927, Canteen Lunch has cooked up loose-meat sandwiches and homemade pies for almost 100 years.
On January 11, 1976, word came out that Ottumwa's far-famed “Canteen Lunch in the Alley” wouldn’t undergo demolition. Dating back to 1927, Canteen Lunch has cooked up loose-meat sandwiches and homemade pies for almost 100 years.
January 11, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Have you ever dined at Ottumwa’s Canteen Lunch in the Alley?
On January 11, 1976, word came out that Ottumwa's far-famed “Canteen Lunch in the Alley” wouldn’t undergo demolition. Dating back to 1927, Canteen Lunch has cooked up loose-meat sandwiches and homemade pies for almost 100 years.
On January 11, 1976, word came out that Ottumwa's far-famed “Canteen Lunch in the Alley” wouldn’t undergo demolition. Dating back to 1927, Canteen Lunch has cooked up loose-meat sandwiches and homemade pies for almost 100 years.
Have you heard of Hawkeye turned Miracle Met James McAndrew?
On January 11, 1944, Jim McAndrew, Miracle Met and Iowa Hawkeye great, was born in Lost Nation. The hard-throwing right-hander dominated on the mound for the Iowa Hawkeyes before helping the Miracle Mets win the World Series in 1969.
On January 11, 1944, Jim McAndrew, Miracle Met and Iowa Hawkeye great, was born in Lost Nation. The hard-throwing right-hander dominated on the mound for the Iowa Hawkeyes before helping the Miracle Mets win the World Series in 1969.
January 11, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Have you heard of Hawkeye turned Miracle Met James McAndrew?
On January 11, 1944, Jim McAndrew, Miracle Met and Iowa Hawkeye great, was born in Lost Nation. The hard-throwing right-hander dominated on the mound for the Iowa Hawkeyes before helping the Miracle Mets win the World Series in 1969.
On January 11, 1944, Jim McAndrew, Miracle Met and Iowa Hawkeye great, was born in Lost Nation. The hard-throwing right-hander dominated on the mound for the Iowa Hawkeyes before helping the Miracle Mets win the World Series in 1969.
Have you ever read anything by writer and ecologist Aldo Leopold?
On January 11, 1887, famed American naturalist, writer, ecologist, and conservationist (Rand) Aldo Leopold was born in Burlington, Iowa.
On January 11, 1887, famed American naturalist, writer, ecologist, and conservationist (Rand) Aldo Leopold was born in Burlington, Iowa.
January 11, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Have you ever read anything by writer and ecologist Aldo Leopold?
On January 11, 1887, famed American naturalist, writer, ecologist, and conservationist (Rand) Aldo Leopold was born in Burlington, Iowa.
On January 11, 1887, famed American naturalist, writer, ecologist, and conservationist (Rand) Aldo Leopold was born in Burlington, Iowa.
📍Fish Farm Mounds
State Preserve
New Albin, Iowa
State Preserve
New Albin, Iowa
January 11, 2026 at 2:04 AM
📍Fish Farm Mounds
State Preserve
New Albin, Iowa
State Preserve
New Albin, Iowa
Iowan Invents Tractor 🚜
January 10, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Iowan Invents Tractor 🚜
What do you know about the innovative history of Pella windows?
On January 10, 1981, Pella Corporation co-founder Peter (Pete) Kuyper passed away. After investing in a small company, Pete and his wife Lucille built Rolscreen-Pella Corporation into one of the world’s most recognizable window brands.
On January 10, 1981, Pella Corporation co-founder Peter (Pete) Kuyper passed away. After investing in a small company, Pete and his wife Lucille built Rolscreen-Pella Corporation into one of the world’s most recognizable window brands.
January 10, 2026 at 2:24 PM
What do you know about the innovative history of Pella windows?
On January 10, 1981, Pella Corporation co-founder Peter (Pete) Kuyper passed away. After investing in a small company, Pete and his wife Lucille built Rolscreen-Pella Corporation into one of the world’s most recognizable window brands.
On January 10, 1981, Pella Corporation co-founder Peter (Pete) Kuyper passed away. After investing in a small company, Pete and his wife Lucille built Rolscreen-Pella Corporation into one of the world’s most recognizable window brands.
Did you know an Iowan invented the tractor?
On January 10, 1893, John Froelich founded the forerunner to the iconic American tractor brand John Deere in Waterloo. The first company to ever manufacture and sell gasoline-powered farm tractors, was called the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.
On January 10, 1893, John Froelich founded the forerunner to the iconic American tractor brand John Deere in Waterloo. The first company to ever manufacture and sell gasoline-powered farm tractors, was called the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.
January 10, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Did you know an Iowan invented the tractor?
On January 10, 1893, John Froelich founded the forerunner to the iconic American tractor brand John Deere in Waterloo. The first company to ever manufacture and sell gasoline-powered farm tractors, was called the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.
On January 10, 1893, John Froelich founded the forerunner to the iconic American tractor brand John Deere in Waterloo. The first company to ever manufacture and sell gasoline-powered farm tractors, was called the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company.