Drake University Advertisement 1930

 

The Des Moines Register ran this advertisement for Drake University in its August 31, 1930 issue. It gives a great view of the campus and the observatory.

Florence Gamble Boone, Iowa Matrimonial Swindler

(Des Moines Register. January 19, 1913)

Florence Gamble, better known as the Champion Heartbreaker of Iowa, was arrested in Boone, Iowa, in January 1913 for swindling lonely men around the country. Authorities said she corresponded with over 500 men, taking anywhere from $15 to $50 from each man.

She advertised in matrimonial papers around the country, then corresponded with the marriage minded men who responded. After writing back and forth for several weeks, she asked for a few dollars to cover her railroad fare to visit them.

J. L. Prater of Arlington, Texas, contacted federal authorities after sending her $30. After checking into his complaint they learned that she sent a picture of a nineteen year old marraige minded girl. After receiving money from the men, Florence conveniently cut off her correspondence.

Fairies Dance At Drake University May Festival

(colorized image from Des Moines Register. May 16, 1915)

The annual May Festival held at the Drake University stadium featured many dancers and performances.

Performers in the Fairies Dance include: (left to right) Margaret Collins, Martha Knudson, and Martha Peterson.

The above picture shows the grounds at Highland Park's Seventh Annual May Festival. The Des Moines Register said it drew over 6,000 spectators.

Donna Reed From Iowa Farm Girl To Movie Star

 

Donna Reed was born Donna Belle Mullenger in Denison, Iowa, in 1921.

 

She had brains. Looks, too. After high school, she headed to Los Angeles City College. That’s where things tilted. A Hollywood scout spotted her and thought, yeah, that one.

 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer signed her, gave her a new name, and just like that Donna Mullenger became Donna Reed.

 

The early years were a grind. Small parts. Background smiles. The roles where you’re basically furniture with dialogue. She showed up. Hit her marks. Paid attention.

 

In 1946, she took a role in It’s a Wonderful Life.

 

She played Mary Hatch. Started off as the girl next door. Ended up the backbone of the story. The movie belonged to Jimmy Stewart if you were going by billing, but Reed was the one holding the emotional line.

Bernhard & Turner Auto Company Advertisement

 This advertisement for the Rauch & Lang Worm Drive Automobile was published in the Des Moines Register, circa 1912-1915. Bernhard & Turner Auto Company ws located at 508-10-12 Seventh Street in Des Moines.

Iowa Sculptor Nellie Walker

Nellie Verne Walker’s early art education took place in her father’s monument shop.

He carved tombstones for a living. Nellie grew up around that work—stone, tools, long hours—and before long she was carving too.

At seventeen, she made a limestone bust of Abraham Lincoln. The piece was good enough to be shown at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, labeled simply as “the work of an Iowa girl.”

That got attention, but it didn’t solve the bigger problem.

She wanted training and couldn’t afford it. So she worked—six years as a legal secretary—saving until she could go to the Art Institute of Chicago. When she got there, she knew exactly what she was after.

That’s where Lorado Taft comes in. Taft was one of the leading sculptors in the country, known for large public monuments and a classical style. He also made a point of supporting women artists. He saw something in Nellie and pulled her into his studio circle.

L. F. Walker Drumcorps Waterloo

The Waterloo Courier published this picture of the L. F. Walker Drumcorps on September 30, 1915.

Left to right - standing: (unknown first name) Smith, Roscoe Frisbie, Lou Frossele, Frank Snyder, and E. M. Wyant.

Left to right - sitting: John P. von Lackum, Geo. Crownover, Arthur Slade Frank Worcester, and Oscar Slade.