Beginning in the 1840’s – and continuing right up thru the turn-of-the-century – an eclectic group of Iowa City newcomers gathered together to make up a small but widely-diverse community that’s often over-looked in Iowa City history. Built on less-desirable, flood-prone land at the base of Iowa Avenue, this area today, is the home of the Iowa Memorial Union and Hubbard Park, but, during the second half of the 19th century, it was simply called Blocks 96-98. In 1891, Bertha Horack – the future wife of Iowa City historian Benjamin F. Shambaugh – was taking a number of photographs around town when she reached Block 98 – deciding to take the now-iconic photograph of Paul & Rachel Ward standing outside their dilapidated home located on Lot 5 of Block 98. The Wards didn’t live here for too many years after this picture was taken, since the University began purchasing this land and using it for new construction. But it’s important that we not forget the Wards and others like them, who for many years, made up, what is today called, the old Rinella Neighborhood – based on the family grocery store that became the centerpiece of this unique community well into the 1910’s.

CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE BLOG SERIES – Iowa City’s Top 50 Influencers – Part II

Back in 1979 – The Iowa City Press Citizen ran a special seven-page section called Chronology 1841/1979 and it featured Iowa City’s famed historian – Irving Weber – and his look at 25 People Who Left Their Stamp On Iowa City. So, here we are – forty-four years later – and now, I’m offering these two posts – dedicated to those who have greatly influenced our city over the first 100 years or so. This page features the First 25, and as you can see, each of the 25 names has a brief overview with a link(s) to read more, if you like. Enjoy!

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