Continuing in the fine tradition set by Isaac A. Wetherby – Iowa City’s best-known 19th-century photographer – Fred W. Kent was best known as a versatile and talented photographer who documented everything from family and community life to sporting events to landscape and natural vistas throughout Iowa City. Arriving at SUI as a student in 1911, Fred spent the next 50+ years serving our community through his amazing gift of photography. Well into the 1970’s, Fred was often seen on campus – taking pics of people, places, and things, and as early as the 1920’s, Kent even dared to fly overhead to get the shots he wanted. Today, Fred Kent’s collection includes over 50,000 photographs – an amazing array that offers us all an amazing 50-year overview of Iowa City and SUI history.

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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