Welcome To Iowa City – June 1887.

On Tuesday, June 21, 1887, The Iowa City Republican issued an eight-page salute to Iowa City – a classic overview of our fair city as it was so very long ago. You can see the decorative front page here. Now, here’s page seven – which offers an extensive overview of some of Iowa City’s most vibrant churches and civic organizations…

In 1887, church-going had a much more prominent place in our city, and as you’ll see, the focus here in this June 21st edition of The Iowa City Republican was exclusively on Christian worship. Today, of course, there is much more diversity in spirituality throughout Johnson County, so keep in mind that this representation reflects the times in which it was printed.

We start out tour with St. Mary’s Catholic Church – which has a long, rich history in Iowa City. Read more here.

In the original layout of Iowa City (1839), there were several lots set aside for churches. The Christian Church was built on one of those lots on Iowa Avenue – just south of the original City Park. Read more here.

Still one of the well-known landmarks of Iowa City is the tall steeple of The Congregational Church on the corner of Clinton & Jefferson Streets. On June 18, 1973, the church – located at 30 N. Clinton Street – is designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more here.

The Unitarian Church – located on the northeast corner of Iowa Avenue & Clinton Street – became known at the turn of the century as The Unity Center – the home to SUI’s Student Union. Read more here.

With Iowa City’s large number of German-speaking immigrants, The German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the 1850’s.

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was organized in the 1870’s and remained in its location on East Court Street until the devastating 2006 tornado. Read more here.

Built on the northeast corner of Dubuque and Jefferson Streets, today’s First Methodist Church has long been one of the most recognizable structures in downtown Iowa City.

Of course, today, Old Brick stands as one of the oldest remaining structures in downtown Iowa City. North Presbyterian has a long history in Iowa City, including the infamous Hummer’s Bell story of 1848, Read more here. While it’s steeple is not as prominent as others, the bell tower played an important role in the city for many years. Read more details here.

The 1887 article on page seven included five other Iowa City churches, but sadly, there wasn’t room for etchings of their buildings.

Now, let’s take a tour of some of the civic organizations that helped keep Iowa City and Johnson County running in 1887. Note that these listings (below) were scattered amongst several pages of the 8-page edition of The Iowa City Republican. We’ve gathered them all here for one convenient viewing…

In 1887, Mercy Hospital was tied in with the SUI Medical School and the location of the teaching hospital was the old Mechanic’s Academy – located directly east of the original City Park – near the corner of Linn Street and Iowa Avenue. As more space was needed, the Sisters of Mercy purchased (1885) another building – the Dostal House – located just northeast of the SUI hospital. This building eventually became the first location for today’s Mercy Hospital. More details here.

Want to talk a walking tour of the SUI campus & Iowa City in 1882? Come see the nine buildings of SUI.

Though we don’t give it much thought today, in 1887, the concept of running water and gas lines in businesses and homes was revolutionary. So The Iowa City Water Company and The Iowa City Gas Light Company were two businesses with a very bright future!

The Iowa City Post Office (above left) was first established in 1839, and until the 1870’s was hosted by local businessmen in their retail storefronts. Read more here. When The St. James Hotel opened in 1872 – at the southeast corner of Iowa Avenue & Clinton Street – the entire first floor was opened up for the U.S. Post Office and it remained there until the first Post Office building was opened on Linn Street in 1904. Read more here. That new location was right next to the Central Fire Station (above right) – which, by 1887, had found its home in the new Iowa City City Hall (below) – built in 1881 on the northwest corner of Linn & Washington Streets. Read more here.

Finally, we come to the Johnson County Court House (below) – located near the corner of Court Street and South Clinton – standing where the current Court House is today. Built in 1857, this building replaced its burned-down predecessor, and was used until being razed to make room for the new, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 1901. Read more here. Below are two articles that give us an overview of the Johnson County officers of the day…

So, there you have it. Iowa City church (religion) and state (government) – together only for this one page – for your viewing enjoyment! Now, let’s move on to page eight – the final page in this amazing June 21, 1887 edition of The Iowa City Republican…