Our Iowa Heritage: An Introduction. We might suggest you start here! Here’s how & why I got started collecting stamps, coins, and other Iowa memorabilia.
U.S.S. Iowa – The Navy’s Finest. In 1940, the world was headed for war. In preparation for the battles to come, the Navy ordered a new set of warships (BB-61) that would be the mother of all battleships. On August 24, 1942, the U.S.S. Iowa was commissioned, serving the country faithfully until 1990.
1942 – War Rationing Hits Iowa City. World War II not only interrupted the lives of over 10 million American men who were inducted into the military, it also caused severe shortages of all sorts of things back home: rubber, metal, clothing, gasoline, and maybe the most precious item of all – food. Because of these supply shortages, the U.S. government established a system of rationing that would more fairly distribute foods that were in short supply. Come meet the Boyle’s of Iowa City – a typical American family that learned to work with Ration Books during the War.
Five ‘Greetings From Iowa’ Postcards – One Corny Artist. As WWII was raging, an artistic druggist from Clarion, Iowa produced a line of ‘Greetings From Iowa’ postcards featuring his light-hearted sketches. E.E. Tabor, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, poked fun at the Hawkeye State with these hilarious (and very corny) classics.
George E. Boller & Dixie L. Boyer. Now, it gets personal. My mom and dad met during WWII at a Japanese-American relocation center in Heart Mountain, Wyoming. These two Midwest kids got married in 1945, returned to Iowa, and never looked back. Blessed with three boys – all born in Wayland, Iowa, George & Dixie moved first to Mt. Pleasant, ending up with their happiest years in Iowa City – my dad’s adopted home.
1946 – Iowa Celebrates 100 Years Of Statehood. World War II came to an end in 1945, and in 1946, Iowans celebrated the entire year, remembering the 100th anniversary of Iowa statehood in 1846.
1947 – The SUI Centennial Celebration. The State of Iowa just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1946. Now, it’s time to celebrate SUI! Created only 59 days after Iowa became a state – February 25, 1847 – the University is now 100 years old. One century in – yet still, only just begun!
William J. Petersen – Iowa’s Steamboat Bill. Raised on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, this young man from Dubuque went on to become world-renowned as a history professor at SUI (1930-1968) and as the long-time supervisor for the State Historical Society of Iowa (1947-1972). Taking after Samuel Clemens, Petersen became famous because of his writings about life and steamboating on the Father of Waters.
Our Iowa Heritage 