Notes on Iowa
@notesoniowa.bsky.social
Exploring the Heart of the Heartland
📍Lake Darling State Park
Brighton, Iowa
Brighton, Iowa
December 31, 2025 at 1:17 AM
📍Lake Darling State Park
Brighton, Iowa
Brighton, Iowa
Have you heard of Bill Logan and the Hawkeye Fabulous Five?
On Dec 30, 1934, legendary Iowa Hawkeye basketball star Bill Logan was born in Keokuk. An all-stater at Keokuk High, Logan was part of the Hawkeye “Fabulous Five,” which went to the NCAA Final Four in back-to-back seasons in 1955 and 1956.
On Dec 30, 1934, legendary Iowa Hawkeye basketball star Bill Logan was born in Keokuk. An all-stater at Keokuk High, Logan was part of the Hawkeye “Fabulous Five,” which went to the NCAA Final Four in back-to-back seasons in 1955 and 1956.
December 30, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Have you heard of Bill Logan and the Hawkeye Fabulous Five?
On Dec 30, 1934, legendary Iowa Hawkeye basketball star Bill Logan was born in Keokuk. An all-stater at Keokuk High, Logan was part of the Hawkeye “Fabulous Five,” which went to the NCAA Final Four in back-to-back seasons in 1955 and 1956.
On Dec 30, 1934, legendary Iowa Hawkeye basketball star Bill Logan was born in Keokuk. An all-stater at Keokuk High, Logan was part of the Hawkeye “Fabulous Five,” which went to the NCAA Final Four in back-to-back seasons in 1955 and 1956.
Do you know the legend of Crocker’s Iowa Greyhounds?
On December 30, 1861, Des Moines lawyer Marcellus Crocker was promoted to lead the Iowa Greyhounds.
On December 30, 1861, Des Moines lawyer Marcellus Crocker was promoted to lead the Iowa Greyhounds.
December 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Do you know the legend of Crocker’s Iowa Greyhounds?
On December 30, 1861, Des Moines lawyer Marcellus Crocker was promoted to lead the Iowa Greyhounds.
On December 30, 1861, Des Moines lawyer Marcellus Crocker was promoted to lead the Iowa Greyhounds.
Did you know important women’s rights advocate Amelia Jenks Bloomer spent her later years in Iowa?
On December 30, 1894, American newspaper editor, women’s rights advocate, and namesake of the popular forerunner to pants “Bloomers,” Amelia Jenks Bloomer, passed away in Council Bluffs.
On December 30, 1894, American newspaper editor, women’s rights advocate, and namesake of the popular forerunner to pants “Bloomers,” Amelia Jenks Bloomer, passed away in Council Bluffs.
December 30, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Did you know important women’s rights advocate Amelia Jenks Bloomer spent her later years in Iowa?
On December 30, 1894, American newspaper editor, women’s rights advocate, and namesake of the popular forerunner to pants “Bloomers,” Amelia Jenks Bloomer, passed away in Council Bluffs.
On December 30, 1894, American newspaper editor, women’s rights advocate, and namesake of the popular forerunner to pants “Bloomers,” Amelia Jenks Bloomer, passed away in Council Bluffs.
📍Cedar Rock State Park
Quasqueton, Iowa
Quasqueton, Iowa
December 30, 2025 at 12:18 AM
📍Cedar Rock State Park
Quasqueton, Iowa
Quasqueton, Iowa
Do you remember the Alamo (Bowl)?
On December 29, 2001, Nate Kaeding hit a 47-yard game-winning field goal with 44 seconds to play in the Alamo Bowl to lift the Iowa Hawkeyes to a bowl victory.
On December 29, 2001, Nate Kaeding hit a 47-yard game-winning field goal with 44 seconds to play in the Alamo Bowl to lift the Iowa Hawkeyes to a bowl victory.
December 29, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Do you remember the Alamo (Bowl)?
On December 29, 2001, Nate Kaeding hit a 47-yard game-winning field goal with 44 seconds to play in the Alamo Bowl to lift the Iowa Hawkeyes to a bowl victory.
On December 29, 2001, Nate Kaeding hit a 47-yard game-winning field goal with 44 seconds to play in the Alamo Bowl to lift the Iowa Hawkeyes to a bowl victory.
Have you ever heard of Iowa actress Claire Dodd?
On December 29, 1908, Claire Dodd, a member of the Ziegfeld Follies and a famous film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, was born in Baxter. Over a whirlwind career spanning a dozen years, Dodd appeared in more than sixty films.
On December 29, 1908, Claire Dodd, a member of the Ziegfeld Follies and a famous film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, was born in Baxter. Over a whirlwind career spanning a dozen years, Dodd appeared in more than sixty films.
December 29, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Have you ever heard of Iowa actress Claire Dodd?
On December 29, 1908, Claire Dodd, a member of the Ziegfeld Follies and a famous film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, was born in Baxter. Over a whirlwind career spanning a dozen years, Dodd appeared in more than sixty films.
On December 29, 1908, Claire Dodd, a member of the Ziegfeld Follies and a famous film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, was born in Baxter. Over a whirlwind career spanning a dozen years, Dodd appeared in more than sixty films.
Do you know about the Iowa roots of Rockwell-Collins?
On December 29, 1933, the Cedar Rapids Tribune reported on local radio manufacturer Collins Radio Company (forerunner to Rockwell Collins) providing technological support for the expedition of Richard E. Byrd’s expedition to the Arctic.
On December 29, 1933, the Cedar Rapids Tribune reported on local radio manufacturer Collins Radio Company (forerunner to Rockwell Collins) providing technological support for the expedition of Richard E. Byrd’s expedition to the Arctic.
December 29, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Do you know about the Iowa roots of Rockwell-Collins?
On December 29, 1933, the Cedar Rapids Tribune reported on local radio manufacturer Collins Radio Company (forerunner to Rockwell Collins) providing technological support for the expedition of Richard E. Byrd’s expedition to the Arctic.
On December 29, 1933, the Cedar Rapids Tribune reported on local radio manufacturer Collins Radio Company (forerunner to Rockwell Collins) providing technological support for the expedition of Richard E. Byrd’s expedition to the Arctic.
Even if you haven’t heard of JR Robinson, you’ve probably heard his drumming.
On December 29, 1954, “the most recorded drummer in history,” John “JR” Robinson, was born in Creston. JR Robinson's drumsticks have touched more than 500 million records sold worldwide.
On December 29, 1954, “the most recorded drummer in history,” John “JR” Robinson, was born in Creston. JR Robinson's drumsticks have touched more than 500 million records sold worldwide.
December 29, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Even if you haven’t heard of JR Robinson, you’ve probably heard his drumming.
On December 29, 1954, “the most recorded drummer in history,” John “JR” Robinson, was born in Creston. JR Robinson's drumsticks have touched more than 500 million records sold worldwide.
On December 29, 1954, “the most recorded drummer in history,” John “JR” Robinson, was born in Creston. JR Robinson's drumsticks have touched more than 500 million records sold worldwide.
📍Kearny State Park
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Emmetsburg, Iowa
December 29, 2025 at 1:27 AM
📍Kearny State Park
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Did you know it took Iowa State 118 years of playing football to get its first bowl win?
On December 28, 2000, Dan McCarney’s Iowa State Cyclones won the Insight.com Bowl.
On December 28, 2000, Dan McCarney’s Iowa State Cyclones won the Insight.com Bowl.
December 28, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Did you know it took Iowa State 118 years of playing football to get its first bowl win?
On December 28, 2000, Dan McCarney’s Iowa State Cyclones won the Insight.com Bowl.
On December 28, 2000, Dan McCarney’s Iowa State Cyclones won the Insight.com Bowl.
Have you ever heard the true and valiant bells of Iowa State?
On December 28, 1899, workers carefully lifted ten bronze bells from England into position atop a 110-foot campanile tower in the heart of Iowa State's campus.
On December 28, 1899, workers carefully lifted ten bronze bells from England into position atop a 110-foot campanile tower in the heart of Iowa State's campus.
December 28, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Have you ever heard the true and valiant bells of Iowa State?
On December 28, 1899, workers carefully lifted ten bronze bells from England into position atop a 110-foot campanile tower in the heart of Iowa State's campus.
On December 28, 1899, workers carefully lifted ten bronze bells from England into position atop a 110-foot campanile tower in the heart of Iowa State's campus.
Happy Birthday, Iowa! 🎂
On December 28, 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States.
On December 28, 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States.
December 28, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Happy Birthday, Iowa! 🎂
On December 28, 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States.
On December 28, 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States.
What do you know about Pizza Ranch’s origins?
On December 28, 1981, the first Pizza Ranch opened in Hull. Started in northwest Iowa, the company grew into one of the Midwest’s most prolific pizza and chicken restaurants.
On December 28, 1981, the first Pizza Ranch opened in Hull. Started in northwest Iowa, the company grew into one of the Midwest’s most prolific pizza and chicken restaurants.
December 28, 2025 at 1:48 PM
What do you know about Pizza Ranch’s origins?
On December 28, 1981, the first Pizza Ranch opened in Hull. Started in northwest Iowa, the company grew into one of the Midwest’s most prolific pizza and chicken restaurants.
On December 28, 1981, the first Pizza Ranch opened in Hull. Started in northwest Iowa, the company grew into one of the Midwest’s most prolific pizza and chicken restaurants.
📍Lake Ahquabi State Park -
Indianola, Iowa
Indianola, Iowa
December 28, 2025 at 12:23 AM
📍Lake Ahquabi State Park -
Indianola, Iowa
Indianola, Iowa
What’s your favorite memory of Hawkeye Andre Tippett’s career?
On December 27, 1959, legendary Hawkeye defensive end Andre Tippett was born. A consensus All-American in 1981, Tippet went on to a Pro Bowl NFL career after helping the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title.
On December 27, 1959, legendary Hawkeye defensive end Andre Tippett was born. A consensus All-American in 1981, Tippet went on to a Pro Bowl NFL career after helping the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title.
December 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
What’s your favorite memory of Hawkeye Andre Tippett’s career?
On December 27, 1959, legendary Hawkeye defensive end Andre Tippett was born. A consensus All-American in 1981, Tippet went on to a Pro Bowl NFL career after helping the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title.
On December 27, 1959, legendary Hawkeye defensive end Andre Tippett was born. A consensus All-American in 1981, Tippet went on to a Pro Bowl NFL career after helping the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title.
What do you know about the history of the Iowa Farm Bureau?
On December 27, 1918, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation first met in Marshalltown.
On December 27, 1918, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation first met in Marshalltown.
December 27, 2025 at 1:21 PM
What do you know about the history of the Iowa Farm Bureau?
On December 27, 1918, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation first met in Marshalltown.
On December 27, 1918, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation first met in Marshalltown.
Learn more of the story at: www.notesoniowa.com/post/iowa-s-...
Iowa's 7-Day Snowfall Record: Iowa Time Machine December 1941
Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On December 27, 1941, one of the most significant snowstorms in Iowa’s history arrived to start dumping a 7-day record of 26.2” of snow on the state’s capital of Des Moines. For o...
www.notesoniowa.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Learn more of the story at: www.notesoniowa.com/post/iowa-s-...
📍Gull Point State Park - Milford, Iowa
December 27, 2025 at 1:29 AM
📍Gull Point State Park - Milford, Iowa
Did you know Keokuk’s mayor served as a General in the Civil War?
On December 26, 1866, Union Army General, Iowan elected to the US House of Representatives, and former mayor of Keokuk, Samuel Ryan Curtis, died.
On December 26, 1866, Union Army General, Iowan elected to the US House of Representatives, and former mayor of Keokuk, Samuel Ryan Curtis, died.
December 26, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Did you know Keokuk’s mayor served as a General in the Civil War?
On December 26, 1866, Union Army General, Iowan elected to the US House of Representatives, and former mayor of Keokuk, Samuel Ryan Curtis, died.
On December 26, 1866, Union Army General, Iowan elected to the US House of Representatives, and former mayor of Keokuk, Samuel Ryan Curtis, died.
Happy Birthday, Brandon Scherff!
On December 26, 1991, legendary Hawkeye lineman Brandon Scherff was born in Denison. A standout at Denison High, Scherff went on to earn All-American honors at Iowa before going on to a Pro Bowl NFL career.
On December 26, 1991, legendary Hawkeye lineman Brandon Scherff was born in Denison. A standout at Denison High, Scherff went on to earn All-American honors at Iowa before going on to a Pro Bowl NFL career.
December 26, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Happy Birthday, Brandon Scherff!
On December 26, 1991, legendary Hawkeye lineman Brandon Scherff was born in Denison. A standout at Denison High, Scherff went on to earn All-American honors at Iowa before going on to a Pro Bowl NFL career.
On December 26, 1991, legendary Hawkeye lineman Brandon Scherff was born in Denison. A standout at Denison High, Scherff went on to earn All-American honors at Iowa before going on to a Pro Bowl NFL career.
📍University of Northern Iowa - Cedar Falls, Iowa
December 26, 2025 at 3:38 AM
📍University of Northern Iowa - Cedar Falls, Iowa
Did a Soviet spy from Sioux City steal the secret of the atomic bomb and start the Cold War?
On December 25, 1913, Manhattan Project infiltrator George Koval was born in Sioux City. Vital in relaying secrets to the USSR, Koval directly contributed to the success of the Soviet atomic bomb project.
On December 25, 1913, Manhattan Project infiltrator George Koval was born in Sioux City. Vital in relaying secrets to the USSR, Koval directly contributed to the success of the Soviet atomic bomb project.
December 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Did a Soviet spy from Sioux City steal the secret of the atomic bomb and start the Cold War?
On December 25, 1913, Manhattan Project infiltrator George Koval was born in Sioux City. Vital in relaying secrets to the USSR, Koval directly contributed to the success of the Soviet atomic bomb project.
On December 25, 1913, Manhattan Project infiltrator George Koval was born in Sioux City. Vital in relaying secrets to the USSR, Koval directly contributed to the success of the Soviet atomic bomb project.
Remembering Basketball Star Chris Gaines.
On December 25, 2010, legendary Waterloo West High School basketball player Chris Gaines died of a heart attack at 42 years old. A standout scorer for the Wahawks, Gaines went on to become the all-time leading scorer at the University of Hawaii.
On December 25, 2010, legendary Waterloo West High School basketball player Chris Gaines died of a heart attack at 42 years old. A standout scorer for the Wahawks, Gaines went on to become the all-time leading scorer at the University of Hawaii.
December 25, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Remembering Basketball Star Chris Gaines.
On December 25, 2010, legendary Waterloo West High School basketball player Chris Gaines died of a heart attack at 42 years old. A standout scorer for the Wahawks, Gaines went on to become the all-time leading scorer at the University of Hawaii.
On December 25, 2010, legendary Waterloo West High School basketball player Chris Gaines died of a heart attack at 42 years old. A standout scorer for the Wahawks, Gaines went on to become the all-time leading scorer at the University of Hawaii.
Do you remember reading or riding along with Don Kaul?
On December 25, 1934, RAGBRAI cofounder and Des Moines Register journalist Donald Kaul was born. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987 and 1999, Kaul left a long legacy of influencing how Iowans viewed their home state.
On December 25, 1934, RAGBRAI cofounder and Des Moines Register journalist Donald Kaul was born. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987 and 1999, Kaul left a long legacy of influencing how Iowans viewed their home state.
December 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Do you remember reading or riding along with Don Kaul?
On December 25, 1934, RAGBRAI cofounder and Des Moines Register journalist Donald Kaul was born. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987 and 1999, Kaul left a long legacy of influencing how Iowans viewed their home state.
On December 25, 1934, RAGBRAI cofounder and Des Moines Register journalist Donald Kaul was born. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1987 and 1999, Kaul left a long legacy of influencing how Iowans viewed their home state.