Notes on Iowa
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Notes on Iowa
@notesoniowa.bsky.social
Exploring the Heart of the Heartland
📍Yellow Banks Park - Pleasant Hill, Iowa
November 13, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Does B-Bops serve up the best fast food burger in Iowa history?

On November 12, 1988, the first help-wanted ad for the original “B-Bops” on East Euclid appeared in a Des Moines newspaper.
November 12, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Do you know the tragic story of Johnny Gosch?

On November 12, 1969, Johnny Gosch was born in Des Moines. In 1982, 12-year-old Johnny disappeared in an apparent kidnapping while delivering the Des Moines Register.
November 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Do you remember the late-season tornado outbreak of 2005?

On November 12, 2005, an exceptionally rare late-season tornado outbreak occurred across the state.
November 12, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Do you remember when Dowling star Caitlin Clark picked Iowa?

On November 12, 2019, Dowling High School women’s basketball standout Caitlin Clark committed to Iowa.
November 12, 2025 at 11:48 AM
📍Lansing, Iowa
November 12, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Have you heard of the infamous Armistice Day Blizzard that forever changed Iowa agriculture?

On November 11, 1940, the infamous Armistice Day Blizzard rocked the upper Midwest.
November 11, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Do you remember Hawkeye hooper Andre Woolridge?

On November 11, 1973, legendary Hawkeye hooper Andre Woolridge was born. The first player in Big 10 history to lead the league in scoring and assists during the same season, Woolridge left an enduring legacy for the Hawks on the hardwood.
November 11, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Have you heard of football legend Eddie Anderson?

On November 11, 1900, legendary football player and coach Eddie Anderson was born in Oskaloosa. A standout at Mason City High School, Anderson went on to star as a first-team All-American at Notre Dame before going on to coach the Hawkeyes.
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Do you know about Hull Western Christian’s volleyball dynasty?

On November 11, 1989, Hull Western Christian claimed the first of nineteen state championships in volleyball.
November 11, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Can one of the biggest games in Cyclone football history actually be a tie?

On November 11, 1972, down 23-17, Iowa State QB George Amundson found Willie Jones for a touchdown. The crowd rushed the field before the extra point, and when kicker Tom Goedjen missed, the game ended in a 23-23 tie.
November 11, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Have you ever heard of Iowa abolitionist John Todd?

On November 10, 1818, Underground Railroad conductor, founder of the Iowa town of Tabor, and antislavery minister John Todd was born.
November 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Do you remember Baby Grace from Little House on the Prairie?

On November 10, 1941, Grace Pearl Ingalls Dow, the youngest sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who “Little House” readers will recognize as “Baby Grace,” passed away.
November 10, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Do you remember reading John Karras in the Register or riding with him on RAGBRAI?

On November 10, 2021, RAGBRAI co-founder and Des Moines Register feature writer John Karras passed away.
November 10, 2025 at 12:09 PM
📍Viking Lake State Park - Stanton, Iowa
November 10, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Do you know Floyd of Rosedale’s origin story?

On November 9, 1935, the Iowa Hawkeyes lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and Iowa Governor Clyde L. Herring sent Minnesota Governor Floyd Olson a prize hog dubbed “Floyd of Rosedale” to settle a bet.
November 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Did you know Red Oak, Iowa, sacrificed more than any other town in America during World War II?

On November 9, 1944, the SS Red Oak Victory was launched to honor the sacrifice made by the small Iowa community. During World War II, the town suffered the highest casualty rate per capita.
November 9, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Did you know Fred Jackson dominated on Iowa fields before finding his way onto the NFL gridiron?

On November 9, 2002, Fred Jackson returned a punt for a touchdown in a Coe College win over Luther on his way to an MVP season in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
November 9, 2025 at 12:04 PM
📍Veterans Memorial Building - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
November 9, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Did you know football legend Marv Levy spent his playing days at Coe College?

On November 8, 1948, Marv Levy debuted at fullback for the Coe College Kohawks. Long before his days leading the Buffalo Bills to four Super Bowl appearances, Levy started at Coe.
November 8, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Do you know about George Taylor’s run for President?

On November 8, 1904, voters headed to the polls to cast their votes with a new choice: George Taylor of Oskaloosa, Iowa, stood as the first African American man to run for President of the United States.
November 8, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Did you ever have an Amana refrigerator or Radarange?

On November 8, 1908, the founder of Amana Refrigeration Inc., George Christian Foerstner, was born. A leader in commercial and household refrigeration, Foerstner’s Amana grew to signify one of Iowa’s most iconic brands.
November 8, 2025 at 11:43 AM
📍Wilson Island State Recreation Area - Missouri Valley, Iowa
November 8, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Did you ever take the ACT exam?

On November 7, 1959, students filed in to take the first ACT exam. The exam was developed by University of Iowa Professor Everett Franklin Lindquist.
November 7, 2025 at 12:25 PM
What do you know about the “Father of Iowa State University”?

On November 7, 1850, “The Father of Iowa State University,” William Beardshear, was born.
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM