Volume 17, Issue No. 2, Mar/Apr 2025

 

As we commemorate the 160th anniversary of the conclusion of the American Civil War, we reveal some of the reasons why Iowans volunteered to fight in it by examining their letters from the front lines, 1861-1865. From the patriotic and the principled, to the provocation and profitability, author Timothy Walch traces the motivation for military service as reflected in the letters exchanged between Iowa soldiers and their families in the first part of his two-part series for our cover story.

 

In his column, publisher Michael Swanger bids a heartfelt farewell to Jake, IHJ’s beloved office companion and furry family member.

 

Learn about mathematician Oswald Veblen, whose brilliant work advanced atomic physics and the theory of relativity, and who helped to create the Institute for Advanced Study. Loyal Rue, emeritus professor of philosophy and religion at Luther College chronicles Veblen’s life and career.

 

Ready to get in the garden? Author and garden historian Beth Cody writes how Iowa’s gardens have evolved since the mid-19th century and shares vintage photos to illustrate her story.

 

News flash! Get the riveting, true-crime story of the 1895 Adel State Bank robbery and how it made national news from Mike Flinn.

 

Arvid Huisman recalls the routines and chaos of a family of eight at meal time in his “Country Roads” column.

 

BONUS ONLINE STORY — 160 years: Iowa’s connections to Lincoln and the Civil War

 

 

 

Volume 17, Issue No. 1, Jan/Feb 2025

 

Twin sisters Esther Pauline Friedman (“Ann Landers”) and Pauline Esther Friedman (“Dear Abby”) were born and raised in Sioux City before they went on to become preeminent newspaper advice columnists in the U.S. during the second half of the 20th century. Both women for decades advised millions of readers in more than 1,000 newspapers across the U.S. using practical advice, firm but modern moral sensibility, and humor, including sarcasm and one-liners. Retired newspaperman and longtime Iowa History Journal columnist Arvid Huisman chronicles the Friedman sisters’ successful lives from Sioux City, to national celebrity, for our page-turning cover story.

 

In his column, publisher Michael Swanger remembers Williams native and the late “Voice of the Phoenix Suns” NBA broadcasting legend Al McCoy.

 

Learn about Davenport native and former Iowa Hawkeye Simon Roberts, who broke barriers to become the first Black wrestler to win state and NCAA titles. Retired sports editor and reporter Don Doxsie chronicles Roberts’ journey.

 

Named after Native American tribes, explore the history and beauty of Lake of Three Fires State Park in Taylor County as shared by Carson Ode.

 

Author, historian and radio broadcaster Jeff Stein celebrates the 75th anniversary of WOI-TV, the second television station to take to the air in Iowa.

 

Arvid Huisman devotes his “Country Roads” column to the confusing names of Iowa towns and their sometimes unique pronunciations.

 

TO READ MORE FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal. You can also purchase back issues at the store.