Mysteries to Solve

   On June 30, 2018 we celebrated 100 years of the Carnegie Library (the headquarters of the Historical Society)  and 40 years for the Poweshiek County Historical and Genealogical Society. Marcia Tarvin was chairman of the celebration, assisted by Sally Johnston. It provided an informative and entertaining peek into the library's history. It concluded with an Iowa trivia Contest and refreshments. People in lawn chairs filled the shaded areas in the southeast area of the library lawn for the program. Al Rabenold was the master of ceremonies, introducing eight program participants.

   Singing a medley of patriotic songs, Sherm Deering started things off in the spirit of the day. Jim Eichhorn continued that theme as he recited "The Grand Old Flag." Voices from the past - of the town and of the library - highlighted the program, as each presenter impersonated the historical person they represented and shared insights about their life. 

   Rev. Dr. George Salnave portrayed Andrew Carnegie, whose philanthropy made many libraries possible across the country. Local attorney Mike Mahaffey portrayed  another attorney, Charles (C.F.) Dickson, secretary of the library board when the facility was built. Roger Allen portrayed John M. Grimes, newspaper publisher and chairman of the library board of trustees. Dressed in his overalls and hard hat, Harold Wheeler appropriately recounted the Bowers lineage of builders, starting with  contractor Wally Bowers whose company built the library. Gordon Alexander reviewed the long-time services of Carl Ewing, custodian. And Mary (Minner/VanBaalen) Cochran, a past librarian herself. portrayed the longest serving librarian, Geraldean Horn.

   The Iowa trivia contested was conducted by Denny Lautner of Jefferson, Iowa. Getting 46 of 75 questions correct, State Representative Dave Maxwell won the cash first prize. Roger Allen won second place and Carol Dale placed third, with Brenda Allen close behind. Cake and tea were served by Lee and Bev King  and Carroll and Pat Smith.

 [See pictures below]