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Joseph C. Reasoner papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MS-0182

Scope and Content

The collection (1964-1975, undated) contains oral history transcripts and small farm tools. The original audio tapes are not included in the collection. The taped reminiscences from 1965 and 1966 were originally done for Reasoner’s grandchildren, so that the family would have a record of what farm life was like when Reasoner was a boy. The later interviews were done specifically for Iowa State University's Department of Special Collections.

Dates

  • Creation: 1964-1975, undated

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Open for research.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Consult Special Collections and University Archives

Biography/Profile

Joseph C. Reasoner was born September 13, 1892. His family farmed four miles northeast of Humboldt, Iowa, and Reasoner was a life-long resident of the Humboldt area. As an adult, he took over the operation of the family farm. From 1915-1920, Reasoner vaccinated and fed hogs for the Fort Dodge Serum Company. It was a large operation, involving 500 to 1,000 hogs at a time. Blood from these hogs was used for the hog cholera serum. In 1920, Reasoner’s health failed and he had to give up farming. He became an insurance salesman and remained in that profession for 40 years.



Always an avid fisherman, Reasoner spearheaded efforts to restore the Lake Nokomis Dam (in Humboldt on the West Des Moines River) after a flood washed out the center of the island which had anchored it on April 29, 1969. He chaired the Lake Nokomis Fund Drive, which raised over $15,000 to assist the Humboldt County Conservation Board with the replacement project. The restored dam was named the Joe Reasoner dam in honor of his efforts. His nephew, television news analyst, Harry Reasoner, spoke at the dam’s dedication on June 20, 1971.



Joseph C. Reasoner died January 5, 1976.

Extent

1.26 Linear Feet (3 document boxes)

Items in related collections

MS-0019. Fort Dodge Laboratories records, 1890-1951, undated MS-0389. Hog Cholera Pamphlets and Reprints collection, 1892-1962 MS-0202. Iowa Hog Cholera Eradication Committee records, 1960-1976 MS-0049. United States Agricultural Adjustment Administration Control Agency hearing transcripts, 1936-1959 MS-0167. Richard Searl papers, 1960-1978, undated MS-0078. Neal Black papers, 1969-1975, undated

Processing Information

Released on 2018-11-01.

Title
MS-0182. Joseph C. Reasoner papers, 1964-1975, undated
Date
December 12, 2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
403 Parks Library
701 Morrill Road
Iowa State University
Ames Iowa 50011-2102 United States
(515) 294-6672