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Iowa Local History collection

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MS-0080

Scope and Content

The collection (1857-2000, undated) contains resources on local Iowa history such as articles, books, brochures, oral histories, directories, memoirs, maps, and news clippings. The collection includes histories of churches, families, towns, and counties. In addition, there are also cookbooks and information regarding Iowa farming, industries, and railroads.

Dates

  • Creation: 1854-2000

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

Open for research.

Use/Re-use Restrictions

Consult Special Collections and University Archives

Biography/Profile

The Iowa Local History Collection began at the suggestion of Dr. Dorothy Schweider (Professor Emeritus) of the Iowa State University Department of History. The original purpose of the collection was to provide additional resources on local history for students enrolled in Iowa history classes. These files provide a means of preserving and making available such items as centennial histories, which often sell only on a local basis and are very difficult to obtain once the anniversary celebration is over.



Beginning in 1974, the Department of Special Collections attempted to locate and purchase histories of Iowa communities, as well as churches, industries, organizations and personal reminiscences. Many histories of Iowa communities and counties have been cataloged and can be found by searching the library catalog. The Special Collections Department also maintains a large collection of cookbooks produced by Iowa communities and organizations. These cookbooks can be found by searching the library catalog as well.

Extent

9.47 Linear Feet (12 document boxes, 5 half-document boxes, 9 oversized boxes)

Arrangement

This collection is organized into nine series.

Series 1: Churches, 1941-1988, undated (alphabetical)

Series 2: Cookbooks, 1896-1981 (alphabetical)

Series 3: Counties, 1937-1983, undated (alphabetical)

Series 4: Farming and Related Organizations, 1923-1973, undated (alphabetical)

Series 5: Miscellaneous Topics, 1928-1981, undated (alphabetical)

Series 6: Personal and Family Reminiscences, 1857-1995, undated (alphabetical)

Series 7: Railroads, 1958-1981, undated (alphabetical)

Series 8: Towns, 1915-1993, undated (alphabetical)

Series 9: Towns, oversized (Centennial Editions of newspapers), 1939-2000, undated (alphabetical)

Processing Information

Released on 2018-11-01.

Title
MS-0080. Iowa Local History collection, 1854-2000
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