Warren County Historical Society

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WCHS Sign

Indianola, IowaIowa Map
(515)961-8085

Publications

WARREN COUNTY WOMEN, “HER STORY”

Her StoryThe book may be purchased at WCHS for $45.00 during regular museum hours: 9-4, Thursdays and 9-Noon, Saturday morning. If you would like to have it mailed at an additional cost of $7.00, call 515-961-8085 or E-mail contact@warrencountyhistory.org. It can also be purchased at Pageturners Bookstore, 101 East Salem, Indianola.

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Warren County Historical Society has published a 383 page book with over 900 photos, entitled, Women of Warren, “Her Story”. The book summarizes the march toward women’s suffrage and offers a biographical sketch of over 600 women who lived in Warren County, Iowa at some time in their lives. The authors, WCHS volunteers, Jerry and Linda Beatty, collected stories and photos from many sources including: books, articles, obituaries, memoirs, scrapbooks, letters, family histories and personal interviews. For two years the public was invited to submit information about women they have known who have made significant contributions to their families and communities.There have been many outstanding women from Warren County who have performed a variety of tasks such as entertainers, musicians, artists, businesswomen, agriculturists, authors, librarians, gardeners, missionaries, faith leaders, athletes, nurses, doctors, members of military service, volun-teers, public officials, attorneys, teachers, community activists, volunteers and homemakers. The third riches woman in the world, Julia Flesher Koch; oldest woman in U.S. in 2004, Verona Johnson (age 114); the first Lady of the Farm, Ruth Buxton Sayre; and Ilo Browne Wallace, wife of Vice President Henry Wallace were Warren County natives. The book also tells women’s stories that have been unreported and underappreciated. Each woman has a story to tell and the authors know that many worthy Warren County women have not been included.

REISSUE OF WINDOWS ON WARREN COUNTY’S PAST

Windows on Warren County Past

The Warren County Historical Society is printing a 2nd Edition of the 1993 book of photos, Windows on Warren County’s Past. It will be available for purchase in September at the museum for $25.00. It will be a wire spiral book containing over 250 black and white photos of Warren County’s heritage, including the famous photo, “Cadence on the Plow”, which was taken by Don Berry, former publisher of the Record Herold and Indianola Tribune. The book includes pictures of early Warren Cunty businesses, communities, churches, schools, families, sport teams, bands, farm life and other events. The Record Herold and Indianola Tribune and over 100 persons contributed photos and information for this book. If you did not purchase one in the 1990s, this is your chance to buy one. It would also make a great Christmas or birthday gift for loved ones.

Warren County's Response to WW II

 Civil War Book Cover

Compiled by Jerry Beatty

The 2017 LCDF Book, Patriotism, Courage & Sacrifice, is being printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $45 when available. Add an additional $5 if you want it mailed.

The Warren County Historical Society has published a 400-page book entitled: Patriotism, Courage & Sacrifice: Warren County, Iowa, Responds to WW II written by award winning author, Jerry Beatty. The book lists over 3,200 service members, who lived at any time in Warren County, and includes service and biographical information on most of them. The book contains over 800 pictures of Warren County service members and others who served the nation on the home front and abroad. The study was based on over 100 taped and in-person interviews as well as memoirs, family histories, and other materials. The index contains over 7,000 names. The book is dedicated to the 102 Warren County men who lost their lives during WW II fighting for freedom. It also honors all veterans who wore the uniform and the people back home who supported their efforts by producing the food and materials necessary to win the war. The study outlines the events leading to WW II and examines the participation, sacrifice, and contributions of Warren County service members. Thirty Warren County servicemen were captured and endured the hardships of German and Japanese POW camps; 2 died aboard Japanese transport ships sunk at sea. The book highlights numerous activities on the home front including: war bond and stamp sales, rationing, salvage drives, conservation, civil defense, and the efforts of various groups and organizations, including the Red Cross, to provide quilts and other garments to American troops and relief to people living in war torn countries. Warren County farmers and victory gardeners increased production to feed the troops and starving people; many county residents worked at the munitions plant in Ankeny. Books will be on sale at the Warren County Historical Building during the Log Cabin Festival, September 23-24. 2017.

Warren County & The Civil War

Civil War Book Cover

Compiled by Jerry Beatty

The 2015 LCF Book, Warren County & The Civil War, is printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $30. Add an additional $5 if you want it mailed.

Over the past 150 years, thousands of books and articles have been written about the American Civil War.  This book has two principal goals: to honor the soldiers of Warren county, Iowa, who fought in the American Civil War and, secondly, to collect, analyze, and preserve information about the involvement of Warren County people in the historical events surrounding the Civil War.  This book reviews the involvement of WC citizens in events leading up to the war including the Underground Railroad, aiding runaway slaves, and the struggle between slave and anti-slave factions in the Kansas Territory.

Agriculture in Warren County,

Agriculture in Warren County

Compiled by Jerry Beatty

The 2014 LCF Book, Agriculture in Warren County, Iowa is printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $30. Add an additional $5 if you want it mailed. It is a 280 page book (More than 200 pictures) The cover art is a water color done by Doris Currier, local water color artist. You can see her lovely painting on the stairwell wall leading to the museum basement. Sadly, Doris passed away .

The book describes the settlement of warren county, the impact of mechanization on agriculture, and the evolving development of livestock, crops, and horticulture in Warren County.  Among the topics in the book are farm-related organizations and youth groups.

The book lists all 142 family farms in Warren County that have received a Century or Heritage designation and the history of many of them.

Rural Schools in Warren County,

Rural Schools

Compiled by Jerry Beatty

The 2013 LCF Book, Rural Schools in Warren County, Iowa is printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $30. Add an additional $5 if you want it mailed. It is a 250 page book (More than 200 pictures) The School Book features 148 Country Schools and mentions over 4,000 names.

Warren County Historical Society Cook Book

Cook Book

Compiled by Linda Beatty

Favorites From Warren County Kitchens is printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $20. Add an additional $3 if you want it mailed. The cook book features recipes from the community including many state fair winners.

A Short History of Summerset

Summerset

Compiled by Jerry  Beatty

AShort History of Summerset is printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $15. Add an additional $2 if you want it mailed. This book features the history with maps and photos.  Jerry wrote this book in 2011 when Summerset was the featured town for the Log Cabin Days Festival.

George Washington Carver in Indianola

George Washington Carver

Compiled by Ed Cartey

A History of George Washington Carver during his time in Iowa is printed and can be purchased at the WCHS museum for $5. Add an additional $1 if you want it mailed. This book features the history of George Washington Carver during his time in Iowa and how it shaped his future.