Posted May 04, 2022in Des Moines Forgotten
A year and half ago, we lost an important piece of Des Moines’ cinema lovers’ history, Video Warehouse. Many stories have been told about the place since its closing was announced, but I have a particular memory that not many people may be aware of — a digital series called
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Posted April 06, 2022in Des Moines Forgotten
On the morning of March 23 at 10 a.m., many Iowa communities held a statewide test of their tornado sirens. This was different from the usual Saturday noon test, or as I like to tell people, the “lunch siren.” We are now several generations separated, but I remember hearing stories
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Posted March 02, 2022in Des Moines Forgotten
The Willkie House of Des Moines is not forgotten. It’s actually still very active. But some of its history at 900 17th St. may not be recognized as it should be. Willkie House was originally established in 1917 as an extension of the War Recreation Board for Black Officers at
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Posted February 02, 2022in Des Moines Forgotten
As a child, I would go to Wacky Waters Adventure Park between Davenport and Walcott. When I was 9 years old, a wave pool was installed. If you wanted to know what it felt like to be tumbled by large, ocean-style waves in an overcrowded pool, then you were in
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Posted January 05, 2022in Des Moines Forgotten
As a child, my father would drag me to Town and Country Bowling and Cocktail Lounge in Rock Island, Illinois. I remember a giant Chief Black Hawk sign in front of it. This was sometime between 1989 and 1991, when smoking was still allowed in public places. Guests would walk
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Posted December 01, 2021in Des Moines Forgotten
On Oct. 19, 1950, Woolworth’s had its grand opening at 504-508 E. Locust. For the last 10 years, I thought variety stores were a front for some type of shady black market deal. Amazon, Walmart and Target have seemingly taken over every type of retail flavor we can think of.
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Posted November 03, 2021in Des Moines Forgotten
Former East 14th Street restaurant and bakery brings back great memories for people, especially at Thanksgiving time. As a former employee of Bishops Buffet in Cedar Rapids in both the Lindale and Westdale Mall locations, I still have nightmares from memories of the Thanksgiving and Christmas day craziness. Bishops
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Posted October 06, 2021in Des Moines Forgotten
Waukee was once a “company town.” I have been spending time lately in Bentonville, Arkansas (seven days a month since July to be exact). Many scholars of useless information will tell you about Bentonville being the mecca of the retail universe. I’ll save you the time of Googling and tell
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Posted September 01, 2021in Des Moines Forgotten
It was a birthday I will never forget. I woke up on the morning of my 16th birthday like I did any other day and got myself ready for school. But 20 years ago in my hometown of Aurora, Illinois, Sept. 11 was anything but a typical day. My first
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Posted August 04, 2021in Des Moines Forgotten
World’s largest man, Bobo the clown, Siamese twins and chameleons To think that it has been two years since the last Iowa State Fair is bonkers to me. I did attend the food truck deal they had last August, which was fun but obviously not the same. I am also
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