Robert A. Fiedler II realized he couldn't answer when his 10-year-old daughter asked, "Daddy, why do you do what you do?" He quit his job rather than prepare for nuclear war.

Dan Clark and Lee Miller address the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors on April 26, 2010 • Photo: Lee Miller with soldier removed from 1875 monument • Duration 04:36 min

"Season Without a Trolley?" Dan Clark announces: APRIL 15 WILL BE THE LAST DAY OF TROLLEY-BUS OPERATION FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. "What I've decided is that my little company needs a rebuilding season. I apologize to all who hoped to use the trolley in coming months, but I am optimistic about bringing it back even better—eventually if not this year. Meanwhile, there's definitely demand for fun transportation in Muscatine, so maybe others will step forward with other possibilities." Muscatine Trolley & Tours remains in the local history and tourism business, just without its own charter bus for now. Here are some past shows about the history and evolution of the company:

http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=564858 Dec. 29, 2009

http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=557547 Dec. 1, 2009

http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=388999 Oct. 7, 2008

http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=383570 Sept. 23, 2008

http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=408792 Apr. 8, 2008

http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=447278 Oct. 23, 2007

"Muscatine Downtown—Maybe Down But Far From Out" • Dan Clark's guests are Chris Clark and Dawnese Openshaw. Dawnese co-chairs the Downtown Action Alliance http://www.muscatinedowntown.com and tells what's coming up including "It's A Spring Thing Girls Getaway Weekend," March 26-27. Chris tells about the Muscatine Melon Patchers quilt show, March 19-20, and all discuss the challenge of attracting tourists and reviving a historic commercial district.

"Historic Preservation Turns 10" Dan Clark talks about his experience serving on the Muscatine Historic Preservation Commission, created 10 years ago in response to citizens who were asking for the city to take better care of preserving Muscatine's unique collection of historic buildings and neighborhoods. He invites listeners to get involved via Friends of Muscatine Historic Preservation http://muscatinepreservation.org/ and tells about the "Heavy Haulers" cable-TV show that might feature the move of the historic Henry Jayne House. Related: "Who's Afraid of the Paint Police?" (September 15, 2009) Dan compares Muscatine's Historic Preservation Commission (educational and advisory only), which he chairs, with other communities' more robust protections for historic properties. http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=526587

"Renewing Muscatine's Civil War monument" Dan Clark's guests are Sandy Lee and Lee Miller. Lee chairs the committee to restore the 1875 Civil War monument on the grounds of the Muscatine County Courthouse; Sandy is local commander of the American Legion and treasurer of the Civil War Memorial Fund. Yesterday, the soldier who has stood watch for 135 years came down from atop his column in the gentle hands and equipment of county workers and Muscatine Power & Water. The plan is to replace the monument and to add names that were left off originally. Lee (pictured) is author of Crocker's Brigade, a 2009 book telling the story of four Iowa infantry regiments combined after the April 1862 Battle of Shiloh. Hear Dan's first show with him at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=426836 (Jan. 27, 2009) and the most recent at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=560428 (Dec. 15, 2009). See photo album "The Civil War remembered at Muscatine County Courthouse" at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=79743&id=802136391&l=dfe417bd5b.

 

"A Heritage District for Black History and More" Dan Clark's guest is Kent Sissel, restorer and resident of the 1878 Alexander G. Clark House. This week Muscatine City Council will consider Kent's proposal for naming a two-square-block area on both sides of West Third Street as the "Alexander Clark Heritage District." The center of the district would be the intersection of West Third and Chestnut which is the original site of Clark's house. They discuss the process the Historic Preservation Commission went through before recommending approval. Alexander G. Clark Week, Feb. 21-27, honors the legacy of Muscatine's equal-rights pioneer http://alexanderclark.org. Other recent conversations with Kent: "White Folks Talking Black History" (Feb. 3, 2009) http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=429539 and "More on Heritage Tourism and Black History" (Feb. 17, 2009) http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=434366.

 

"Muscatine's Black History" Did you know Muscatine was Iowa's center of African American life in the 1850s? Dan Clark says there's a lot happening in Muscatine during Black History Month, a time for us all to learn about race relations and equal rights. Then historian David Brodnax calls from Chicago and tells about Muscatine's black population before the Civil War and the far reaching influence of the local A.M.E. Church (African Methodist Episcopal) and members such as the first pastor who was later a congressman, Richard H. Cain, and equal-rights pioneer Alexander G. Clark. David wrote a not-yet-published dissertation, “'Breathing the Freedom's Air': The African American Struggle for Equal Citizenship in Iowa, 1830-1900." Learn more about Clark at http://alexanderclark.org/.

"Builders to the World" Dan Clark's guest is Richard H. Stanley, chair emeritus and past president of the Stanley Group which includes the Muscatine-based Stanley Consultants, Inc., a member-owned worldwide provider of engineering, environmental, and construction services. Dick tells about the firm's international work in some 98 countries over the years since it opened an office in Liberia in 1957. http://www.stanleyconsultants.com/about_us_history.php Dick also chairs the board of the Stanley Foundation, a private-operating international-affairs organization that is separate from SCI and its charitable foundation. http://www.stanleyfoundation.org/richard-stanley-bio.cfm Last week SCI announced a $50,000 donation from the Stanley Consultants Charitable Foundation to the International Red Cross for Haiti-earthquake relief.

"It's Time for Ragtime!" The 16th Annual Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Weekend is January 29-30-31. Dan Clark's guests are Chris Clark and Duffy DeFrance representing the Muscatine County Arts Council which co-sponsors the festival along with the Muscatine Art Center. See schedule and program and links to performers' sites at http://www.muscatineartscouncil.org/eagles&Ivories.htm.

Dan Clark called this show "Who's got a better idea for Muscatine (better than tourism)?" [more soon]

Dan Clark asked his next-door neighbor Frank Kelly to take the lead for this first show of Year 5. A former executive of the local community foundation, Frank says Muscatine is "close to greatness" as an award-winning city for many attributes and attractions, e.g., health care and river front and trails and historic preservation. Caller Kent Sissel calls for a "summit" on cultural tourism. Hear past shows with Frank at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=492461 (June 16, 2009 about the Diamond Towns initiative) and http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=395120 (May 13, 2008 about Historic Downtown).

Dan Clark called this show "Isn't it time for a REAL trolley in Muscatine (again)?" We had 'em from the 1880s through the 1920s, unless you count the electric interurban which ran through 1938. What would it take, he asks, to run a real streetcar in Muscatine, maybe between historic Downtown/Riverfront and Southend sports complex? He says the USA's premier heritage-trolley restorer and replica-maker is Gomaco Trolley Co. of Ida Grove, Iowa (http://www.gomacotrolley.com), but their only car in Iowa is at Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant (http://www.oldthreshers.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.midwestElectricRailway). He reads a description of Muscatine's eight streetcars ordered in 1913 and proposes commissioning Gomaco to construct a replica. He also reads from and comments on Facebook discussion with skeptics. He calls this show Part 2 of his "rant" from September 2008 (http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=383570).

Dan Clark reads "First Christmas Tree" by William D. Randall (Little Known Stories of Muscatine, Vol. 4) and then takes a call from Randall's daughter, Shirley Calvert. Guest author Tom Savage says his research has turned up more information about early settlers than was known when the historical marker was placed in the 1960s at the foot of Iowa Avenue ("This granite stone marks the site of the first log cabin...." http://muscatine-tours.com/vanater1.jpg). He tells of the trading post started by Mr. Farnham before the Black Hawk War and mentions other early settlers who will appear in the local-history storybook he and wife Sharon are writing. They own Muscatine Books and More (http://muscatinebooks.com) and have sponsored TTT "from the git-go." Finally, Dan reads an excerpt from a Christmas-tree tale by Steve Hanken, about a pine his parents in Iowa sent him in Vietnam in 1969.

Dan Clark called this show "It's Our People on that Monument." His guest is Lee Miller, who is leading an effort by local veterans groups and others to restore the 1875 Civil War monument on the grounds of the Muscatine County Courthouse. They propose to replace the soldier atop the column and the four plaques at the base, and they would add names that were left off originally. Lee is author of Crocker's Brigade, a 2009 book telling the story of four Iowa infantry regiments combined under command of Marcellus M. Crocker after the April 1862 Battle of Shiloh, and he says he is working on his second book. Hear our first show with Lee (Jan. 27, 2009) at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=426836 and another (with host Tom Savage)at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=508792 (July 7, 2009).

Dan Clark called this show "Old Barn 'Acorn Fund' Saves the Day." His guests are John Haskins, founder and president of Friends of the Old Barn, and Judi Holdorf, executive director of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. Two weeks ago the Muscatine County supervisors reversed an earlier vote and approved a request from Friends of the Old Barn to use a nearby "cottage" for a public restroom for programs at their restored barn at the former county farm site. Haskins credited a community foundation "acorn fund" for helping make the winning case and called the decision "democracy in action." The story is told at http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/11/24/news/doc4b0c074310602718088662.txt; the Old Barn fund and others are described at this CFGM page: http://www.muscatinecommunityfoundation.org/staticpages/index.php?page=20060107130217954&tab=2. Hear Dan's first show with John (Jan. 17, 2006) at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=399731 and his Old Barn (Nov. 2008) update with Dave Casstevens and Dave Metz (Nov. 4, 2008) at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=399823.

Dan Clark called this show "No, the Muscatine Trolley is NOT for sale..." but hurried on to say he is getting ready for some changes in the coming year. December concludes eight years of MT&T and four years of TTT. "In the coming year, I will pass the age of 'Old' John Brown when he died December 2, 1859, on the Virginia gallows," Dan said. All year the show has tracked the story of the Brown band's 1859 slave-liberating trek across Iowa and their dramatic departure from Muscatine County. "The more I dig and learn from others who share this interest, the more connections I'm seeing between here and Harpers Ferry," Dan said. "Plus the abolitionists who were active here and all the Iowans who took part in the Civil War that soon followed. Opportunities for so-called heritage tourism are all around us, neighbors." He invited listeners to come out Friday evening for Muscatine's 25th annual Holiday Stroll with a new the parade up Second Street and free trolley rides throughout the evening.

Dan Clark calls this show "What else can we learn about the Underground Railroad around Muscatine?" His guest is Doug Jones, staff archaeologist for the State Historical Society of Iowa whose job includes Underground Railroad research. Doug is visiting the Muscatine area to learn about Alexander G. Clark and other black residents and also their white neighbors who opposed slavery. He gives an update on the project marking the route of John Brown's last trip across Iowa in 1859. Hear Doug's previous show (March 2009) at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=439389. Learn about Alexander G. Clark at http://alexanderclark.org. Photo: November 20, the day Kent Sissel (left) and I (right) helped erect the John Brown Freedom Trail marker at the Springdale Friends Cemetery. Also shown are Doug Jones and Lowell Soike, the main staff on the SHSI project. Photo by Mike Boyle. NOTE: For some reason, only the last five minutes of the show was recorded.

Dan Clark calls this show "Mark Twain Dissenting AND the Diogenes of Diamond Towns." Muscatine brags about the months Mark Twain lived here in 1854. We love his praise of our sunsets, but most don't know his anti-war writings. Dan reads from Twain's "The War-Prayer" in belated recognition of Veterans Day. "When you have prayed for victory you have prayed for many unmentioned results which follow victory—must follow it, cannot help but follow it." Read the full text and view a beautifully done video at http://www.thewarprayer.com/. Dan's guest in the second half is Tom Huber, director of Muscatine-based Diamond Towns of America. He explains the DTA community-building model and invites participation. The newspaper called DTA founder Dick Maeglin a philanthropist, but Dan calls him Diogenes. http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/11/14/news/doc4afe4bf154dbd953140766.txt and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Muscatine-IA/Diamond-Towns-of-America/97774599536

Dan Clark calls this show "Muscatine Memories of the Berlin Wall and Its Fall." His guests are Kristine Conlon and Ingrid Rowe of Muscatine Sister Cities Association. Kristine is a Muscatine native and German-language teacher who led several school trips to Germany. Ingrid is an East German native who fled to the West with her parents when she was 12, shortly before the border closed. She is now a Muscatine resident and US citizen. Fifteen years after the fall of the wall, on December 2, 2004, Muscatine gained a sister city in the former (East) German Democratic Republic. Ludwigslust is the capital of a district between Berlin and Hamburg. Ingrid and Kristine share memories of Germany and tell about plans for a Sister Cities trip there scheduled for May 2010. NOTE: For some reason, only the last five minutes of the show was recorded.

Dan Clark calls this show "Our Very Own Lincoln-Assassination Story." After killing President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth eluded federal pursuers and changed his name and lived out more adventures. He ended up in Oklahoma or maybe South America or India. Booth's accomplice Michael O'Laughlen didn't die in prison in 1867 after all, but rather in Muscatine County in 1890, after living where Wild Cat Den State Park is today. Dan says these yarns are part of our local lore, so you'll want to learn about them—and you don't have to believe to enjoy. He reads from the "O'Laughlen" manuscript http://odin.indstate.edu/about/units/rbsc/neff/PDFs/stevenson_olaughlin.pdf and urges listeners to attend a talk by Gladys Mittman who grew up with the story and has been learning more lately. Details at http://muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/10/31/news/doc4aebcbd126576354383074.txt. More background at http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2007/04/13/news/doc46204bd5585b2975671645.txt.

Dan Clark calls this show "Wedding Destination Muscatine." His guest is Misty Lutz of Hazel Green Bridal and Tux, one of the sponsors of the Wedding Salon Bridal Show that will be at the Muscatine Mall on November 1 http://www.specialelegantevents.com/id83.html. They discuss the bridal show and the wedding business and Muscatine as a place for weddings. Misty says weddings often cost $15,000 to $20,000 these days, but she emphasizes that local businesses work with budgets of all sizes and do their best to help brides make the most of that most special of days. And weddings help pay the trolley bills!

Dan Clark calls this show "Connecting the Dots...to Harpers Ferry and Beyond." He's just back from West Virginia where abolitionist John Brown led raiders into the federal arsenal on October 16, 1859, and helped bring on the Civil War. Dan experienced some of the 150th anniversary observances and took part in an academic symposium at which several sessions were filmed by C-SPAN. At least one program has already been shown, and others may follow http://www.booktv.org/Program/10910/John+Browns+Trial.aspx. News coverage has been vast and is continuing http://www.johnbrownraid.org/pressroom.php. Dan's guest is Kent Sissel, the owner/restorer of the Alexander G. Clark House http://alexanderclark.org. They agree antebellum Muscatine was an abolitionist stronghold and Iowa's main center of African-American population, and they discuss new information about Alexander Clark's family. Urging listeners to learn about Brown's activity in Iowa and Iowans' roles related to Harpers Ferry, Dan recommends "John Brown Among the Quakers" by Irving B. Richmond of Muscatine (1894). Hear last week's Harpers Ferry show at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=537158 and check the TTT archive for other shows on John Brown, Alexander Clark, and the Underground Railroad.

Dan Clark devotes this show to the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry (now West Virginia) on October 16, 1859, in an attempt to end slavery. Dan will take part in a conference there this week http://www.johnbrownharpersferry.com/ and visit a friend, a circuit court judge whose work takes him to the courthouse where the 1859 judge pronounced sentence after a fast trial. Brown and several comrades were executed a few blocks away. In his newspaper column this week, the Hon. John C. Yoder writes of the versions of the story he learned growing up in Kansas and going to school in Iowa. "When I moved to Harpers Ferry 25 years ago, however, I began to hear other sides of the story about John Brown," he writes. "Those other perspectives included a belief that his violence and fanaticism may have actually hindered and embarrassed, rather than helped, those who favored the abolition of slavery at the time." John says he supports a proposal to restore the original courtroom where Brown was tried. This could preserve a heritage "and hopefully bring even more tourism to the area." Here in Muscatine County, as elsewhere across Iowa, we are rediscovering remnants of our Civil War and pre-war history, including sites associated with Brown and fellow abolitionists. The June 23 show is also about this topic: http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=495069. Dan says, "Maybe I'm crazy to be devoting so much attention to Brown and his followers, especially those recruited from this area and others who trained near here before following Brown to Harpers Ferry. Craziness is, after all, a central theme in this all-American story of direct action by citizens impatient for change. Whoever was crazy and however history judges those abolitionists and the slaughter that followed, it is still a very big story here."

Dan Clark's guests are Ann Meeker and Dawnese Openshaw, business owners and leaders of Muscatine's Downtown Action Alliance http://muscatinedowntown.com/. They discuss coming events and promotions and talk about holding onto dreams for a vibrant "heart of the community" in this tough economy. There's even a little singalong with Petula Clark on "Downtown"! "Things'll be great...Downtown"..."Downtown, no finer place for sure..."

Dan Clark's guest is Heather Shoppa, director of Muscatine's Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.meetmuscatine.com/. It's her job to market our town's attractions, and she tells about two big days for out-of-town visitors arriving via motor coaches: Great River Celebration and Meet Muscatine Day (September 30 and October 21 this year). During such events, the trolley shuttles the visitors from the Riverfront through Downtown. Heather explains that the CVB does not receive hotel/motel tax revenue directly and must request funding from local governments each year.

Dan Clark's topic is "Who's Afraid of the Paint Police?" Dan compares Muscatine's Historic Preservation Commission (educational and advisory only), which he chairs, with other communities' more robust protections for historic properties. And he confesses envy of Dubuque which last month celebrated a huge economic development success based on historic preservation. He reads from Dubuque's ordinance prohibiting "Demolition By Neglect" and imagines something of the sort for Muscatine. Meanwhile, our city struggles to cover the costs of recent landfill expansion, and Dan jests that maybe it's time to help out by demolishing a whole bunch of old stuff. Later this week Muscatine hosts a two-day historic-preservation workshop conducted by state experts http://www.iowahistory.org/about/news/2009/08-26_historic-preservation-workshops-muscatine.html.

Dan Clark's topic is "Celebrating Freedom Seekers" with guest Barb Christensen, director of the Muscatine Art Center http://muscatineartcenter.org/. They discuss a current exhibition of paintings by Joseph Holston, "Color In Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad," and related programs at Musser Public Library http://musserpubliclibrary.org/Quick-Links/Event-Calendar/The-Undergraound-Railroad-in-Iowa.aspx. See a "virtual tour" of the paintings: http://www.umuc.edu/colorinfreedom/virtual_tour/index.shtml.

Dan Clark's topic is "Iowa and Russia: A Half Century of Citizen Diplomacy," starting from memories of Nikita Khrushchev's visit to Iowa in 1959. He tells of welcoming visitors from the former Soviet Union and helping many Iowans with their exchange efforts, having traveled in Russia eight times, 1984-1998, especially Iowa's sister state Stavropol and Muscatine's sister city Kislovodsk. He asks listeners, "What difference has Russia—or the former USSR—made in your life?" and invites calls during Part 2 scheduled for Sept. 22, the actual 50th anniversary of Khrushchev's arrival in Iowa. Links related to the topic: "Khrushchev in Iowa" http://www.creatinggreatplaces.org/khrushchev.aspx; "Dan's Russia Experiences" http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=105312&id=802136391&l=fd3f441222; "Chechen war: We know these folks" http://friendlywork.com/chechen.html; early history of Kislovodsk-Muscatine relations (1996) http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=269536050226.

Dan Clark says, "It's Time for School—Preservation School!" The Muscatine (city) and Louisa (county) preservation commissions will be hosting a lot of history horsepower at a workshop on historic preservation that will be presented in Mucatine Sept. 17-18 by experts from Iowa's State Historic Preservation Office. Everyone is invited, and the first day is free. Details at http://muscatinepreservation.org/preservationworkshop2009sept.pdf. Dan reads and discusses a news story: "Make a deal on the Jayne House: Only caveat - You have to move it later" http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/08/21/news/doc4a8ebca7b59c2579322163.txt and callers respond.

Dan Clark called this show "A Half Hour for Billy Baladeer" in memory of William "Bill" Duval who died last week at age 86. With recorded hymns as background (Bill playing in his "primitive piano" style), Dan reads stories from Bill's life as salesman and musician from the book Bill published about a year ago. Caller Kent Sissel tells about the operetta Bill wrote that was performed in the 1980s and later published on CD, and the show ends with several minutes from that recording, "The Great State of Trinity." Bill was Dan's guest on July 1, 2008, archived at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=374752. Read his obituary at http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/08/14/obituaries/doc4a85532fe07c8171612206.txt.

A demolition reprieve is running out for the 110-year-old Henry Jayne house acquired last fall by the Muscatine Art Center. The center's trustees say they need the land at 1402 Mulberry Ave. for "future expansion" and insist that letting the house remain at its historic location is out of the question. However, after objections by the city's Historic Preservation Commission and the nonprofit Friends of Muscatine Historic Preservation, they voted in February to allow the commission 180 days to find a way to remove the house for preservation elsewhere. Several hundred people have gone on record expressing opposition to demolition since then, and commission volunteers have used the time to study and document the home's historic significance. Now only a few days remain, but nobody has stepped forward with the dollars needed to save the house. The Art Center building and grounds committee has decided to proceed with "general bid letting" for removal by any buyer who might come forward (probably during September). If there's no buyer, demolition could come next. Official action is on the agenda for the next trustees meeting on August 20. BACKGROUND: Architectural conservator's report: http://muscatinepreservation.org/1402mulberry/JayneHouseReport.pdf • Henry Jayne biography: http://iagenweb.org/muscatine/biographies1911/jayne.htm • "Save 1402 Mulberry" created by a former owner: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/300153 • Jayne House in THIS PLACE MATTERS: http://www.flickr.com/photos/preservationnation/3426185127 • Photos and more: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51187&id=802136391&l=f8b48710f0 • Muscatine Historic Preservation ordinance: http://muscatinepreservation.org/mhpc-ordinance.pdf.

Dan Clark and guest Kent Sissel, resident restorer of the Alexander G. Clark House, discuss steps involved in gaining recognition for the area surrounding the West Third Street residence of Muscatine's famous 19th century citizen. Muscatine has two "national" historic districts, but the Clark district would be locally designated. Learn about Clark at http://alexanderclark.org/ and local districts at http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/workingonthepast/index.htm.

Back from a two-week "family history and US history" vacation in the eastern US, host Dan Clark chats with producer Ron Edwin, catching up on local happenings and weaving together his travel report with praise for the "heritage tourism" that can be enjoyed right here at Muscatine.

Guest host Tom Savage, co-owner of Muscatine Books and More, speaks with Duffy DeFrance, "renaissance woman" storyteller and director of the Muscatine Literacy Coalition. The retired children’s librarian was recently recognized by the Bi-State Literacy Council with an exemplary service award. Duffy tells of the 56-year history of the Muscatine Masquers Community Theatre, focusing on founder and longtime leader Virginia Schauland. She promotes an upcoming Masquers dinner-theater show, and she and Tom discuss local performing arts and artists along with caller Shirley Calvert. Tom reads from J.P. Walton's address at an 1891 Old Settlers Reunion in which the local historian describes amazing changes in communication and transportation he'd witnessed. And Tom tells about the history storybook he and wife Sharon Savage are writing.

Guest host Tom Savage, co-owner of Muscatine Books and More, speaks with local Civil War authors Lee Miller (Crocker's Brigade) and Jeff Shay (book in progress). Dan Clark is on vacation.

Dan Clark and guest Ann Meeker talk about the third annual "PatriArt" events June 27-July 4, organized by the Muscatine Cultural Alliance. Discussing concerts and July 4 parade and more, they chat mostly about trolley rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the first-ever Pearl Button paddlewheel boat cruises http://thepearlbuttonpaddlewheel.com/special-events.html. See the complete PatriArt schedule at http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/06/29/news/doc4a44db74c101b777429326.txt.

Sermon by J. Glen Widmer at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, Wayland, Iowa • Sunday, June 28, 2009 "Several weeks ago, one of the elders said, 'Maybe we should have some stories told over the pulpit.' And I said, 'Well, I've got some stories. I think I can do that.' And so this morning I want to talk a little bit about God's faithfulness in my spiritual pilgrimage."

Dan Clark talks on "Historic Markers and Rest Area Tourism" after he attended the June 19-20 "Underground Railroad in Iowa 2009 Symposium" http://muscatine-tours.com/cedar-county/UGRR-Iowa2009Symposium.pdf. It was a moving feast, from the Hoover museum at West Branch to an old Cedar County cemetery to the Wilton Rest Area on I-80. Just before the conference, several took part in erecting a John Brown Freedom Trail marker here in Muscatine County at the historic West Liberty depot. See some of Dan's photos at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=87201&id=802136391&l=cda347e39b along with John C. Yoder's comment on holding court last week in the room where Brown was sentenced for treason in 1859.

Dan Clark's guest is Frank Kelly, retired from the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine http://www.muscatinecommunityfoundation.org/. Now he is serving on the Muscatine County Extension Council http://www.extension.iastate.edu/muscatine/ and helping start a consulting company called Diamond Towns of America http://www.diamondtownsofamerica.com. Frank says we have diamonds beneath our feet, right here in the Pearl City. As the former resident restorer of the historic Henry Jayne House, he is campaigning to save it from demolition http://www.facebook.com/frankanddiane. His previous TTT show is at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=395120.

Dan Clark's guests are Al Brotherton, Chris Clark, and Duffy De France. Chris and Duffy talk about the free summer concerts sponsored by the Muscatine County Arts Council http://www.muscatineartscouncil.org. Every "Second Sunday Summer Concert" will start at 6:00 p.m. on the Pearl Plaza patio outside Elly's Tea and Coffee: June 14 - Cruisin' (60s rock-n-roll); July 12 - Fry Daddies (country, rock, blues, folk); August 9 - River City Big Band; September 13 - Sarah Snydacker, classical vocalist. Al tells about the River City Big Band and its history since 1986. Producer Ron Edwin plays selections from a RCBB CD.

Dan Clark describes his past week of visits in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, and chats with Muscatine native Rob/Bob Fiedler calling from Grand Junction, CO. Dan praises Grand Junction's downtown "Art on the Corner" and invites listeners to see his photos at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=82133&id=802136391&l=818929779e. He also tells about visiting Iowa places where John Brown stopped with fellow abolitionists and escaping slaves in 1859 (photos at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=82607&id=802136391) and announces the June 19-20 "Underground Railroad in Iowa 2009 Symposium" http://muscatine-tours.com/cedar-county/UGRR-Iowa2009Symposium.pdf.

Guest host Tom Savage (co-proprietor of Muscatine Books and More http://muscatinebooks.com) chats with storyteller-author Dan "Danny" Titus and radio journalist Kristin McHugh. Dan's latest book is "Muscatine Businesses of the 1940s and 1950s: Long Gone But Well Remembered." Kristin is writing a book with the working title "Muscatine" based on the archives of the Muscatine Art Center.

Dan Clark's guest is downtown redevelopment advocate Tom Bankhead, a Muscatine native who has enjoyed a view of Second Street from his architecture firm for the past 37 years. They discuss new uses for old buildings in Historic Downtown. Tom says he preaches "feet on the street" and wants to bring in a bakery soon and maybe a food co-op type of grocery. Callers Michael Maharry and Shirley Calvert praise historic preservation efforts.

Dan Clark's guest is Melanie Alexander, director of the Muscatine History and Industry Center http://www.muscatinehistory.org/. She tells about the museum's newest exhibits (Monsanto and Muscatine Power & Water), and they discuss upcoming events in Historic Downtown Muscatine. Caller Max Churchill tells about a group of Midwest Riverboat Buffs visiting here later this week.

May is Historic Preservation Month. "Scoffing at History?" asks Dan Clark, then tells about Muscatine's historic buildings and districts. (And repeatedly says "Chestnut" when telling about a new plaque on Pine Street—oops!) He urges everyone to come out for the first Mothers Day historic-homes tour "House Calls: Muscatine Doctors Then and Now." (See poster at http://muscatinepreservation.org/housecalls-poster.jpg and Quad-City Times feature at http://www.qctimes.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/article_1ba9dbe2-3689-11de-bc44-001cc4c03286.html and http://www.qctimes.com/article_e0c1c536-3687-11de-852f-001cc4c03286.html ). Dan reads from the Muscatine Historic Preservation ordinance at http://muscatinepreservation.org/mhpc-ordinance.pdf and district survey files at http://www.musserpubliclibrary.org/Reference-Desk/Local-History.aspx. Caller John Elshoff talks about local Civil War history.

Dan Clark's guest is Michael Maharry, MD, president of Friends of Muscatine Historic Preservation (http://muscatinepreservation.org and http://apps.facebook.com/causes/179427/35994298). They discuss local events and activities observing Historic Preservation Month, especially a first Mothers Day historic homes tour called "House Calls: Muscatine Doctors Then and Now." See http://muscatinepreservation.org/housecalls-poster.jpg.

Dan Clark's guest is Kent Sissel, restorer and resident of the 1878 Alexander G. Clark House. Kent tells about a recent flurry of recognition for Muscatine's black statesman, and reports on efforts to nominate the house as a National Historic Landmark plus his own proposal for creating a local historic district centered at West Third and Chestnut Streets. An 1868 Iowa Supreme Court decision, Clark v. Board of Education, established equal rights for all Iowa children—86 years before the US Supreme Court established educational equality as the law of the land. Learn more about Alexander Clark at http://alexanderclark.org . Hear other conversations with Kent at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=434366 (Feb. 17, 2009) and http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=429539 (Feb. 3, 2009).

Great River Days 2009 will be July 29-August 2, 2009. Dan Clark's guest is GRD co-chair Kerry Keller. This 51st edition of the "family-friendly and affordable" riverfront celebration promises "the best music entertainment seen in many years." Kerry plays music from headliners LoCash Cowboys http://locashcowboys.com/ and Su DeBaco & Wise Fools http://www.wise-fools.com/. Learn more about the newly reorganized event at http://www.greatriverdays.com/.

Dan Clark chats with Ron Edwin (KWPC producer) about his announced topic "Muscatine's (Gay) Wedding Trolley?" posed by last Friday's Iowa Supreme Court ruling. Dan reads from a New York Times editorial ("Iowa Decency" http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/opinion/05sun3.html?_r=2&ref=opinion ) and asks for listener feedback on the prospect of Muscatine as a wedding destination for gay couples. A solitary caller declares gay marriage "sick" and urges Dan, "Don't promote it." The 1868 civil-rights decision (mentioned as a precedent) desegregated Muscatine schools, and thus all Iowa schools, 86 years ahead of the US Supreme Court. Learn that story at http://alexanderclark.org .

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert speak with Sheila Chaudoin about her work at Musser Public Library. Sheila specializes in local history including genealogy, oral history and photo archives, and online history resources. See http://www.musserpubliclibrary.org/Reference-Desk/Local-History.aspx and Oscar Grossheim Photo Collection Index at http://iagenweb.org/muscatine/Grossheim/grossheimintro.htm . Hear a previous Sheila-and-Shirley conversation at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=449170 (May 27, 2008).

Dan Clark speaks with Ann Meeker, the new president of Muscatine's Downtown Action Alliance http://www.muscatinedowntown.com/, about what's happening in the historic heart of our town, upcoming events, and the latest plans for the new excursion boat, The Pearl Button. Hear a past show about the paddleboat at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=391849 (Oct. 14, 2008).

Dan Clark discusses "Treasures or Eyesores," the cause of historic preservation in old Muscatine. Visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation page on "Teardowns and McMansions" at http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/teardowns/. Learn more about Muscatine's two historic districts at http://www.musserpubliclibrary.org/Reference-Desk/Local-History/History-of-Buildings-and-Neighborhoods-in-Muscatin.aspx. Join the Friends of Muscatine Historic Preservation on Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/179427?m=d6ff9e99.

March 10 is the anniversary of abolitionist John Brown's last departure from Iowa in 1859, 150 years ago. With a group of armed followers and a dozen freed slaves they had brought across Iowa and hidden in a boxcar at West Liberty, Brown boarded a train for Chicago and then on to Canada. Dan Clark speaks with Lowell Soike, staff historian at the State Historical Society of Iowa and leader of the SHSI project that's erecting historical markers along the route of Brown's last trip and otherwise researching and telling the importance of the Underground Railroad in Iowa history. Learn more at http://gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/NEWS/415551840 or http://alexanderclark.org/johnbrownsjourney.pdf (with map). Join the conversation at "Iowa's Underground Railroad" http://iowa-ugrr.blogspot.com/ and "Underground Railroad (West)" http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46633975447.

Dan Clark speaks with Doug Jones, staff archaeologist for the State Historical Society of Iowa whose job includes Underground Railroad research. Dan reads another episode in the tale of John Brown's last trip across Iowa exactly 150 years ago, and Doug tells about the project to place markers along the John Brown route. Read a description of the Freedom Trails project at http://gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/NEWS/415551840 or http://alexanderclark.org/johnbrownsjourney.pdf (with map). Join the conversation at "Iowa's Underground Railroad" http://iowa-ugrr.blogspot.com/ and "Underground Railroad (West)" http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46633975447 .

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert discuss various happenings as Muscatine's "colored orator of the West" is remembered during Black History Month. We hear the voice of Shirley's father, William D. Randall, recorded in 1949 reading his story, "Jimmy White Finds Freedom: Slavery and Alexander Clark." Clark's 183rd birthday is Feb. 25 (born 1826). He died in 1891 in Monrovia, Liberia, while serving as U.S. ambassador, and his body was returned to Muscatine. Learn more at http://alexanderclark.org.

Dan Clark and Kent Sissel discuss heritage tourism and Black History for the second time this month. (See http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=429539 Feb. 3.) Kent is restorer and resident of the 1878 Alexander G. Clark House. Dan reads another episode in the tale of John Brown's last trip across Iowa exactly 150 years ago. Caller Frank Best, Louisa County historian, shares an Underground Railroad story handed down by a local family. Learn more about Alexander Clark at http://alexanderclark.org. Join the conversation at "Iowa's Underground Railroad" http://iowa-ugrr.blogspot.com/ and "Underground Railroad (West)" http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46633975447.

Dan Clark and guest Steve Hanken, archaeologist from Cedar Rapids, chat about "Uncovering Iowa's Underground Railroad." Another "White Folks Talking Black History" topic for Black History Month. Join the conversation at "Iowa's Underground Railroad" http://iowa-ugrr.blogspot.com/ and "Underground Railroad (West)" http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46633975447.

Dan Clark and guest Kent Sissel, restorer and resident of the 1878 Alexander G. Clark House, discuss Black History Month events including a Feb. 22 observance and other recognitions of Clark's birthday and legacy. Dan describes the show's month-long special emphasis as "White Folks Talking Black History." More on A.G. Clark at http://alexanderclark.org.

Dan Clark's guest Lee Miller is author of Crocker's Brigade, a new book telling the story of four Iowa infantry regiments combined under command of Marcellus M. Crocker after the April 1862 Battle of Shiloh. Many of the men were from the Muscatine area. Dan and Lee are joined by another local Civil War author and previous TTT guest, Jeff Shay. Learn more about Lee Miller and his book at http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2009/01/09/news/doc4967744f5824d970374432.txt .

Dan Clark's guests are Dave Ales and Al Brotherton, talking and playing music to get us in the mood for the 15th annual Eagles and Ivories Ragtime festival coming January 23-24-25. Al leads the local band Mad Creek Mud Cats, and Dave is the festival organizer for the Muscatine County Arts Council http://www.muscatineartscouncil.org/eagles%20&%20Ivories.htm. Hear the previous pre-festival show at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=419741 (Jan. 6).

Dan Clark's guest is Jay Logel who started his 42-year career at Muscatine Power & Water as a power plant maintenance helper and is retiring this month after serving in nine positions, the last 11 years as general manager at Iowa’s largest municipal electric utility http://www.mpw.org/.

Dan Clark's guests Chris Clark and Duffy DeFrance represent Muscatine County Arts Council http://www.muscatineartscouncil.org/ which sponsors the 15th annual Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Weekend coming up January 23-24-25. More about John Brown's last trip across Iowa 150 years ago and an acclaimed puppet show based on that real-life saga, "FREEDOM STAR: Gertie's Journey on the Underground Railroad" http://www.puppetspuppets.com/about/birthday/favorite/favorite.html . Includes music cuts from ragtime artists slated for the 2009 festival.

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert observe three years of doing this show (already!), and guests Molly Cantrell-Kraig and Laura Liegois talk up a new initiative to Keep Muscatine Beautiful. The fast talk and fun includes comparing Facebook experiences. Contact Molly via http://www.your-storyonline.com and Laura via http://ci.muscatine.ia.us/pw/transfer/index.htm . You may contact Shirley through Dan.

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert talk about Christmas and family. Dan reads "The First Christmas Tree" by Shirley's father, William D. Randall (Little Known Stories of Muscatine, Vol. 4). Next, Dan speaks with archaeologist Steve Hanken about John Brown's last trip across Iowa 150 years ago. After "liberating" slaves in Missouri (Dec. 20, 1858), Brown led a dramatic Underground Railroad trek to a real train car in West Liberty and on toward freedom. The saga continues over coming weeks as we track Brown's party into southeast Nebraska and across Iowa.

Dan Clark speaks with Paul Rumler, executive director of the Quad Cities Passenger Rail Coalition ( http://www.qcrail.com ). Callers share memories of train travel and express support for future passenger service.

Dan Clark speaks with Mallory Smith and Kathy Vance about an oral history project that gathered residents' stories of using and enjoying natural areas in and around Louisa County, just south of Muscatine. The interviews will be featured at a new interpretive center and preserved for future study. Learn more at http://www.tri-rivers.org/Reflections.html.

Dan Clark speaks with Frank Best and Connie Street about museums and other history efforts in one of Iowa's first counties, Louisa County, just south of Muscatine. Learn more at http://LouisaCountyHistory.com.

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert welcome New England native Barbara Woodstra for a conversation about Puritans who came to Iowa plus the meaning of Thanksgiving. They discuss family values and customs for the practice of gratitude. Reminder to listeners: There is a new holiday the day after Thanksgiving. Learn more at http://www.nationaldayoflistening.org/.

Dan Clark talks historic preservation--again. Which old Muscatine buildings are most important to fix up and save before it's too late? And how can we afford saving "eyesore" buildings in a time of no money for frills? And just when is "too late" anyway? Dan reads e-mail about the City's acquisition (and possible upcoming demolition) of the 1900 Henry Jayne House next door to the Art Center, and he takes calls from listeners. Learn more at http://muscatinepreservation.org and http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2008/11/18/news/doc4922e607839c8083487003.txt.

Jeff Shay joins Dan Clark in conversation with Bob Nagler, retired chemistry professor and World War II conscientious objector. When Bob was a boy in Iowa City, his father Floyd A. Nagler taught hydraulic engineering at the university, and Bob recalls his father's "best graduate student" visiting their home. That student was Max Stanley, later of Muscatine. Floyd Nagler's detailed surveys of Iowa rivers and streams are important historical benchmarks, and his collection of mill relics went to the UI hydraulics laboratory now named for Stanley. Floyd was also a World War I veteran whose "thorough disgust with war" moved him to promote the Oxford Peace Pledge, and he was his son's hero. Three months before Floyd died in 1933, 10-year-old Bob signed the pledge himself--a pledge not to fight in any war. Read more of the Nagler story at http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/11/5149.

Dave Casstevens and Dave Metz join Dan Clark for an update from Friends of the Old Barn. The historic 1926 "Lowden Barn" would have been been demolished but for John Haskins' single-handed initiative nearly three years ago that led to creation of the preservation organization. Hear John at http://muscatinetours.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=399731 (Jan. 17, 2006).

Pastor Paul Ostrem tells Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert about challenges that faced local German-speaking immigrants during World War I. They discuss "Loyalty Days," a chapter in Paul's book Dennoch about Zion Lutheran Church and its longtime Pastor John Haefner. Read "Loyalty Days" at http://archive.elca.org/ScriptLib/dcs/jle/article.asp?aid=540 .

Dan's guests are the candidates for Iowa House District 80, incumbent Rep. Nathan Reichert ( http://www.nathanreichert.com ) and challenger Bob Howard, a Muscatine City Council member ( http://www.robertehoward.us ). Their conversation reveals agreement on supporting local "heritage tourism" and transportation infrastructure. Differences emerge as Nathan answers a radio-ad charge--not authorized by Bob--that he spent tax dollars for a "Train to Nowhere."

Downtown developer Tom Meeker tells about the sidewheeler paddleboat "Pearl Button" he's bringing to Muscatine, and Don Bekker recalls riverboats from times past. Read about Tom's project at http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2008/09/26/news/doc48dcf29a10a0d341692712.txt .

Wes Bender, superintendent of operations for the Midwest Electric Railway, tells about history and growth of the streetcar system that moves thousands of visitors at Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant. With MERA volunteer Walter Henkel and Dan Clark and a caller who remembers Muscatine streetcars. More at http://www.oldthreshers.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.midwestElectricRailway.

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert talk about Muscatine's early Congregationalists, described as "notorious abolitionists." Dan reads "Pioneer Preacher" from Little Known Stories of Muscatine by William D. Randall, Shirley's father. More of the story at http://iagenweb.org/muscatine/biographies1911/congregationalchurch.htm .

Dan Clark asks, "What would it take to put a real streetcar on the streets of Muscatine?" He reads from a federal study (http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/transportation/transit.html) and reports conversations with others who share the passion. Conclusion: "We have the brains here in Muscatine; we have the interest and enthusiasm; we even have some of the big bucks if we knew how to harness them."

Dan Clark and Tom Hanifan, president of Friends of the Pine Creek Grist Mill. Tom tells about the upcoming Heritage Day at the restored 1848 mill, the oldest operating grist mill on its original site between the Mississippi River and the Rockies (pinecreekgristmill.com).

Dan Clark and Frank Yoder discuss history and customs of the Amish community. A resident of the Kalona area, Frank grew up among the Amish and is an adjunct professor of history at the University of Iowa.

Dan Clark asks, "What became of the Party of Lincoln?" and callers comment. Charles Potter reads from his ancestor's Civil War diary.

Riding an open car of the Midwest Electric Railway at the 59th Old Threshers Reunion at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert. Shirley reads her two new essays, "Shingles" and "The Project." Dan talks up the Old Threshers Reunion and invites listeners to join him in riding the trolleys there.

Dan Clark and local world-affairs blogger Keith Porter (usforeignpolicy.about.com) discuss conflict in Georgia and the Caucasus region near Muscatine's sister city Kislovodsk, Russia.

Dan Clark and Jeff Boldt, co-owner of a toy store (aplanetswild.com), discuss retail shops of downtown Muscatine, then and now.

Dan Clark speaks with Lorie Burton and Kayleen Teed about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (so-called Mormons) in this area. They describe their Muscatine group and tell about the historical program and pioneer activities of the pageant held every summer at Nauvoo, Illinois. Learn more at http://www.historicnauvoo.net/pageant_details.cfm .

Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert with Dan's grandson Jacob and callers. They discuss Great River Days, the Zoo Garden, Japanese visitors, flood detours, brick streets, Weed Park history (reading from William D. Randall), and more.

Dan Clark interviews Dave Metz about Muscatine's technology history. Dave's wizardry has helped bring old machines to life at the Pine Creek Grist Mill in Wild Cat Den State Park, and he is active in Friends of the Old Barn and other local history projects. See http://www.pinecreekgristmill.com/restoration.htm .

Dan Clark and author/musician Bill Duval. At age 85, Bill plays piano at Northpark Von Maur and Port City Underground and is promoting his first book and two CDs.

Dan Clark and granddaughter Elise speak with Melanie Alexander, director of the Muscatine History and Industry Center. Melanie describes the "Muscatine Experience" event during "PatriArt Week" and tells what's happening at her museum.

Sheila Chaudoin of Musser Public Library tells Dan Clark and Shirley Calvert about her new job at the library focusing on local history (after 36 years on staff). "She continues working at the library part-time scanning and digitizing the photographic collection of early 20th century photographer Oscar Grossheim of Muscatine and other historical materials." http://www.muscatinejournal.com/articles/2008/05/01/news/doc4819e9bd0de0e568420643.txt