The building now housing the Spirit Lake Library used to be a Red Owl Grocery Store. The old…read moreCarnegie Library up Hill Avenue now sits alone with only a coffee shop and fond memories to keep it company. It's unfortunate that the City of Spirit Lake couldn't do what Estherville did to preserve and improve their historical Library building. But what the Spirit Lake Library lacks in architectural distinction, it makes up in small town friendliness, free wi-fi, comfortable places to sit and read, and a decent book and periodicals selection. They also have a decent schedule when they're open, ample parking, and a bank of desk top computers for customer use.

Back in High School, Gruver was considered by some to be the "Hick' Town, compared to us City Folk…read morein Estherville. Actually, that joke was probably on us. Today Gruver's population stands at about 100 and over 0.1 square miles. I can still see the old Lincoln Central School building as I pass by on the way to Estherville. Sometimes, I'll take one of the country roads and turn in for a short tour of this still quaint farming community. As with lots of other Iowa schools, consolidation has robbed many rural areas of their schools. Kids from Gruver (and surrounding areas) now attend classes in Estherville. I came here once as part of a National Honor Society ceremony in High School and came away impressed with what that the Lincoln Central Community had built together. Now only the building and faded memories remain.

Dickinson County, the smallest Iowa county in land area, is named in honor of Daniel S. Dickinson,…read morea lawyer and senator from New York. Starting with Rowland Gardner, this area was first settled in 1856. The first courthouse was partially completed in 1860. At that point it was used as a barracks for Civil War troops, was completed in 1868, and destroyed by fire 1872. A second courthouse was constructed using the salvageable bricks of the first courthouse. However, it was soon deemed unsatisfactory and condemned in 1880. In September 1889 a $15,000 bond issue was passed for the construction of a 3rd courthouse that was completed in 1891. This Courthouse (including the 1957, 1976, and 1978 additions) was the one I saw when I was growing up at the Lake and coming back during my College summers. But all good things must come to an end, as and old and tired Courthouse III was eventually condemned. Courthouse IV is now just a few years old and during our last trip to Spirit Lake, Gayle and I walked from the Cabin to take a look. Actually the Building itself was closed, so we admired the Veteran's Plaza that honors those who served (and returned) and the others who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Country. There's also a Tower in front of the Main Building which honors the previous 3 Courthouses, and features an interior that tastefully provides Lakes Area information for visitors. It's a beauty of a place and Gayle and I were both impressed. Later on we obtained a booklet commemorating the grand opening of the new Courthouse. We'll be back to finish our tour with an interior walk. Now if the good folks in Spirit Lake could work on restoring that lovely old Carnegie Library across the Street?

This is the Palo Alto County Freedom Rock. Completing the Freedom Rock tour of all 99 Iowa…read morecounties is something my girlfriend and I have been working on for the past few years. We are four rocks away from the end of our journey at this time. Not only do we learn about the military involvement and the contributions of veterans in each county, but a lot of times we stumble on other hidden gems, that we had no idea even existed, as we venture further into our own backyard. As happy as I am going to be when hit 99 and finish our Freedom Rock Tour...a little part of me is going to really miss these trips. We'll just have to find another "tour" to pick up. When you are checking out each Freedom Rock make sure you explore the surrounding area for other points of interest. And please remember to support local businesses...! Visit https://www.thefreedomrock.com/ for more information on Iowa's Freedom Rocks and the tour!

REVIEW #4700!…read more Sweetcorn Days is my home town's big summer festival and arguably the annual highlight of Estherville's social calendar. It's sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and runs from Thursday - Sunday during the first weekend in August. Event highlights include the Opening Ceremonies (Presentation of the Flames/Burning of the Cobs), the Remember the Fallen Display, Classic Cars, the Run for the Cobb Foot Race, Free Sweet Corn, and of course the big Saturday Morning Parade. And that's just the tip of the iceberg event-wise. I was in the Parade as Sweetcorn Days is a great weekend for various High School Reunion classes to get together. For the Class of 1974 (Yes I'm Old), that included our own Parade float, followed up dinner later that day at the Softtail Saloon in Superior, and lots of good conversation with a room full of friends. I had a great time and I was particularly happy to show off my home town to Gayle and my Son. Both in turn, learned a little bit more about where I'm from and how we stand together. One name for that is Midget Pride.

This is the Emmet County Freedom Rock. Completing the Freedom Rock tour of all 99 Iowa counties is…read moresomething my girlfriend and I have been working on for the past few years. We are four rocks away from the end of our journey at this time. Not only do we learn about the military involvement and the contributions of veterans in each county... A lot of times we stumble on other hidden gems, that we had no idea even existed, as we venture further into our own backyard. As happy as I am going to be when hit 99 and finish our Freedom Rock Tour...a little part of me is going to really miss these trips. We'll just have to find another "tour" to pick up! When you are checking out each Freedom Rock make sure you explore the surrounding area for other points of interest. And please remember to support local businesses...! Visit https://www.thefreedomrock.com/ for more information on Iowa's Freedom Rocks and the tour!