The Conservation Board has long promoted Buchanan County’s natural resources gems, and this effort was given an important boost recently whan a grant was awarded to develop a Water Trail on the Wapsipinicon River. Made possible through the efforts of the following agencies and organizations: Iowa DNR Water Trails Access Program Buchanan Co. Four Seasons…
Full Article >>A WALK OF TREES in Independence with a wide selection of trees based on size, unique features and diversity. A map is available at the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Wapsipinicon Mill and several downtown merchants. Map is divided into two sections both starting and ending on 2nd St. NE by the Post Office driveway.…
Full Article >>River Walk Parks emcompasses the Old Mill, Brimmer Park, Veteran’s, Teachers, and Bathing Beach Parks, plus 37 additional acres of new green space as a result of a FEMA flood buy-out program. Efforts to restore this area into usable recreation areas and a band shelter have now become a part of this nostalgic river scene.
Full Article >>History behind the name “American Trotter Trail”: In the late 1880’s and early 1890’s, Independence, Iowa was a nationally-known horse racing center. It was sometimes referred to as the “Lexington of the North”. This came about as a result of the financial success of Charles W. Williams. Williams purchased two mares in 1885, each of…
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This makes a nice downtown tour for returning class reunions or other group tours. With two historians or tour guides, begin at Wapsipinicon Main St. Bridge. Each group will walk up the street to the bank corners and then cross street and back down to bridge. You’ll then walk to the Wapsipinicon Mill where an awaiting…
Full Article >>Remember the old time ‘fanning mill’? Very much a part of a local museum collection these days seems to be the fanning mill. They were as much a part of the farm of the old days as the old oaken bucket. At least a few years ago, it could be found sitting forlornly in back…
Full Article >>Ideal Cement Tile Machine, a/k/a Farmers Cement Tile Machine, Makes a better and more perfect tile than the ordinary clay tile, and at less than half the cost. Makes tile in different sizes for hand or power. Patented May 1, 1906 and manufactured by Richmond & Holmes of St. Johns, Michigan. Thousands of farmers across…
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