Month: February 2015
A Funeral Just Like That
When people began attending funerals here, many had the exact same reaction. They mentioned that when they passed, they wanted a funeral just like that….
The Clover of 4-H
The 4-H Program is now over a century old and many people recognize the familiar green clover that symbolizes those well-known clubs. But the story…
Hallowed Ground in a Field
In northern Iowa you will find many picturesque corn and soybean fields dotting the landscape. But one of these fields it hallowed ground for many. …
The Day the Music Died
Don McClean wrote the song “American Pie” about the day “the music died.” It was the night of February 2nd, 1959 and Buddy Holly, the…
A Night at the Surf Ballroom Over 50 Years Ago
It’s been over fifty years now since a big time music tour rolled through the upper Midwest. It was called the Winter Dance Party Tour…
Saved Jewish Artifacts
The movie, “Monuments Men,” details the race by Allied forces to save precious Jewish artifacts from destruction by the Nazis. That story played out in…
A Museum Dedicated to Jewish Survivors
In 1976 a group led by Frank Collin wanted to march in the city of Skokie, Illinois. The event drew national attention and multiple court…
A Journey to the US Ahead of the War
Today we know the atrocities committed against Jews at the hands of the Nazis. However, in the years leading up to World War II, and…
A Cemetery With Different Markers
Most cemeteries have markers with a person’s name, date of birth and death, and little else. Not so for many of the markers in this…
The Night of Broken Glass
It is a night that Henry Straus will never forget. November 9th, 1938. It’s today known as the “Night of Broken Glass.” Today we go…