Magnolia Trees of Iowa: 36th Street in Sioux City, Iowa

      This Magnolia Tree is located on 36th Street in Sioux City, Iowa. It is off of the public right of way making it difficult to see. The tree is surrounded by a house to the east and and a house to the west of it with a very large locust tree to the north. The tree has been there for at least 30 years and may be up to 40 years old. The owner had to apply the spray insulation foam to the tree to protect the decaying cavity of the trunk and limbs. This Magnolia Tree has survived despite being in constant shade and the Iowa winters. Being surrounded by two houses and a very large tree has helped it.

Previous articles in the series:
Magnolia Trees of Iowa: Introduction

Magnolia Trees of Iowa: Introduction

      This new series is about the Magnolia Tree and its presence in the state of Iowa, a mid-western state in the continental 48 states. The Magnolia Tree is typically found in the south eastern United States where the climate is more favorable for the tree to grow and thrive. The Magnolia Trees located in Iowa survive because of certain conditions protecting them from the harsh, cold Iowa winter winds and sudden changes in the climate during the transition from the winter to the spring months. Most of the Magnolia's in Iowa are surrounded by other trees, building or other structures protecting the them from such weather conditions.

      The trees photographed show the trees during the blooming stage and when they lose their blooms and leave out. Some of these trees are back off of the public right of way and are not easily seen.

      The photographs of these trees were taken from the private property and with the property owners knowledge and permission. Each part of this series will state if the tree is easily seen from the public right of way. Please do not trespass onto the private property to view the trees that are not easily seen from the right of way without express permission and knowledge from the property owner.

The trees will be photographed as they are discovered. This is typically in the spring months when they are in full bloom making the species of the tree very obvious.

Carnegie Libraries: Sioux City, Iowa: Leeds Neighborhood

With a grant of $85,000 awarded on April 8, 1911 the second Carnegie Library was built in the Leeds neighborhood of Sioux City, Iowa. Today the building serves as an American Legion Hall.

Info. source:
Iowa Library Services - Carnegie Libraries
Wikipedia - Carnegie Libraries of Iowa
Iowa American Legion


Previous articles:
Carnegie Libraries: Intro. and Info.
Carnegie Libraries: Chronology
Carnegie Libraries: Additional Chronology
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 53: Sioux City Free Public Museum
Jefferson, Iowa: Jefferson Public Library
Carnegie Libraries: Le Mars Library/Art Center

Carnegie Libraries: Le Mars Library/Art Center

Timeline:

1903 - The Carnegie Library building was designed and constructed.

The architect was John Werling.

Le Mars contractor Zach Eyres was in charge of construction. Eyres built a number of homes and building in Le Mars, including the Tonsfeldt Round Barn moved in 1981 to the Plymouth County Fairgrounds.

Built on a 100-by-72 foot lot, the 52-by-42 foot one story building is constructed of Lake Superior brown sandstone and St. Paul pressed brick. The pink-buff brick structure features two polished Minnesota granite pillars with a 4.3 foot circumference supporting an granite entrance arch. The entrance arch has a keystone and decorative cornice with the initials AC. Completing the entrance are twelve steps with a mosaic landing.

The first floor trim and floor are of rock maple and red oak. The basement concrete floor was finished with Georgia pine.

It is an adaptation of the Renaissance Revival style which is a typical example of small town library architecture from the early 20th century.

February 1904 - The library is dedicated.

1940's to 1950's - The basement rooms were furnished as a children's library room and community room with kitchen.

1976 - Too small to function as a library the books and contents were moved to a larger, newer library building.

The Carnegie library was refurbished into a Civic Center with offices for the Le Mars Arts Council and Le Mars Chamber of Commerce.

1979 - The building was listed on the National Register of Historic places.

September 1991 - The Chamber of Commerce moved to a former Ben Franklin Store building.

2013 - The Le Mars Arts Council established a working wheelchair lift.

2014 - Through the generous support of the Le Mars City Council, the original maple hard wood floors were restored on the main level and the handicapped accessible restroom was constructed.

Today -The Le Mars Arts Center main floor has two art galleries, a children's activity area and gallery, space for performances/receptions, handicapped accessible bathroom, and kitchen. The lower level has an art room,  meeting/event room,  small pottery area, kitchen and restroom.

Info Source: Le Mars Art Center: History

The wallpaper, floor, desk, tables, chairs, shelf unit, coat rack, trim, railing, banister, light fixtures, (except track lighting), and doors shown in the photos are all original to the building.

Previous articles:
Carnegie Libraries: Intro. and Info.
Carnegie Libraries: Chronology
Carnegie Libraries: Additional Chronology
Sioux City History and Culture by Bicycle Part 53: Sioux City Free Public Museum
Jefferson, Iowa: Jefferson Public Library