Category Archives: Art

ISF Day 6 Wanderings

On the 6th day of the Iowa State Fair I spent the morning competing with the award winning barbecue team Baby Got Rack. After we finished the competition and collecting the spoils of victory, they went home and I hung around the Iowa State Fair for a few more hours with Monica and Graham.

Here are some pictures from the afternoon:


Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

I also went to the Iowa State Fair on the last day of the fair. A collection of pictures from that day are still forthcoming.

Town Sign Project: Davis County

A few months back I travelled around Davis County with Teresa harvesting the town signs of Davis County. Davis County was the last county in THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT. It was left for last for a reason. It was left because of some family history in Davis County. The ghost town of Paris is in Davis County. Paris was formed when Jackson Paris donated land for the Rock Island to build a railroad depot there. Why does that matter? Cause Jackson B. Paris was the father of Lewis Marion Paris. Lewis Marion Paris is the father of Matin Henry Paris. Martin Henry Paris is the father of Lyle Ronald Paris. Lyle Ronald Paris was my Mom’s dad. There really isn’t much left in Paris, except some ruins and a cemetery where a bunch of Parises are buried. I wanted this to be the last town of what is principal photography on THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT for symbolic reasons.

Here are some facts about Davis County:
+ Population is 9,138 making it the 81st most populous county in Iowa. Below Emmet County and above Palo Alto County.
+ Largest town and county seat is Bloomfield.
+ Named after Garrett Davis, a politician from Kentucky.
+ Major highways are US-63, IA-2, and IA-202.
+ Adjacent counties are Wapello, Monroe, Van Buren, Jefferson, and Appanoose.
+ Population peaked in 1880 at 16,468.

Davis County has a gorgeous courthouse:


Davis County Courthouse
The Davis County Courthouse located in Bloomfield, Iowa.

The Davis County Freedom Rock is located in Drakesville, Iowa:


Davis County Freedom Rock

Davis County Freedom Rock

Davis County Freedom Rock

Davis County Freedom Rock

With Davis County conquered, here is the updated and final Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 99 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

99 counties completed. 100% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Davis County:


Bloomfield, Iowa
Bloomfield, Iowa
WELCOME TO BLOOMFIELD
Population: 2,682 (+42)

Pulaski, Iowa
Pulaski, Iowa
WELCOME TO PULASKI PARK
Population: 264 (+4)

Drakesville, Iowa
Drakesville, Iowa
DRAKESVILLE
Population: 164 (-20)

Floris, Iowa
Floris, Iowa
Floris Veterans Memorial Park
Population: 116 (-22)

Paris, Iowa - Ghost Town
Paris, Iowa – Ghost Town
PARIS CEMETERY
FIRST BURIAL
L.B. PARIS
APRIL 20, 1854

You may be wondering what will happen now that principal photography for this project is done. The answer is the next thing I will do is start working on the book. I’m not sure when it will be finished or ready to be published, but it should be sometime next year. The book won’t probably be what you imagine, but I will get into that more in a future post. There still might be a few more Tuesday posts dedicated to THE TOWN SIGN project in our future.

Davis County isn’t loaded up with great town signs. It is a county that only has 4 incorporated towns. They are kinda terrible, but Floris’ town sign isn’t really a town sign, so it is the worst.

But who gets the purple ribbon. I guess I have to give it to Pulaski, even though it is really more of a sign for a park than a town, but at least it is in one piece.


Pulaski, Iowa
Pulaski – Best in Show – Davis County

I should point out that there are lots of ghost towns out there that only have a cemetery to mark they ever existed. I don’t stop and photograph these cemetery signs. I only photographed the Paris sign because of the family connection and the fact that it was the symbolic last town.

There were a couple of alternate town signs in Davis County:


Bloomfield, Iowa
Bloomfield – Alternate

Bloomfield, Iowa
Bloomfield – Alternate

Here is the final list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Best in Show – Allamakee County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Best in Show – Clayton County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Pulaski, Iowa
Best in Show – Davis County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Middletown, Iowa
Best in Show – Des Moines County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Rickardsville, Iowa
Best in Show – Dubuque County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Swedesburg, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Henry County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Fairfield, Iowa
Best in Show – Jefferson County

Lone Tree, Iowa
Best in Show – Johnson County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Saint Paul, Iowa
Best in Show – Lee County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Morning Sun, Iowa
Best in Show – Louisa County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Conesville, Iowa
Best in Show – Muscatine County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

LeClaire, Iowa
Best in Show – Scott County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

Bonaparte, Iowa
Best in Show – Van Buren County

Agency, Iowa
Best in Show – Wapello County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

There is no county next week. The road trip is over. The car is in the garage. It was a crazy ride.

Iowa State Fair – Day 1 Wanderings

After we watched Evie’s Irish dance group perform, we wandered the State Fair for several hours taking in the sights. Here are some pictures from our day:


Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

Iowa State Fair - 2022

I went to the Iowa State Fair two more days, so lots more Iowa State Fair adventure pictures left to share.

+++++++

This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is IN THE AIR:


WEEK 376 - IN THE AIR
IN THE AIR

IN THE AIR! What a great theme for Year 9 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what is an IN THE AIR image? Simply put, an IN THE AIR image is a picture where the subject of your picture is untethered from the earth. So a flag, that is technically IN THE AIR, but it is still tethered to a flagpole, which is tethered to the earth. (Yeah technically everything is tethered to the earth via gravity, but take it easy Isaac.) This picture can be as simple as throwing something up in the air (or have somebody else do it) and taking a picture of it. An exercise that produces interesting pictures is throw something to somebody and take a picture of them trying to catch it. The portraits you can get this way are often intriguing and are a different way to see somebody.

Happy photo harvesting!

Town Sign Project: Scott County

A couple months back I went to Scott County to harvest their town signs. It was one of the counties I most dreaded doing because of the large cities that just kind of flow into each other. These kind of towns are usually hard to find a town sign, but it was still a good trip.

Here are some facts about Scott County:
+ Population is 174,170 making it the third most populous county in Iowa. Behind Linn County and above Johnson County.
+ Largest town and county seat is Davenport.
+ Named after General Winfield Scott.
+ Home of St. Ambrose University.
+ Birthplace and girlhood home of Elizabeth Nordeen.
+ Birthplace of Buffalo Bill.
+ Home of Antique Archaeology featured on the television show “American Pickers”.
+ Major Highways are: I-74, I-80, I-280, US-6, US-61, US-67, IA-22, and IA-130.
+ Adjacent counties are: Clinton, Muscatine, and Cedar.
+ Currently at peak population.

Scott County has an okay looking courthouse for being contemporary:


Scott County Courthouse
The Scott County Courthouse located in Davenport, Iowa.

The Scott County Freedom Rock is located in LeClaire, Iowa:


Scott County Freedom Rock

Scott County Freedom Rock

Scott County Freedom Rock

Scott County Freedom Rock

With Scott County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 98 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

98 counties completed. 99% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Scott County:


Davenport, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa
DAVENPORT
Population: 101,724 (2,039)

Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf IOWA
a premier city
Population: 39,102 (+5,885)

Eldridge, Iowa
Eldridge, Iowa
Hometown With A Vision
ELDRIDGE
Welcomes You
Population: 6,726 (+1,075)

LeClaire, Iowa
LeClaire, Iowa
Welcome to Historic LeClaire
Population: 4,710 (+945)

Park View, Iowa - Unincorporated
Park View, Iowa – Unincorporated
Park View Welcomes You!

Durant, Iowa
Durant, Iowa – Also in Cedar County and Muscatine County
welcome to DURANT
Population: 1,871 (+39)

Blue Grass, Iowa
Blue Grass, Iowa – partially in Muscatine County
Welcome to Blue Grass, Iowa
A Great Place to Call Home Since 1853
Population: 1,666 (+37)

Walcott, Iowa
Walcott, Iowa – partially in Muscatine County
WECLOME TO WALCOTT
FOUNDED 1854
Population: 1,551 (-78)

Buffalo, Iowa
Buffalo, Iowa
BUFFALO
Population: 1,176 (-94)

Princeton, Iowa
Princeton, Iowa
PRINCETON
ON THE MISSISSIPPI
Population: 923 (+37)

Long Grove, Iowa
Long Grove, Iowa
Welcome to LONG GROVE
…a place to call home…
Since 1838
Population: 838 (+30)

Riverdale, Iowa
Riverdale, Iowa
Riverdale
Population: 379 (-26)

Donahue, Iowa
Donahue, Iowa
THE CITY OF DONAHUE
WELCOMES YOU
EST. 1871
Population: 335 (-11)

McCausland, Iowa
McCausland, Iowa
McCausland, IA.
WECLOME TO McCAUSLAND
Population: 313 (+22)

Dixon, Iowa
Dixon, Iowa
ESTABLISHED 1854
THE CITY OF DIXON
Welcomes You!
Population: 202 (-89)

Maysville, Iowa
Maysville, Iowa
EST 1856
MAYSVILLE
Welcomes You
Population: 156 (-20)

Panorama Park, Iowa
Panorama Park, Iowa
CITY OF PANORAMA PARK
Population: 139 (+10)

New Liberty, Iowa
New Liberty, Iowa
Welcome to New Liberty
Est. 1886
A Place to Grow

East Davenport, Iowa - Unincorporated
East Davenport, Iowa – Unincorporated
Village of East Davenport
1851

The worst town sign of Scott County is pretty obvious. It is clearly Riverdale. They didn’t even have a sign, I had to use the DOT sign. Although, I’m not sure that Riverdale is a real town. It seems like just a place that was zone for factories that became a “town” so the factories could do whatever they want.

But who gets the purple ribbon? Who gets Best of Show for Scott County. There are several signs I like. Long Grove, Maysville, McCausland, East Davenport, and Blue Grass. But my favorite is LeClaire!


LeClaire, Iowa
LeClaire – Best in Show – Scott County

There are several alternate town signs in Scott County:


Park View, Iowa - Unincorporated
Park View – Alternate

McCausland, Iowa
McCausland – Alternate

Long Grove, Iowa
Long Grove – Alternate

LeClaire, Iowa
LeClaire – Alternate

LeClaire, Iowa
LeClaire – Alternate

LeClaire, Iowa
LeClaire – Alternate

Eldridge, Iowa
Eldridge – Alternate

Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf – Alternate

Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf – Alternate

Blue Grass, Iowa
Blue Grass – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Best in Show – Allamakee County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Best in Show – Clayton County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Middletown, Iowa
Best in Show – Des Moines County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Rickardsville, Iowa
Best in Show – Dubuque County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Swedesburg, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Henry County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Fairfield, Iowa
Best in Show – Jefferson County

Lone Tree, Iowa
Best in Show – Johnson County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Saint Paul, Iowa
Best in Show – Lee County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Morning Sun, Iowa
Best in Show – Louisa County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Conesville, Iowa
Best in Show – Muscatine County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

LeClaire, Iowa
Best in Show – Scott County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

Bonaparte, Iowa
Best in Show – Van Buren County

Agency, Iowa
Best in Show – Wapello County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will hit the open roads of Davis County.

Buchanan County Aux – Vol. 3

This is the final collection of auxiliary images I took on my road trip to harvest the town signs of Buchanan County. It is pretty county with plenty of interesting things to see. And not even included in this series of pictures is perhaps the greatest tourist attraction of Buchanan County. Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan in Brandon.

Here is the final collection of images:


Buchanan County - Aurora
Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

Buchanan County - Lamont
Lamont

Buchanan County - Lamont

Buchanan County - Lamont

Buchanan County

Buchanan County
Dundee

Buchanan County

Buchanan County

Buchanan County

Buchanan County

Buchanan County

Buchanan County

Buchanan County - Masonville
Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Masonville

Buchanan County - Quasqueton
Quasqueton

Buchanan County - Quasqueton

Buchanan County - Quasqueton

Buchanan County - Quasqueton

Buchanan County - Quasqueton

Buchanan County

Buchanan County - Rowley
Rowley

Two things:

#1. I wouldn’t want to use an outhouse after a sasquatch.
#2. The Rowley Fire and Rescue sign doesn’t fill me with much confidence in their abilities.

The next time we hit the open road for auxiliary pictures from THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will visit Delaware County.

Town Sign Project: Dubuque County

Dubuque County is a large county. It has almost the most, maybe the most incorporated towns in Iowa. It is an absolutely beautiful county. Also, of all the “cities” in Iowa, Dubuque is my favorite. It is a river city, but not filthy like most river cities. Plus it has interesting things to do and the natural beauty and the community art is hard to beat.

Here are some facts about Dubuque County:
+ Population is 98,718. Making it the 9th most populous county in Iowa. Below Story County and above Pottawattamie County.
+ Largest town and county seat is Dubuque.
+ Established in 1834 as part of the Michigan Territory. Then became part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836. Then part of the Iowa Territory in 1838.
+ The city of Dubuque was chartered in 1833. It was the first city in Dubuque.
+ Named for French trader Julien Dubuque, the first European settler of Iowa.
+ Home of Mines of Spain State Park, one of the prettiest stater parks in Iowa.
+ Home of the Fenelon Place Elevator.
+ Home of the Field of Dreams.
+ Home of University of Dubuque, Clarke University, Loras College, Emmaus Bible College and Divine Word College.
+ Major highways are: US-20, US-151, US-52, US-61, IA-3, IA-32, and IA-136.
+ Adjacent counties are: Clayton, Jackson, Jones, and Delaware.
+ Currently at peak population.

Dubuque County has a beautiful courthouse:


Dubuque County Courthouse
The Dubuque County Courthouse located in Dubuque, Iowa.

The Dubuque County Freedom Rock is located in Epworth, Iowa:


Dubuque County Freedom Rock

Dubuque County Freedom Rock

Dubuque County Freedom Rock

With Dubuque County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 97 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

97 counties completed. 98% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Dubuque County:


Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa
DUBUQUE, IOWA
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Population: 59,667 (+2,030)

Asbury, Iowa
Asbury, Iowa
CITY OF Asbury
Welcomes You!
Population: 5,943 (+1,773)


Dyersville, Iowa – Partially in Delaware County
Welcome to Dyersville
Population: 4,477 (+419)

Epworth, Iowa
Epworth, Iowa
Welcome To EPWORTH
Population: 2,023 (+163)

Peosta, Iowa
Peosta, Iowa
Welcome to
Peosta
CROSSROADS TO THE FUTURE
Population: 1,908 (+531)

Farley, Iowa
Farley, Iowa
FARLEY
welcomes you
Heart of the Cornbelt
Population: 1,766 (+229)


New Vienna, Iowa
WELCOME TO NEW VIENNA
THE eNVy OF IOWA
Population: 382 (-25)

Worthington, Iowa
Worthington, Iowa
WELCOME TO WORTHINGTON
Population: 382 (-19)

Holy Cross, Iowa
Holy Cross, Iowa
Welcome to Holy Cross
Population: 356 (-18)

Luxemburg, Iowa
Luxemburg, Iowa
Welcome To LUXEMBURG
Where Highways Meet
Population: 245 (+5)

Rickardsville, Iowa
Rickardsville, Iowa
Rickardsville
Welcomes You
Population: 202 (+20)

Sherrill, Iowa
Sherrill, Iowa
Welcome To SHERRILL
Iowa’s Beautiful Hill Top Community
Population: 189 (+12)

Centralia, Iowa
Centralia, Iowa
CENTRALIA
Population: 116 (-18)

Bernard, iowa
Bernard, Iowa
WELCOME To BERNARD
Est. 1880
Population: 114 (+2)

Sageville, Iowa
Sageville, Iowa
SAGEVILLE
Population: 95 (-27)

Zwingle, Iowa
Zwingle, Iowa – Partially in Jackson County
WELCOME To ZWINGLE
Settled 1846
Population: 84 (-7)

Balltown, Iowa
Balltown, Iowa
Welcome To Balltown
Population: 79 (+11)

Graf, Iowa
Graf, Iowa
WELCOME TO GRAF
Population: 76 (-3)

Bankston, Iowa
Bankston, Iowa
BANKSTON PARK RD
Population: 23 (-2)

Durango, Iowa
Durango, Iowa
DURANGO
Population: 20 (-2)

Dubuque has a very solid collection of town signs. The only ones I think are bad are the ones that aren’t real town signs. Like Centralia and Bankston and Sageville. But the worst is clearly Bankston. Best I could find is a street sign that had the town name in it.

The best of show is a little harder. I really like the town signs of Worthington and Sherrill and Farley and Durango and Holy Cross and Luxemburg and even Dubuque. I also love the sign for New Vienna, but I have to give the purple ribbon to Rickardsville!


Rickardsville, Iowa
Rickardsville – Best in Show – Dubuque County

There were a couple of alternate town signs in Dubuque County:


Peosta, Iowa
Peosta – Alternate

Farley, Iowa
Farley – Alternate

New Vienna, Iowa
New Vienna – Alternate

New Vienna, Iowa
New Vienna – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Best in Show – Allamakee County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Best in Show – Clayton County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Middletown, Iowa
Best in Show – Des Moines County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Rickardsville, Iowa
Best in Show – Dubuque County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Swedesburg, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Henry County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Fairfield, Iowa
Best in Show – Jefferson County

Lone Tree, Iowa
Best in Show – Johnson County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Saint Paul, Iowa
Best in Show – Lee County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Morning Sun, Iowa
Best in Show – Louisa County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Conesville, Iowa
Best in Show – Muscatine County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

Bonaparte, Iowa
Best in Show – Van Buren County

Agency, Iowa
Best in Show – Wapello County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT we will hit the open roads of Scott County.

Buchanan County Aux – Vol. 2

Time for the second collection of auxiliary images I took while cruising around Buchanan County harvesting their town signs. A lot of these are still of the mill in Independence. Which is very photogenic and also doubles as a museum for local history. I recommend visiting it if you are in the area.


Buchanan County - Independence
Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Hazleton
Hazleton

Buchanan County - Stanley
Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Stanley

Buchanan County - Aurora
Aurora

Buchanan County - Aurora

I still can’t put into words how much I love the Tin Man town sign in Stanley, Iowa. It will definitely be included in the book. The book that I will need to start making a rough outline for here in the new future. I need to set a goal date for when I want to have it done by. That will help make sure it is finished. That and the great team of people I have assembled to help me put it together. You know who you are.

Renaissance Faire – Joust

A post on 11/11 that published at 11:11 AM (Central Time)? What does it mean? Absolutely nothing. Numerology is as much nonsense astrology and almost as much nonsense as trickle down economics. But nothing is as much nonsense as trickle down economics.

But happy Veterans Day. I don’t have a power rankings to coincide with Veterans Day. Maybe next year. I might be more about celebrating holidays in 2023. We will have to see what is in the stars.

This is the final collection of images from the Renaissance Faire I attended with Jen, Evie, Layla, and the twins. These are pictures of the joust, which was definitely the highlight of the day. The joust was definitely heavily scripted. Maybe not the joust part, but everything that surrounded it.

It was very professional wrestling. There was a bad knight. He wore Iowa Hawkeye colors, duh! There was a good knight. He wore Iowa State colors. Obviously.

After the jousting was done, the bad guys attacked the good guys and a fight broke out. Eventually the good knight prevailed and cut the throat of the bad knight. Fake blood sprayed everywhere. It is my deep regret that this took me completely by surprise and I did not get a picture of it.

However, if Evie dances at the Renaissance Faire again in 2023, I will definitely be ready for this fake blood explosion and will get a picture of it!

Here are the pictures of the joust (not on ostriches surprisingly):


Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022
People watching at a Renaissance Faire. It is fantastic!

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Renaissance Faire - 2022

Now that I have been to one, I know where better to sit and I know to get to the joust ring, plenty early. The next festival type pictures I will share will come from my trips to the Iowa State Fair. Probably. Maybe the Boone County Fair, but I don’t think I took many pictures at the Boone County Fair. It is a mystery. Like numerology.

+++++++

This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is STRONG:


WEEK 374 - STRONG
STRONG

STRONG! What a great theme for Year 9 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what is a STRONG picture? It is simply a picture of something that is STRONG. This one might be a bit more of an abstract theme than many. But remember there are all types of strength. Something or somebody can be physically STRONG. Things can smell STRONG. Food can have a STRONG taste. Many people are STRONG in their faith. There are plenty of ways to be STRONG. And there are many STRONG things out there.

Happy photo harvesting!

Buchanan County Aux – Vol. 1

A few months back I cruised around Buchanan County and harvested their town signs. Buchanan County is a beautiful county and there was many things there to photograph. This is the first collection of auxiliary images from that trip. They were all taken in Independence.


Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

Buchanan County - Independence

I really liked Independence. I will definitely go back there again in the future. They have a mental health museum that I would like to visit at some time. There still are more images to share from this road trip.

Town Sign Project: Des Moines County

A couple months back I cruised around Des Moines County harvesting their town signs. It was definitely a good trip and a county I would visit again.

Here are some facts about Des Moines County:
+ Population is 38,491 making it the 16th most populous county in Iowa. Below Marshall County and above Jasper County.
+ Largest town and county seat is Burlington.
+ Formed in September 1834 as part of the Michigan Territory. Became part of the Iowa Territory on July 4, 1838.
+ Named after the Des Moines River.
+ Home of letters written by Anne Frank to a pen pal she had in Danville.
+ Home of the Iowa Ammunition Plant.
+ Home of the “World’s Crookedest Street”. Snake Alley.
+ Major highways are: US-34 and US-61.
+ Adjacent counties are: Louisa, Lee, and Henry.
+ Population peaked in 1970 at 46,982.

Des Moines County has a pretty meh courthouse:


Des Moines County Courthouse
The Des Moines County Courthouse located in Burlington, Iowa.

The Des Moines County Freedom Rock is located in Mediapolis, Iowa.


Des Moines County Freedom Rock

Des Moines County Freedom Rock

Des Moines County Freedom Rock

Des Moines County Freedom Rock

Des Moines County Freedom Rock

With Des Moines County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 96 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

96 counties completed. 97% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Des Moines County:


Burlington, Iowa
Burlington, Iowa
Welcome To Historic Downtown BURLINGTON
Population: 23,982 (-1,671)

West Burlington, Iowa
West Burlington, Iowa
Welcome To BURLINGTON
WEST BURLINGTON
Population: 3,197 (+229)

Mediapolis, Iowa
Mediapolis, Iowa
Mediapolis
Population: 1,688 (+128)

Danville, Iowa
Danville, Iowa
HOME OF THE DANVILLE BEARS
STATE CHAMPIONS
Population: 927 (-7)

Middletown, Iowa
Middletown, Iowa
WELCOME TO MIDDLETOWN
POP. 386 EST. NOV. 1847
HOME OF THE IOWA ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT
Population: 363 (+45)

Des Moines County is one of the weakest collection of town signs out there. None of them are exactly terrible, but none of them are great. If I have to give out a last place, I’ll give it to Danville cause that is more of a school sign than a town sign.

The purple ribbon is pretty obvious. No need for suspense. Best of Show goes to Middletown.


Middletown, Iowa
Middletown – Best in Show – Des Moines County

There was only one alternate town sign in Des Moines County:


Middletown, Iowa
Middletown – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Best in Show – Allamakee County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Best in Show – Clayton County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Middletown, Iowa
Best in Show – Des Moines County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Swedesburg, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Henry County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Fairfield, Iowa
Best in Show – Jefferson County

Lone Tree, Iowa
Best in Show – Johnson County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Saint Paul, Iowa
Best in Show – Lee County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Morning Sun, Iowa
Best in Show – Louisa County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Conesville, Iowa
Best in Show – Muscatine County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

Bonaparte, Iowa
Best in Show – Van Buren County

Agency, Iowa
Best in Show – Wapello County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will hit the open roads of Dubuque County.