I’d love to see a story about Iowa Book and Supply and the changes from 1969 to 1970, after the riots. I was a student and also an employee at what students called Iowa Book and Crook. They were good employers and I loved working there. After the riots the windows got much smaller and there were cubicles for backpacks.
We were students there at the same time. I remember spending time in Iowa Book and Crook, browsing through books between classes. Dubuque Street was being refurbished, and many businesses occupied temporary quarters, as I recall.
We are often in too much of a hurry to stop and appreciate the natural art around us. The history of buildings and the stories they could tell- letting our imaginations go wild or actually researching its history. I was fortunate to be in Germany on unification day and several days after. We bought pieces of “ The Wall” whether authentic or not. We also were able to see so much beautiful and some not so,graffiti on “ The Wall”.it was a moving experience. The rest was a bleak contrast between east and west. Graffiti, wherever and whatever it is , usually has a story behind it. Thank you for sharing your insights, pictures and stories Bob. I truly enjoy them all.
Brick in-filling around what was once a smaller brick building, and the differences in brick size has more to do with age and the way the brick was manufactured. Best guess, the older red bricks are soft mud brick, a term archaeologists use to tell you the brick was not fired in a kiln and not likely to be fired to a temperature to make it impervious to water. Usually made with clay located near the surface and having too much organic material in the clay to even withstand the temperature of a real high fire kiln without exploding. Closer inspection of the brick often you will see small holes throughout the brick from grass used to temper the brick and hold it together before it is fired. You also might see fingerprints from the makers in the brick. Usually, these bricks were sorted with the straighter bricks set aside for :facing" brick, the less than perfect ones were reserved for interior wall construction, where the casual viewer would not see them. Massive walls would carry the heavy loads of upper stories rather than a simple wall holding a flat roof. The fact there is a second story may be the reason some cities have instituted building codes to prevent wall failures in less than sound buildings, but we know how that worked out in Davenport! Nothing appears to be fail safe these days! Odd sizes of brick can often be caused because handmade bricks were made in wooden molds manufactured by the brick maker and not always very exact or straight.
As to the comments spray painted in less than visible places in the dark of night, expressions of disgust with police in an area of youthful excess speaks volumes to the very differing views of those doing excessive things versus the police who have specific guidelines to follow that have little exception for such foolishness! Falling down drunkenness is not tolerated by Police, but is a part of youthful aging , although not in every case. As the saying goes,"You put down your money and you take your chances!" , if you lose and get caught, well, this appears to be the short route to learning valuable lessons of responsibility, especially when doing things that can get you more of a response than a big head the next morning!
Come back Bob. There are more interesting alley ways. The Iowa City Downtown Association has supported creative walkways aka shortcuts about town. Murals, graffiti, and "stuff" showcase talent, thoughts and taunts. Looks like your group was headed to the Northside (pic along the Physics Building). The Northside is a great hub with eateries (Oasis, Hamburg Inn, George's, etc.) and small businesses as Artifacts and John's Grocery.
Oh, Mary. I'll be back. I love a leisurely weekend in Iowa City with family. There was so much to write about--I just had to pick something and get at it. I'm really a tourist there. Actually, I feel like a tourist everywhere.
You have a poet’s eye, Bob. Lovely.
I wish there was a way to capture the wonderful smells emanating from the restaurants.
Agreed!
Whether in downtown Iowa City or the wilds of Cedar Creek, you use your amazing observation skills to weave fascinating stories! THANKS!
Thanks Larry!
I’d love to see a story about Iowa Book and Supply and the changes from 1969 to 1970, after the riots. I was a student and also an employee at what students called Iowa Book and Crook. They were good employers and I loved working there. After the riots the windows got much smaller and there were cubicles for backpacks.
We were students there at the same time. I remember spending time in Iowa Book and Crook, browsing through books between classes. Dubuque Street was being refurbished, and many businesses occupied temporary quarters, as I recall.
Nice observations. Maybe you should write it Susan!
Love this one Bob. Made me reminisce of Human Inquiry and further appreciate how you helped shape my views of the built environment.
likewise!
My home away from home. I love that place so much.
We are often in too much of a hurry to stop and appreciate the natural art around us. The history of buildings and the stories they could tell- letting our imaginations go wild or actually researching its history. I was fortunate to be in Germany on unification day and several days after. We bought pieces of “ The Wall” whether authentic or not. We also were able to see so much beautiful and some not so,graffiti on “ The Wall”.it was a moving experience. The rest was a bleak contrast between east and west. Graffiti, wherever and whatever it is , usually has a story behind it. Thank you for sharing your insights, pictures and stories Bob. I truly enjoy them all.
Thank you for sharing yours Carolyn!
Brick in-filling around what was once a smaller brick building, and the differences in brick size has more to do with age and the way the brick was manufactured. Best guess, the older red bricks are soft mud brick, a term archaeologists use to tell you the brick was not fired in a kiln and not likely to be fired to a temperature to make it impervious to water. Usually made with clay located near the surface and having too much organic material in the clay to even withstand the temperature of a real high fire kiln without exploding. Closer inspection of the brick often you will see small holes throughout the brick from grass used to temper the brick and hold it together before it is fired. You also might see fingerprints from the makers in the brick. Usually, these bricks were sorted with the straighter bricks set aside for :facing" brick, the less than perfect ones were reserved for interior wall construction, where the casual viewer would not see them. Massive walls would carry the heavy loads of upper stories rather than a simple wall holding a flat roof. The fact there is a second story may be the reason some cities have instituted building codes to prevent wall failures in less than sound buildings, but we know how that worked out in Davenport! Nothing appears to be fail safe these days! Odd sizes of brick can often be caused because handmade bricks were made in wooden molds manufactured by the brick maker and not always very exact or straight.
As to the comments spray painted in less than visible places in the dark of night, expressions of disgust with police in an area of youthful excess speaks volumes to the very differing views of those doing excessive things versus the police who have specific guidelines to follow that have little exception for such foolishness! Falling down drunkenness is not tolerated by Police, but is a part of youthful aging , although not in every case. As the saying goes,"You put down your money and you take your chances!" , if you lose and get caught, well, this appears to be the short route to learning valuable lessons of responsibility, especially when doing things that can get you more of a response than a big head the next morning!
Great information. Thanks Steve!
In the art museum, this is called "slow looking". It was fun to look at these things with you, Bob.
You encourage visitors to take a second look...a deeper look at what they see!
Thank you!
Come back Bob. There are more interesting alley ways. The Iowa City Downtown Association has supported creative walkways aka shortcuts about town. Murals, graffiti, and "stuff" showcase talent, thoughts and taunts. Looks like your group was headed to the Northside (pic along the Physics Building). The Northside is a great hub with eateries (Oasis, Hamburg Inn, George's, etc.) and small businesses as Artifacts and John's Grocery.
Oh, Mary. I'll be back. I love a leisurely weekend in Iowa City with family. There was so much to write about--I just had to pick something and get at it. I'm really a tourist there. Actually, I feel like a tourist everywhere.