Meet the Delaware County Historical Society Board

Trade:

I work for an Insurance company. 

Family:

I am married with two kids. We enjoy going for UTV rides, camping, spending time with family and friends, and time at the museum.

Why did you join the Board?

When I was growing I spent a lot of time up at the campus raking leaves, going through the buildings, and going to events. Then my Dad joined the board, and I helped him with an event for a few years. From there I started to attend meetings and have been on the board for 10 years.

What do you find significant about the museum?

I have always been a fan of art, and the architecture of the buildings is amazing. The workmanship that went into the construction of each one of these buildings is a sight to see. I would recommend checking out all of the buildings.

Trade:

Iowa DOT Highway Technician. 

Family:

I married my wife Brittany in 2019, and we have a son.

Hobby:

Farming

Why did you join the Board?:

To continue learning about our local history & heritage, and to play a role in preserving it for future generations.

What do you find significant about the Museum?:

The Civil War history, particularly the local connection with the school boy company (more information in the About section). I would recommend checking out the Delaware County history room in Old Main.

Trade:

Retired government employee and farmer

Why did you join the Board?

I was asked to join the board and do treasurer duties by Kay Miles. I want to give back to the community by volunteering to do things I am capable of doing.

What do you find significant about the Museum?

The grounds are so naturally beautiful. I recommend spending time looking at pictures of the students in Clarke Hall.

Trade: 

 I have a carpentry hobby to support my music trade.

Why did you join the Board?

Coming to the campus as a kid helped spark a lifelong love for history. I’d studied the broader aspects of history for a few years but I found the niche history of local places more fascinating. After a sojourn of 13 years away from Delaware County I  returned and recognized a need for volunteers and wanted to do something to help pass on the same passion for history to future generations.

What do you find significant at the Museum?

I love finding the quirky little items that hide in the nooks and crannies of the museum; things which often go overlooked. But if I had to pick a single favorite item or display, it would probably be our collection of mustache mugs in the Delaware County Room. I’m also a huge fan of the small graffiti on the buildings as it shows a  “lived in” aspect of the buildings. I have a personal goal of putting faces to the names on those markings and maybe build a broader story behind them.

Notable People?

Most prominent for me is James  McKean. I have a personal interest in a Mr Littlefield – a director on the college board – as he likely lived where I do now.

Trade:

Retired.

Family:

Grandchildren

Hobby:

Playing Cards

Why did you join the Board?:

I am interested in history and I live close by, so it's a natural fit! I knew many people who attended Lenox & wanted to preserve that history.

What do you find significant about the Museum?:

Take your time and look at the artifacts and pictures.

Trade: 

I have retired from West Delaware after 33 years in the classroom. I taught 8th grade American History.  There were also a few years teaching 7th grade Geography and add a couple years with 8th grade Language Arts. I have a degree in history from UNI.

Hobbies:

My interests include volunteering, reading, and travel.  At this time,  I’ve visited almost all the states and Canadian provinces.  I’ve been to  more than 15 countries. They say there are 20 historically significant  battlefields within the U.S.; I’ve visited 15.

Why did you join the Board? 

The Delaware Co. Historical Museum is a hidden gem. Showing it off is a pleasure. I’ve enjoyed connecting people to something unique, something special.

Points of significance at the Museum?

The architecture of the college buildings is interesting.  The stairs in  Old Main are a must-see.  Clarke Hall has the Civil War exhibits. There are many unique exhibits throughout the campus.  The pottery  collection is special. The pharmacy room is fascinating. The medical  and dental collections are first-class.

Trade:

Delivered propane since 1979 for Dirck's LP which became Three Rivers FS in 2008, soon to retire 2024. I served on the Sand Springs Community Center Board for 9 yrs., the Hopkinton City Council, and I am currently on the Hopkinton Municipal Utilities Board.

Family:

I am married to Diane Schneiter Lange we have 3 children and 4 granddaughters.

Why did you join the Board?:

My reason for joining was to keep the museum alive for future generations. I ran the garden tractor show at Yesteryear from 2010 to 2019.

What do you find significant about the Museum?:

The fact that it was a college, high school, and then a museum. Definitely recommend  checking out the Main, Doolittle, and Clark buildings.

Family: 

Married 56 years to my wife Sharon. We have 2 sons, Russell and Aaron, 3 Grandchildren, Ryan, Adrainne and Jayden.

Hobbies:

My hobbies are Metal Detecting, Restoring Tootsie Toy and Hot Wheel cars found while metal detecting, Coin Collecting, Woodworking, Vintage Tractor Restoration, Target and Skeet shooting, and Restoring vintage firearms.

Why did you join the Board?:

I joined the board to assist DCHS in what ever way I can to preserve Lenox campus for future generations.

What do you find significant about the Museum?:

I find the old tools, equipment and furnishings interesting as well as the way people lived on a day to day basis.  I recommend people see the church windows, one room school, farm buildings and the gymnasium.

Trade:

Retired after 30 years with the city of Central City. Bought the family farm in 1992 and currently farming it.  

Family:

Joyce and I wed in 1979. We have 2 daughters, Jennifer and Laura.  

Hobby:

I like farming and fixing up old mustangs and enjoy taking them for a ride.  

Why did you join the Board?

I toured the campus while attending the car show and was so impressed with all the buildings and their stories, I wanted to be a part of it. 

What do you find significant about the Museum?

I would encourage everyone to visit the campus and take in the stories of campus life and the history in the buildings. I would also invite them to be a part of preserving the history there. 

Trade: 

Retired Carpenter and owner of a lawn service. 

Family:

I am married, a father of 3, a grandfather of 11, and a great grandfather of 3. 

Hobby:

Collect farm toys and I have 150 of them.

Why did you join the Board?

Volunteered to mow the grounds and was approached about the board position. I attended Kindergarten through second grade in Doolittle Hall. Seventh grade in the upstairs of Old Main. We had lunch in Doolittle and Clark. My wife's grandparents met here while attending college.

Points of significance at the Museum?:

What I like is the large variety of displays from medical to history to farm. Old Main and the Church get the most comments. 

Trade:

Co-owner of Elemental Craftsmen LLC. 

Family:

I married Lowell Brown in 2015. We have two amazing kiddos.

Hobbies:

Art and design, reading & research, spending time in nature, and traveling.

Why did you join the Board?

I have spent a lot of time outside of Iowa in living in many different states. When I would think about home I would think a lot about what was special, the stuff you can't find anywhere else. The campus is one of those places. I want to be a part of preserving that. Additionally, I get to work with an amazing Board and meet people all across NE Iowa who keep our communities vibrant. I utilize skills and passions often, it's challenging, inspiring, and very rewarding. 

What do you find significant about the Museum?:

Growing up my favorite exhibits were the natural history exhibits, pharmacy, and Clarke Hall, they would spark my imagination. Now, I really enjoy the Library, and fabric arts of Doolittle, the trees of the grounds, and the Depot. I would recommend coming when you can take time to really immerse yourself and explore, so you see it all.