tourism - Prairie Rivers of Iowa

America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway

by Jeanie Hau | Jun 30, 2026

The Lincoln Highway Bridge is our First Stop on the America 250 Stops in 250 days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway!

The Lincoln Highway Bridge was built in 1915 by architect Paul N. Kingsley, from a slab bridge design by the Iowa Highway Commission. Instead of balusters, the decorative railing spells out the words “LINCOLN HIGHWAY.” It was paid for by local boosters as a means of advertising the newly designated Lincoln Highway and Tama’s location on the route. This bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1978.

Today, Lincoln Highway bridge supporters are waiting for the Tama City Council to have an inspection done so that grants can be applied for to create a pedestrian bridge. The fate of the bridge lies in the city council’s hands. Here is to hoping that the new year will bring new hope and new action!

See you on the byway!

Stop #2 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is Preston’s Station Historic District in Belle Plaine, IA. Preston’s is getting very close to making new progress on the station–visit their site for more information!!!

What Stop are they on the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Audio Tour & App? https://seeyouonthebyway.stqry.app

See you on the byway!

Stop # 3 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway in Iowa is the Reed-Niland Corner. This is one of the very last original “one-stops” left on any historic Highway. The Colo Motel and Niland’s Cafe are both still open for business, and the Reed Station is a Museum. The Corner is at the intersection of America and the north-south transcontinental route, the Jefferson Highway, which is also an Iowa Historic Byway!

See you on the byway! And don’t forget the pie!

Stop #4 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is the Mahanay Bell Tower in Jefferson, IA. The Mahanay Bell Tower was built in 1966, 19 years after Floyd Mahanay passed away. Floyd left plans and money to build the tower and even the quote to place on a plaque. The Tower was located on the SW corner of the Courthouse grounds, directly on the Lincoln Highway curb (old Hwy 30 by then). Today, when you take the elevator to the Observation Deck, 120′ above the highway, you can see rooftop murals and, of course, the Lincoln Highway for miles!

See you on the byway!

Stop #5 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is the lookout at the Harrison County, Iowa Welcome Center. The welcome center is all the things! It is a museum, a gift shop, a welcome center, an interpretive center for the Lincoln Highway and the Loess Hills, a Freedom Rock stop, and a hiking route through the prairie to a lookout! And don’t forget about the Thursday Farmer’s Market in the summer!

See you on the byway!

Stop #6 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is the Moss Markers in Greene County, IA. A unique monument to Abraham Lincoln and twins! We will stop by later to take a look at the interpretive sign, and we will visit the Lincoln Highway Museum, where one of the original busts is!

See you on the byway @ Stop #6!

Stop #7 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is the Lincoln Hotel in Lowden, IA. On the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel now boasts 4 “boutique-style” suites. This Hotel is a special place to stay with plenty of activities within a few hours’ distance. We will be back to visit the Hoover Highway at this intersection later in our tour. Stop #7, Lincoln Hotel Lowden Iowa

See you on the byway!

Stop #8 is in Vail, IA at the Standard Station. Restored by Mark Crampton in 2015, this station was run by two generations of the Roy Abbott family from an estimated 1929 to the 1960s.

See you on the byway!

Stop #9 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is a personal favorite. There is something about a Marsh Rainbow Bridge. Built in 1919, this bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places.

See you on the byway!

Stop #10 on America 250 Stops in 250 Days along the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is the Youngville Cafe at the intersection of the Lincoln Highway (Hwy 30 at this point) and Hwy 218.

Youngville is a Tudor Revival building constructed in 1931 by Joe Young for his daughter, Lizzie Wheeler. The one-stop roadside business included a cafe, Skelly gas, residential space for the owners, and three cabins, and did business until 1967. The Youngville Highway History Association restored the building in the late 1990s and, run by volunteers, is open on Tuesdays in the summer. And the line for pie gets long!

See you on the byway!

See you on the byway!

A New Era Begins at the Reed-Niland Corner: Community, Preservation, and a June 14 Celebration

by Jeanie Hau | Apr 7, 2026

Tuesday morning arrived with a message that many in Colo have been waiting for, especially the board members of the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc. “Well, we are officially owners of the Reed‑Niland Corner as of yesterday! (Do we break out the champagne yet?),” wrote President Brenda McGuire. [ I will bring the Lincoln Highway wine, Brenda!] After a year of planning, meetings, and community collaboration, the historic corner officially has a new future.

A Journey Rooted in Community History

My story of this preservation effort stretches back to 2023, when I wrote my first article for this newsletter, and it was on the 100^th Anniversary of the Reed-Niland Corner. In 2024, I was contacted by Brenda, a member of the Colo Historical Association, to film an oral history video with past Reed Station employees.

When I received a call from Brenda on Feb 4, 2025, it didn’t seem unusual. However, that was a phone call that I will always remember. It happened to be my birthday, and I had a full schedule, but Brenda caught me when I was on the road. She was in a bit of a panic and revealed that the Colo City Council had discussed the possibility of selling the Reed‑Niland Corner due to insurance costs. We were extremely concerned that someone who didn’t value the history could end up with the corner and tear it down.

Early days of Reed's Standard Service Station - Colo Historical Association Photo

Seeking guidance, I turned to Ann Opatz, of the Pleasant Grove Heritage Park, Inc, a non-profit formed due to a similar situation along the Lincoln Highway in Lisbon, IA. The Meyers Farm Historic District is a National Register listed property that suffered structural damage after the 2020 derecho.

The fence post, water trough, and 3 historic barns are significant to the historic property.

The City of Lisbon (the owner) was informed by their insurance company that they needed to demolish the buildings in order to be insured. Ann was a member of the Lisbon Historic Preservation Commission at the time and she worked to establish the non-profit who took over ownership of the property which proved to be a model for what could be possible in Colo.

Mobilizing a Community

A public meeting soon followed, filling the community room with city officials, former employees, longtime customers, and residents who shared heartfelt memories of the corner. Tears were shed from both sides of the discussion. Representatives from the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association and the Jefferson Highway Association also attended to explain the importance of the Corner to the story of automobile and roadway development in America.

Gravel_Road_Antique_Car_PhotobyMichaelKelly-22

With guidance from preservation specialist Shellie Orngard, the group aligned around a plan to pursue National Register of Historic Places status and establish a local preservation commission. The group also agreed to explore nonprofit ownership.

The Colo Historical Association (who had been running the Reed Station Museum) supported the effort but recognized that managing a café, motel, museum, and apartments was beyond its mission. They were currently outgrowing the station and looking for an alternative space. That clarity helped pave the way for a new organization dedicated solely to the Reed‑Niland Corner experience and for the Colo Historical Association to take the plunge to build an extension to the community room for their new larger Colo Museum.

Reed‑Niland Corner, Inc.

After several meetings, it was clear that establishing a separate nonprofit was going to be necessary. The first meeting was set for April 10^th. The founding members of the nonprofit were: Brenda McGuire, Kathy Mens, Sue McKinney, Paula Cady, Leeann Beavers, Michael Keul, Deborah McIntosh, Ryan McKinney, Danielle O’Rourke, Russ O’Rourke, Jan Gammon, Jeanie Hau, and Shellie Orngard.

The nonprofit took shape with a mission dedicated to preserve, maintain, and promote the visitor experience of the historic Reed-Niland Corner and the continued operation of the cafe, motel, museum, and apartment buildings. Nearly every month someone new would want to join the board. The board now includes experts in history, restoration, insurance, finance, grant writing, and maintenance, along with representatives from the Lincoln Highway Association, Jefferson Highway Association, and Colo Historical Association.

Recent Accomplishments/Media Attention

WHO and Gabe On the Go on channel 13
A Jefferson Highway Association monthly podcast show: “Visit the Historic Reed-Niland Corner in Colo, IA” on Big Blend Radio.
A $5,000 grant was secured from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to pursue National Register status.
The Business Insider documentary on the Reed‑Niland Corner (and the world’s biggest truck stop) surpassed 3.8 million views.
Additional grants were submitted for neon sign restoration, door repairs, and other needs.
Donations covered the first year of insurance

On April 6, 2026, less than a year since the first meeting to form the nonprofit was held, the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc. became the owners of the Reed-Niland Corner.

Mayor Jeff Brinkman shared his appreciation in writing, “Thanks to the Reed-Niland group for taking over this historic corner. The group of volunteers will do a fabulous job maintaining such an important part of Colo’s history. Thanks for working with the City for the past year and I wish you the best of luck in your mission!” Sincerely, J. S. B. Mayor

The Colo City Clerk, Amy Kohlwes, unofficially did a little dance, and Reed-Niland Corner Inc President, Brenda McGuire, took in a deep breath.

Reed-Niland Corner Board Member, Janell Komodromou, says that she is “excited to make a difference in the area of maintenance needs!”

A Celebration of the Reed-Niland Corner, Sunday, June 14th

To celebrate this new era of the corner and several major anniversaries, the Reed-Niland Corner Inc. along with the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway and the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway are throwing a full-day celebration!

The event marks:

Niland’s Café’s 100+ years
Colo’s 150th anniversary, settlement of New Albany 170^th anniversary
- The Colo Historical Association will have an event on Sunday, April 26^th at their new location!
America’s 250th anniversary
The meeting of the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways 100+ years anniversary
The beginning of Reed‑Niland Corner, Inc.’s stewardship

A jam-packed day is planned for all. A national event will be present. A kids’ show from Silly Sally will start the day, followed by a pie-eating contest for all ages, a 12-time Fiddle state champion, Bingo, games, and contests. The evening will begin at 4 pm with the Lincoln Highway Band, straight out of Iowa, who were inspired by the Reed-Niland Corner! Food specials will also be available and pies, pies, pies courtesy of Niland’s Café and the Pie Maker!

A National Event: Portraits of Hope: America 250

One of the most exciting parts of our day of celebration is Portraits of Hope: America 250, a national art project traveling to all 50 states. Colo is one of three Iowa locations participating and currently the first.

Participants will paint large 4′ x 10′ acrylic sheets that will later be assembled into illuminated lanterns displayed in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., this October. The project is designed for ages 14 and up, though younger children may participate with hand-held guidance to paint within the lines.

At least 71 painters are needed but the team is aiming for 150. Discover Ames awarded us a grant, Niland’s Cafe, and the Lincoln and Jefferson Highway Heritage Byways are our first Sponsors.

We are looking for more sponsors! If you would like your business or community group logo and name on our banner and posters, contact reednilandcorner@gmail.com or jhau@prrcd.org. We have several levels to choose from!

See you on the byway!

Carnegie Library byways Tour: DeWitt, IA

by Jeanie Hau | Feb 5, 2026

The Old Library DeWitt Iowa Carnegie Library

Heading west on the Lincoln Highway, we come to our next Carnegie Library in DeWitt, Iowa. DeWitt had a public library long before it had a Carnegie Library. In 1897, a large group of citizens created the DeWitt Library Association by selling stocks. Stockholders gave $1 every 6 months for 5 years to have access to the library. Non-stockholders could also obtain a library card by paying a fee of $1 every year. The library contained 800 volumes.

By 1901, the citizens, as well as electors, petitioned for the library to be a Free Public Library funded and maintained through taxes. On March 25th of that year, during a regular municipal election, a majority vote was reached in favor of the Free Library. In January of 1902, the stockholders voted to turn the library over, and on April 2nd, the deed was transferred to the city. On April 7th, the Free DeWitt Public Library was opened to the public in a rented building on Main Street.

It wasn’t until 1906 that the DeWitt Public Library Board of Trustees began discussing the possibility of a Carnegie Grant, but with the growth of the library, a new space was needed. By April 8th, 1907, a Carnegie Grant was offered with the usual requirements of the city, which many were already met; a location was all that was needed. The corner of what is now 6th Ave and 9th St. was chosen.

The original grant offer was for $5,600, and an additional grant of $1,516 to complete the build. The architect of the Neoclassical design is unknown, and the contractor was Large Brothers from DeWitt. The opening date was June 1, 1908, and by 1909, the collection had grown to 1,774 books serving not just DeWitt but also surrounding communities and even troops during WW1 and WW2.

A remodel was done in 1962 to lighten the dark interior and add shelving and desks, but by the 1980s, the Board began looking for a new location as they had outgrown the Carnegie Building. After raising the needed funds and receiving large donations, the Frances Banta Waggoner Library opened its doors across from Lincoln Park. With 7,500 square feet of space, the library could now offer meeting areas and computer stations. The staff and volunteers moved the 15,000 volumes of books to the new location.

For a time, the town’s City Hall was located in the Carnegie Building until it outgrew the space. Then, a couple converted the building into a family home. In March of 2016, Jon and Lindsay Thiel bought the building and converted it into an event space.

This time is significant as they restored the original hardwood floors and wood trim around the doorways, converted the old wooden doors into the bar, and added handicap accessibility.

They chose to name the business ‘The Old Library’ as the building was already affectionately referred to by the town. The lower level was then rented to Soul Sisters Boutique (still in business but at a different location).

The Old Library event center and bar was successful, still, the busy life of the Thiels led them to sell the business to Beth and Martin Lanhart in February 2018. The Lanharts remodeled the building once again to expand the business with a kitchen and restaurant, which still operates today!

The Old Library is a family-run restaurant that takes pride in crafting every dish with care. They are open Wed-Sat 5 pm-9 pm.

Meanwhile, the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library was outgrowing its space once again. In 2019, the library received a Community Attraction and Tourism grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and expanded the library to fill the entire block of 5th Ave between 9th and 10th Streets. They also moved the front door to 5th Ave and decided to rename the library, the DeWitt Community Library, with the after-hours entrance being the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library Entrance on 10th St. The new library space provides space for several private study rooms, as well as separated age-appropriate reading and activity spaces, classrooms, and community art space.

The community of DeWitt and the surrounding areas has a deep history in the value of education available to all, and it shows through their story.

See you on the byway!

Sources: Information on the history of the DeWitt Public Library/ DeWitt Community Library was gathered from the Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project; articles written by Ann Soenksen, president of the Central Community Historical Society; “DeWitt library created with help of stockholders,” published in the DeWitt Observer Newspaper on June 1, 2018; “something new at the old library,” by Kate Howes published in the Observer on Nov 19, 2016; Carnegie Library on Wikipedia, The Old Library Facebook page; DeWitt Hometown Tour stories on News 8’s YouTube channel: WQAD 8 ABC Author: Shelby Kluver (WQAD); Published: 6:46 PM CDT June 14, 2023; and Google Maps

Carnegie Libraries byways Tour: Clinton Public Library

by Jeanie Hau | Jan 8, 2026

The Clinton Public Carnegie Library, 2025

The Lincoln Highway is the crossroad in this photo.

Located on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway at the corner of S. 3^rd St and 306 8^th Ave S., the Clinton Public Library was funded by a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on August 24, 1901 in the amount of $30,000. The library was approved by the city in spring of 1902, a board was created, and planning began. In the spring of 1903, Carnegie agreed to increase the grant to the amount of $45,000. A corner lot of land was given by Mrs. Emma Lamb Young. The public school library donated several thousand volumes of books to fill the library shelves. The library officially opened its doors on November 8, 1904. Today, it continues to honor more than 110 years of service to local residents.

The library’s main building was designed by the Chicago architectural firm Patton & Miller and constructed by Daniel Haring between the years of 1903 and 1904 (cornerstone date is 1903). The structure features two stories and a raised basement. Limestone was used for the exterior. Built in the Beaux-Arts style, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.

The 1^st Board of Trustees consisted of the following: Hon. George D. McDaid, president; George B. Phelps, secretary; Mrs. W.I. Haynes, Virtus Lund, Sr.; Theo. Carstensen, Petrel Davis, Rev. E.H. McLaughlin, E.E. Hecker. Hon. George D. McDaid, who was also the mayor at the time, passed away before seeing the library completed. Mrs. W.I. Haynes was instrumental in the development and design of the library to allow for the capability to host a multitude of activities.

The Library Board of Trustees appointed Miss Belle Sweet as the first librarian in early 1904. Miss Sweet, like other librarians at the time, completed a course in library training at the University of Illinois. She had completed previous college work at the University of Wisconsin and was a high school teacher in Clinton prior to her appointment as librarian. Her assistant was Miss Lillian Cook, who attended the Iowa Summer Library School in 1904.

Just as in the beginning, the library today offers a robust circulating collection. Visitors can explore thousands of books, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, reference materials, and other resources designed for all ages. The library has a Genealogy Department on the second floor, which serves as a designated Family Search Center, and in 2014, the library launched the Clinton Public Library Historic Newspaper Project. The project was created to digitize newspapers from the former Lyons and Clinton communities, dating from 1856 to 1927. This effort preserved an important piece of local history and made it accessible to researchers and residents alike.

Whether accessed in person, online, or through interlibrary loan, the library’s multimedia offerings continue to serve Clinton, Iowa, as more than just a building. The Clinton Public Library is a vital cultural and educational hub. Its collections, programs, and historical archives support the needs of patrons while preserving the stories of the community it serves.

* Sources were Wikipedia and the Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project –(all historic photos were obtained from the Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project)–

Postcard: source unknown

Source: Clinton Public Library and Iowa Carnegie Library Project.

Clinton Public Library

clinton carnegie library source 1st report of the iowa library commission

Source: 1st Report of Iowa Library Commission 1900-1902 (1904)

2025 photo showing the elevated basement.

1903 Cornerstone Date

Beaux-Arts Style Decoration

Welcoming visitors to Clinton, IA

2025 Clinton Public Library

Byway Carnegie Libraries to receive $10,000 Gifts

by Jeanie Hau | Dec 5, 2025

In October of this year, Carnegie Libraries across the nation received an email alerting them to a gift no one was expecting. The Carnegie Corporation of New York (originally the Carnegie Foundation) stated on their website that Carnegie Libraries will each receive a $10,000 gift to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To qualify, libraries must have been originally funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, remain operational, and acknowledge their Carnegie heritage. Cedar Rapids is an example. Cedar Rapids, for example, continues to honor its Carnegie connection, even though its Carnegie building is now a part of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Gift recipients may use the funds however they wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, thereby advancing their mission and benefiting their communities (Carnegie C of NY press release).

Carnegie Libraries to receive $10,000 gift

Between 1892 and 1917, fifteen Public Carnegie Libraries and one Academic Carnegie Library were located and built along the Lincoln Highway in Iowa. Many of these libraries were built in towns along the Lincoln Highway because they linked communities and gave Carnegie’s libraries even greater visibility and accessibility. In western Iowa, a line can connect the dots where a Carnegie Library can be found in Denison, in Dunlap, in Logan, in Woodbine, and in Missouri Valley.

In exchange for the free grant to build a library, the communities receiving the grants needed to obtain property, city support, an architect, a builder, and the books to fill their library. It was often women’s groups or single librarians who applied for the grants and who were tasked with getting city support for the endeavor.

Of Iowa’s 108 Carnegie libraries, 52 are still in use as libraries today, 46 exist but are no longer libraries and 10 no longer exist. Of the Lincoln Highway’s 16 libraries built, 7 are still used as libraries: Clinton Public Library, Ames Public Library, Jefferson Iowa Public Library, Norelius Public Library (Denison), Logan Public Library, Woodbine Carnegie Library, and Missouri Valley Public Library.

All Lincoln Highway Carnegie buildings still exist although the remaining 9 outgrew their buildings and built new libraries as opposed to building additions. Carroll, Cedar Rapids, and Council Bluffs are museums, Marion and Dunlap are used by churches, DeWitt is a restaurant (The Old Library), Marshalltown is a government building, Tama is privately owned, and Cornell in Mount Vernon is the Norton Geology Center and Anderson Museum (academic and public shared). Iowa Valley Carnegie libraries include Marengo and Traer (audio tour); both remain operational as libraries.

Active and prospering libraries who have built new buildings (links): Carroll Public Library, Cedar Rapids Public Library, Council Bluffs Public Library, DeWitt Public Library, Marshalltown Public Library, Louise & Lucile Hink Tama Public Library, Cole Mount Vernon Public Library (joint academic library).

Byway Carnegie Libraries who have announced on Facebook that they are accepting the gift include Traer (Iowa Valley), Clinton, Carroll, Logan, and Woodbine. The libraries are asking their patrons to share stories about their library and submit photos for possible inclusion on carnegielibraries.org. The site is part of Carnegie Libraries Across America, a resource that enables visitors to learn about each building. Iowa has a similar program, Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project. Reach out to your local library to find out how to submit your stories.

For more information on Andrew Carnegie’s library legacy, check out a timeline and a video posted by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Stay informed by signing up for the foundation’s Unstacked newsletter.

Wherever you are on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, you are near an Andrew Carnegie historic library building. With Iowa’s library open access program, you can check out more than just the history. Follow me on the byway as we explore the 16 Carnegie Libraries of the Iowa Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway and the two along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway.

Until next month…see you on the byway!

–Jeanie

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Iowa Prairie Rivers of Iowa

Prairie Rivers receives $5,000 for Inventory of Lincoln Highway Museum

by Jeanie Hau | Sep 2, 2025

The State Historical Society, Inc. of Iowa has awarded Prairie Rivers of Iowa with a $5,000 grant to begin an estimated $10,000 project to inventory the Lincoln Highway Museum in Grand Junction, Iowa.

Created in 1983, as a separate entity from the State Historical Board, the State Historical Society, Inc. of Iowa is a non-profit dedicated to protecting the heritage of Iowa. The organization utilizes its funds to support the preservation of Iowa’s history with a grant cycle available twice a year. Grants are available for projects which:

Collect and preserve materials
Conduct historical studies and research projects
Spread knowledge of the history of Iowa

Bob and Joyce Ausberger own and manage the Lincoln Highway Museum in Grand Junction, Iowa. In the late 1980s, the Ausbergers set out to save the Eureka Bridge in Greene County from destruction. After winning the battle in court to save a version of the historic bridge, the Ausbergers were tied to the Lincoln Highway and the preservation of its history.

Through the years, the Ausbergers have collected an estimated 1000 objects related to the Lincoln Highway and highway development in Iowa. In addition to objects and artifacts, the museum, housed in an old bank, features a well-established library of books, postcards, original blue-prints, and the archive of a precursor group to the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association.

The Lincoln Highway Museum Inventory Project began last spring with the assistance of the Historical Society of Iowa’s Field Services Program. Collections professional, Angela Stanford from Advanced Museum Services visited the museum and was able to define a scope and proper methods and procedures to use for completion of an inventory. To complete the inventory by a professional, an estimated $10,000 is needed. The $5,000 will allow us to begin the inventory and establish a system which can be completed in the future when additional funding is found.

Archives in the bank vault at the Lincoln Highway Museum

At the conclusion of the inventory, the Lincoln Highway Museum will have a comprehensive record of what is in the collection and where the pieces are located within the museum. The inventory document will also be a tool to identify gaps in the collection and to add stories to the artifact entries.

As museums and archives struggle with traditional funding practices to preserve history, we must continue to take the steps necessary to ensure that history is not lost. The Lincoln Highway Museum Inventory is that current step that we are taking to look to the future.

Reed-Niland Corner, Inc is Formed

by Jeanie Hau | Sep 2, 2025

A new non-profit group, the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc., has been formed in Colo, Iowa, with the intent to take over the ownership and management of the Reed-Niland Corner. One member of the organization must be a representative for the Jefferson Highway, one member must represent the Lincoln Highway, one member must represent the Colo Historical Association, and two members must be Colo residents. The organization currently has 12 members.

Initial paperwork has been completed, and the group is forming committees to fulfill the dedicated purpose to preserve, maintain, and promote the visitor experience of the historic Reed-Niland Corner. And to the continued operation of the café, motel, museum, and apartment buildings through activities which shall include educational programs, advocacy, fundraising, maintenance, and oversight of this historic site. The group hopes to be in a position to take over the ownership of the Corner near the first of the year, 2026.

Background: It has been over 100 years since Charlie sold his first customer gas at the SE corner of his family farm. What began as a supplemental income to farming became a way of life for Charlie Reed, his nephews (the Niland families), and much of the community of Colo. Being located at the crossing of two transcontinental roadways, the Lincoln Highway and the Jefferson Highway, the businesses needed to employ many residents of Colo and the surrounding communities. The Corner became a part of the community.

When Highway 30 was moved to the south and Interstate 35 was built to the west, business declined, and operations ceased by 1995. When the city was gifted the site (minus the apartment building) in 1999 by John Niland, the Lincoln Highway Association and the community of Colo worked together to obtain a succession of grants and donations to restore the buildings and site. By 2003, the station had been restored to an early 1930s design, the café was restored to an appearance it had in 1955, and the motel was restored to a 1946 appearance. The café was leased to operate as a 1950s diner and interpretive center, and the motel rooms were available for rent once again. The Reed-Niland Corner became a popular “one-stop” site to visit on a national level for both the Lincoln Highway Association travelers and the Jefferson Highway Association travelers.

Flash-forward almost 25 years, and the Corner is now in a new Era. The community of Colo has invested in a new fire station, a rehabbed fire truck, and a new housing development. Resources are scarce, and insurance premiums are up. At a City Council meeting in February 2025, the council suggested that the city should sell the Corner. Rural Colo resident and Colo Historical Association member, Brenda McGuire, happened to be at the meeting and began asking questions. Brenda contacted Prairie Rivers of Iowa who had recently recorded a video of past Reed Station employees.

Together, Prairie Rivers of Iowa staff, Iowa Lincoln Highway Association members, Jefferson Highway representatives, Kelsey Reed (the current lease holder of Niland’s Café and the Colo Motel), and numerous community members started meeting to discuss options for the Corner.

It was agreed upon that National Register status and Local Preservation guidelines should be created to protect the property.
A non-profit should be formed to take over the ownership of the property in order to preserve it and to continue operations

Prairie Rivers of Iowa Special Projects Coordinator, Shellie Orngaard, is working towards a National Register of Historic Places Nomination for the Reed-Niland Corner District. She is also assisting the City in developing local preservation guidelines.

The Colo Historical Association has been working on grants for awnings for the Reed Station, for which they have recently received awards. The Association has recently posted that they will no longer be located at the station and will not have the station open on the last weekend of the month. Since this is a new development, the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc. has not had a meeting to discuss and cannot comment at this time.

Maintenance issues at the Corner continue to be addressed by the city and the Colo Development Group. A grant committee on the new non-profit is working to find grants to help fund these needs. As with any property management, new maintenance needs arise frequently and communication between groups is key at this time.

Finally, in uplifting news, WHO and “Gabe on the Go” recently filmed a segment at the Corner interviewing former city clerk, Scott Berka and Reed-Niland Corner, Inc President, Brenda McGuire. As Brenda said in the interview, “We hope that the Corner can be a gathering place for years to come.”

This update is provided by the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway Coordinator, Jeanie Hau, and is not an official statement of the Reed-Niland Corner, Inc.

If you would like to help, please email:

Attn: Reed-Niland Corner, Inc.

bmcguire25@hotmail.com

Mailing Address:

Reed-Niland Corner, Inc.

PO Box 244

Colo, Iowa 50056

Summer along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway

by Jeanie Hau | Jul 1, 2025

Byway Travelers,

It is summer in Iowa which means heat, tall corn, and it is time for the prairies to put on a show! From wetlands to tallgrass prairie species, the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway has opportunities to enjoy plant and wildlife beauty all summer long.

Northwest of Chelsea at the western end of the 77-mile byway, is an observation deck shaped like an eagle in flight. The deck overlooks a wetland prairie at Otter Creek Marsh State Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy marsh marigold, pickerel weed, and buttonbush along with various duck species and herons.

At the eastern end of the byway enjoy the wonder of Lily Lake in July. Thousands of blooming yellow American Lotus fill the lake as do birds such as pelicans, songbirds, and trumpeter swans. A short, family-friendly multi-use trail, the Kolonieweg Trail surrounds Lily Lake. In German, Kolonieweg translates to “Colony Way” which perfectly describes this trail that offers scenic views of the Millrace, pastures, farmland, and a prairie edge.

View of the Woolen Mill (left) and Hotel Millright today. Photographer looking east along the Mill Race.

July 4^th is a special time for the Amana Colonies story as their ancestors came to America for religious freedom. The annual celebration includes pick-up baseball games in the park (check out the unique story of baseball in the Amanas at the Norway Baseball Museum of Iowa), a huge pot-luck supper and fireworks over Lily Lake.

Later in July (July 26) tour the gardens at residences and businesses in the Amana Colonies during the Colonies in Bloom event. Each garden is unique, and visitors will experience both modern and traditional gardens. The self-guided garden tour includes gardens of vegetables, fruits, perennials, annuals, and much more.

If you can’t make the trip until August, plan to participate in the Annual Bike Ride of Iowa County with numerous stops and picturesque views from Amana to Marengo and back. This 28-mile fun ride is free and appropriate for all ages.

Get away for a long weekend in Marengo. Take in the Market at the City Park with homegrown produce and handmade goods every Thursday night in the summer. Then explore the Pioneer Heritage Museum and the next day and take in a game and dinner at Lucky 6 Lanes. Or relax with a day of fishing at the lake or take in the music at the family-owned Fireside Winery. You can find many sites in Marengo which are on the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Audio Tour & App (www.seeyouonthebyway.stqry.app). Visit Gateway Park for a walk around the lake and the Veteran’s Memorial including the Iowa County Freedom Rock.

Have a great summer and I will see you on the byway!

2025 LHA Middle Third Tour Goes Through Iowa

by Jeanie Hau | Jul 1, 2025

Lincoln Highway Association Conference 2025

Jeanie and Shellie joined Bob and Joyce Ausberger from Greene County, Jennifer Morrison from Linn County, John Fitzsimmons (Lincoln Highway Johnny) from Boone County, and Alan Campbell formerly from Clinton County, at the Lincoln Highway Association Conference in late June. Photo was taken in Julesburg, Colorado. High School students painted the roads prior to our visit! Before the conference, the Lincoln Highway Association Middle Third Tour came through Iowa.

June was a busy month for travel for the byway staff. Shellie and Jeanie presented the study on National Historic Register Properties along the Lincoln Highway Corridor to an audience of professionals at the Preserve Iowa Summit in historic Muscatine. Then, Jeanie met the Lincoln Highway Association Middle Third Tour in Clinton, Iowa at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre where the attendees from all over the United States watched the full four episodes of Road Trip Iowa across the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway. Thank you Iowa PBS!

The Historic Lincoln Hotel in Lowden, the city of Clarence, and Lisbon welcomed the tour the first day with an overnight in Cedar Rapids. Youngville Cafe, Preston’s Station National Historic District, Tama, Montour, and the Reed-Niland Corner hosted the second day with an Ice Cream Social at the Ames History Museum ending a rainy day. The last day in Iowa was the fullest with a train ride at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, a visit to the Mamie Eisenhower Museum, lunch with Bob & Joyce at the Lincoln Highway Garden in Grand Junction, a trip up the Carillon Bell Tower in Jefferson, and a tour around the Harrison County Welcome Center. We could have filled up another week in Iowa, if they would have let us!

The Ames History Museum, along with Prairie Rivers of Iowa hosted the Middle Third Tour with an Ice Cream Social. Ames residents enjoyed asking about the Lincoln Highway tour.

Made it to Front Street in Ogallala!

Enjoyed a “Canteen” inspired meal at the Lincoln County Museum

Left: Lincoln Highway Johnny brought his artwork to display in the Book Room.

Right: Map of the Transcontinental Airway Route.

Just a handful of places visited during the Conference.

Those are the few pictures taken while at the Lincoln Highway Association Conference. There was networking, promoting, story-telling, and planning for the future of the Lincoln Highway. More people know about the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway after this tour and this Conference. Until next year in York, PA for a BIG 250th Celebration of America, see you on the byway Lincoln Highway Association Members!

It only takes a few moments to join the Lincoln Highway Association and your support helps us to preserve the history, the stories, the brick, the markers, and the livelihood of those living along the Lincoln Highway. Sign up at: Membership – Iowa Lincoln Highway Association

Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway A National Scenic Byway

Catch up on the Byway Buzz

by Jeanie Hau | May 23, 2025

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Hello byway travelers! You may be wondering where we have been (unless of course, you follow the “Where Was I on the byway” series on social media).

We have been very busy in the byway department. Our former Lincoln Highway Coordinator and now Special Projects Consultant, Shellie Orngard, finished a two-year study on historical structures in the Lincoln Highway Corridor.

“Many historic properties have been lost over the years, and it is critical that this work be undertaken to avoid losing more… Surveys are a point-in-time snapshot of properties and to ascertain their preservation needs. The end product provides information gathered and includes recommendations for preservation.”

The project was funded in part by the State Historical Society of Iowa, Historical Resource Development Program.

The Survey of National Historic Register Sites, Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, Iowa; Final Report, prepared by Shellie Orngard is available now on our website.

We were fortunate to have a student working with us the past several months and we kicked out some “to do” list items.Our student spent time editing a new series, “Tales on the byway.”

This is an oral/video history project we are experimenting with to record conversations with people who have lived and worked along the Lincoln Highway Corridor. The video was recorded for the Colo Historical Association and will be played at the Reed Station Museum during open hours.

The Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Audio Tour App is something we have been spending time getting up and going, and learning about future capabilities. We needed to change the name and online location of the App so that we can expand with future tours featuring recreation areas and the Lincoln Highway once funding can be secured. The new location is: https://seeyouonthebyway.stqry.app.

Be sure to use the share icon (square with an arrow) to choose “save site to home screen.” We continue to make changes and updates to the app as we gather updated information, photos, and links. A great new “Quiz” section will be added in the coming months.

“Where Was I on the byway” continues to be the Lincoln Highway Byway theme for Wednesdays on social media and we have added a series to the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway called, “Where Was I on the App”. This series encourage exploration of the App, the audio tour, and ultimately to visit the communities.

We made much-needed route updates in our source map for the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway. Recently, the Iowa Department of Transportation completed the Hwy 30 four-lane from Lisbon to Ogden. With this construction, there were a few changes with how the Lincoln Highway enters and exits the four-lane. We are patiently awaiting new signs to complete the sign updates in Lisbon, Chelsea, and the Ralston Corners area where the route was incorrectly signed several years ago. Continue to reference the Lincoln Highway Map until we can update these sign inconsistencies.

Speaking of road construction (after-all it is spring in Iowa), we have just linked a map to our Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway website that has most of the summer/fall road construction locations marked along our updated route. We have been experimenting with the My Google Maps and trying to see how we can add information with a limited number of layers, so note that the layers in this map are still a work in-progress.

Those are the highlights of what the byway team has been up to since January. We continue to be involved with the Reed-Niland Corner’s progression with developing preservation guidelines and the development of the Reed-Niland Corner non-profit. We are working with the City of Tama regarding the Lincoln Highway Bridge. An alternate vehicular route has been constructed around the bridge. We need an inspection to move forward.

June will keep us busy again with the Preserve Iowa Summit, where Shellie and Jeanie will be a part of the round-table presentations and discussion on June 7^th.

We are looking forward to the Lincoln Highway Association’s Middle Third Tour through Iowa, June 19th-21st, with overnight stays in Cedar Rapids and Ames.

We will be hosting a viewing of the Iowa PBS Road Trip Iowa Lincoln Highway episodes on June 19^th at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre with special guest, Kelsey Kramer. Kelsey is the producer of the eastern Iowa episodes. This event is FREE to attend and is open to the public. Shows begin at 9:30 with a discussion with Kelsey to follow.

Also during the tour, the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association President, Mary Preston, will be at the Cedar Rapids evening Tour stop and Joyce Ausberger is hosting lunch at the Lincoln Highway Museum on June 21^st. All are welcome to travel along; only those on the tour can attend meals.

And then it is off to Ogallala for the Lincoln Highway Association Conference, where we will be taking the traveling exhibit, “Promise Road, How the Lincoln Highway Changed America.”– There is still time to register!

And with that….I will see you on the byway!

All my best,

Jeanie

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