Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a big fan of my home state, Iowa. I brought some friends to Iowa when I was in college and the whole weekend kept telling them cool things about what they were seeing. They tease me mercilessly to this day about me being a tour guide. Well, I think you should know a little bit about where you are visiting or living-- it gives you a sense of ownership and enhances the whole experience. A friend of mine finally said, "For everything that Iowa is not, the people from there are so proud of their home state. It's ridiculous." First of all, there are only a FEW things that Iowa is not, like known for its mountain views and fantastic skiing. The part about Iowans being proud of their state made me begin to notice the reactions of Iowans when you talk about their state.
First, it should be said that we aren't crazy, corn-loving wackos. We are also not like the residents of some southern states who reinact Civil War Battles and obsess over the history rather than the future.
So, to better educate you on the goodness of Iowa, I've listed a few things to ponder:
1. Let's start simple...open up your pantry. A lot of what you see is from Iowa. Quaker Oats, Tones Spices and Blue Bunny Ice Cream are all based here. Maytag used to be based here and Winnebago is based here. President Eisenhower said, "Iowa can survive without the united States, but the United States cannot survive without Iowa."
2. The famous people that are from Iowa or have Iowa connections is pretty amazing. Mamie Dowd Eisenhower (Yep, Dwight D.'s wife), Bob Feller, Kurt Warner, Donna Reed, Ann Landers and Dear Abby, John Wayne, Glenn Miller, Meredith Willson (who wrote "The Music Man," Ashton Kutcher, Elijah Wood, William Frawley (Fred from 'I Love Lucy') and President Herbert Hoover are from Iowa. Gene Wilder, yes Willy Wonka, went to the University of Iowa and George Washington Carver went to Iowa State. If you don't know who some of those people are, I suggest you read up on them. They are all very influential in areas of politics, entertainment and sports.
3. College Athletics. Friends, most people would say that Iowa isn't great because we don't have a professional sports team. I beg to differ. Yes, it's true that we don't have the professional athletics that other states do. We have college football and some minor league stuff. But, the Iowa vs. Iowa State game is epic every year. The rivalry is year round and state-wide. However, should you leave the state and you happen to see someone wearing ISU or Iowa gear, you want to hug them regardless of your preference. You feel more connected to them like they are a part of your extended family. In fact, there's a chance you have mutaul friends. I actually have a story about this: I was in California for my internship in the summer of 2007 and I was trying to navigate the public transporation system there. On the train deck on my first day of work, I look over and there wa an older gentleman with an Iowa shirt on. I immediately felt comfortable asking him if I was in the right place for this train. We got to talking and his daughter went to my college! Crazy small world! Who needs pro ball when you have your Hawkeye or Cyclone family?
4. Family Values. I've done a lot of travelling. Not as much as some, but more than most. My dad was in the Army and lived all over the country and in parts of Europe. I love to travel but there is something really wonderful about coming to the Midwest. It's offensive when people don't wave after you've let them in to traffic. We say smile and say hello to random people we pass. We. Are. Polite. My brother is in the Marine Corps and has really travelled all over. He will most likely never be a resident of the Midwest again but every time he returns for a visit, he is floored by how nice everyone is. It's true-- we're the nicest people ever.
5. We don't have much by way of tourism, but the Iowa State Fair is pretty stinking fun. As hoaky as it seems, could YOU carve a cow out of butter? No. There is food that will probably give you Type 2 Diabetes if over-consumed, big name artists, rednecks and country folk, drinking, dancing and hogs. Typing this it all sounds very back woods, but remember that it's the BIGGEST state fair in the country. I grew up thinking they were all that large and then I went to Missouri's. What a sad, sad comparison. A musical has been written about us, State Fair, and media from all over the country cover the Fair every. Not so redneck anymore, eh? Our state fair is better than your state fair (neener neener neeeeennnerrrrr)
6. Computers-- In the 1930s, a very early version of the computer was developed at what was then Iowa State College. COMPUTERS! What would you do today without one? You certainly wouldn't be reading this gem of a blog without one. You can thank Iowans for that.
7. John Tinker vs. Des Moines School Board-- In the 60s, some Des Moines high school students were banned from wearing arm bands to school in protest of the Vietnam war. It moved to the Supreme Court and was determined Freedom of Speech. Little known fact: John Tinker went to my high school. Woot! I imagine Lady Gaga wouldn't be wearing the crap she does (sorry, ART) had a decision like this had not been made. Now, between then and now, I'm sure SOMETHING would have come up, but Iowa made it's mark on history.
8. Grant Wood- You know that famous portrait of the farmer with his with and a pitchfork in from of their farmhouse? That artist is Grant Wood... Iowan. His work depicts classic Iowa history. Check it out... http://www.grantwoodartgallery.org/
9. Des Moines is not boring. One of the biggest arguments for Des Moines (and I hear it ALL the time) is that Des Moines is boring and there's nothing to do. On the contrary, we have live shows almost every week, theater, art galleries, the Science Center, a baseball, basketball, arena football, hockey AND a roller derby team, bar districts, a few large shopping areas and parks galore. I like to say we have everything a bigger city, like KC or Chicago has, just on a smaller, better level. Small town feel. I love it.
10. Living Hisotry Farms... this is awesome. It's a lliving museum of three farms in Iowa's history. People there work the land, churn butter, etc. There's a little town with stores and people working there too, all in period costume. Their education and entertainment efforts are like none I've ever seen anywhere else. Very cool! http://www.lhf.org/
Check it out for yourself if you don't believe me-- Iowa's a great place. :)
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