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| Friday July 04, 2008 |
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By Bob Carter
 HERBERT
HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY-MUSEUM AND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITEP.O. Box 607 West Branch 52358 319-643-2541 Herbert Hoover, a West Branch native, was the 31st president of the United States and the first one born west of the Mississippi River. Hoover's birthplace home sits on a 186- acre site along with a reconstructed blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, meeting house, and a 76-acre tall-grass prairie. The grave sites of both President Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, are also located on the grounds. The Presidential Library- Museum contains fascinating exhibits covering Hoover's political and professional careers.  MAMIE
DOWD EISENHOWER BIRTHPLACEBox 55, Boone 50036 515-432-1896 Any stop in Boone should include a visit to this restored frame house, complete with summer kitchen and original family furniture. The master bedroom includes the bed in which Mamie was born and a lower-level museum and library features exhibits, photos, and memorabilia highlighting the life and times of Mamie and her husband, President Dwight Eisenhower. A gift shop and the 1949 Chrysler Windsor automobile given by "Ike" and Mamie to her uncle are also on display. BOB FELLER HOMETOWN EXHIBIT 310 Mill Street Van Meter 50261 515-996- 2806 This is a must see for baseball enthusiasts of all ages. Pitcher Bob Feller, the farm boy who went on to greatness with the Cleveland Indians, is the subject of memorabilia, rare photographs, awards, old uniforms, and original works of art. The exhibit is located in the town where Feller was born and raised before starting his professional baseball career. Also displayed is a brick mural featuring Feller in a number of pitching poses. THE DONNA REED CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 1305 Broadway Denison 51442 712-263-3334 This Academy Award winning actress started her performing career at 16 when she left home to become an actress. After appearing in her own television series, "The Donna Reed Show" and more than 40 feature films, including "It's a Wonderful Life" and "From Here to Eternity, this Iowan established herself as a Hollywood star. The Center houses the Donna Reed Foundation, the Donna Reed Theater, and a turn-of-the- century soda fountain and candy store. On exhibit are unpublished photographs, personal items, and movie memorabilia from Reed's long career.  BIRTHPLACE
OF JOHN WAYNE216 South Second Street Winterset 50273 515- 462-1044 Marion Robert Morrison, the son of a pharmacist, grew up to become one of Hollywood's most popular movie stars. Visitors to his restored birthplace, a modest four-room home, see hundreds of rare photographs, some movie memorabilia, and letters written to the "Duke" from the likes of Lucille Ball, Maureen O'Hara, Jimmy Steward, Kirk Douglas, Ronald Reagan, Gene Autry, and George Burns. MEREDITH WILLSON BOYHOOD HOME Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1128, Mason City 50401 800-423-5724 Meredith Willson played with John Philip Sousa and the New York Philharmonic before launching a career as a famous composer and lyricist. A Mason City native, his career is highlighted by the production of "The Music Man." His beloved hometown of Mason City is immortalized as the fictional 1912 town of River City in the successful musical. Visitors may not encounter "76 Trombones" during their visit, but they will see the restored Queen Anne house where one of Iowa's celebrities got his start. GLENN MILLER BIRTHPLACE P.O. Box 61 Clarinda 51632 712-542-2461 Glenn Miller, noted trombonist and orchestra leader, was born in Clarinda. Miller formed the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1938 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War Two. On December 15, 1944, Miller disappeared during a flight in bad weather over the English Channel and was never heard from again. His restored birthplace is where his life began. He was the first artist to receive a gold record award. It was given in recognition of his recording of "Chattanooga Choo Choo." GRANT WOOD TOURISM CENTER AND GALLERY
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Iowa
has a lot to offer. On your next visit, make sure to schedule time to
explore some of the attractions dedicated to highlighting the lives and
careers of Iowa's home-grown celebrities. The list of Iowa's famous covers
a wide range of talents and accomplishments. Iowa has been home to presidents,
baseball players, movie stars, musicians, and more. The following should
pique your interest whether you're an armchair celebrity seeker or hanker
to visit some of the interesting and informative sites they made famous.
