Originally planned at four stories, the Chamberlain Hotel grew to six stories before its completion in 1903. D.S. Chamberlain hired W.L. Brown, former manager of the Savery hotel, to oversee construction of the building. Current site of the Ruan Two…
The Grant Club was the largest men's club in Iowa as well as the best known and most politically influential. The club's origins were Republican and the club is named after President Grant. Many visiting statesmen have given addresses at the Grant…
After spending its first 14 years in Des Moines moving to different locations the YWCA moved into this building in 1909. The building cost $99,000 and featured dormitories on the third floor and a large lunch room on the first floor. Current site of…
After spending its first 14 years in Des Moines moving to different locations the YWCA moved into this building in 1909. The building cost $99,000 and featured dormitories on the third floor and a large lunch room on the first floor. Current site of…
This view of Locust Street was taken from just beyond the 5th Avenue intersection. On the right is the Marquardt Block, home of the Commercial Savings Bank and Franklin Hotel. Across the street is the Crocker Building, home to a variety of offices…
This view of Locust Street was taken from just beyond the 5th Avenue intersection. On the right is the Marquardt Block, home of the Commercial Savings Bank and Franklin Hotel. Across the street is the Crocker Building, home to a variety of offices…
Looking east down Locust street we see the Clapp Block (with the Iowa Mutual Tornado sign) and the Observatory Building both on the right side of the street. Capital Center is what currently occupies that side of the street. The left side of street,…
This was the second out of three buildings that have been called The Savery. The first structure closed in 1878. This second building opened at a new location in 1888 to much fanfare. The entire building was lit by electric light, quite a novelty in…
This view looks south down Sixth Avenue from Locust Street. Automobiles, trolley cars and horse drawn carriages all crowd the road. On the right are housed Higgin’s Pharmacy, the State Insurance Company and Boston Market. Beyond that is Utica…
Dating back to 1936, the Scottish Highlanders was a student group dedicated to practicing and performing the Scottish arts of piping, drumming and dancing.
