Oelwein Italians Reflect On Heritage Surviving Through Generations
Italian immigrants arrived in Oelwein from 1901 onward to work on railroads and settle a close knit community now numbering 40 to 50 families. A UNI professor notes the unusual concentration for a small Iowa town, while elders recount hard labor, language barriers, and adapting traditions. Heritage Day each September helps keep roots alive as younger generations balance assimilation with memory.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oelwein
Italy
United States
University of Northern Iowa
Thomas Shaw
Iowa
Des Moines
Council Bluffs
Angeline Funaro
Joe Stasi
John Stasi
Lou Pirillo
Pete
Shaw
Fayette County
Ella Greco
Dominic Pirillo
Lou
America
Barge pilot finds solitude and danger on the river
Veteran river pilot Steele describes long shifts with only 12 hours off in 24, spouses allowed on two yearly trips, and salaries from 10 000 to 25 000. The Cagin Cory runs 5600 horsepower, pushes up to 15 barges, and faces treacherous current and hazards from snapped cables to collisions. He notes radar and depth recorders aid safety, but river knowledge remains key. Christmas is lonely for crew, yet Steele loves the scenery and river life despite winter ice.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mississippi
Steele
Upper Mississippi
Luther College names Maynard Aaker VP of development
Maynard Aaker will succeed Dr. Leslie Rude as Luther College vice president for development effective Sept. 1. Aaker has served on Luther’s development staff since 1967 and is a 1939 graduate and former Luther board member. Rude will enter private business and remain in Decorah.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Decorah
Maynard Aaker
Luther College
Leslie Rude
Luther
E.D. Farwell
Aaker
Luther Development
Rude
Snelling and Snelling
Dubuque
Victor Hafner
Apple Valley
Minn
Vincent Aaker
Rochester
Luther Board of Regents
Barbs Singles Bars Face Price Hike in Town
A local report notes a belt of booze rising to 1.50 in price, signaling a shift affecting nightlife venues. The piece questions how readers learned the book’s explicit content, framing the controversy around local bars and patrons.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Laurie Jensen
Angelo
Carmella Trocino
Trocino
Tracino
Rosina
Rose) Russo
Pete Pirillo
Pirillo
Angeline Leo
Frank
Leo
Rose Russo
Skelgas
Madison
Wis
Skelly Corporation
Louisiana State University
University of Illinois
Indiana State University
Hartwick College of New York
Dial
Dial Finance
S.E
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!