Mason City | Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism

Barnum & Bailey circus

1930’s Mason City Writer Never Forgets Her Roots

By Cheryl Mullenbach/Iowa History | August 11, 2018

“a little, short, plump, cute, snuppy-uppy puppy who was white and soft and just the size to cuddle…” What toddler could resist a story about this adorable little pup, who went by the name Pinky Pup? In 1928 Pinky Pup and the Empty Elephant was a popular children’s book by Mason City native Dixie Willson. Iowa History, a weekly column, appears at IowaWatch on Saturdays. Cheryl Mullenbach is the author of non-fiction books for young people. Her work has been recognized by International Literacy Association, American Library Association, National Council for Social Studies, and FDR Presidential Library and Museum.

Iowa History

Noted Twentieth Century Geologist Always Talked About Iowa’s Revealing Fossil Beds

By Cheryl Mullenbach/Iowa History | May 26, 2018

“Fossils are the remains or traces of animals which lived in past ages of the earth. They show not only the types of life in those periods, but something about the conditions under which they lived,” noted geologist and Iowa native Carroll Lane Fenton explained.

cedar rapids

IowaWatch Connection: Top Lottery Retailers In Lower Income Areas

By Jeff Stein | September 21, 2015

Household incomes where 7 of the top 10 Iowa Lottery retailers exist are below the state median. What impact does that have, especially on whether people get treatment for gambling addiction?