Historians chase Grand Avenue's hidden past
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
A group of Des Moines historians have launched a book project to document Grand Avenue's history — from Model T assembly lines to governors' mansions — and they're calling on the community to help fill in the gaps.
Why it matters: They're uncovering never-before-told insights into the city's expansion, class divides and urban evolution that connect the past to the present, DSM historian and filmmaker Kristine Bartley tells Axios.
State of play: Grand stretches nearly 17 miles from the State Fairgrounds in DSM through several western suburbs.
- The book will explore the area between 17th and 56th streets — a corridor renowned for its early apartment buildings, Gilded Age mansions, civic landmarks and the legacy of prominent families over generations.
Behind the scenes: Research began years ago through a team at the DSM Historical Society, which approached some of the authors of a recent book about Woodland Cemetery to write and complete the project.
The intrigue: The current team has launched additional research and continues to seek descendants of early property owners to uncover historic triumphs and tragedies, lead author Mary Christopher tells Axios
- "We're trying to find tidbits that people don't know about already," she said.
Zoom in: Researchers recently obtained family history and photos of a home that once stood on the site of the iconic William O. and Mattie M. Coffee House — now the headquarters of Financial Integrators — before it was built near 42nd Street and Grand in the early 1900s.
- Another section will highlight how four homes along Grand were part of Des Moines' support network for Japanese Americans resettling from World War II internment camps.
What we're watching: Whether researchers reveal untold stories or secrets behind well-known histories, such as Central Campus' automotive past and Terrace Hill.
What's next: The book is expected to take another 12 to 18 months to complete.
- People who have photos, letters or stories to share can email the research team at [email protected].