Autumnal Adventures - Part 2

On our way back from the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Kathleen and I visited the Old Capitol in Iowa City. There were several beautiful churches between the Capitol and where we finally found a parking spot, and I tried the door at each, to see if we could get a closer look. Someone was in the office at the First United Methodist Church, and we were afforded a close-up view of the beautiful sanctuary.

Construction of the church was completed in 1908 at a cost of $75,000.

The organ is majestic, and a balcony wraps around the back and two sides of the sanctuary.

Windows depict Biblical scenes featured in beautiful stained glass.

The first Methodist church service in Iowa City was held in a two-story log cabin in 1839. The congregation's first church was constructed of brick in 1844 for $5000. A chimney fire destroyed the church in 1906, which led to the construction of the current building, made of sandstone, with a Bedford limestone trim.

The church is located just blocks from the Old Capitol building, which had been on my list of places to visit for years.

The cornerstone of the Old Capitol was laid in 1840. The building served as the last capitol for the territory of Iowa, and the first capitol for the state of Iowa, as Iowa was granted statehood on December 28, 1846. The Capitol served until 1857, when Des Moines became the state capitol. The building has been owned by the University of Iowa ever since.

All of the offices/rooms in the Old Capitol seemed on the bare side. I imagine the curators maintain the building similarly to as it would have looked when it was in use. It's not like most museums replete with a plethora of items; and I appreciate the attempt to keep the historic integrity of the Capitol. Each room seemed to be painted in a different color, and there were many fireplaces and stoves throughout the building, a necessity at the time, I suppose.

How would you like to work in an office with high ceilings and a warm fire crackling beside you on a cold winter day?

My favorite room is the Senate chamber. It has a beautiful grand piano and is sometimes rented out as a wedding venue.

The House chamber is colored in warm, rich hues and has a balcony for a great view.

The old bell was damaged in a 2001 fire that destroyed the dome of the Old Capitol. The dome and bell have both since been replaced. The old bell sits in the basement. 

The Old Capitol has no admission fee. I did have a very hard time finding parking, but it was well worth it to finally visit the building!
Happy Thanksgiving!