The last Trail Connections of the 90s is occasion enough to say well done to Linn County Trails Association. The people involved are not necessarily the ones who initiated the organization. But LCTA has stood for a decade of devotion to trail development in Linn County. I’m proud to have served on our board for the decade.

We organized in 1990. At that time it seemed feasible to build a trail on the abandoned interurban right of way from Bever Park to Lisbon. Patty Lee had a vision and Herb Eckert brought a wealth of know how from his experience with Rail to Trails. There was an organizational meeting at Patty and Joe Lee’s home. Our first president was Patty Lee with Bob Davison secretary and Gordon Cook treasurer.

There were several individuals who were instrumental in getting us started. Arletta Carr, Carl Means, Chuck Reed (did our logo), Miriam Woods, Ruth Foster, Jim and Mary Lee all contributed time and talent. What would we have done without Plenny Bates and Gene Rennekamp (database)? Very soon came Don Thomas with his drive and knowledge. With our decision to become a chapter of Iowa Trails Council we began to benefit from Tom Neenan’s counseling. I must mention Bert Davison (bylaws with Arletta) and lots of grunt work. I’m sure there are many others that I have forgotten to mention.

We’ve had our ups and downs; progress has been sporadic, but progress it’s been. We now have a multi-talented board and many supportive members. We have media recognition and considerable support. We have earned the respect of important segments of the community. A pretty fair decade.

A lot has happened since the last newsletter, starting with the construction of the Cedar River Trail through Cedar Rapids and the opening of a portion of the Grant Wood Trail. The announcement that Jones County has received a grant to begin work on the GWT trail between Morley and Olin is more great news. Other good news—receipt of a grant for Dry Creek Trail land. In addition, Hiawatha is applying for a grant to build their portion of the CRT. There was also progress on the Regional Planning Commissions update to the MATS plan for the Metro area.

The trails matrix has been updated (see marked sections of the matrix) with the following items:

Segment B (Hiawatha)- A cost estimate was completed for a different route than using the RR corridor. The new route runs north along 2^nd Ave. to the Center Point Road intersection and then on to connect with Segment A. Hiawatha hopes to apply for a grant soon.

Segment C (North of 32nd ST- An Engineering firm has been hired to work on the trail design which will better define what is needed from the adjacent landowners. An agreement with one party seems at hand, but the other party wants more concessions. A solution is required in the next month or so if we are to have a trail in 2000. Perhaps something less than the whole segment might be a fallback

Segment E (downtown)-Paving was essentially completed on this segment and the route from Cedar Lake to Fourth Ave. is open. The remaining clean up work from that point to the Czech Museum will be completed in the spring and opened.

Segment F (South of the Czech museum)- The paving from the Czech Museum to Tait Cummins Park was completed except for the bridge over Prairie Creek. As above, this will be done in the spring and opened. Plans are being make to continue from there to 1/2 mile south of highway 30. There is still some uncertainty about the RR crossing at C St SW and the Highway 30 interchange.

Segment G- Again, we are applying for grant money on this segment of the CRT. Since the start has been delayed for several years the cost and the match have gone up. There are potential problems with portions of the route held by the Hoover Trail Group, but the extent is unknown at this time.

CEDAR LAKE LOOP- The “fit” is so tight that a land survey is underway to find out just how much fill is required to make the route wide enough. We will need to fill or build a wall on the north side of the lake. Now, can we still get something done quickly enough to get construction started next year?

Look forward to a trail opening event for the two sections of the Cedar River Trail next spring.

We hope to feature the new MATS plan in the next Connections edition—but much work and “agreeing” needs to be done

September 26 was a very memorable day on the Grant Wood Trail as our new trail, constructed just this year, was officially dedicated and opened to the public. For the information of those who could not be there, we had about 250 guests during the festivities, which lasted from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Among the guests were many of the people who helped make the trail possible, either through their financial support or their advice, or their hands-on work in developing the trail. We were glad that so many of them could be there to see the great results of their support. Because of the limited space at the highway 13 trailhead, we had to get permission from Kwik Way to use their parking lot and then Jim Wing arranged for shuttle service between the two points. It all worked out well.

A Cedar Rapids trolley bus was on the scene to give rides down the full length of the trail. They made six trips and this gave those who didn't want to hike the whole trail a better opportunity to see what it is like.

Joy Adams, from Jones County, set up an exhibit with a lot of excellent photos showing the progress on their portion of the GWT. There were also tables set up with refreshments and treats for the kids. It may be unfair to single out just one or two people for their contributions to the trail dedication because so many helped out. But Sandy Colton deserves special credit for making it all happen publicity-wise and arranging for all of the refreshments and fall decorations and other niceties that helped make it such a special event!

As with any dedication event, we had an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and some speeches highlighting the significance of this trail and the possible future tie-in with the Jones county GWT.

Sometimes, in the day-to-day activities related to trails, we can easily lose sight of the big picture and the future significance of a recreational facility like the GWT. For example, Joel Barnum emphasized in his speech that we need to look ahead 25 years and realize what an invaluable asset this trail is likely to become as the area east of highway 13 continues to develop. The Gazette further emphasized this point in an editorial later in the week.

The media in general did a good job of publicizing the trail opening. Channel 9, for example, reported on this from the viewpoint that new recreational facilities help local companies recruit key employees and that this translates ultimately into more industrial expansion and more jobs available for everyone.

We all know that there are a few people out there who don't understand this and who would like to drive a wedge between farm and city people. But all of this obviously will also help create jobs for people living in the country—especially for farm families who may be in financial difficulty and need at least part-time jobs to help support their families.

As we further develop the GWT, we need to continue to be sensitive to the needs and fears of adjoining landowners. As someone once said, “everyone wants progress but no one likes change!” We have already had one landowner, who was initially opposed to our presence, tell us that he recognizes that times are changing and that a nearby trail could even be a positive factor for him and the rest of that farm community

To put all of this in perspective, we now have a GWT that extends one-third of the way from Highway 13 to Jones County! The last two-thirds may be more difficult and may take a few more years. But we own most of that right-of-way and if we can stay focused on the long-term goal, there is no reason that we can't someday join up with our GWT friends in Jones County.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed dollars and/or volunteer work toward making our new 3.2-mile trail possible in 1999. Your help has been greatly appreciated and I am sure that it will be needed just as much as we enter the year 2000!

-GWT Photos by Keith Fletcher-

I’d like everyone to take a moment and look around – what do you see? Do you see a busy highway, cornfields, a few businesses? Now let your imaginations take over. What will this look like, 25 years from now? Fifty years? Can you see homes, parks, shopping centers? For better or for worse, it’s likely that Linn County will continue to grow and cities will expand.

Now look at this new trail. Can you imagine it as the backbone of a wonderful neighborhood? Can you see children running, biking, rollerblading? Or whatever kids will do for fun in 25 years? These are your children and grandchildren.

That’s why LCTA built this trail. Not for us, not even for you. But for your kids and their kids. When we first started on this project, we knew that it would be difficult to build a contiguous trail through Linn County. There were too many obstacles.

But looking into the future, we can envision such a trail. Governments will change, landowners will perhaps have a change of heart. Someday, this trail will be complete, all the way through Linn and Jones Counties, perhaps all the way to the Mississippi.

In the meantime, this 3.2-mile segment itself is a wonderful addition to recreation in this county. I would like to personally thank all of the people, LCTA members or not, who worked so hard to make this possible. Special thanks go to Keith Fletcher and Jim Wing – they have shouldered most of the burden.

In conclusion, I would like to invite each of you to help us promote trails in Linn County. Come work with us, and help us to complete this trail and other projects.

The adjoining picture is of the remains of an ancient bison discovered on September 27, 1969. The discovery of the full skeleton occurred in a peat bog on a farm then owned by Arling and Arlene Hughes, located at the NE corner of the intersection of Secrist and Hindman roads. The bog is located just south of the newly created Grant Wood Trail and can be viewed from the trail.

According to Mr. Hughes, at the time of the discovery, he was making a trench from the bog to the nearby creek. He immediately called the University of Iowa and turned custody of the bones over to the Geology department, where they now reside.

Mr. Hughes mentioned that after the flood during the wet year of 1993, other bones were found near the same bog. Linda Langston, director of the Cedar Rapids History Museum, confirms the discovery but states that they have not been definitely identified.

Arling and Arlene enjoyed reminiscing about how the train used to slow down and the conductor would wave to their children. When the railroad was being built, fill dirt was hauled in by hand. Mr. Hughes was told that the fill settled seven feet during the first year it was in place.

Des Moines Register article, provided by Ed and Sandy Colton

Wed., October 1, 1969

By William Simbro (Register Staff Writer)

MARION, IA. – A rare find of a bison in a bog has excited geologists at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

The bones of a bison, which probably lived sometime between 20,000 and 50,000 years ago, were discovered last weekend in a peat bog near here owned by Arling Hughes.

Hughes has donated the find to the university. State Geologist Samuel Tuthill, Associate Professor of Geology, Holmes Semken, and a university class in Pleistocene Geology, hope to finish the task today of gently uncovering the ancient bones.

Semken said that preliminary probing indicates that the whole skeletal structure of the bison will be uncovered. He said it will be the first complete ancient bison belonging to the university.

He said it isn’t unusual in Iowa to discover a bison’s skull or a few bones, but discovery of a complete bison is considered a rare find.

It's the time of year when you can't help but want to do something outside. Why not set aside some time for a walk or hike on one of the many trails in the area?

Here are a few ideas:

In Cedar Rapids, the Sac and Fox Trail is quite popular. The 7.2-mile long trail follows Indian Creek and the Cedar River. The Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids is a great starting point. While there, check out the Cedar Greenbelt National Recreational Trail. It's a walking trail where you can see everything from thick forest to meadows.

If you'd like to take a short, challenging hike and enjoy some solitude at the same time, head for Linn County's Ennis Preserve, located just east of Palisades-Kepler State Park south off Highway 30. You'll see wildflowers as you meander the loop of trail that heads for the Cedar River and back to the parking lot.

Pinicon Ridge County Park near Central City offers hiking trails, lots of picnic space and fishing in the Wapsipinicon River.

The Cedar Valley Nature Trail between Hiawatha and Waterloo is one of the state's most popular multi-use trails.

Many state parks offer hiking opportunities as well.

At Lake Macbride State Park near Solon you can hike along the water's edge.

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque offers something for everyone. In addition to its E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, which includes displays on the history of the region and aquariums filled with fish native to the area, there also are some opportunities for short hikes.

Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor has trails with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Some parts are handicapped-accessible.

While you're in the area, check out Effigy Mounds National Monument near Marquette for some trails that can be more strenuous than they initially appear. But the views from the top make the effort worth it.

For a guide to 43 trails in Iowa, send $8 to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 505 Fifth Ave., #444, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

This story appeared in The Gazette on September 4, 1999.

LCTA president, Joel Barnum, once said that membership is our “lifeblood.” Without it our organization wouldn’t exist, nor would miles of trails in the Cedar Rapids Metro area. Despite our small size (200 members or so) the Linn County Trails Association has helped create trails that thousands have enjoyed.

I have been database manager for LCTA for the past year and Joel put me in charge of recruiting new members at the last meeting. I have set the lofty goal of doubling our membership by this time next year (I can dream, right?). The only problem is that I have very few ideas of how to go about this. If you have any ideas (and don’t mind me asking if you would like to help implement them) send me an e-mail or talk to me at the next meeting.

We have many people who have given generously in the past but have never officially joined.

Please consider joining our organization by filling out the form on page 11 of this newsletter or at our website—

and sending it back. With a larger membership the answer to the question ‘When will more trails be built in Linn County?’ could be ‘Very soon’.

Chuck Kelsey

On Friday, the Milwaukee was pulling out of the Cedar Rapids-Marion area for the last time. An 80-car train crept out of Marion for Savanna, Illinois. After 115 years, after a race with other railroads across the plains, after the glory of the Overland Limited, the Midwest Hiawatha, the Arrow and the cities trains, the Milwaukee was all but dead in Iowa.

As of Friday, the Milwaukee was out of business in most of Iowa.

“It’ll be missed by more than just us,” said M.C. “Babe” Hansen, 57, a conductor. “I was 18 when I started on the Milwaukee. My dad worked on the Milwaukee for 47 years. Two of my brothers had over 40 years.”

“No. It’s never been a boring job. Every trip is different,” observed Vern Baker, 53, also a brakeman. “The scenery is different. You make different switches.”

“When I started on the Milwaukee,” continued Hansen, “railroad jobs was about all that was available to young people. Then, too, everybody in high school wanted to work on the railroad in the summer. You’d get a tan and develop muscle. We didn’t have any health spas.”

“I didn’t get up in the morning with the idea of going to work, but rather of going on a trip,” said George Machacek, 57, explaining his view on railroading. “Except back when I was shoveling coal. Then I wanted to quit.”

Machacek recalled a humorous story. “I can remember one time I was firing for this engineer. I told him he’d better blow the whistle. There was a guy fishing off the Maquoketa River trestle just north of Monticello. Well, the engineer pulled the whistle, and the fisherman jumped right into the river.

“We kept on going north,” Machacek chuckled. “I said to the engineer, ‘Don’t you think we should stop and see if the guy is OK?’ He said no, that the guy wouldn’t have jumped off the bridge if he didn’t know how to swim.”

The Milwaukee evolved from numerous small lines. The first passenger train arrived in Marion on Oct. 13, 1864. It was known as the Dubuque and Southwestern. It later became part of the Milwaukee System. In 1869, work began on the Savannah to Marion line. It reached Olin by 1871, and in December of the following year track was laid into Marion.

The Midwest Hiawatha passenger train was the one that made the Milwaukee famous. Milwaukee passenger service ended May 2, 1971, when the last of the Cities trains was dropped.