A little neighborhood in the shadow of the state capitol; East Village in downtown Des Moines used the statehouse dome as a backdrop to establish itself in what was low; mostly unusable land along the Des Moines River. Just after the dawn of the 20th century; the neighborhood burgeoned with blue-collar industry and corner stores; while boasting the convenient use of railroads for industrial development and travel. It seemed to be in competition with the west side; where the insurance industry and wealthy neighborhoods blossomed on high ground. By midcentury; though; East Village suffered as a mobile population chose suburban shopping malls over traditional mom-and-pops. By 1990; buildings were in disrepair; and crime was increasing. A group of dedicated individuals came together and; with assistance and cooperation from the city; brought East Village back into focus; with a clear urban identity that sparked a renewed sense of pride.
#1403870 in eBooks 2011-02-14 2011-02-14File Name: B0093P5IZ0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great local history bookBy BatfanI bought this for my Dad for Christmas because I know he and my late grandfather like(d) trains. He really liked it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A trip down memory laneBy Clinton DussaultNice photos -- brought back memories of my youth2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Disappointed at the small size of the paperbackBy videobruceIts such a shame this is such a small publication. The photos deserve a full size book. There is real injustice done here to these great photos of the past for the 2nd largest (at the time) rail center in the US.Unlike Europe. this country relies on inefficient modes of transportation instead.
