All posts by Brian McMillin

Movie Theatres

Palace Theatre (Vinton, Iowa)

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Palace Theatre (Vinton, Iowa)

The Palace Theatre in the Benton County seat of Vinton may be the only place in the United States moviegoers can watch a 3-D movie for just $3. The technology came to the theatre in 2010 following an $80,000 fundraising effort led by the local managers and Palace board members. Other upgrades in recent years include a new digital sound system, box office remodeling, and online ticketing capabilities, making the Palace Theatre one of the best entertainment values in the state.

The theatre building dates to 1915, when it was opened as a movie house for silent pictures and live traveling performers. The venue survived a 1932 fire and served area residents for nearly 60 years before closing in 1972. After use as a bakery, gym, and other retail operations, the building was purchased by the community theatre group ACT I, renovated, and reopened in November 1999. The theatre can host both first-run movies and plays from the ACT I group.

Since 2006, Gerald and Marcy Horst have managed the Palace Theatre. Their plans for 2011 include installation of more comfortable seating and enhanced concession options. For current showtimes and more, check out the Palace Theatre website or call (319) 472-9958.

Public Libraries

Public Library (Rippey, Iowa)

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Public Library (Rippey, Iowa)

Efforts to start a Public Library in the Greene County community of Rippey began as early in 1928. By 1930, a collection of 1,825 books had been contributed to the library organization and were stored on a shelving unit near the back of the local mercantile store. The library was later moved to a room in the Rippey Savings Bank, leased to the library organization at an annual rate of $50. The city officially began contributions to the library in September 1945, and on April 17, 1965, the library moved to its current location, previously home to a sundries store.

When the local Masonic Lodge disbanded in summer 2010, the organization agreed to donate their lodge hall to the City of Rippey for use as as Library and Community Center. An estimated $200,000 is needed to renovate the building, which will provide the library with significantly more space. Planned renovations include new roof, siding, installation of windows, and enlargement of an entrance for handicapped accessibility. As of December 2010, $70,000 of the $200,000 had been secured by the non-profit Friends of Rippey organization.

To contribute to the remodeling project, contact Velda DeMoss, President of Friends of Rippey, at (515) 436-7679 or mail a donation to FOR, Treasurer Sharon Ulrich, 2121 Terrace Avenue, Rippey, IA 50235.

Museums

Worth County Museum (Northwood, Iowa)

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Worth County Museum (Northwood, Iowa)

In 1879, nearly thirty years after Worth County was established, an attempt to move the county seat from Northwood to Kensett was gaining steam. To thwart the effort, residents in Northwood raised over $4,000 to purchase land and construct a new brick courthouse in 1880. After serving as the courthouse for 13 years, the building was later used as a high school and then as the community library. The Northwood Library moved to a new location in 1972, and the Worth County Historical Society was granted use of the building. It has since served as the Worth County Museum, open Sunday afternoons between Memorial and Labor Day or by appointment by calling (641) 324-1180.

City Halls, Downtowns

Community Building (Royal, Iowa)

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Community Building (Royal, Iowa)

The Community Building on Main Street in the Clay County town of Royal houses the public library, the city clerk office, and a community center that is used by local groups and can be rented for reunions and meetings. Royal was founded in 1900 as a site along the Rock Island Railroad. Its name was chosen by Eliza Nelson, the community’s first postmistress. She was asked to keep the name simple, though the reasons she selected Royal are unknown. Royal is home to 479 residents.