Manuscript Register

This document describes a collection of materials held by the
Special Collections Department
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1420
Phone: 319-335-5921
Fax: 319-335-5900
e-mail: lib-spec@uiowa.edu

Posted to Internet: January 2003

Acquisition Note: The Jo Stong papers were given to the University of Iowa Libraries by his widow in 1974.

Access and Restrictions: This collection is open for research.

Digital Surrogates: Except where indicated, this document describes but does not reproduce the actual text, images and objects which make up this collection. Materials are available only in the Special Collections Department.

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Use of Collections:  The University of Iowa Libraries supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted by their fragile condition or by contractual agreement with donors, and it may not be possible at all times to provide appropriate machinery for reading, viewing or accessing non-paper-based materials.  Please read our Use of Materials statement.  Prior to using collections, all readers are required to complete and submit a registration form.

Biographical Note

Jo Stidger Stong (1903 -- 1974) was born in Pittsburg, Iowa. He was the younger brother of Iowa author, Phil Stong of State Fair fame. Jo Stong graduated from high school in Keosauqua and went on to attend Drake University where he earned his law degree. Returning to Keosauqua, Stong joined a law practice. He later became the senior partner in the firm of Stong and Dorothy.

Jo Stong was mayor of Keosauqua for many years. He was instrumental in the building of the Van Buren County Memorial Hospital in 1951. He helped form and was president of the Van Buren County Development Association. His activities were not limited to just Keosauqua or even Van Buren County. Stong was a member of the Iowa Highway Commission from 1957 to 1963. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America and served as a member of the national executive board.

Scope and Content

The papers of Jo S. Stong relate to his work on the Iowa Highway Commission, with correspondence, expense vouchers, maps, etc. There are also folders relating to various dam projects and the related flood control issues along the Des Moines River between 1958 and 1969. Finally there are genealogical materials about the Stong family.

Inventory

Stong Family Genealogical Materials; 3 photographs

Obituaries for Jo S. Stong, 1974

Bert Faulkner -- Dam File, 1958

Dam Project, 1959 -- 1964

Dam Project, 1965

Dam Project, 1966 -- 1969

Iowa Highway Commission, 1960 -- 1962

Iowa Highway Commission, 1963 -- 1967

Iowa Highway Commission, Five Year Plan, 1962 -- 1967

Expenses -- Iowa Highway Commission, July 1959 -- July 1963

Maps -- Iowa Highway Commission