Misplaced Pages

#744255

52-764: The Waterloo Hawks were an American minor-league professional baseball team based in Waterloo, Iowa , that existed on-and-off from 1922 to 1969. From 1922 to 1932, they played in the Mississippi Valley League and in 1932 they were affiliated with the Chicago White Sox . They played in the Western League in 1936 and from 1940 to 1942 in the Illinois-Iowa-Indiana League , where they were again affiliated with

104-553: A humid continental climate zone ( Köppen classification Dfa ), typical of the state of Iowa, and is part of USDA Plant Hardiness zone 5a. The normal monthly mean temperature ranges from 18.5 °F (−7.5 °C) in January to 73.6 °F (23.1 °C) in July. On average, there are 22 nights annually with a low at or below 0 °F (−18 °C), 58 days annually with a high at or below freezing, and 16 days with

156-534: A beer at a pub. Included in the WCA is the Phelps Youth Pavilion (PYP), which opened in 2009. The PYP is an interactive children's museum. PYP provides additional gallery and studio space. The Riverloop Amphitheater, completed in 2011, is an outdoor plaza and amphitheater available to rent for events and weddings. The Riverloop Amphitheater also is home to Mark's Park, a water park playground open to

208-566: A black strikebreaker killed a white union member. Instead of a race riot, a strike ensued against the Rath Company. The National Guard was called in to end the 73-day strike. United Packinghouse Workers of America became the main union of the Rath Company, welcoming black workers, but United Auto Workers Local 838 continued to refuse black members. With the power of the union, Anna Mae Weems, Ada Treadwell, Charles Pearson and Jimmy Porter formed an anti-discrimination department at Rath by

260-580: A cousin from Ackley, Iowa , began the Waterloo venture. The Rath Packing Company (Rath) of Waterloo (Iowa) opened for business on November 24, 1891, on the Cedar River. Initially, the company concentrated on hogs , but by 1908 the company was also slaughtering beef and soon lamb as well. Business thrived; lucrative contracts to supply meat to the Armed Forces during both World Wars helped

312-466: A high at or above 90 °F (32 °C). As the mean first and last occurrence of freezing temperatures is October 1 and April 29, respectively, this allows for a growing season of 154 days. Temperature records range from −34 °F (−37 °C) on March 1, 1962, and January 16, 2009, up to 112 °F (44 °C) on July 13 and 14, 1936, during the Dust Bowl . The record cold daily maximum

364-466: A list of other post offices in the United States, he came upon the name Waterloo. The name struck his fancy, and a post office was established under that name. There were two extended periods of rapid growth over the next 115 years. From 1895 to 1915, the population increased from 8,490 to 33,097, a 290% increase. From 1925 to 1960, population increased from 36,771 to 71,755. The 1895 to 1915 period

416-492: A livestock market, all adding to local commerce and prosperity . The Raths were approached by the Waterloo, Iowa, Board of Trade (a Chamber of Commerce forerunner) and were eventually won over. Incentives included $ 10,000 in capital, land for a plant, and tax concessions. At some point during this process, George J. Rath decided not to leave Dubuque and not to continue in the meat packing business, rather to stay with his mercantile business. His son E. F. Rath, and John W. Rath,

468-509: A male householder with no wife present, and 39.8% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.95. The median age in the city was 35.9 years. 23.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of

520-541: A march on city hall to encourage investigation into his death. The march led to the creation of the Waterloo Human Rights Commission, which lasted only a year due to lack of funding. On Sept. 7, 1967, a city report, "Waterloo's Unfinished Business", was released. The report covered the ongoing problems in housing, education and employment faced by Waterloo's black community. It confirmed the housing bias faced by black residents, that many of

572-455: A strong presence in the city, but employs only roughly one-third the number of people it did at its peak. In 1910, black railroad workers were brought in as strikebreakers to the Waterloo area. Black workers were relegated to 20 square blocks in Waterloo, an area that remains the east side to this day. In 1940, more black strikebreakers were brought in to work in the Rath meat plant . In 1948,

SECTION 10

#1732780325745

624-411: A subsequent fire that claimed a lumber mill and three homes. There was an attempt to set East High on fire as well. The riot lasted until midnight and resulted in seven officers injured and thirteen youths jailed. The National Guard was called in the following day. The riots were called off and a solution was reached thanks to civil rights leader William G Parker. In 2003, Governor Tom Vilsack created

676-499: A task force to close the racial achievement gap in Waterloo. In 2009, a fair housing report, "Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice", compiled by Mullin & Lonergan Associates Inc., found Waterloo to be Iowa's most segregated city. "Historical patterns of racial segregation persist in Waterloo. Of the 20 cities in Iowa with populations exceeding 25,000, Waterloo ranks as the most segregated". Many activists who participated in

728-528: Is $ 5/adult and $ 2/child, under five and members are free. The tropically themed Lost Island Waterpark, which opened in 2001, has regularly been featured in USA Today 's Top 10 waterparks in the United States listings. It was joined in 2022 by Lost Island Theme Park , which received industry awards recognition for its interactive dark ride Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol . The Iowa Irish Fest

780-417: Is July 1999 with 12.82 inches (326 mm); on the 2nd of that month, 5.49 inches (139 mm) of rain fell, making for the heaviest rainfall in a single calendar day. The driest months are October 1952 and November 1954 with trace amounts each. Winter snowfall is moderate, and averages 35.3 inches (90 cm) per season, spread over an average of 27 days, and snow cover of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more

832-743: Is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service . Through the development of a network of 113 partner sites, programs and events, SSNHA's mission is to interpret farm life, agribusiness and rural communities-past and present. Waterloo partner sites include the Waterloo Center for the Arts and the Grout Museum . The SSNHA office is located in the Fowler Building, Suite 2, 604 Lafayette Street. The Waterloo Center for

884-541: Is held in Waterloo in early August, and the National Cattle Congress is held there in September. Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) preserves and tells the story of American agriculture and its global significance through partnerships and activities that celebrate the land, people, and communities of the area. SSNHA is one of 62 federally designated National Heritage Areas and

936-637: Is seen on 67 days, mostly from December to March. Winter snowfall has ranged from 11.6 inches (29.5 cm) in 1967–68 to 68.5 inches (174.0 cm) in 1904–05. The most snow in a calendar day and month is 13.2 and 33.9 inches (33.5 and 86.1 cm) on January 3, 1971, and in December 2000, respectively. As of the census of 2020 , the population was 67,314. The population density was 1,092.8 inhabitants per square mile (421.9/km ). There were 31,603 housing units at an average density of 513.1 units per square mile (198.1 units/km ). The racial makeup of

988-469: Is −16 °F (−27 °C) on February 2, 1996, while conversely the record warm daily minimum is 80 °F (27 °C) on July 31, 1917, and August 16, 1988. Normal annual precipitation equivalent is 34.60 inches (879 mm) spread over an average of 112 days, with heavier rainfall in spring and summer, but observed annual rainfall has ranged from 17.35 to 53.07 inches (441 to 1,348 mm) in 1910 and 1993, respectively. The wettest month on record

1040-579: The 2020 United States Census the population was 67,314, making it the eighth-most populous city in the state . Waterloo comprises a twin conurbation with neighbor municipality Cedar Falls . Waterloo is part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area , and is the more populous of the two cities. Waterloo was originally known as Prairie Rapids Crossing . The town was established near two Meskwaki American tribal seasonal camps alongside

1092-745: The Cedar River . It was first settled in 1845 when George and Mary Melrose Hanna and their children arrived on the east bank of the Red Cedar River (now just called the Cedar River). They were followed by the Virden and Mullan families in 1846. Evidence of these earliest families can still be found in the street names Hanna Boulevard, Mullan Avenue and Virden Creek. On December 8, 1845, the Iowa State Register and Waterloo Herald

SECTION 20

#1732780325745

1144-542: The Maytag-Mason Motor Company . On June 7, 1934, bank robber Tommy Carroll had a shootout with the FBI when he and his wife stopped to pick up gas. Accidentally parking next to a police car and wasting time dropping his gun and picking it back up, Carroll was forced to flee into an alley, where he was shot. He was taken to Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, where he soon died. Waterloo suffered in

1196-457: The 1950s. This department helped organize protests against local places that discriminated against blacks. Porter would go on to organize the first black radio station in Waterloo, KBBG, in 1978. Weems became the head of the anti-discrimination department and local NAACP chapter. On May 31, 1966, Eddie Wallace Sallis was found dead in the local jail. The black community felt the death was suspicious, and protests were held. On June 4, Weems led

1248-516: The 1970s–90s largely functioned as designed. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 63.23 square miles (163.76 km ), of which 61.39 square miles (159.00 km ) is land and 1.84 square miles (4.77 km ) is water. The average elevation of Waterloo is 846 feet above sea level. The population density is 1101 people per square mile, considered low for an urban area. Waterloo has

1300-540: The Arts (WCA) is a regional center for visual and performance arts. It is owned and operated by the City of Waterloo with oversight by the advisory Waterloo Cultural and Arts Commission. The center is located at 225 Commercial Street. It is also an anchor for the Waterloo Cultural and Arts District (a State of Iowa designation). The permanent collection at the WCA includes the largest collection of Haitian art in

1352-460: The Waterloo school board voted to allow open enrollment in all their schools to encourage integration. Many parents felt it was not enough. Despite the efforts between 1967 and 1970, already-black schools in the area increased in their segregation. By the 1960s, Rath was declining and jobs there were harder to come by. A federal government program trained 1,200 local youths with the promise of summer jobs, only to hire two as bricklayers. Starting in

1404-687: The Waterloo/Cedar Falls MSA, according to the Cedar Valley Regional Partnership of Iowa, as of 2021 include (in order): John Deere , Tyson Fresh Meats, the University of Northern Iowa , Omega Cabinetry, Bertch Cabinet, Target Regional Distribution Center, Croell Redi Mix, Cuna Mutrual, and CBE Companies. The Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is a 40-acre (16 ha) public garden located directly east of Hawkeye Community College. Admission

1456-628: The White Sox. From 1958 to 1969 they played in the Midwest League and were affiliated with the Boston Red Sox (1958–1968) and Kansas City Royals (1969). In 1936 and from 1940 to 1942, they played their home games at Red Hawk Stadium. From 1958 to 1969, they played their home games at Riverfront Stadium . Waterloo, Iowa Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County , Iowa , United States. As of

1508-501: The agricultural recession of the 1980s; its major employers at the time were heavily rooted in agriculture. John Deere, the area's largest employer, cut 10,000 jobs, and the Rath meatpacking plant closed altogether, losing 2,500 jobs. It is estimated that Waterloo lost 14% of its population during this time. Today the city enjoys a broader industrial base, as city leaders have sought to diversify its industrial and commercial mix. Deere remains

1560-584: The building that was the local YMCA . The current building was completed and opened to the public as a not-for-profit museum in 1956. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum was opened in November 2008 at a cost of $ 11 million, funded in part by a citizens' grassroots campaign. The Rensselaer Russell House is at 520 W. 3rd Street. Built in 1858, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Rensselaer and Caroline Russell built

1612-461: The city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Black Hawk , Bremer , and Grundy counties. The area had a 2000 census population of 163,706 and a 2008 estimated population of 164,220. Waterloo is next to Cedar Falls , home to the University of Northern Iowa . Small suburbs include Evansdale , Hudson , Raymond, Elk Run Heights , Gilbertville, and Washburn. The largest employers in

Waterloo Hawks (baseball) - Misplaced Pages Continue

1664-567: The city was 72.4% White , 17.3% Black or African American , 2.5% Asian , 0.5% Pacific Islander , 0.3% Native American , and 3.3% from other races or two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 7.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. As of the census of 2010, there were 68,406 people, 28,607 households, 17,233 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,114.3 inhabitants per square mile (430.2/km ). There were 30,723 housing units at an average density of 500.5 units per square mile (193.2 units/km ). The racial makeup of

1716-452: The city was 77.3% White , 15.5% African American , 0.3% Native American , 1.1% Asian , 0.3% Pacific Islander , 2.6% from other races , and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.6% of the population. There were 28,607 households, of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had

1768-402: The company grow. Growth and profitability were also spurred between the 1930s and 1950s by innovations such as the fancy dry curing of bacon and the vacuum canning of meats. By the company's fiftieth anniversary in 1941, the small regional packing house in Waterloo had grown into the nation's single largest meatpacking facility with branch facilities in 12 states. By the end of World War II , Rath

1820-436: The country, Midwest Regionalist art (including works by Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton), Mexican folk art, international folk art, American decorative arts, and public art. President Barack Obama gave a speech here on August 14, 2012, during the 2012 presidential campaign . Originally scheduled for 7:45 pm, the speech was delayed by about 15 minutes, when Obama made an unannounced stop in neighboring Cedar Falls for

1872-474: The district started with an endowment set up in the will of Henry W. Grout . The district is a nonprofit educational entity that is active in engaging the students and all people from the surrounding communities. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums . The Grout Museum of History and Science, the first museum which would grow into the museum district, was displayed for many years in

1924-666: The house utilizing Italianate architecture in 1861 for $ 5,878.83. The Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium opened in 1993 and provides both interactive exhibits and formal demonstrations in various fields of science. The Snowden House is a two-story brick Victorian era house listed on the National Register of Historic Places was built in 1875. The house was once used as the Waterloo Woman's Club. Rath Packing Company George John Rath (variously referred to as George Rath and John George Rath)

1976-501: The name George Rath and Son. In February 1891, the Rath's small pork packing plant and retail market in Dubuque was destroyed by fire . The fire came at a time when many growing towns in Iowa were trying to attract meat packers to relocate or open operations in their communities. A packing plant was a major acquisition for a small but ambitious town. Such a business meant locally-available fresh meat , employment , and typically created

2028-456: The original protests feel that Waterloo has remained the same. In 2015, The Huffington Post listed Waterloo as the 10th worst city for black Americans. The site noted that the city's black residents have a 24% unemployment rate compared to 3.9% for whites, giving Waterloo one of the highest black unemployment rates among Midwest cities. Waterloo still has a higher percentage of blacks than most Iowa cities. In December 2012, Derrick Ambrose Jr.

2080-662: The public. The WCA also houses the Waterloo Community Playhouse, the oldest community theatre in Iowa (operating since 1916), and the Black Hawk Children's Theatre, that started in 1964, then, merged with the Waterloo Community Playhouse in 1982. Both perform in the Hope Martin Theatre, which opened in 1965. The theatre's administrative offices are located across the street in the historic Walker Building. Established in 1932,

2132-618: The schools were generally 80% of one race, and that 80% of black residents held service jobs. In a 2007 article, the Courier covered some changes in the 40 years since, finding that housing was now mostly divided by socioeconomic status, schools still violated the desegregation plan, and black unemployment was still double that of white residents. The Iowa Supreme Court outlawed school segregation in 1868. A 1967 commission found most schools were still segregated and recommended immediate desegregation, which Mayor Lloyd Turner opposed. In 1969,

Waterloo Hawks (baseball) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2184-399: The summer months of 1966, Waterloo was subject to riots over race relations between the white community and the black community. Many white residents expressed confusion as to why riots were occurring in Waterloo, while younger black residents felt they were being treated unfairly, as their conditions seemed worse than those of their white neighbors. In 1967, the black population of Waterloo

2236-514: The union in negotiations, but labor relations remained sour. The 1960s and 1970s were difficult times for the meat packing industry. Competition was fierce and the industry had become high volume, low margin. Profitability was hurt by a decline in per capita pork consumption beginning in 1960. By the mid 1970s, Rath's 50-year-old four-story plant was obsolete. The new model for packing houses called for single-level plants with continually moving automated disassembly lines. In addition, Rath's workforce

2288-534: The youth felt protesting wasn't effective. Protests turned into riots in July 1968 and reached a critical mass by September, with buildings on East 4th street torched and vandalized. In August 1968, East High students Terri and Kathy Pearson gave the principal a list of grievances detailing how they felt the discrimination could be lessened. The principal refused to implement any of the requested changes. Student protests and walkouts continued through September. Students were angry that no African American history course

2340-682: Was a time of rapid growth in manufacturing, rail transportation and wholesale operations. During this period the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company moved to Waterloo and, shortly after, the Rath Packing Company moved from Dubuque . Another major employer throughout the first two-thirds of the 20th century was the Illinois Central Railroad . Among the others was the less-successful brass era automobile manufacturer,

2392-424: Was being taught, and that interracial dating was discouraged by teachers and administrators. On September 13, 1968, during an East High School football game, police attempted to arrest a black youth. He resisted arrest, drawing attention of students in the stands. Black students fought and argued with the police, and police responded by using clubs and mace. The riot continued into the east side of Waterloo, with

2444-573: Was born in 1821 in Breitenau, Württemberg province, Germany . He came to the United States in the late 1840s and eventually settled in Dubuque, Iowa . In Dubuque, Rath began a merchant business, making and selling soap and tallow candles . He also began a pork packing operation. By 1873 he had a new partner in both endeavors: His son, E. F. (Edward Frederick) Rath, doing business under

2496-517: Was equivalent to 8%, and according to the Courier, had a 4% unemployment rate. Waterloo was segregated at the time, as 95% of its black population lived in "East" Waterloo. While the white community felt East High was integrated with a 45% black student body, the black community pointed out that the elementary school in East Waterloo had only one white pupil. Protests were mostly organized by black youths aged 16–25. Protests became riots when

2548-496: Was predominantly middle-aged, older than the industry average for packing houses, and thus burdened with higher than average wage and benefit costs. In 1980, Local 41 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union which represented most of the labor force, negotiated a plan that, in exchange for wage and benefit concessions from the workers, gave them control of Rath's board of directors . The employee-owned Rath operated at

2600-459: Was shot by a police officer. Ambrose's family maintains he was unarmed, while the officer stated that he felt his life was in danger. A grand jury acquitted the officer. The shooting sparked outrage in the community. June 2008 saw the worst flooding the Waterloo – Cedar Falls area had ever recorded; other major floods include the Great Flood of 1993 . The flood control system constructed in

2652-454: Was the fifth largest meatpacker in the U.S. Through two world wars, stock market panics, depression, and drought, the company had failed to show a profit in only four of its years. The years following World War II brought labor troubles. A 1948 strike at the Waterloo plant resulted in the death of a striking union member and a riot. Iowa National Guard troops were called in to restore order. Holding firm, Rath management eventually outlasted

SECTION 50

#1732780325745

2704-401: Was the first newspaper published in Waterloo. The name Waterloo supplanted the original name, Prairie Rapids Crossing, shortly after Charles Mullan petitioned for a post office in the town. Since the signed petition did not include the name of the proposed post office location, Mullan was charged with selecting the name when he submitted the petition. Tradition has it that as he flipped through

#744255