Pieces of Iowa’s Past, February 8, 2012

Pieces of Iowa’s Past, published by the Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides weekly during the legislative session, features historical facts about Iowa, the Capitol, and the early workings of state government. All historical publications are reproduced here with the actual spelling, punctuation, and grammar retained. February 8, 2012 THIS WEEK: The Resolution Granting a Festival for the Citizens of Des Moines BACKGROUND: The following comes from a journal entry in the Pioneer Lawmakers’ Association of Iowa, Volumes 1-14, 1896-1913. The journal entry is from the Third Annual Meeting of the Pioneer Lawmakers— Reunion of 1892. The president, Charles Aldrich, called the meeting to order February 10, 1892, in the assembly rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Governor Cyrus Carpenter gave the address. Cyrus Carpenter was born November 24, 1829, and died May 29, 1898. He served in the Seventh General Assembly in 1858. This was the first general assembly to meet in Des Moines in the newly constructed Brick Capitol. Carpenter was Iowa’s eighth governor since becoming a state in 1846. He was inaugurated in 1872 at the age of 42. Carpenter also served in the Iowa Senate during the 20th General Assembly in 1884