History comes to life in Tipton

Tipton and Cedar County as a whole seem to take a great deal of pride in preserving and celebrating their local history. Around town, you'll find not one, but three historical museums that help bring history to life.

Cedar County Historical Society Museum

The Cedar County Historical Society Museum is located on the north end of Tipton, on the east side of Hwy. 38. You'll see the red-roofed museum and the start of what locals call the Prairie Village, where several historical buildings have been brought in from around the county. “The log cabin was originally located about three miles west of us,” says Sandy Harmel, museum coordinator. “The cabin is sitting on ground owned by a direct descendant of the pioneer who built it.”

Other buildings include a local blacksmith shop, a school and a church. Harmel notes these buildings are not yet open to the public because they still need to be restored, but people are more than welcome to walk around the prairie-like grounds.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, “we have a Civil War exhibit going on, and it will revolve and change over the four years.” Harmel notes,”Iowa, per capita, had more volunteers than any other state. Two hundred and forty-five Cedar County boys died, more from disease and wounds, but also dying outright in battle. Cedar County most certainly did their share.”

The museum is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (563) 886-2899 or go online to http://cedarcounty historicalsociety.webs.com.

Old Cedar County Jail

Another historic stop in Tipton is the Old Cedar County Jail. It may be hard to remember a time when a small town jail was often connected to the jailer's residence. The Old Cedar County Jail was built in the 1800s and used as a jail up until 2001.

“It's extremely unique,” says Daisy Wingert, owner of Daisy's On The Square, and one of the local supporters. Located on Fourth Street, just one block west of Cedar Street, Tipton's main street, the Old Cedar County Jail has a Wild West feel to it.

Now a local law enforcement museum, the Old Cedar County jail is open the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. Call Wingert at (563) 886-2758 for more information or go online to www.oldcedarcountyjail.com.

Cedar County Attic

Finally, step back in time at the Cedar County Attic, located in and above Ms. Molly's. Different from a regular museum, all of the family heirlooms and antiques on display are on loan from local families.

Store owner Pam LaRue readily admits that she used to hate history. But as she opened her shop to sell gifts, collectibles and antiques, she started to learn more about the history of her building. “We decided to redo the upstairs. And lo and behold, I got the history bug, and have been enjoying history ever since.”

LaRue and a group of local ladies who call themselves the Attic Belles regularly dress in costume and take on a persona, each representing a different lady from the 1860s. “When I am dressed, I'm Miss Nellie,” LaRue says. “We have a group of 10 to 12 of us, and close to 24 volunteers.” The Attic Belles give presentations in the community and for school groups, hoping to bring Cedar County's history to life, maybe to spark an interest in someone who, like LaRue, hasn't yet learned to love history.

Through her shop, LaRue is also trying to revive an interest in some of the older crafts. “I teach spinning, tatting and chair caning,” says LaRue. “I'm also trying to get proficient enough so I can teach bobbin lace. We're trying to teach some of those things that are no longer being taught, that are being lost over the years.”

The Cedar County Attic, 421 Cedar St. in Tipton, is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (563) 886-6288 or visit

www.cedarcountyattic.com.