From Glenwood to Keosauqua
Storms, stories and small talk make life in Iowa better
Nestled in a hollow at the foot of the Loess Hills on the west side of the state is beautiful Glenwood, Iowa. Thursday night I had the privilege of taking the stage at the elegant Parea Cocktail Lounge located on its downtown square. The show started right about the same time as the forecasted severe weather and much-needed rain, so attendance was sparce, but it was still a wonderful night with Adrian, Ron, Jacey and crew.
I met these fine folks last fall for a show and will be back again this November. Adrian owns the joint and his son, Jaycee, runs the day-to-day operations. The set-up is terrific for storytelling music as the back room is designed with a closeable curtain to separate the bar area allowing it to transform into an intentional listening room. Adrian loves live music and is doing a great job of pulling acts into the town. The wonderfully talented and award-winning duo, Weary Ramblers, comprised of fellow IWC writers,
and , will be there this Saturday night which is sure to be an intimate and amazing experience for any in attendance.
Glenwood was established by traveling Mormons in 1848 as Coonsville, but was quickly renamed in 1852, after most of the Mormons left for Utah following tensions and violence with locals. It was renamed Glenwood after a Presbyterian minister, Glenn Wood.
The following morning, I left for Keosauqua to meet up with my fellow
colleagues for a weekend retreat at the stately and community-owned Manning Hotel located on the Des Moines River deep in the southeast corner of Iowa. The retreat was full of incredible moments with lively conversation and an unmistakable joie de vivre from this collection of talented souls.When Brigham Young and his followers were exiled from their base at Nauvoo, Illinois in 1846, their caravan crossed the Des Moines River at Ely's Ford, just upriver from Keosauqua on what is now known as the Mormon Trail. Unbeknownst to me until crafting this column, I had travelled parts of this historical trail in reverse. Iowa is full of diverse and meaningful history rooted in our small towns.
The word Keosauqua derives from the Meskwaki and Sauk name for the Des Moines River. "Ke-o-saw-qua", which literally translates as Bend in the River lived up to its melodic and multisyllabic name. As a newcomer to both Keosauqua and a writer’s retreat, my experience was no doubt aided by the thoughtful planning and welcoming by others. We had unfettered access to the perfect-for-a-murder-mystery party Hotel Manning even turning the lobby into an impromptu concert hall late on Saturday night with the
of legendary Iowa band The Nadas.
Early Saturday evening found us experiencing a meticulously renovated two-story schoolhouse owned by Thomas O’Donnell and Paula Mohr for a rousing and delightful culinary experience complete with ringing the school bell on the way out the door. The schoolhouse was built in 1860, but Paula’s family renovated it for family living and an artist studio when she was a child. Her father, Wendell Mohr, was a talented watercolor artist and wanted to leave the hustle of the Des Moines’ advertising scene in the 1960s. It’s a charming and unique place to say the least. Their hospitality was impeccable making the place even more special.
Just down the road is the pedestrian bridge over to Bentonsport. The walk from the house to the bridge was accompanied with small talk between new and old friends beneath a slow sunset. As we left the canopy of the trees and neared the river, the sunset became simply unignorable. Once on the bridge, I knew I was exactly where I should be in the moment and spent focused time appreciating the natural beauty of the evening.
The spring air was a little on the cool side but kindly whispered in a way that encouraged me to just be more aware in the moment. I listened as the water rippled beneath us on the bridge but was placid as I looked farther out in the distance. When the sun finally set, we hopped back into Jason’s ride dodging rotund raccoons and dancing deer until we arrived back at the Hotel Manning.
Driving home in the steady rain Sunday morning, I found myself positively reflecting on the weekend while listening to Hidden Brain on Iowa Public Radio. The topic of the show was the importance of friendships for personal happiness. The primary nuance they were exploring is the sociological concept of "weak" and "strong" ties, and the important roles they play in our lives.
The questionably named “weak” ties are defined as those between new acquaintances and former strangers. The conclusion is that more of these tiny interactions improve our happiness. Small talk and learning about others are inherently good for us. We need it. I’m grateful that I was able to experience so much of it recently as I traveled from Glenwood to Keosauqua.
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative.
You can stream my original music on all platforms and at www.chipalbrightmusic.com. My next show in Des Moines is at xBk on Sunday, April 27 at 5pm with fellow IWC collaborator and talented songwriter Maxwell Schaeffer opening the night. Tix are just $10 until day of show for an evening of stories and original music that will also include a special appearance from 2021 US Air Guitar National Champion Flying Finn. Hope to see you there!
Also, here is the Zoom link for this month’s Office Lounge for paid subscribers to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. It’s a lively conversation always held on the last Friday of the month at noon, except for November and December, and hosted by Robert Leonard.
Great hanging out and making music with you Chip.
Chip, this is a lovely tribute to a grand experience. Thanks for all you do!