Thank you for sharing the sweet memories of Keosauqua and the Hotel Manning with us, Christie. The community efforts to save the hotel and reinvent the whole area does seem to be the very definition of resilience. It is definitely on the list for a road trip!
Wonderful story. I also wanted to take this opportunity to let her readers know how Christie continues to support education and reading. Last Friday, at the 25th anniversary of the Raising Readers of Story County (I have been a volunteer reader and former board member), Christie made it up to Ames for the celebration. And I learned how Christie had helped start this wonderful small nonprofit dedicated to helping youth discover the joy of reading and learning.
Ralph, Thanks for reading and commenting and thanks for taking some photos at the event. I got some too. Next week I’ll try to capture the essence of Raising Readers in Story County. I appreciate your advocacy for literacy in Story County and beyond.
Christy, Loved your article about the Hotel Manning. about 30 years ago, my wife and I were thinking about getting into the B&B business and took a trip to Keosauqua to check out the Hotel. We were very impressed and went back to Des Moines to give some thought about buying the place. But, we ended up buying the Chapter 13 restaurant in downtown, mainly to learn the food business. For a variety of reasons, that didn't go well and we lost some money. So, we shelved our plans to run a B&B. But have always rued that we didn't by the Hotel Manning. Kenn Johnson
I recently joined the Iowa Writers Collaborative. I was too shy to go to the recent gathering. After your description and the richness of your experience I look forward to finding the gumption to attend the next gathering.
Great column, Christie, full of the feelings the Hotel Manning has stirred in me when I’ve stayed there. I remember writing a number of columns from the second-floor balcony, overlooking the Des Moines River. Then I’d take my word processors downstairs, hold & try to balance them while using a pay phone in the lobby to transmit the stories to Des Moines. I’m thrilled to learn the community has taken ownership of the hotel!
This is a delightful, thoughtful and personal recap of our retreat. Well done!
Thank you for sharing the sweet memories of Keosauqua and the Hotel Manning with us, Christie. The community efforts to save the hotel and reinvent the whole area does seem to be the very definition of resilience. It is definitely on the list for a road trip!
Wonderful story. I also wanted to take this opportunity to let her readers know how Christie continues to support education and reading. Last Friday, at the 25th anniversary of the Raising Readers of Story County (I have been a volunteer reader and former board member), Christie made it up to Ames for the celebration. And I learned how Christie had helped start this wonderful small nonprofit dedicated to helping youth discover the joy of reading and learning.
Thanks, Ralph, for you leadership in Raising Readers. I'm going to post about that event and the long term commitment next week.
I took some photos of the event and even tried to take a few of you talking with others. But my photographic and cinematographic skills failed me.
Ralph, Thanks for reading and commenting and thanks for taking some photos at the event. I got some too. Next week I’ll try to capture the essence of Raising Readers in Story County. I appreciate your advocacy for literacy in Story County and beyond.
Christy, Loved your article about the Hotel Manning. about 30 years ago, my wife and I were thinking about getting into the B&B business and took a trip to Keosauqua to check out the Hotel. We were very impressed and went back to Des Moines to give some thought about buying the place. But, we ended up buying the Chapter 13 restaurant in downtown, mainly to learn the food business. For a variety of reasons, that didn't go well and we lost some money. So, we shelved our plans to run a B&B. But have always rued that we didn't by the Hotel Manning. Kenn Johnson
Thank you, Christie! Much respect for your perspective and all the kindness you continue to exude.
I recently joined the Iowa Writers Collaborative. I was too shy to go to the recent gathering. After your description and the richness of your experience I look forward to finding the gumption to attend the next gathering.
Great column, Christie, full of the feelings the Hotel Manning has stirred in me when I’ve stayed there. I remember writing a number of columns from the second-floor balcony, overlooking the Des Moines River. Then I’d take my word processors downstairs, hold & try to balance them while using a pay phone in the lobby to transmit the stories to Des Moines. I’m thrilled to learn the community has taken ownership of the hotel!
A masterfully woven web connecting time, space, and human endeavor.
Thank you for standing up for hard news. As a former journalist I read a daily newspaper every day. I hope to do this for many years, yet. 🌺