In The News
Antique Cars and Special Jefferson Highway Dedication
Planned for Monday, June 5th
The Jefferson Highway Association (JHA) is hosting a special "Sociability Caravan" through Iowa, similar to the historic caravans of the past. The caravan will be arriving in Indianola on Monday, June 5th, with a special dedication of historic signage in front of the former Hotel Warren (113 East Salem) at 1:45pm by Amanda Zwanziger, President of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Stephanie Erickson. Everyone is invited to attend.
The Jefferson Highway Association signage, purchased by the Warren County Historic Preservation Commission, will include recognition for the following three locations:
- Hotel Warren,113 West Salem, where travelers overnighted in luxury
- Tourist Camp, between Simpson’s Barker and Wallace Hall on Buxton Street, where travelers overnighted modestly
- Hastie Gas Station, six miles north of Indianola, west side on Hwy 65/69
The Jefferson Highway was the idea of Des Moines’ Edwin T Meredith who believed the United States needed a north/south highway. Dedicated in 1916, with a Sociability Caravan stopping in Indianola, the Jefferson Highway runs from the pines of Winnipeg to the palms of New Orleans.
Touring by automobile a hundred years ago was a new experience and created business opportunities for every town and city along the roadway’s route. Indianola is the only location in Iowa, and one of few remaining, to faithfully recognize this historic highway with “Jefferson Way” naming the segment of Hwy 65/69 running through town.
Contact: Amanda Zwanziger
515-961-6269
amanda@indianolachamber.com
