creator:

Reasoner, Joseph C.

title:

Reminiscences

dates:

1964-1975

extent:

1.26 linear feet (3 document boxes)

collection number:

MS 182  

repository:

Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Joseph C. Reasoner Reminscences, MS 182, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

 Biographical note

Joseph C. Reasoner was born September 13, 1892. His family farmed four miles northeast of Humboldt, Iowa, and Reasoner was a life-long resident of the Humboldt area. As an adult, he took over the operation of the family farm.  From 1915-1920, Reasoner vaccinated and fed hogs for the Fort Dodge Serum Company. It was a large operation, involving 500 to 1,000  hogs at a time. Blood from these hogs was used for the hog cholera serum. In 1920, Reasoner’s health failed and he had to give up farming. He became an insurance salesman and remained in that profession for 40 years.  

Always an avid fisherman, Reasoner spearheaded efforts to restore the Lake Nokomis Dam (in Humboldt on the West Des Moines River) after a flood washed out the center of the island which had anchored it on April 29, 1969. He chaired the Lake Nokomis Fund Drive, which raised over $15,000 to assist the Humboldt County Conservation Board with the replacement project.  The restored dam was named the Joe Reasoner dam in honor of his efforts. His nephew, television news analyst, Harry Reasoner, spoke at the dam’s dedication on June 20^th, 1971.  

Joseph C. Reasoner died January 5^th, 1976. 

 Collection Description

 
The taped reminiscences from 1965 and 1966 were originally done for Reasoner’s grandchildren, so that they would have a record of what farm life was like when he was a boy. The later tapes were done specifically for the Department of Special Collections.