INDEPENDENCE – The “Underground Independence” Tour added two new stops and entertainment this year.
The tour, a fundraiser for Buchanan County Historical Society (BCHS), is always scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of August.
According to Leanne Harrison, BCHS President, the number of visitors was down a little, but there were many new people represented by at least five states.
“The ‘Main Street’ of Independence in 1865 was 6 feet lower than what we see today,” said Harrison. “Our forefathers were concerned about the continual flooding of downtown and the present businesses have benefited from that concern and action. The ‘Main Street’ was raised 6 feet so the retail businesses front door became their basement door. Throughout the years this was forgotten about until in 2012 when people realized what was ‘beneath their feet’ when new sidewalks were put in. That year they could visually see from above what a treasure was beneath their feet. For the first time they could look down into the open sidewalk to see early limestone walls, doors, and windows.”
The five business establishments plus the Wapsipinicon Mill lower basement were open for the self-guided tour this year.
- Chamber of Commerce Loft
- Gedney Bakery and Coffeehouse (Studio 21)
- Certified Title of Buchanan County
- The Sanity Room
- Eschen’s Clothing
The first new stop was Judy Olsen at the west end of First Street Bridge to point out the foundation wall and old sidewalk visible from the bridge and talk about downtown in general.
The next new stop was Certified Title of Buchanan County on 2nd Avenue NE (aka Chatham). The building has housed many businesses in recent years, including the Bulletin Journal for a few months. However, going back in history, it was Raymond Printing Company. It was owned and operated by Clarence “Buster” Raymond (and later Rev. Charles Hewlett). While current owner Tony Bengston and volunteer Richard Behrens were upstairs, Pastor Sue Ann Raymond, Buster’s daughter, was sharing history and stories from when she worked there.
As a special treat, Brass Blast Brass Band, a group of UNI students, played in Brimmer Park. The band is comprised of Luke McIlhon — Alto/Tenor Saxophone; Keaton Kruse — Tenor Saxophone; Hannah Elerding — Baritone Saxophone; Sean Kiefer — Trumpet; Jetta Colsch — Trumpet; Levi Temple — Trombone; Riley Capper — Trombone; Gabe Wagner — Drumset; and Independence native Aidan Anderson — Sousaphone.
Buchanan County Genealogy Society also had special hours for viewing historical documents. The Genealogy Society is located in the lower lever of City Hall. They are normally open Mondays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 2 to 5 p.m., or by appointment by calling 319-334-9333. Visit their Facebook page for fun facts.
“It was a nice day,” said Harrison. “The band was a very good addition. Thanks to all the businesses, volunteers, and visitors of the Underground Independence Tour.”
Funds raised will be used for projects at the Wapsipinicon Mill and Lee Mansion. The Lee Mansion is open from 1 to 3 p.m. weekends. The next fundraiser is the Walking with Spirits tour at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, September 20. The event was rescheduled from this summer due to thunderstorms. Guided tours will begin at Noon and 12:30 p.m. from the southwest corner, look for the tent. Tickets are only $5. Some of the Oakwood Cemetery Restoration Brigade will be there giving demos on tombstone cleaning as well. Another fundraiser will be the annual Pillow Cleaning service on Friday, October 10.
Visit and the Wapsi Mill Facebook page for more information, photos, and area history.
