The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Denison, Iowa, on the Lincoln Highway

Did some more research on the town which has much more than just Donna Reed.

Denison is also the childhood home of CLARENCE DUNCAN CHAMBERLIN (1893-1976), the second man to fly solo across the Atlantic and the first to carry passengers.

He was born in Denison at 1434 2nd Avenue South. This home is listed on the NRHP. His father was E. C. Chamberlin who owned a jewelry store. Clarence graduated from Denison High School and Iowa State University (also on Lincoln Highway) and then served in the Army Air Service in World War I.

In April 1927, along with Bert Acosta, he circled New York City for 51 hours and 11 minutes. he also made the first ship-to-shore flight from a vessel 120 miles out to sea. He made the second transatlantic flight behind Lindbergh, but flew farther to Germany.


STRUCTURES

The Crawford County Courthouse was built in 1904 in the Beaux Arts style.

The Yellow Smoke Park Bridge was built in 1945 and is a bow string pony truss pedestrian bridge located east of town off US-30.

The Park Motel is a well-preserved example of the pre-World War II highway motel and is located where 4th Ave. South goes from one way to two.

Next Time Through, I'll Need to Spend Some More Time Here. --RoadDog

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting Denison!

If I remember correctly, Chamberlain was scheduled to fly before Lindberg, but was detained by illness or weather or something tragic like that. I have no proof for that, but I think I heard it somewhere in local lore.

Be sure to stay at Conner's Corner Bed & Breakfast if you return. It was the home of Congressman James Conner, and is beautifully restored. Across the street from it is the old Shaw Mansion, the former US Secretary of Treasury.

We have tons of interesting stories and sites around here, many attributable to our Lincoln Highway/railroad location.