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Books By Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
Love a Great Read?
"Just wanted you to know I read all your books. I love every single one of them and can’t wait for your new one!" --Christine Walter, Burlington, Iowa
"I love how you pick out unique things in your books and bring these stories to light.” –Ramah Husidic, director of public affairs, Iowa National Guard
Madison County
Mention Madison County and many people think of the iconic covered bridges that have graced the landscape for more than 140 years. While Hollywood made the bridges famous, there are many more stories to share, thanks to Madison County’s rich history and vibrant culture. These stories include unforgettable people who shaped America—the men and women of the Underground Railroad in Madison County; renowned scientist George Washington Carver; and social reformer Susan B. Anthony, who advocated for women’s voting rights from the county courthouse in 1875. Madison County natives have also made their mark on the world. Marion Morrison, who became the movie star John Wayne, was born in Winterset in 1907. During World War II, Winterset native George Stout protected priceless works of art from being looted and destroyed by the Nazis. A visionary, steadfast spirit continues to thrive in Madison County, where time-honored values of faith, family, and friendship endure. Growing from its strong agricultural heritage, Madison County embodies modern Iowa, where charming small towns, family farms, thriving businesses, and innovative people reflect the best of the Midwest. Explore it all through nearly 200 vintage and modern images and stories of Madison County, an Iowa treasure.
"Darcy has a keen eye for what will interest the reader. Our various historical organizations - the Madison County Historical Society, Madison County Genealogical Society, and the Madison County Historic Preservation Commission - appreciate the accuracy of the book and its easily-to-read format that will introduce many our deep local history. We are also hoping that our three school districts will use it as an opportunity for students to dig further into their local roots and acquire research skills." --Jared McDonald, director of the Madison County Historical Complex, and Linda Griffith Smith, chair of the Madison County Historical Preservation Commission, Winterset, Iowa
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Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (March 15, 2021)
1. Building on a Solid Foundation: The Quarry Story
2. Love of the Land: Farming Takes Root in Madison County
3. Guiding Freedom Seekers: The Underground Railroad
4. Madison County: Famous Covered Bridges
5. Winterset: The County Seat
6. St. Charles: Gateway to the Bridges
7. Earlham: Small-Town Roots Run Deep
8. Small-Town Living: At Home in Madison County
9. Famous Faces, Famous Places: Big Dreams Grow from Small Beginnings
10. Growing Opportunities: Madison County Reflects Past, Present, and Future
Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes
With Italian steakhouses, the Younkers Tea Room and Stella's Blue Sky Diner, Des Moines's culinary history is tantalizingly diverse. It is filled with colorful characters like bootlegger/"millionaire bus boy" Babe Bisignano, a buxom bar owner named Ruthie and future president of the United States Ronald Reagan. The savory details reveal deeper stories of race relations, women's rights, Iowa caucus politics, the arts, immigration and assimilation. As you read Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes, don't be surprised if you experience sudden cravings for Steak de Burgo, fried pork tenderloin sandwiches and chocolate ambrosia pie, à la Bishop's Buffet. Author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby serves up a feast of Des Moines classics mixed with Iowa history, complete with iconic recipes and vintage photographs and illustrations.
"Wow! Perhaps my most cherished book in my library! A must-have book for anyone that has ever enjoyed the food scene here in Des Moines. Thank you, Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, for such a fabulous trip down memory lane. This book is one of the best things to come out of the year 2020!"
--Chef George Formaro, Des Moines
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“I love this book! It's so good. All the history is so interesting. The thing that really impacted me was how you tied in the restaurants to the history of Des Moines and Iowa as a whole. This was unexpected and very impactful, especially the racial inequality history. I also enjoyed learning about the styles of entertainment through the years-- such as the rise and fall of dinner theaters in Des Moines. I'm so happy you keep publishing such great books. Way to go!”
--Jennifer Welch, Woodward, Iowa
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"I can't thank you enough for writing this book. It has brought back so many great memories for my mom and dad who are currently on COVID-19 restrictions in Des Moines. I am now going to buy one for my aunt. Thank you again."
-- Susan Fenton, Des Moines, Iowa
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"Hi! I ordered multiple copies of you Des Moines restaurant book. I sent one to my 107-year-old aunt in Des Moines. I thought she might enjoy some of the history and remember hearing about the different places. Of course she knew Younkers Tea Room, and she knew Babe Bisignano enough to speak with him. And she had heard of Ruthie, too! My cousin's wife works as a nurse/aide where my aunt lives, and she has been enjoying the book, too, including the applesauce bread recipe. Your book is enjoyed!"
--Tedra Towne, Boone, Iowa
Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes book
Paperback : 208 pages
Product Dimensions : 6 x 0.31 x 9 inches
Publisher : The History Press (November 2, 2020)
Chapters
1. Midwestern Roots Mixed with Ethnic Accents (including King Ying Low and the chop suey craze)
2. Authentic Italian Influences
3. Babe, You’ve Got What it Takes (Legendary restauranteur Babe Bisignano)
4. Fine Dining: Steakhouses, Supper Clubs and Steak de Burgo
5. A Taste of Elegance at the Younkers Tea Room
6. Cooking Up Change: Restaurants, Race Relations and Civil Rights
7. Diners, Drive-Ins, Food and Fun
8. Eat, Drink and Be Merry: From Ronald Reagan to Ruthie (A Des Moines bar owner and legend)
9. Dinner Theaters in Des Moines Mixed Entertainment and Good Eats
10. Downtown Des Moines and the Revitalization of Court Avenue
11. Savor a Taste of the Iowa Caucus
12. Changing Times and the Future of Des Moines Dining