muscatine
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The Pearl Button Capital of the World
At the turn of the 20th Century, the Mississippi River town of Muscatine, Iowa was one of the most important places in the world. Not only because here was the worldwide source of nearly 40% of all pearl buttons, but because a conflict was brewing that would have consequences for workers throughout the world.
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Mark Twain’s Favorite View of the River
In Muscatine, Iowa there is a point overlooking the river said to be Mark Twain’s favorite. I never know how much credence to put into such things as people have told me variously that they were at the widest point in the river, the deepest point, the tightest bend, the highest overlooking bluff, and possessing…
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A Land of Sweet Melons and Excellent Tacos
In Muscatine, I met many new friends, received generous gifts, found a river town with a significant Latino population, learned about famous Muscatine Melons, and interviewed the son in-law of the heir to a pearl button fortune.