Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1903-01-03
A WESTERN
Charles Aidrich, Curator Iowa Depar,
ment Of History.

WcNt OF NfeIoEJs
Omaha Bee: But few men OF the
west have had their life work crowded
so appropriately as Charles Aldrich of
wv He Is a newspaper man, q true
journalist OF the old school, educated
at the case and developed by years Of
aTduous labor in his chosen field. He
is one OF the pioneer newspaper editors
of Iowa, his career dating from 1867.
Years ago he began to taxi a deep in
terest in the history of his state, in
those things which are so easily for
gotten, but which go to make up the
story OF the states grandeur. He gath
ered autographs and historical docu-
ments and photographs of great men.
His career had given him a wide ac-
quaintance. He prepared a collection
which was OF rare merit. AS the years
went on his collection of autographs
and manuscripts became so valuable
that he desired the state to take care
of the same for the benefit of future
generations. out of this has grown the
owa historical department and the
,eautiful Hall OF History" which L.
being rapidly filed with the choicest
treasures of the state and over which
Mr.. Aldrich presides. 1t is a natural
outcome OF his life work, his hopes and
ambitions; and Mr.. Aldrich is devoting
the closing years of an active life to
this work which means SO much TO the
future OF Iowa and for which he will
be remembered through many gener-
atoms.
Charles Aldrich was born in Chautau-
qua county, New York, in 1928, and in
1876 he entered the office OF the Vest
TERN Literary Messenger in Buffalo TO
learn the printers trade. He followed
his vocation in various towns of New
York and Pennsylvania and established
the C~attaraugus Sachem at Randolph,
n. y, in 1850. In 1867 he came to low
and established the Hamilton Freeman
1T Webster City, then a village. He at
)nce took a high position in politics
and gave his support to James w.
crimes for senator. Subsequently Mr..
Aldrich was editor OF the Dubuque
Times and later bought and edited the
Marshalltown Times-Republican. AT
Other times he has been connected edi-
.orially with TIE Waterloo Courier,
Council Bluffs Nonpareil and the Chi
cago Inter Ocean. He locked UP his Of
fee In Webster City and went to war
as an adjutant in the Thirty-second
iowa. In 1860, 1862, 1866 and 1870 Mr..
AldTich was cnIef clerk of the Iowa
house Of representatives. He was one
Of the commissioners appointed by
President Grant to settle the Des
Mo.nes river lane troubles, He was a
member Of the United States geologic
survey in 1915.
Eighteen year ago the state legis-
latuTe accepted the gift OF Mr.. and
Mrs. Aldrich of their splendid collec-
tion of autographs and manuscripts and
It was agreed that the collection should
be kept intact and in proper cases. The
collection remained in The state library
tor several years, but in 1892 the his
torical department of Iowa was estab-
lished and Mr.. Aidrich was made cur
ator. In 1899 a building was erected
by the state, which is but a part of the
building planned and which will ulti-
mately be one Of the finest historical
buildings Of the country.
Mr.. Aldrich, as curator of the his
torical department, is devoting his life
to historical research and collection. In
his painstaEdng, persistent, enthusiasts.
tic way he has made wonderful pro-
gress. Fills original collection is being
added 10 year by year II new features
are being introduced. Here are auto
graphs of hundreds of men known &c
fame the world over Of this generation
II of the past, in all walks Of life and
Of all kinds. The collection Of manu-
scripts relating directly to Iowa affairs
is increasing. Mr.. .Aldrich has ran.
sacked the records at Washington fol-
manuscripts and valuable letters. Their
he has q great collection Of natural his.
tory specimens, OF geologic specimens, OF
ancient. pottery, of Indian curios, of
guns and weapons of all kinds, of cur
lou artillery from all parts OF the
world, of characteristic western We
hicles and implements n utensils H.
Illustrating early western life. The col.
lection OF historical portraits is very
fac and is increasing rapidly. The file
OF newspapers of early Iowa is the most
complete eXtant and the collection Of
historical books is large. Everything
relating to Iowa history is being gath
cred in the Hall Of History" to form
the nucleus Of a great historical collec-
ton worthy of the state of Iowa.
1t is the genius and devotion OF
Charles Aldrich that the state of Iowa
owes the establishment Of a work which
is destined to continue increasing in
Importance through the years. He Is
living to a ripe old age to enjoy that
which he has wrought.
ET.- $4,000 49,