Des Moines in its early years was a man's world, with men holding just about every position of authority both in government and business. The city's economy was booming, but it was more than a little rough around the edges. Editions of the Des Moines Register and its predecessors from the late 1800s and early 1900s make reference to grimy streets, a trash-strewn riverfront, smoky industrial warrens and other family-unfriendly environs.
One story quoted a railroad boss inveighing against the "disreputable hell holes" that had made his depot on the east side of the Des Moines River "a place to be avoided by women and children." So how did a group of women manage to exert their influence to make Des Moines a better place? Their history is emblematic of the way that, as business shaped Iowa's economy, other institutions, from universities to choral societies, religious congregations and summer camps, arose to help shape our society. The Des Moines Register, celebrating its 175th birthday this month, invited Iowa nonprofit institutions with at least 100 years of history to join the party.
Across the state, they responded, sharing stories of their founding, their achievements and continuing goals. You can find the full list at . One venerable example, the Des Moines Women's Club, has an eye-opening history at odds with stereotypes of socialites sharing tea and gossip.
Hundreds of stories in the Des Moines Register archives show that, beginning with its founding 139 years ago, the c.