PETERSEN, William J. - Revision history

Randylyon at 20:43, 15 March 2019

2019-03-15T20:43:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:43, 15 March 2019
Line 17:		Line 17:
	Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.		Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.

	Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were '''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys''' (1941), '''A Reference Guide to Iowa History''' (1942), and '''Towboating on the Mississippi''' (1980). '''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State''' (1952) comprised four volumes with the last two biographies of Iowans, families genealogies, and histories of businesses and institutions collected by the publishers. (5) Copies of Petersen's '''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work''' (1979) were sold by the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] to raise money for the Upper Mississippi Riverboat Museum and some work on the [[HAM HOUSE]]. (6)		Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were '''True Tales of Iowa'''(1931) ,'''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys''' (1941), '''A Reference Guide to Iowa History''' (1942), and '''Towboating on the Mississippi''' (1980). '''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State''' (1952) comprised four volumes with the last two biographies of Iowans, families genealogies, and histories of businesses and institutions collected by the publishers. (5) Copies of Petersen's '''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work''' (1979) were sold by the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] to raise money for the Upper Mississippi Riverboat Museum and some work on the [[HAM HOUSE]]. (6)

	In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines. (7)		In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines. (7)

Randylyon at 16:57, 16 February 2019

2019-02-16T16:57:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 16 February 2019
Line 7:		Line 7:
	history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)		history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)

	Researching his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen hitchhiking approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation. Expanded later with additional research, Petersen's '''Steamboating on the Mississippi''' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi.		Researching his doctoral dissertation was carried out by Petersen hitchhiking approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation. Expanded later with additional research, Petersen's '''Steamboating on the Mississippi''' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi.

	Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.		Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.

Randylyon at 16:50, 16 February 2019

2019-02-16T16:50:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 16 February 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:~~peterson~~.~~jpg~~\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.		[[Image:PETERSEN2.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.

	In deciding what he would write for his dissertation, Petersen had planned on "George Channing and the Oregon Boundry." Many years later, he claimed to remember the reaction of his professor when he heard of Petersen's background:		In deciding what he would write for his dissertation, Petersen had planned on "George Channing and the Oregon Boundry." Many years later, he claimed to remember the reaction of his professor when he heard of Petersen's background:

Randylyon at 14:10, 10 December 2015

2015-12-10T14:10:37Z

Randylyon at 03:47, 2 December 2013

2013-12-02T03:47:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:47, 2 December 2013
Line 7:		Line 7:
	history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)		history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)

	~~Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as~~ his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen ~~who hitchhiked~~ approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.		Researching his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen hitchhiking approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation. Expanded later with additional research, Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi.

	Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.		Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.

Randylyon at 03:44, 2 December 2013

2013-12-02T03:44:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:44, 2 December 2013
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:peterson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen~~'s ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi~~. ~~Research for the book, which began~~ as ~~his doctoral dissertation~~, ~~was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20~~,~~000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about~~ the ~~river~~. ~~Petersen later said~~ the ~~experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation~~.		[[Image:peterson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.

	Petersen ~~attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]]~~ and ~~graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]~~. ~~His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man~~, ~~Most Popular Boy~~, ~~and Class Politician~~. ~~He earned a bachelor~~'s ~~degree from~~ the ~~[[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master~~'~~s degree and Ph~~.~~D from~~ the ~~University of Iowa~~.		In deciding what he would write for his dissertation, Petersen had planned on "George Channing and the Oregon Boundry." Many years later, he claimed to remember the reaction of his professor when he heard of Petersen's background:

			Petersen, I will personally pull the rope that hangs
			you to yonder tree if you don't start working on the
			history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)

			Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.

	Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.		Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.

	Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.		Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. (2) In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.

	In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for the ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to nearly 11,000 in 1972.		In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. A collector of nearly anything associated with the Mississippi, he compiled a collection of over four hundred pieces dealing with the river. (3) Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for the ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. (4) His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to nearly 11,000 in 1972.

	Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.		Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.

	Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were ''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys'' (1941), ''A Reference Guide to Iowa History'' (1942), ''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State'' (1952), ''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work'' (1979), and ~~''Towboating~~ on the ~~Mississippi''~~ (~~1980~~).		Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were ''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys'' (1941), ''A Reference Guide to Iowa History'' (1942), and ''Towboating on the Mississippi'' (1980). ''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State'' (1952) comprised four volumes with the last two biographies of Iowans, families genealogies, and histories of businesses and institutions collected by the publishers. (5) Copies of Petersen's ''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work'' (1979) were sold by the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] to raise money for the Upper Mississippi Riverboat Museum and some work on the [[HAM HOUSE]]. (6)

			In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines. (7)

	In ~~1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from~~ the [[~~NATIONAL RIVERS HALL~~ OF ~~FAME~~]] ~~in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989~~, by the State Historical Society of Iowa ~~as the first recipient of~~ the ~~Petersen~~-~~Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R~~. ~~Harlan, the former curator~~ of ~~the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines~~.		In 1990 the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] library received a $16,670 grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to catalog and preserve the 925-volume William J. 'Steamboat Bill' Collection which included forty boxes of archival material. (8)

	---		---

	Source:		Source:

			1. Loh, Jules. "Historian Makes Mark--Different," The Evening News, April 17, 1977, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-h1gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FW4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1128,3118395&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

			2. Loh, Jules. " 'Steamboat Bill' Is Expert on Mississippi," Youngstown Daily Vindicator, April 19, 1977., p. 35. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qBFcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C1UNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3540,1809613&dq=history+of+german+bank+dubuque&hl=en

			3. Ibid.

			4. Ibid.

			5. "4 Volume 'Story of Iowa' Rich in Dubuque Lore," Telegraph Herald, June 15, 1952, p. 17. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HyFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wdQMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6354,2802217&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

			6. Riverboat Museum Gets Historic Tag," Telegraph Herald, October 28, 1979, p. 21. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yfZFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v_wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5579,4223407&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

			7. Chanaud, Timothy. "State Historical Society Lauds 'Steamboat Bill' for River Work," Telegraph Herald, July 28, 1988, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sYZjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7nkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2739,5410357&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

			8. "Area Applicants Win Grants For Historic Preservation," Telegraph Herald, September 28, 1990, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NVxFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5rsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5536,6473655&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

	Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. ''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa''. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008		Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. ''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa''. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008

Randylyon at 00:52, 20 January 2012

2012-01-20T00:52:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:52, 20 January 2012
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.		Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.

	Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting ~~processor~~ at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.		Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.

	Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.		Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.

	In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for the ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to ~~over 9~~,000.		In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for the ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to nearly 11,000 in 1972.

	Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.		Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.

Randylyon at 00:50, 20 January 2012

2012-01-20T00:50:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 20 January 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.		[[Image:peterson.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.

	Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.		Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.

Randylyon at 00:46, 20 January 2012

2012-01-20T00:46:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:46, 20 January 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.		PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.

	Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated of [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.		Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated from [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.

	Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting processor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.		Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting processor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.
Line 10:		Line 10:

	Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.		Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.

			Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were ''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys'' (1941), ''A Reference Guide to Iowa History'' (1942), ''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State'' (1952), ''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work'' (1979), and ''Towboating on the Mississippi'' (1980).

	In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines.		In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines.
Line 17:		Line 19:
	Source:		Source:

	Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008		Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. ''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa''. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008

	[[Category: Historian]]		[[Category: Historian]]
	[[Category: Author]]		[[Category: Author]]

Randylyon at 04:02, 16 March 2011

2011-03-16T04:02:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:02, 16 March 2011
Line 1:		Line 1:
	PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.		PETERSEN, William J. "Steamboat Bill” (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 30, 1901--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 2, 1989). America's dean of historians of life on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi. Research for the book, which began as his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen who hitchhiked approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation.

	Petersen ~~was a graduate~~ of [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree from the University of Iowa.		Petersen attended [[PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL]] and graduated of [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]]. His classmates in 1920 chose him as Best All-Around Man, Most Popular Boy, and Class Politician. He earned a bachelor's degree from the [[UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE]] and a master's degree and Ph.D from the University of Iowa.

			Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting processor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.

	Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.		Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.

	In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1947 and 1973, ~~while serving as director of the Iowa State Historical Society,~~ Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for the ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to over 9,000.		In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for the ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to over 9,000.

			Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.

	In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines.		In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines.

			---

			Source:

			Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008

	[[Category: Historian]]		[[Category: Historian]]
	[[Category: Author]]		[[Category: Author]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 10 December 2015
Line 7:		Line 7:
	history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)		history of steamboating on the Upper Mississippi. (1)

	Researching his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen hitchhiking approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation. Expanded later with additional research, Petersen's ''Steamboating on the Mississippi'' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi.		Researching his doctoral dissertation, was carried out by Petersen hitchhiking approximately 20,000 miles stopping in nearly every river town library for information about the river. Petersen later said the experience cost him $84.00 with less than two dollars spent on transportation. Expanded later with additional research, Petersen's '''Steamboating on the Mississippi''' is acknowledged as one of the finest histories of commerce on the Mississippi.

	Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.		Petersen worked for the Drake University Historical Tours for six years and was a visiting professor at Washington University, St. Louis. From 1930 to 1968 he taught Iowa history at the University of Iowa. In 1947, after serving seventeen years as a research associate at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Peterson was appointed Superintendent. He held that position for twenty-five years.
Line 13:		Line 13:
	Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. (2) In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.		Petersen credited his fascination with the river to his father, a German sail maker who served as the Dubuque agent for the Diamond Jo Steamboat Lines. (2) In 1932 Petersen discovered a letter written by [[SCHOOLCRAFT, Henry Rowe\|Henry Rowe SCHOOLCRAFT]], the discoverer of Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. Schoolcraft explained that he named the lake by combining two Latin words "veritas caput" meaning "truth head" and taking the three middle syllables.

	In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. A collector of nearly anything associated with the Mississippi, he compiled a collection of over four hundred pieces dealing with the river. (3) Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for ~~the~~ ''Palimpsest'', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. (4) His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to nearly 11,000 in 1972.		In 1928 Petersen found Mark Twain's steamboat pilot license while searching through old files, in St. Louis, Missouri. A collector of nearly anything associated with the Mississippi, he compiled a collection of over four hundred pieces dealing with the river. (3) Between 1947 and 1973, Petersen authored nearly four hundred articles for '''The Palimpsest''', the society's magazine. This earned him the nickname, "Mr. Iowa History." After successfully lobbying for state government financing of nearly forty roadside plaques around Iowa detailing local historical spots, he began writing their texts. (4) His efforts to increase the society's membership were widely acknowledged. With his guidance, membership rose from 1,100 to nearly 11,000 in 1972.

	Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.		Petersen was a member of the Iowa Centennial Commission, co-chaired the United States Territorial Papers Committee, and was a member of the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society. He was instrumental in raising a portion of the $500,000 cost and persuading the Iowa legislature to build the Centennial Building in Iowa City, home of the State Historical Society of Iowa, in 1960.

	Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were ''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys'' (1941), ''A Reference Guide to Iowa History'' (1942), and ''Towboating on the Mississippi'' (1980). ''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State'' (1952) comprised four volumes with the last two biographies of Iowans, families genealogies, and histories of businesses and institutions collected by the publishers. (5) Copies of Petersen's ''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work'' (1979) were sold by the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] to raise money for the Upper Mississippi Riverboat Museum and some work on the [[HAM HOUSE]]. (6)		Petersen's research led to more than 400 articles for magazines and scholarly journals. Among the books he authored were '''Iowa: The Rivers of Her Valleys''' (1941), '''A Reference Guide to Iowa History''' (1942), and '''Towboating on the Mississippi''' (1980). '''The Story of Iowa: The Progress of an American State''' (1952) comprised four volumes with the last two biographies of Iowans, families genealogies, and histories of businesses and institutions collected by the publishers. (5) Copies of Petersen's '''Mississippi River Panorama: Henry Lewis Great National Work''' (1979) were sold by the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] to raise money for the Upper Mississippi Riverboat Museum and some work on the [[HAM HOUSE]]. (6)

	In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines. (7)		In 1986 Petersen received one of the first achievement awards from the [[NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME]] in Dubuque. Petersen was honored in July 1989, by the State Historical Society of Iowa as the first recipient of the Petersen-Harlan Award, named in his honor and that of Edgar R. Harlan, the former curator of the Iowa Historical Department in Des Moines. (7)
Line 27:		Line 27:
	Source:		Source:

	1. Loh, Jules. "Historian Makes Mark--Different," The Evening News, April 17, 1977, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-h1gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FW4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1128,3118395&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en		1. Loh, Jules. "Historian Makes Mark--Different," ''The Evening News'', April 17, 1977, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-h1gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FW4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1128,3118395&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

	2. Loh, Jules. " 'Steamboat Bill' Is Expert on Mississippi," Youngstown Daily Vindicator, April 19, 1977., p. 35. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qBFcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C1UNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3540,1809613&dq=history+of+german+bank+dubuque&hl=en		2. Loh, Jules. " 'Steamboat Bill' Is Expert on Mississippi," ''Youngstown Daily Vindicator'', April 19, 1977., p. 35. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qBFcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C1UNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3540,1809613&dq=history+of+german+bank+dubuque&hl=en

	3. Ibid.		3. Ibid.
Line 35:		Line 35:
	4. Ibid.		4. Ibid.

	5. "4 Volume 'Story of Iowa' Rich in Dubuque Lore," Telegraph Herald, June 15, 1952, p. 17. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HyFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wdQMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6354,2802217&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en		5. "4 Volume 'Story of Iowa' Rich in Dubuque Lore," ''Telegraph Herald,'' June 15, 1952, p. 17. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HyFRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wdQMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6354,2802217&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

	6. Riverboat Museum Gets Historic Tag," Telegraph Herald, October 28, 1979, p. 21. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yfZFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v_wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5579,4223407&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en		6. Riverboat Museum Gets Historic Tag," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 28, 1979, p. 21. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yfZFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v_wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5579,4223407&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

	7. Chanaud, Timothy. "State Historical Society Lauds 'Steamboat Bill' for River Work," Telegraph Herald, July 28, 1988, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sYZjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7nkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2739,5410357&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en		7. Chanaud, Timothy. "State Historical Society Lauds 'Steamboat Bill' for River Work," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 28, 1988, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sYZjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7nkNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2739,5410357&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

	8. "Area Applicants Win Grants For Historic Preservation," Telegraph Herald, September 28, 1990, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NVxFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5rsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5536,6473655&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en		8. "Area Applicants Win Grants For Historic Preservation," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 28, 1990, p. 2. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NVxFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5rsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5536,6473655&dq=william+j+petersen+dubuque&hl=en

	Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. ''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa''. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008		Hudson, David; Bergman, Marvin and Horton, Loren. '''The Biographical Dictionary of Iowa'''. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, 2008

	[[Category: Historian]]		[[Category: Historian]]
	[[Category: Author]]		[[Category: Author]]