Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WEEKS, Edith
WEEKS, Edith. (Dubuque, IA, Aug. 2, 1882--Des Moines, Iowa, June 21, 1955). Director, Garden Club of America and builder. One of Des Moines' most prominent women, Mrs. Weeks was the wife of Carl Weeks, the president of the Armand Company of Des Moines. Traveling through Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Weeks dreamed of constructing a Tudor mansion in the heart of Iowa. Collecting architectural treasures including rafters, windows, and roof tiles, from buildings being demolished, the Weeks accumulated much of the needed material. On advice of a tax consultant, they asked consumers of their cosmetics to send them a stone for their house. This resulted in much of the resulting construction costs being tax deductible as a public relations activity. The house was completed in 1928.
Salisbury House remained the Weeks' home for many years. It was sold in 1954 for a small price to the Iowa State Education Association for their headquarters.
Mrs. Weeks was also active in refurbishing Lucas House, the residence of Iowa's first governor, in Iowa City.
Photo courtesy: Salisbury House Foundation