The Wall Lake Public Library is inviting patrons to explore the history of Iowa’s disappearing and abandoned towns during a seminar next week. Rosa Snyder, a presenter from Humanities Iowa, examines the specific history of seven former communities, including nearby Dale City in Guthrie County. According to Snyder, 33 of Iowa’s 99 county seats have moved at some point or no longer exist. Her program will examine how each town was founded and the variety of factors that led to them being wiped from the map. Snyder says, “We cannot allow for these towns to fade from our memory. They each have their own unique story, and it’s my goal to keep their history alive.” The program, called “Off the Map: Stories of Abandoned and Disappearing Towns around Iowa,” begins at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 9 and is funded through Humanities Iowa. The organization provides cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.
