Strength & Sovereignty Guard the Grand Lodge of Iowa

Since 1955 two identical white marble statues of lions guard the entrance to the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa in 42N country. A mid-afternoon sun created intriguing shadows that emphasize sculptured, angular cuts of masonic power and strength.


The Grand Lodge houses an extensive library and is located at 813 First Avenue S.E. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The building is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You will find the facility is steeped in symbolism. Directly behind the white marble building to the south is 5 Turner Alley where famed artist Grand Wood painted some of his best known works. Know that.

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Memorial Day 2009: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The remembrance of Amercian war dead is celebrated annually as Memorial Day. One of the many ways in 42N country that the sacrifice is remembered is through the small scale version of an Arlington, Virgina sculpture. Outside of the Cedar Rapids' Veterans Memorial Building is the United States Marine Corps War Memorial portraying the flag raising on Iwo Jima from World War II.

This sculpture (above) is based on the one that Felix de Weldon designed for display half a continent away. The Cedar Rapids' version was prepared in 1960. Directly behind the flag raising diminutive is the illumination side of the stained glass window designed by Grant Wood. The story tall window, designed in 1928 was damaged during the 2008 flood (June 2008) and is being studied for repair.

As millions of Americans enjoy a long holiday weekend the words on the statue's base reflects the sentiment of sacrifices made by the men and women of our military.

"Our finest tribute to their valor will be the quality of our own lives." Know that.

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American Gothic's Grant Wood Still Rests in Anamosa, Iowa

American Gothic painter, Grant Wood lived and created art around 42N country. His 1930 masterpiece hangs at the Art Institute of Chicago (above top), a city near the coveted mid-northern latitude. American Gothic is one of the most recognized images of American art and one of the most parodied. Moving a bit to the west, the master painted his iconic rural midwestern oil and several others at his studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Grant Wood was born and is buried in nearby Anamosa, Iowa. His grave is located along one of the middle roads in the cemetery and is usually adorned by flowers and his World War I service marker. He lies next to his sister, Nan Wood Graham, the woman who he painted in the American Gothic composition. A late afternoon photo on February 22, 2009 captures the solitude of this prominent member of the Regionalist art movement. Visit several Grant Wood sites around the 42N latitude. Click here to discover the painter's legacy. Know that.

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