Ottumwa, Iowa (Postcard History Series)

Ottumwa was established in 1843 on the banks of the Des Moines River. The city quickly became a center of retail trade and industry for southeastern Iowa, as well as a railroad hub that shipped products across the country. More than 200 vintage postcard images show the booming industrial and retail city at the beginning of the 20th century and after-from the river to the railroads, from parks and recreation to business and retail, from quiet residential streets to churches and ice-cream parlors-bringing back the bygone days of a still thriving city.

Michael W. Lemberger is an award-winning photographer, artist, and author who has collected historic photographs for more than 50 years. Leigh Michaels is the author of more than 80 novels and nonfiction books. They have drawn on several private postcard collections to select vintage images that illustrate the varied history of their hometown.