West - East: An Old Capitol View

Old Capitol in Iowa City is the iconic landmark of the University of Iowa. Inside the first territorial capitol of Iowa are dramatic views of the campus and city. On this day the clear weather and late afternoon lighting afforded long shadows across the university's central campus. Out the second floor windows to the west was a sight of a couple in conversation, unaware that their shadow cast a length of nearly three times their actual size.

On the opposite side of the second story was this scene of the campus open area and the intersection of Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue. It's wintertime in Iowa. It's cold. And unless you can see the sun it is best to find somewhere where the temperature is warm. Only 55 days until spring!

Iowa's Birthday Near the End of Every Year

President James Polk signed a piece of paper proclaiming Iowa as the nation's 29th state on December 28, 1846. As today ends 2012, Iowa marks 166 years and three days old. Special flags have been erected on Old Capitol located at the site of the state's first capitol location in Iowa City. The building (built in 1840 as a territorial capitol) is the centerpiece of the University of Iowa and is generally used as the icon for the university. When the capitol moved to Des Moines in 1857 the building was deeded to the University of Iowa where it serves now as a museum and cultural center. Happy birthday Iowa.

Another School Year Passes at the University of Iowa

Friday was the last day of the 2010-2011 school year at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. A day earlier students pass Old Capitol on their way to study for and take finals during two days of summer-like weather. School resumes in three months - just in time for football season - now that is a coincidence. Know that.

Iowa City's Old Capitol in Hawkeye Fall Splender

The University of Iowa began in the former territorial capitol building in Iowa City. At this time of year the Pentacrest is nearly in full color against a bright blue sky and temperatures in the 70s.

Directly across the street from Old Cap is Iowa Book and Supply. Inside its doors is everything Hawkeye for purchase. Here is a selection of shirts.

Need a Hawkeye key fob or decal or clock or cup or set of coasters? This is the place for all things black and gold.

And for only $199 each, you may purchase a real Hawkeye football helmet (replica) from today's design back through the years. On this display are the 1960-70s left, the mid to late 1970s center, and the 1979 to Present design inspired by Coach Hayden Fry. The other three sides of this column are filled with earlier helmet designs.

Four or five doors down from Book and Supply is The Airliner. Its been the 'liner since 1944, serving many a college student with a variety of great food and adult beverages. One tradition that seems to still be alive is for people to sit at chairs near the bar's front windows and rate those who walk by. Take that as you may, guys hold up fingers indicating how they rate side walkers - from one to ten. This generally takes the form of male judges who consume beer while rating female students walking by the place. Some things never change. Know that.