J. Donald McGhee Papers
Approximately 10 years worth of letters to J. Donald, dating from 19-- to 1922, and other documents (diploma, college textbooks, WWI unit photo) were found in the house.
1910
James Donald McGhee graduated from high school in 1910. We have his diploma.
The Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, opened in downtown Mason City across from Central Park
Colby Car Company started operation (buildings are still used, until recently by the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. AMPI)
1911
The first airplane flight was made in Mason City
The former fire ‘shed’ was razed, the new fire headquarters was built on the same lot
1912
1913
Shown as freshman at Iowa State College as a member of Kappa Sigma, p300-301 The Bomb
1914
Sophomore in Kappa Sigma, p298-9 The Bomb
1915
Junior in Kappa Sigma, profile on pg 89 The Bomb, nickname "Maggie"
1916
Missing from the Kappa Sigma page, pp 190-1 The Bomb
1917
Junior (!?) in Kappa Sigma, p 252 The Bomb. Graduated from Iowa State College in Animal Husbandry. We have his diploma (on parchment!). We have photos of his fraternity brothers.
J.D.'s father sells the family home to his older sister.
1918
Drafted and served in the 70th Machine Gun company. We have the unit photo.
J.D.'s father elected to the state legislature, running unopposed as a Republican.
October
9 October 1918 - from Waukon, IA to Don McGhee, M.G. Co. 70th Infantry, Camp Funston, Kans. - discusses influenza
10 October 1918 Waukon - from Bess H. Medary, Waukon, IA to ibid. - discusses move to Mason City, election to legislature
10 October 1918 Biwabik - from Biwabik, MN to ibid. - not much news
11 October 1918 - from Biwabik, MN to ibid. - Army flu quarantine and pyles