Monroe Hotel

Monroe hotel so much history you had, many people stepped of the Rock Island Line, and paid you a visit for over 80 years. My uncle Jim had his barber shop there for many years. I had my first job on your porch shining shoes. Your lobby brought much attention with the Silver Dollars in the Marble floor that no one failed to look at while there. In 1952 when old Ike came you were just a stone throw away while he made his speech from the back of the train, while my school and half the town listened to, come November he was elected our President. Many times my dog shep and I passed you on our way to the Strand to see a movie or up to Rexall Drug, you were a landmark in Grinnell for a long time. In 1970 Rock Island stopped its passenger service, this met little business for you, soon after closing they tore you down, sad, but have some great memories of you. Written 8-8-11