(July 1, 1920-December 11, 1936)
- In 1920, they knew it as: Nothing in particular, but partially the Eldora-State Center and Colfax Highway (registered September 17, 1920) (2 counties)
- We know it as: US 65 between E41 and IA 330, and the northern two-thirds of IA 117
- Let's get granular: IA 117, Fleet Avenue, W 112th Street N, IA 117, N 59th Avenue W, N 116th Street W, Main and East streets in Mingo, IA 117, US 65
- Related route: IA 117, which it swapped with in late 1936. When the new 64 became a cross-state highway less than three years later, old and new intersected each other at the straight-through intersection with the Marshalltown diagonal that was realigned in 2002 and eliminated in the 2010s.
NORTH End: IA 1/IA 6, now US 65 at E41, Colo, Story County
At Reed/Niland corner (7/5/13)
This intersection is one of the most important in Iowa transportation history: Reed/Niland corner, site of Niland's Cafe, where the Lincoln and Jefferson highways met. The cafe and motor court were restored in the 21st century, and an interpretive walk added. The cafe and motel were restored in 2004, but sadly closed at the end of 2018.
Facing east on IA 6, but heading north on IA 1 (6/24/17 and 7/5/13)
The two curves on the north side of the Lincoln Highway were built in 1930, when US 65 was paved from here northward. This allowed 65/Jefferson Highway travelers to go behind the gas station/cafe/tourist camp and bypass the intersection ahead. This was the site of Iowa's first grade-separated highway proto-interchange. When the US 30 overpass was completed in 1938, after IA 117 had replaced 64, US 65 was rerouted away from Ames through Collins instead.
At right is a utility pole with Jefferson and Lincoln Highway markings much like a driver would have seen in the late 1910s. Turning south would have put you on IA 64.
Facing north on 64 (4/10/04)
A mile south is the modern equivalent intersection, NB US 65 at US 30. This unique sign panel has been replaced.
SOUTH End: IA 7, now IA 117/Walnut St. at F48/State St./Old US 6, Colfax, Jasper County
Facing south on 64 (4/9/04)
The River to River Road did not go straight east-west in Colfax, instead jumping to go through downtown. From the intersection of State and Locust, it followed Locust Street, Howard Street, Oak Park Avenue, Chatauqua Avenue, Goodrich Street, Olive Avenue, and a vacated road southeast of the present east 117/F48 junction. Based on the 1910 map, State wasn't even a through street in Colfax. Did this change by 1920? It seems likely. Another possibility is that it was made straight when the road between Altoona and Colfax was changed in 1921.
Like ancient Rome is
Colfax — built upon its seven hills. But unlike Rome, no Nero
will ever fiddle as Colfax burns, for Colfax owns its own water works
and it is one of the most up-to-date systems in the world, furnishing
ample protection against disaster by fire. Another appellation European
has this noted Iowa resort gained — it is called the Carlsbad of
America. Throughout the country has its mineral water brought it to
fame. While in a sense Colfax owes its popularity to the curative
properties of its water, as a place for passing one's vacation it has
few equals, if a sojourn next to nature is desire of the visitor.
— Huebinger's Map and Guide for River
to River Road (1910)
Facing north / Closeup (ca. 1910s)
Postcard scan courtesy David Darby
Colfax Methodist Church is still at the intersection of Locust and Division streets, four blocks north and one block west of the State/Walnut intersection. If IA 7 retained this route, 64's first endpoint would have been a block east.
Page created 4/10/20