West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Raised With Quaker Values

— Herbert Hoover National Historic Site —

Photographed By Connor Olson, July 26, 2020

1. Raised With Quaker Values Marker

Inscription. In this meetinghouse, the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, practiced principles of simplicity, honesty, equality, peace, and service to others. These values shaped young Hoover's character and were evident in his humanitarian endeavors and interest in public service.

The Quakers worshiped in silence until the "spirit" moved someone to speak. To encourage individual worship and female participation, men set on one side of the partition and women and children on the other. Hebert's mother, Hulda, was an inspired speaker who sat with the elders in the front on raised benches. The congregation sat opposite. She conducted revivals, young people's prayer meetings, and temperance campaigns.

...the primitive furnishing of the Quaker meetinghouse, the solemnity of the long hours of meeting awaiting the spirit to move someone...was strong training in patience.
Herbert Hoover

Photo captions:
The meetinghouse, built in 1857 two blocks to your left, was moved here in 1964 and restored.
Simple architecture and plain things reflect Quaker values.

Erected by National Park Service, US Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion

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• Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 41° 40.188′ N, 91° 20.792′ W. Marker is in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. Marker is on South Downey Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Friends Meetinghouse (a few steps from this marker); Helping War Victims (a few steps from this marker); To Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); From Downey Street to Pennsylvania Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); A World of Opportunity (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.

Friends' Meetinghouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Connor Olson, July 26, 2020

2. Friends' Meetinghouse

Meetinghouse interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Connor Olson, July 26, 2020

3. Meetinghouse interior

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.