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
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
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #31 Herbert Hoover, and the Quakerism series lists. 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. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Helping War Victims (a few steps from this marker); To Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace Cottage (within
Photographed by Connor Olson, July 26, 2020
2. Friends' Meetinghouse
Other markers no longer nearby. Friends Meetinghouse (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Herbert Hoover's Birthplace (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Hannah Varney House (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
1. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site on Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (National Park Service). (Submitted on July 29, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Connor Olson, July 26, 2020
3. Meetinghouse interior
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
