The Evolution of Hoover's Hometown Days

West Branch's flagship summer celebration wasn't always a single unified weekend. For years, the community hosted two distinct summer events: Hoover Days, focused on honoring the 31st U.S. President near his August 10th birthday at the National Historic Site, and Hometown Heritage Days (often simply called Hometown Days), a local community festival hosted by downtown merchants, civic organizations, and residents.

To streamline volunteer efforts, pool community resources, and create a single premier destination weekend for both town residents and regional visitors, local leaders merged the celebrations into Hoover's Hometown Days. The combined format successfully links the historic downtown district on Main Street with the adjacent National Historic Site.

Herbert Hoover's Roots in West Branch

August 10, 1874

Herbert Clark Hoover was born in a simple two-room cottage in West Branch, Iowa. His humble Quaker upbringing in the small prairie community established the values that would shape his presidency and world-renowned humanitarian work.

Early Community Birthday Observances

1930s–1950s

As Hoover rose to national prominence as Commerce Secretary and later President, West Branch residents began holding informal observances and homecoming gatherings around his August 10th birthday, laying the groundwork for official annual commemorations.

Establishment of Historic Landmarks

1960s–1970s

The opening of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (1962) and the creation of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (1965) established West Branch as a major historic destination. Annual "Hoover Days" commemorations grew to feature museum open houses, lectures, and historical exhibits.

The Dual Festival Era

1980s–1990s

During this period, West Branch maintained two separate summer traditions:

Hoover Days: Centered at the National Historic Site and Library, focusing on presidential history, education, and national heritage.

Hometown Heritage Days: Organized by downtown merchants and civic groups, featuring local parade floats, sidewalk sales, food vendors, and community games.

The Merger: Creating Hoover's Hometown Days

Early 2000s

To eliminate competing schedules and unify community spirit, the City of West Branch, Main Street West Branch, the National Park Service, and the Hoover Presidential Foundation officially combined the two events into Hoover's Hometown Days. The joint layout created a seamless festival layout stretching from downtown Main Street into the surrounding parklands.

Modern Era: 'History's Hottest Block Party'

Present Day

Today, Hoover's Hometown Days draws thousands of visitors each August. It combines the annual Mayor's Parade, live music, the Hoover-Ball National Championship, free museum admission, street vendors, and family activities into one of Eastern Iowa's most popular summer traditions.

The Evolution of Hoover Ball

Invention on the High Seas

1928

Following his South American "Good Neighbor" tour, President-elect Herbert Hoover observed crew members playing a medicine ball game on the USS Utah. White House Physician Dr. Joel T. Boone adapted the concept into "Hoover-Ball"—combining elements of volleyball, tennis, and medicine ball throwing—to keep Hoover fit and active.

The 'Medicine Ball Cabinet'

1929–1933

During Hoover's presidency, key advisors, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and journalists gathered on the White House lawn six mornings a week at 7:00 AM to play. The informal group earned the nickname "The Medicine Ball Cabinet".

A 55-Year Dormancy

1933–1987

When Hoover left office in 1933, the game faded from public life. For over five decades, Hoover-Ball remained an obscure historical reference rather than an active sport.

The Grand Revival in West Branch

1988

The Hoover Presidential Foundation officially revived the game in West Branch, establishing the Hoover-Ball National Championship as a marquee event for the summer festival. The sport quickly gained a passionate following of athletic teams returning year after year.

Whitney's Wings Takes the Helm

2021-2024

Following its founding in 2021, local non-profit Whitney's Wings (led by Tiffany Frederick) stepped up to coordinate and power the National Championship. The organization managed registration and tournament execution as part of its mission to spread joy in the community.

Powered by West Branch Parks & Recreation

2025–Present

Management of the National Championship transitioned over to West Branch Parks & Recreation, who now powers the tournament alongside community volunteers, running July prep clinics at Wapsi Park and organizing the Championship matches during festival weekend.