The article discusses the journey of David and Rose Donovan, authors of The Nastiest Saloon in Iowa, which began as a genealogical research project sparked by a scandalous family history. Initially looking into Rose’s great-grandfather, Erastus Wallace Scott, they discovered his notorious past as a saloon keeper in early 1900s Des Moines. His life, intertwined with crime and corruption, revealed a side of their family history that was starkly different from the wholesome Iowa narrative.
As David dived into archives, he unearthed an overwhelming amount of sensationalized newspaper coverage that painted Scott as a criminal figure associated with the “Carter Gang.” This exploration highlighted a forgotten aspect of Des Moines’ history, contrasting sharply with the city’s more sanitized reputation.
The Donovans approached their findings from a journalist’s perspective, aiming to engage readers with a compelling story. Rose emphasized the emotional distance she felt toward the criminal past, viewing it as a significant narrative rather than a familial burden. Their research eventually culminated in a book that not only recounts Scott’s misdeeds but also taps into broader themes of historical memory and family legacy.
The book is now published, available in local bookstores and online, promising to captivate those interested in true crime and history alike.
