Lorene Curtis Diver: A Beacon of Innovation and Community in Keokuk

Written by Erika Barrett

​

​

Lorene Curtis Diver, born in Lima, Ohio on Feb. 8, 1846 to Julius C. and Eliza Skinner Curtis, was a figure of monumental influence in Keokuk, Iowa. Her life, marked by intellectual curiosity and community spirit, began with her family's move to Keokuk on the very day of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, April 14, 1865. She married James Brice Diver, a Civil War veteran and bridge construction engineer, in December 1869. Together, they settled into a residence named Port Sunshine, which became a hub of intellectual and environmental activism.

​

Civic Contributions and Environmental Advocacy

​

Lorene's home, Port Sunshine, was a personal residence and a center for civic engagement and natural conservation. It hosted the first chapter of the Audubon Society of Iowa in 1886, reflecting her passion for ornithology and environmental education. She pioneered bird conservation efforts, establishing a "windowsill lunch counter" for birds, which she described as being patronized daily by thirteen pairs of birds, showcasing her blend of scientific curiosity and community spirit.

Her engagement with the natural world was not limited to birds. Lorene was an accomplished gardener known for her "greenest of green thumbs," Port Sunshine became renowned as a local bird sanctuary under her care. Her profound connection to nature was further exemplified in her frequent talks and writings about local flora and fauna, which she shared with various clubs and societies, helping to raise environmental awareness in her community.

​

Literary and Cultural Impact

​

Lorene was also a distinguished writer and speaker. Her most notable work, "Sound Waves," detailed the auditory experience of living near the Mississippi River during significant periods of construction and industrial activity. Her vivid descriptions and poetic prose captured the essence of the era, earning her praise for both the depth of her observations and the quality of her writing. She described the construction sounds as a cacophony that became a symphony under her attentive ear, demonstrating her unique ability to find beauty and order in chaos.

Lorene remained an active contributor to Keokuk's cultural life throughout her life. She was instrumental in founding and sustaining several important local groups, including the Keokuk Book Club, the Benevolent Union Home, the Wednesday Reading Club, and the Woman’s Civic League. Her leadership in these organizations fostered a rich cultural dialogue within the community, promoting education, philanthropy, and the arts.

​

Personal Strength and Legacy

​

Lorene's personal life was marked by both joy and profound challenges. She faced the tragic deaths of her children and endured personal health struggles, including a severe fall that eventually led to blindness. Despite these hardships, her resilience and determination allowed her to continue her civic and environmental work. Her husband, James, supported her passionately, becoming her "eyes" and helping her stay connected to the community and her passions.

​

Lorene Curtis Diver passed away on June 7, 1922. Her legacy in Keokuk is lasting and profound. She was remembered as an essential figure in the community, not just for her intellectual and environmental contributions but for her indomitable spirit. A woman truly ahead of her time, Lorene Curtis Diver remains a beacon of innovation, leadership, and community engagement in Keokuk's history.

​

Sources:

1. "Sound Waves" by Jack Smith
2. "Goodbye my Keokuk Lady" by Raymond E. Garrison