Dogs and Hogs and Fences
On New Year's Eve, 1855, residents of Iowa City welcomed a railroad and found “the cars” an advancement for transportation. In 1856, the Rev. A.J. Kynett was appointed to the Methodist Episcopal Church where he found muddy streets and few board sidewalks. He also found the parsonage fenced in.
One record reported 150 dogs running loose, and hogs from along the Iowa River wandering through the town turning garbage cans upside down for food. The 1864 Hog Law was enacted to prevent damage, but it was not enforced so many residents erected fences for protection. Bishop Loras, associated with St. Mary's Catholic Church just east of the Methodist Church, worked with the pastors to lay boards for sidewalks, and share the cost of fences.