Historic Conservation Gift Preserving Iconic Local Island

The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine is honored to announce a truly historic act of generosity and environmental stewardship. Through the Joe W. and Betty L. Rauch Memorial Fund held at the Community Foundation, Towhead Island, the iconic natural landmark located in the bend of the Mississippi River in Muscatine’s downtown, will be purchased and placed into the permanent ownership of the Community Foundation. This extraordinary gift ensures the island’s preservation and lasting benefit for the Muscatine community.

Joseph Walter Rauch was born in Muscatine in 1929, and his wife, Betty Louise Chaddock Rauch was born in Fort Madison in 1928. Together, they raised five children in Muscatine and served as role models for embracing every person as they are, demonstrating a strong work ethic, and valuing the importance of lifelong learning. Joe and Betty contributed to and participated in Muscatine’s community life and the well-being of its citizens as an unquestioned matter of daily life.

The Joe W. and Betty L. Rauch Memorial Fund was established to honor their legacy and ideals. This donation marks one of the most significant conservation-focused philanthropic gestures in the region’s history.

The island spans 129 acres within the incorporated city limits of Muscatine. This extraordinary gift guarantees that the island will remain a place of natural beauty, biodiversity, education, and connection for generations.

Under the stewardship plans, which are in the very early stages of development and aligned with the donor’s wishes, the island will be maintained to inspire:

• unique opportunities for area youth

• outdoor education

• renewed appreciation for local natural spaces

• broad community benefit

  
  

The island also carries a rich and storied past, which the Community Foundation looks forward to further uncovering in the years ahead. A 1973 Muscatine Journal article noted that the island, which is a “Hank Aaron flyball away from the Musser Park shoreline… once was the home of pioneer settlers who grew corn, tomatoes, and potatoes.” The article also notes, “Loggers would tie up their tows on the island from whence the Towhead-name came.”

It recounts that one of the earliest recorded references dates back to 1837, as Iowa prepared to become a territory. At that time, the island belonged to Illinois, and Iowa laid claim to it. The owner's family holds a remarkable 188-year-old historical document signed by President Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, transferring ownership of the island to the State of Iowa. Though initially publicly owned, the land has since been privately held for generations.

The Community Foundation will develop initial stewardship strategies and partnerships in the coming months. This planning process will unfold and evolve over time to ensure diligence, responsible conservation, and meaningful community engagement.

“We are deeply grateful for the vision and generosity of the Joe W. and Betty L. Rauch Memorial Fund,” said Charla Schafer, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. “This gift secures the preservation of this irreplaceable local natural resource and community landmark. Unique and exciting opportunities await our community—and our children.”