Herb Hake: Iowa Time Machine August 10, 1903

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On August 10, 1903, multifaceted American educator, writer, cartoonist, and broadcasting pioneer Herb Hake was born. Closely associated with the University of Northern Iowa, Hake helped build and shape educational media and popular local programming that brought Iowa history and culture to life for multiple generations.

 Although originally from Hoyleton, Illinois, Hake’s professional legacy was deeply rooted in Iowa, where he became a familiar voice and face in radio and television. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Central Wesleyan College in Missouri, he pursued graduate work at Northwestern University and the University of Iowa, earning a master's degree in scenic design by 1933. He initially worked as a scenic designer and technical director at the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where he also taught speech courses. His skills in layout, art, and drama laid the foundation for his innovations in broadcasting and educational programming.

During World War II, Hake’s career took a distinctive turn when he assumed responsibility for the college’s radio programs. With limited equipment and experience, he learned broadcasting on the job, eventually becoming the college’s first program director for radio in 1942 and later the first director of radio and television by 1947. Under his leadership, the University of Northern Iowa developed a comprehensive media operation, including FM and campus radio stations as well as television programming, reaching audiences across Iowa and beyond.

Herb Hake became particularly well known for his educational and historical programs, which combined storytelling with illustration in a unique “chalk talk” style. His series “Landmarks in Iowa History” engaged schoolchildren and the general public, highlighting Iowa’s towns, industries, and cultural heritage with visual and narrative flair. He also wrote books, such as Iowa Inside Out and Cartoon History of Iowa, further cementing his role as a preserver and popularizer of regional history. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar