2:30 PM. 90 degree. 82% humidity. Freshly-squeezed lemonade with excessive ice cubes. Archiving photos of Hoyt Sherman Place. Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” from her 1995 album New Beginning quietly piped out of an unknown radio station. A strong urge to drink my lemonade inside of my freezer. Oh, Summertime, And the livin’ is . . .

Hoyt Sherman Place, located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood in downtown Des Moines, was built by Hoyt Sherman in 1877. In 1907, this grand manor became The Des Moines Women's Club’s clubhouse, featuring a gallery to showcase club members’ art collection as the first public art museum in Des Moines. In 1923, Women’s Club completed the 1400-seat theater to provide a more suitable space for club activities. Hoyt Sherman Place, listed on The National Register of Historic Places, is currently operated by The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, providing the facility for art exhibits and concerts.