West Des Moines grew from a small town in 1893 to a large suburb of Des Moines in 2008. In the early 20th century, it had a wooden racetrack that could seat 10,000 people and was home to the Des Moines Speedway. The document shows photos of various streets and intersections in West Des Moines from the 1960s compared to photos of the same locations in 2007-2008, demonstrating the transformation from rural areas to a more commercial and developed suburban area over the decades.

1. West Des Moines 1893-2008

6. Mile in circumference. Wood race track with seating for 10,000 (1915-1916). Des Moines Speedway

14. Then And Now…

15. 409 Maple St

16. 1930s 5th St & Maple St - View SW 2007

17. 2007 1964 Grand Avenue (100 Block Grand Av) – View North

18. April 2007 August 1964 5th St & Railroad Ave – View West

19. 32 nd St & Giles St - View West 2007 1964

20. 1964 2007 Grand Avenue (S. 19 th & Grand Avenue) – View South

21. 1 st St - Hwy 28, South of Park Ave - View North 1964 2007

22. 2008 1964 East of 7 th St & RR Ave - View West

23. 2008 1964 S. 13th St & RR Ave - View West

24. NE of Grand Ave & RR Ave - View NE 2008 1964

25. 42 nd St Bridge - View East 2007 1965

26. 12 th St & Grand Ave - View East 1964 2008

27. 1973 2008 200 Block of Grand Avenue - View East