Special to the Times/News

You're invited to meet a lady who is likely the oldest living pioneer of Des Moines and learn about life here in 1917. And 1942, when she was taken "prisoner of war" in her own country - the United States of America.

If an image comes to mind of an elder citizen dedicated to sittin' and knittin, rocking chairs, and Lawrence Welk replays - forget it.

Peggie Nishimura Bain was remarkable at 8 years of age, and at 96 she still sets an everyday pace many "youngers" are challenged to match.

Born of Japanese ancestry on Vashon Island on March 31, 1909, Peggie arrived in Des Moines in 1917. The fact she arrived is one thing. But how she arrived and lived here in the early 1900s is extraordinary.

Holding the reins tightly on a real horse-powered wagon, Peggie drove herself, her younger brother, Henry, and sister, Fanny - with no grown-ups - onto a Vashon Island ferry boat to Des Moines.

Here, she maneuvered the rig onto a wooden pier then located at South 227th Street, where today Anthony's Homeport stands.

She hustled the horse-drawn wagon east up a dirt road to Rudberg's six-acre family farm and a big old barn that housed a small apartment. It was there these three children lived alone - and scared - for about a week until the rest of their family joined them.

Rudberg's son, Bill, recently discovered the land-lease agreement dated 1917 when Peggie's parents leased acreage for five years at $150 per year to farm strawberries.

Today, we see that acreage as a manicured green grass hill behind Brown Bear Car Wash. Interestingly, the old barn still exists nearby. (Ask Bill where.)

One of the most horrific and humiliating times for those of Japanese descent was World War II. Families were up-rooted, shipped to fenced internment camps and guarded by soldiers for the duration of that war.

Peggie's family lost everything they owned.

This rare opportunity to hear her amazing story is Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in the street-level auditorium of the historic Odd Fellows Hall (IOOF) building at the corner of Seventh Avenue South and South 225th Street.

It's free, courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Historical Society.

Considering how history influences us, even today, it's prudent to recall words of Adlai E. Stevenson, who twice was the Democratic nominee for president in the 1950s.

"We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led us to the present," Mr. Stevenson remarked.

A mental picture of a historical society and museum frequently congers up a bunch of old folks dusting off a collection of paraphernalia that holds no interest to younger generations.

Not so with these folks. Although their museum holds a respectable inventory of past memorabilia, a step up in technology and lots of hard work cataloging makes Des Moines history available on line at their home page - www.dmhs.org - and through the library.

The many significant pictures you see there exist due to efforts of a now deceased lady, Melanie Draper, who was key to establishing this museum and prioritized saving old pictures.

"They tell history best," she used to say.

Organizations such as the historical society are usually manned by volunteers and need new members to continue their missions.

Being part of making a positive community difference is a powerful reward. The exhilaration of success feels darn near as good as falling in love.

I can hardly wait to meet Peggie Nishimura Bain. One of her personal friends, "Bubbles" Crowder, said the lady still raises beautiful orchids, lives independently and enjoys attending social events.

Check this out. Peggie gave up 20 years of hula dancing with a group of ladies entertaining at senior centers and hospitals just three years ago. (I've heard she still does a few twirls at home for good times sake.)

This once-courageous little girl, now a lady 96 years young, is still an inspiration to many. We've just gotta meet her.

It's free! Everyone's welcome. Refreshments served. Donations to the Society are always appreciated.