Act 1, Scene 2

Question 1

(MAYOR SHINN enters from the Billiard Parlor, leaving the door open for 2 WORKMEN who enter carrying a large crate containing a visible pool table which they take into the Billiard Parlor.)

Answer 1

Oh, there’s nothing halfway about the Iowa way to treat you
When we treat you
Which we may not do at all.
There’s an Iowa kind of special-chip-on-the-shoulder attitude
We’ve never been without
That we recall.
We can be cold as our falling thermometers in December
If you ask about our weather in July.
And we’re so by God stubborn we can stand touchin’ noses
For a week at a time and never see eye-to-eye.
But what the heck, you’re welcome,
Join us at the picnic,
You can have your fill of all the food you bring yourself.
You really ought to give Iowa a try.
Provided you are contrary.

[ALMA: She wouldn’t a’come anyway.]

We can be cold as our falling thermometers in December
If you ask about our weather in July.
And we’re so by God stubborn we can stand touchin’ noses
For a week at a time and never see eye-to-eye.
But we’ll give you our shirt
And a back to go with it
If your crops should happen to die

[FARMER & WIFE: Even though we may not ever mention it again]

You really ought to give Iowa
Hawkeye Iowa
Dubuque, Des Moines, Davenport, Marshalltown, Mason City, Keokuk, Ames, Clear Lake
Ought to give Iowa a try.