I was reminded of Iowa's place in the history of political pranksterism on Friday when a so-far unidentified activist presented framed paper snowflakes cut to include the word "fascist" to both Gov. Kim Reynolds and potential presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. This happened during a rally at Davenport as the Florida governor tested his potential among Iowa Republicans.
My favorite prank dates back to Oct. 14, 1977, however, when --- during a Des Moines press conference --- Twin Cities-based gay activist Thom L. Higgins delivered a pie to the face of anti-gay activist Anita Bryant.
"At least it was a fruit pie," Ms. Bryant responded before bowing her head to pray for Mr. Higgins.
Bryant still is alive, somewhere in Oklahoma I believe. Higgins had many more years of activism before him, but like a huge percentage of gay men of my generation died way too young --- during 1994 at the age of 44.
His collections of papers and photographs are held by the Minnesota Historical Society.
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