February: Not just for celebrating love!

Here comes February 14! Before you stop reading because you think this is yet another Valentine’s Day spiel, let me explain why I’m mentioning the date. Twenty years ago, on the 14th day of February, the American Gothic House was donated to the State Historical Society of Iowa.

The house had belonged to the Smith family since 1942. The Smiths purchased it from a family named Howard—interesting, as current tenant Beth Howard was born just a few miles away in Ottumwa.

Carl E. Smith donated the house. He must have been a romantic. Who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of a historic landmark on the traditional day of love? The State Historical Society quickly began renovations on the house to preserve its 1930s appearance, and the rest is history!

The planets must be aligned in some fancy cosmic way, because this year also marks the 130th birthday of the American Gothic House and the 120th anniversary of Grant Wood’s birth.

This Saturday, February 12, join the American Gothic House Center as we celebrate all these important dates. Enjoy delicious home-cooked soup with a side of fresh bread and crisp veggies. Soups straight from Eldon’s finest kitchens will include split pea, chili, chicken veggie, chicken with wild rice, broccoli cheese, potato and vegetable beef. Complete the meal and the celebration with a slice of birthday cake or a brownie and a mug of hot coffee.

Freewill donations are welcome. The event takes place from 11 am – 1 pm at the Eldon KD Center. Hope to see you there!

Molly Moser
Administrator
American Gothic House Center
theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for the American Gothic House Center’s annual bus trip to discover Grant Wood country! You can view a detailed itinerary of the trip on our website. The itinerary has links to all the collections we’ll be visiting. Call me at 641.652.3352, or respond to this email to reserve your seat!