Free from flooding and a new parody!

Over the last week, the American Gothic House Center has received several inquiries about how the current flooding in Iowa may affect their travels to the center and through Iowa. For those not from the Iowa area who are interested in visiting I thought I would use today’s blog to provide some information to plan for your visit!

Most of the flooding currently in Iowa is very far away from your travels to AGHC! However, there are some routes into Iowa that are being affected by the flooding, including I-29, I-680, IA-2, and IA-333. But there are still many ways to come through Iowa so I hope the flooding doesn’t discourage anyone from visiting! If you would like to check for road closures (including closures due to construction) visit the Iowa Department of Transportation Traveler Information site here:

http://hb.511ia.org/main.jsf

Also, always feel free to call or email AGHC if you have questions before your visit!

Now, for a little bit of fun! Since I began my position at AGHC a few weeks ago, many friends and family members have been sending me American Gothic parody images they come across. Today I received one from a friend that just came out on the new cover of Entertainment Weekly, so I thought I’d share it.

It never ceases to amaze me how one picture can be referenced in so many ways!

Holly Berg

Administrator
American Gothic House Center
theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. Click here to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our website for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!

Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic

300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

American Gothic Days recap

The weather made for an absolutely perfect weekend for Eldon’s American Gothic Days!

The weekend festivities began with a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning. With the beautiful weather came a large crowd of runners and walkers!

Saturday's attendance at AGHC was incredible! We had nearly 300 visitors to the center throughout the day. Many who stopped by were in town to attend the Eldon Alumni banquet so the chatter in the Center definitely resembled a class reunion. I met so many local area people I hadn't had the pleasure to meet yet during my first month, as well as people who grew up in the area and were visiting for American Gothic Days.

The Bike Ride started out the day on Sunday. Again, due to beautiful weather we had a great turnout! Everyone reported their 17 to 20 mile ride was enjoyable. Pizza, muffins and good conversation were shared after the ride.

The nearly 100 entries to our Art Contest were displayed during the weekend for visitors to see. Many visitors were amazed at the talent shown and enjoyed seeing all the artwork. Many of the works are still available for viewing at AGHC, so if you missed out stop by and see the many talented artists!

My first American Gothic Days weekend was very rewarding and I would like to thank all the volunteers, artists, runners/walkers, bike riders and visitors who made it possible. I'm already looking forward to next year!

For photos from the weekend visit our Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Gothic-House/80025816448

Holly Berg

Administrator
American Gothic House Center
theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. Click here to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our website for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!

Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic

300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

American Gothic Days have arrived!

Tomorrow kicks off American Gothic Days in Eldon. My office is filled to the brim with supplies for all of the events this weekend! Yesterday was the deadline for submission into the Art Contest sponsored by the Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.). We received nearly 100 entries from kindergarten students to adults!

I’ve enjoyed looking through all of the entries as they arrived. I’ve even recognized a few as they were drawn by students from Cardinal Elementary when they were here on their tours a few weeks ago. The judges for the Art Contest will be at AGHC this afternoon and evening reviewing the entires.

The works will be on display at the American Gothic House Center during our regular weekend hours (Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-4) so be sure to stop by and see them. I’m glad I’m not a judge…I think I would have a difficult time determining the winners!

Also, there is still time to register for the 5K Run/Walk on Saturday and Bike Ride on Sunday. You can register beforehand at AGHC or register on-site before each event.

Follow these links for more information:

http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/5ksignup.htm

http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/bike.htm

And don’t forget to check out all of the great events happening in Eldon as part of American Gothic Days! A full line-up can be found here:

http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/gothicdays2011.html

Holly Berg

Administrator
American Gothic House Center
theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. Click here to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our website for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!

Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic

300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

Love is in the Air at AGHC

The American Gothic House Center was bustling over Memorial Day Weekend with hundreds of visitors stopping by. On Monday, however, there were two special visitors…there was a proposal at our very own Gothic House! Samantha, the bride-to-be, sent a wonderful email the day after the proposal detailing the story:

Our first date/motorcycle ride had included a trip to the American Gothic House. Adam was amazed I had never been there (I'm certified to teach art) and thought it would be great to take me. Unfortunately on our first visit the AGHC was closed. I made the comment we would have to come back sometime because I really wanted to go inside.

On Monday, May 30, 2011, we decided the weather was too nice not to take another motorcycle ride. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, although it soon became very obvious we were coming back to the American Gothic House. We walked through the AGHC and watched another group dress up for pictures. I noticed a sign for pie, so we wandered toward the house to see what was available. Beth Howard had just pulled a mini strawberry pie from the oven at her Pitchfork Pie Stand. We thought it sounded too good to pass up and shared the mini pie out in front of the house at the picnic tables.

When we finished Adam told me he was going to find a garbage can, but I now know he was going to inform the volunteers of what he was planning to do. He said we needed to go in through the front and that we should dress up for a picture. I of course said sure.

The volunteers helped us find the perfect fit and helped us practice our pose. Then they took us outside and we posed for our pictures and got it just right. Then she asked if we wanted to do a silly picture. Before I could respond, Adam said "Yes, I have something silly I want to do," as he handed me the pitchfork and got down on one knee. He pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him right where we stood on our first date. Of course I said YES and kissed him right then and there. I didn't realize but the volunteers all knew and had a group watching and cheering for us and they took pictures for us to remember our special day.

I really do appreciate all that your volunteers did to help out with our special day. Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to know! I am sure we will be back for our engagement pictures! We have set the date as October 20, 2012.

Thank you,

Samantha and Adam

Congratulations to Samantha and Adam from the American Gothic House Center!

Holly Berg

Administrator
American Gothic House Center
theamericangothichouse@gmail.com

The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. Click here to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our website for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!

Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic

300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | theamericangothichouse@gmail.com