Birthday party a huge success

Yesterday, Feb. 13, would have been Grant Wood’s 122nd birthday. There is little information out there as to how he celebrated when alive, but the American Gothic House Center and volunteers did him justice last Saturday with their tribute at the KD Center in Eldon.

Close to 75 Grant Wood supporters and enthusiasts stopped by the KD Center to sample one (or more) of 10 delicious soups made by volunteers. Along with soup, there was homemade bread, a host of desserts also made by volunteers and iced tea, lemonade or coffee. (Yum! Yum! As the cast of Hee Haw would say when Grandpa Jones announced the menu.)

To feed the birthday party revelers (this may be too strong of word as most in attendance were on their best behavior) volunteers were kept busy serving up soup, keeping the dessert table stocked and pouring drinks. At times all the tables in the Center were full with people sitting around visiting and sharing personal stories about Grant Wood. (I might be stretching the truth on this last comment, but they were doing quite a bit of talking.)

For entertainment the Indian Hills Community College Chamber Singers were on hand and gave a fine performance sans “Happy Birthday To You.” True to the nature of college students never passing up a free meal they all stuck around for a bowl of soup and dessert. Thanks to Laura Wiebe, director of the IHCC Chamber Singers, for making arrangements to bring her students to Eldon for the party.

Throughout the afternoon door prizes were awarded picked via an elaborate system of playing cards. The door prizes were donated by local businesses: Chommy’s, Ostrander Flowers and Greenhouses, The Lucky Rooster Coffee House, D’s Eldon Y Company and Red Rooster Collectibles.

The party ended with a drawing for the framed American Gothic House print by local photographer Chris Abigt. This unique print of American Gothic was framed by M&J Art and Frame Gallery with reclaimed wood and glass from the American Gothic House. Dave C. of Ottumwa was the winner of the print. He bought the ticket when attending the Eagle Watch at Bridge View Center in January.

Besides good food and conversation the event was productive in the fiscal department as over $1,000 was raised between the raffle tickets for the American Gothic House print and free will donations. Money raised from the raffle will be put toward the American Gothic House Center Endowment Fund, while the money raised from donations will be used to buy supplies for the Easter Egg Roll on March 30, as well as the Halloween Party and Gingerbread House building later in the year.

Next week: Look to this space for information on the upcoming Grant Wood Bus Trip on Saturday, April 27.

Till next time.
Brian Chambers
Media Coordinator
American Gothic House Center
641-652-3352
wapellocountymediacoordinator@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!

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