GOVERNOR CULVER ANNOUNCES GRANT WOOD TO BE ‘IOWA AWARD’ HONOREE

IOWA CITY –At a morning ceremony at the historic Grant Wood home in Iowa City, Governor Chet Culver announced that the 2009 “Iowa Award” will be presented in memory of Anamosa-born legendary artist Grant Wood. Wood, who died in 1942 at the age of 50, is best known for his representations of rural Midwestern life. His masterpiece “American Gothic” is one of the most-viewed works of art in the world.

“Grant Wood’s work continues to speak to countless Iowans and Americans,” said Governor Culver. “Grant Wood is an American icon who stayed true to his Iowa roots. It is my pleasure to announce the 2009 ‘Iowa Award’ in his memory.”

Governor Culver made the announcement of this year’s Iowa Award recipient in Iowa City, where Grant Wood spent much of his life. The award will be officially presented in honor of Grant Wood at a formal ceremony later this fall.

The Iowa Award represents the state’s highest citizen award. The Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, which was established in 1948, created the award to honor past and present Iowans who exemplify the virtues of citizens in our state. Each honoree is selected by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, which is composed of the Governor, Treasurer of State, Attorney General, President of the Board of Regents, former Governors who have remained residents of Iowa, and citizen trustees.

Below is a list of Iowa Award recipients:

1951 President Herbert Hoover (engineer, humanitarian, author, and U.S. President)

1955 Jay N. Darling (cartoonist, conservationist, Pulitzer Prize winner)

1961 Dr. Frank Spedding (educator, chemist, worked on the first atomic bomb)

1961 Dr. James Van Allen (educator, physicist, rocket space exploration)

1966 Henry A. Wallace (U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Vice President of the United States)

1970 Mamie Eisenhower (First Lady, wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower)

1975 Dr. Karl King (composer, bandmaster)

1978 Dr. Norman Borlaug (crop geneticist, worked to end world hunger, Nobel Peace Prize winner)

1980 Monsignor Luigi Liguitti (director, National Catholic Rural Life Conference)

1984 George Gallup (founder of the Gallup Poll)

1988 Meredith Willson (composer, musician)

1992 Carrie Lane Chapman Catt (leader in suffrage movement and for world peace)

1996 Simon Estes (international opera singer)

1999 Maurice Lasansky (artist, educator)

1999 John Atanasoff (physicist, mathematician, educator, inventor of the first electronic digital computer)

2001 John Ruan (innovative entrepreneur, philanthropist, World Food Prize sponsor)

2002 George Washington Carver (internationally renowned scientist and humanitarian)

2005 Robert D. Ray (Governor, statesman, mayor, university president, lawyer, insurance executive)

2006 Harry Hopkins (Presidential advisor)

2009 Grant Wood (artist)

Lt. Gov. Patty Judge Visits

We just left Eldon, where we had a nice visit at one of the most famous houses in the world...

American Gothic Photo Workshop Rescheduled

The American Gothic Photo Workshop originally scheduled for Thursday, July 23 has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 pm. Come learn every nuance of taking the perfect reproduction of your own “American Gothic” photo or parody in front of the house. Learn why it is more important how and where the photographer stands than where the models stand—thus debunking the notion that there is a perfect spot for the couple to stand.

Step one in taking the perfect reproduction: Have the couple stand in the middle of the concrete circle. Step two: the photographer stands in front of the couple and physically moves forward or backward until the couple’s heads meet the roofline of the house. Sometimes it is necessary to squat as well depending on how tall the couple is. Step three: only after the photographer has the camera correctly positioned so that the house and the heads are in correct proportion does the photographer use the zoom to crop the image.

Remember to make sure that the window is in between the couples heads, check to make sure that the pitchfork is not in front of any ones face, and make sure you don’t crop off the peek of the house. Ideally, the bottom of the image will be about waist height just below where the gentleman grips the pitchfork. And most important, don’t forget to have fun!

Gothic Days one week away!

39th Annual Eldon Gothic Days

June 12-14, 2009

Announcing the Thirty-ninth American Gothic Days Schedule of Events!

Eldon— June 12-14, 2009 marks the thirty-ninth celebration of American Gothic Days in Eldon, Iowa. The slate of events includes some old favorites, such as Supper in the Park, Alumni Gathering, Little League Tournament, Used Book Sale, Parade, Craft Show, Quilt Show and Raffle, Free Kids’ Games, Barbequed Chicken Dinner, Kids’ Pedal Pull, Cardboard Boat Races and Mud Volleyball Tournament, as well as some more recent new comers over the last few years, such as a Buckskinner Camp Out, 5K Walk and Run, Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers, American Gothic House Art Contest, Knock Out Basketball Tournament, Antique Appraiser Show, 20 Mile Bike Ride and Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest. Read on for more details!

FRIDAY
Supper in the Park will be held Friday evening, June 12 from 5-7 pm at the “Rock” Park downtown. Dinner will feature Roasted Pork. No need to make reservations, just show up and contribute to the free will donation. All proceeds benefit Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.), a non-profit organization that supports improvement projects and promotion of Eldon.

The Eldon High School Alumni Gathering will be held at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Wapello Building on Friday, June 12 from 5-7 pm. Reservations are required. This meal is served by the Eldon TTT and is for graduates of the Eldon High School which closed in 1960. Students who attended and graduated from the school travel back to the area every two years to greet old friends.

There will be a Boys’ Little League Tournament beginning Friday, June 12 at 5:30 pm at the Eldon Ball Field and will continue on through Saturday, June 13. For more information contact Jason Day at 799-5204.

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 13 begins bright and early with a 5K Walk / Run beginning at the American Gothic House Center at 7:30 am. Registration will begin at 6:45 am. The route will take participants down the hill through the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds, along the Des Moines River, then back through town to the American Gothic House Center via the American Gothic Park and Trail. Parents are encouraged to take their small children with them using strollers. Registration is $18.50 and includes a t-shirt, a map of the route, medals for both men and women for first, second and third place winners for each age category and a trophy for the overall winner for men and women. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Kremer Funeral Home and Crossroad Graphics.

The Friends of the Library host their Used Book Sale again this year in the Library Basement from 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, June 13.

Everything stops for the Parade on Saturday morning beginning at 10 am. This year the Parade will be announced by Lee Muntz of Fairfield. The Grand Marshall will be William Helmick with honored guests Juanita Sumner and Christine Stevenson. Allen and Rosie Morrison will ride in the parade as this year’s American Gothic couple. Other entries include the City Council and Mayor of Eldon, Drifters’ Classic Car Club, local business and church floats, Ottumwa and Fairfield Shriner’s, Baseball and Softball Teams, Scouts and Flag bearers, Eldon Alumni with their float and Cheerful Chuckles the Clown. If you would like to be in the parade, contact Linda Pool at 652-3326. All entries are welcome and there is no cost to enter. Entries will be judged that morning with the winners announced during the parade. All entries will receive a participation ribbon and there will be cash prize for first, second and third place. The parade will begin assembling on the street east of the Assembly of God Church at 9 am. The Assembly of God Church will host a hospitality room with bottled water and restrooms during this time.

The Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers will be at Franklin Farms from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday. Come watch and see fly demonstrations of radio control float planes, sea planes, and land based airplanes.

The Craft Show continues to expand this year with displays of Frisbee Spin Art, Wood Burning, flags and clothing. Crafters will be on display along the “Rock” Park downtown from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, June 13. If you would like to sign up for the Craft Show, contact Shirley Stacey at 652-3339. If you enjoy crafts, you might also enjoy the Quilt Show and Raffle at the KD Center from 10 am – 2:30 pm, with the drawing taking place for the Quilt Raffle at 2:30 pm. The Quilt was quilted by the In Stitches Quilt Club and donated to G.A.T.E. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to support G.A.T.E. sponsored activities.

Kids can participate in the Wards Backyard Circus hosted by Cheerful Chuckles the Clown at the KD Center from 11 am – 12 pm or take part in the Free Kids’ Games from 11 am – 1 pm at the KD Center.

The famous Barbequed Chicken Dinner will take place at the KD Center from 11:30 am – 1 pm, with hamburgers and side dishes available. You can also enjoy brats and hot dogs from the Pepsi Wagon or check out Cindy’s Cafe downtown.

The Buckskinners Camp Out is back for the day on Saturday on the Rock Island Train Depot Grounds, and the Rock Island Train Depot, McHaffey Opera House, and the American Gothic House Center will be open all weekend. More specifically, the American Gothic House Center will be open from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday for an open house and exhibit for the American Gothic House Art Contest. See what area amateur and professional artists can do when inspired by the same house that produced “American Gothic.” Art work will be on display Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14. First and second place winners for each division win a cash prize for a total amount of $300, the same amount won by Grant Wood when he submitted his painting and won third place at the 1930 Art Institute of Chicago art show. This event is sponsored by G.A.T.E.

The Kids’ Pedal Pull is here again for kids of all ages at the KD Center. There will be a trophy for first, second and third place winners. Registration begins on Saturday, June 13 at 12 pm and the pedal pull begins at 12:30 pm. There is no charge to participate.

New this year for older children is a Knock Out Basketball Tournament. The competition will take place from 1-3 pm at the KD Courts. Contact Dustin LaRue at 799-3638 with questions.

Also new this year is an American Gothic Days Antique Appraiser Show styled after your favorite Antiques Road Show on Saturday, June 13 from 1-4 pm at the Wapello County Regional Fair Grounds Wapello Building. Bring your favorite two items per person to be appraised by one of the following appraisers: Richard Alexander, a Certified Appraisers Guild of America member with specialties in Country Store Collectibles and Advertising Items, Robert Keller with specialties in Coins and Currency, Dr. George Morris, an International Society of Appraisers member with specialties in Quality Antiques and Old Persian Carpets, Robert Norman with specialties in Art Work, and William Taylor with specialties in Coins and Currency, Military Collectibles and Small Antiques. Cost is $4 per item with a limit of two items per person.

The fun and sometimes hilarious Cardboard Boat Races will take place at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Lagoon at 4 pm with registration beginning at 3:30 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

SUNDAY

American Gothic Bike Ride begins early Sunday morning of Gothic Days marking the second annual bike ride this year to Floris and back for 20 miles. For the adventurous and brave, continue on to the Highway 63 intersection before turning around for a 26 mile ride. The ride starts at 7:30 am on June 14, leaving from the American Gothic House Center. Registration is $18.50, and includes a t-shirt, a map and post-ride pizza. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Riverside Cyclery of Ottumwa.

The Mud Volleyball Tournaments continues once again, so stop by the KD Center on Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm to encourage your favorite teams. For more information, contact Lori Franklin or Mel Ostrander.

And last, but not least, try out your skill at the Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest, a new event for the ladies. $5 will give you a chance for a cash prize awarded to the first and second place winners. You can enter that day.

Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon
What: 39th American Gothic Days
When: Friday-Sunday, June 12-14
Where: Eldon, IA 52554
Contacts: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net
Linda Durflinger, 641-799-5149
Shirley Stacey, 641-652-3339

Gothic Days one week away!

39th Annual Eldon Gothic Days

June 12-14, 2009

Announcing the Thirty-ninth American Gothic Days Schedule of Events!

Eldon— June 12-14, 2009 marks the thirty-ninth celebration of American Gothic Days in Eldon, Iowa. The slate of events includes some old favorites, such as Supper in the Park, Alumni Gathering, Little League Tournament, Used Book Sale, Parade, Craft Show, Quilt Show and Raffle, Free Kids’ Games, Barbequed Chicken Dinner, Kids’ Pedal Pull, Cardboard Boat Races and Mud Volleyball Tournament, as well as some more recent new comers over the last few years, such as a Buckskinner Camp Out, 5K Walk and Run, Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers, American Gothic House Art Contest, Knock Out Basketball Tournament, Antique Appraiser Show, 20 Mile Bike Ride and Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest. Read on for more details!

FRIDAY
Supper in the Park will be held Friday evening, June 12 from 5-7 pm at the “Rock” Park downtown. Dinner will feature Roasted Pork. No need to make reservations, just show up and contribute to the free will donation. All proceeds benefit Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.), a non-profit organization that supports improvement projects and promotion of Eldon.

The Eldon High School Alumni Gathering will be held at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Wapello Building on Friday, June 12 from 5-7 pm. Reservations are required. This meal is served by the Eldon TTT and is for graduates of the Eldon High School which closed in 1960. Students who attended and graduated from the school travel back to the area every two years to greet old friends.

There will be a Boys’ Little League Tournament beginning Friday, June 12 at 5:30 pm at the Eldon Ball Field and will continue on through Saturday, June 13. For more information contact Jason Day at 799-5204.

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 13 begins bright and early with a 5K Walk / Run beginning at the American Gothic House Center at 7:30 am. Registration will begin at 6:45 am. The route will take participants down the hill through the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds, along the Des Moines River, then back through town to the American Gothic House Center via the American Gothic Park and Trail. Parents are encouraged to take their small children with them using strollers. Registration is $18.50 and includes a t-shirt, a map of the route, medals for both men and women for first, second and third place winners for each age category and a trophy for the overall winner for men and women. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Kremer Funeral Home and Crossroad Graphics.

The Friends of the Library host their Used Book Sale again this year in the Library Basement from 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, June 13.

Everything stops for the Parade on Saturday morning beginning at 10 am. This year the Parade will be announced by Lee Muntz of Fairfield. The Grand Marshall will be William Helmick with honored guests Juanita Sumner and Christine Stevenson. Allen and Rosie Morrison will ride in the parade as this year’s American Gothic couple. Other entries include the City Council and Mayor of Eldon, Drifters’ Classic Car Club, local business and church floats, Ottumwa and Fairfield Shriner’s, Baseball and Softball Teams, Scouts and Flag bearers, Eldon Alumni with their float and Cheerful Chuckles the Clown. If you would like to be in the parade, contact Linda Pool at 652-3326. All entries are welcome and there is no cost to enter. Entries will be judged that morning with the winners announced during the parade. All entries will receive a participation ribbon and there will be cash prize for first, second and third place. The parade will begin assembling on the street east of the Assembly of God Church at 9 am. The Assembly of God Church will host a hospitality room with bottled water and restrooms during this time.

The Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers will be at Franklin Farms from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday. Come watch and see fly demonstrations of radio control float planes, sea planes, and land based airplanes.

The Craft Show continues to expand this year with displays of Frisbee Spin Art, Wood Burning, flags and clothing. Crafters will be on display along the “Rock” Park downtown from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, June 13. If you would like to sign up for the Craft Show, contact Shirley Stacey at 652-3339. If you enjoy crafts, you might also enjoy the Quilt Show and Raffle at the KD Center from 10 am – 2:30 pm, with the drawing taking place for the Quilt Raffle at 2:30 pm. The Quilt was quilted by the In Stitches Quilt Club and donated to G.A.T.E. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to support G.A.T.E. sponsored activities.

Kids can participate in the Wards Backyard Circus hosted by Cheerful Chuckles the Clown at the KD Center from 11 am – 12 pm or take part in the Free Kids’ Games from 11 am – 1 pm at the KD Center.

The famous Barbequed Chicken Dinner will take place at the KD Center from 11:30 am – 1 pm, with hamburgers and side dishes available. You can also enjoy brats and hot dogs from the Pepsi Wagon or check out Cindy’s Cafe downtown.

The Buckskinners Camp Out is back for the day on Saturday on the Rock Island Train Depot Grounds, and the Rock Island Train Depot, McHaffey Opera House, and the American Gothic House Center will be open all weekend. More specifically, the American Gothic House Center will be open from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday for an open house and exhibit for the American Gothic House Art Contest. See what area amateur and professional artists can do when inspired by the same house that produced “American Gothic.” Art work will be on display Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14. First and second place winners for each division win a cash prize for a total amount of $300, the same amount won by Grant Wood when he submitted his painting and won third place at the 1930 Art Institute of Chicago art show. This event is sponsored by G.A.T.E.

The Kids’ Pedal Pull is here again for kids of all ages at the KD Center. There will be a trophy for first, second and third place winners. Registration begins on Saturday, June 13 at 12 pm and the pedal pull begins at 12:30 pm. There is no charge to participate.

New this year for older children is a Knock Out Basketball Tournament. The competition will take place from 1-3 pm at the KD Courts. Contact Dustin LaRue at 799-3638 with questions.

Also new this year is an American Gothic Days Antique Appraiser Show styled after your favorite Antiques Road Show on Saturday, June 13 from 1-4 pm at the Wapello County Regional Fair Grounds Wapello Building. Bring your favorite two items per person to be appraised by one of the following appraisers: Richard Alexander, a Certified Appraisers Guild of America member with specialties in Country Store Collectibles and Advertising Items, Robert Keller with specialties in Coins and Currency, Dr. George Morris, an International Society of Appraisers member with specialties in Quality Antiques and Old Persian Carpets, Robert Norman with specialties in Art Work, and William Taylor with specialties in Coins and Currency, Military Collectibles and Small Antiques. Cost is $4 per item with a limit of two items per person.

The fun and sometimes hilarious Cardboard Boat Races will take place at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Lagoon at 4 pm with registration beginning at 3:30 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

SUNDAY

American Gothic Bike Ride begins early Sunday morning of Gothic Days marking the second annual bike ride this year to Floris and back for 20 miles. For the adventurous and brave, continue on to the Highway 63 intersection before turning around for a 26 mile ride. The ride starts at 7:30 am on June 14, leaving from the American Gothic House Center. Registration is $18.50, and includes a t-shirt, a map and post-ride pizza. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Riverside Cyclery of Ottumwa.

The Mud Volleyball Tournaments continues once again, so stop by the KD Center on Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm to encourage your favorite teams. For more information, contact Lori Franklin or Mel Ostrander.

And last, but not least, try out your skill at the Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest, a new event for the ladies. $5 will give you a chance for a cash prize awarded to the first and second place winners. You can enter that day.

Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon
What: 39th American Gothic Days
When: Friday-Sunday, June 12-14
Where: Eldon, IA 52554
Contacts: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net
Linda Durflinger, 641-799-5149
Shirley Stacey, 641-652-3339

Sprucing up the American Gothic House Center

Working on some landscaping plans for the visitor center. KTVO did a news story about it. Click on the link to read more.

Cardinal students help prepare seedlings for Gothic House project

ELDON — The dozen or so students from Cardinal High School spent the morning with pencils in hand, something that probably sounds so routine it’s not even worth commenting about...

Click on the link to read more.

Calling all troupes for a Native Iowa Flower Planting in Eldon

Eldon— This June when school lets out and you are wondering what to do with your long beautiful sunny days, consider packing your shovels, gloves, hat and a snack to help plant some native Iowa flowers at the American Gothic House Center.

Thanks to Ostrander Flowers & Greenhouses for getting the seedlings started, there are currently more plants than the center has hands to plant. Please consider organizing a group to help out and get a tour of the visitor center at the same time!

The list of over 30 native plant species to be added to the landscape include Brown Eyed Susan, Sky Blue Aster, Evening Primrose, Upland White Aster, Yellow Coneflower, Anise Hyssop, Mountain Mint, Prairie Blazing Star, Prairie Smoke, Showy Goldenrod, Butterfly Milkweed and much more.

In order to give these flowers a good chance for survival, the plantings will take place in the late afternoon. For troupes wanting to get a tour of the visitor center, these can be scheduled before the planting session.

Group trips to the visitor center include an introduction and discussion on the painting ”American Gothic,” a history of the house in the background, the story of how Grant Wood made his way to Eldon and the discovery of the house, showing of an educational film, and the opportunity for pictures in cut outs or costumes in front of the house.

Please contact the American Gothic House Center at 641-652-3352 for more information, or visit our website at www.americangothichouse.net.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: Native Iowa Flower Planting
• When: To be scheduled for late afternoons between June 2-11
• Where: American Gothic House Center; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

New American Gothic House Exhibit!

Eldon— This Friday, May 22 marks the opening of a new summer exhibit about the American Gothic House. The exhibit follows the house and the people who have lived in it through the years as well as the community support it has received to preserve it. The new exhibit was funded in part by grant monies received from the Alliant Energy Foundation.

Join us for an opening reception Friday, May 22 from 6-7 pm at the American Gothic House Center.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: New Summer Exhibit
• When: Friday, May 22, 6-7 pm
• Where: American Gothic House Center; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

A love of horses and history

ELDON — Dennis Brouse is the kid who grew up watching TV’s horses — Fury, Zorro’s Tornado, Roy Rogers’ Trigger and the Lone Ranger’s Silver.

Now he’s the adult who’s found a way to make money doing what he loves to do — work with horses...

Brouse and his team were at the American Gothic House Tuesday in Eldon to film a segment for next year’s season.

Click on the link to read more.

New York Times story on Gay Marriage in Iowa

"ELDON, Iowa — As of Monday, gay couples will be allowed to marry in places like this small town that once served as the background for Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” the painter’s famous depiction of stern, traditional Midwesterners."

Click on the title to see the rest of the story.

2009 American Gothic House Art Contest

Eldon—American Gothic House Center and Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (GATE) join in sponsoring the fourth annual American Gothic House Art Contest during the 2009 American Gothic Days, June 12-14.

The art contest celebrates the American Gothic House used as the background in Grant Wood’s most famous painting American Gothic. Entries must include the American Gothic House in their work. The contest serves to promote greater awareness of the beauty of the little white board and batten house with its gothic window.

Submitted works will be returned. Minimum size is 8” x 10”—no maximum size. Contest is open to artists in the following five divisions:

• Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
• Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
• Adult Amateur
• Adult Professional

Prize money in the amount of $40 for 1st place and $20 for 2nd place will be awarded for each division, for a total of $300 in prize money—the same amount awarded to Grant Wood when he won third place for American Gothic at the art show at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Judging will take place Friday evening, with the exhibition planned for Saturday, June 13 from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 4 pm at the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, Iowa.

Official entry forms are due by May 15. Artwork must be delivered by June 1. For entry forms, complete rules and further information, contact Jessica Strom; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554; 641-652-3352; aghc@iowatelecom.net.

GATE is a nonprofit community betterment organization and no entry fee will be sought from submissions or participants.

• Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon; American Gothic House Center
• What: 2009 American Gothic House Art Contest
• When: June 12-14 during the 2009 Eldon American Gothic Days
• Where: American Gothic House Center; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

Gothic May Brunch

Eldon—The American Gothic House Center is hosting its fourth annual American Gothic May Brunch Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 – 11:30 am at the Eldon KD Center.

This year’s entertainment is performer Beverly Graves from Pella, Iowa who will keep you smiling with her quick wit and humor. So after the meal, sit back and be ready to laugh while enjoying the “Many Faces of Beverly Graves.”

Come one, come all and come hungry! The menu includes Spinach Quiche, Dream Coffee Cake and a serving of fresh fruit served with Coffee and Ice Tea. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are requested! Tickets are available at the American Gothic House Center and are $6.00 per person.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: American Gothic May Brunch
• When: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 – 11:30 am
• Where: KD Center; 300 KD Ave; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

"Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright: Little Houses on the Prairie" lecture by Roy Behrens

Eldon— The American Gothic House Center received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host a free lecture on Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright: Little Houses on the Prairie by Roy Behrens at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 23 at the Eldon Library Hall.

Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright had similar influences: Japanese-inspired aesthetic principles, the Arts and Crafts Movement and Gothic Revival architecture. During this slide-illustrated, 45-minute talk, participants are invited to explore the parallels between the works of Wood and Wright, and how artists express human values, whatever the medium.

Roy R. Behrens is a professor of Art at the University of Northern Iowa, he teaches graphic design and design history. He is an editor and writer for periodicals and books and his writings have been featured on Nova (PBS), Equinox (BBC), Living in Iowa (IPTV) and BBC Radio. His most recent book is False Colors: Art, Design and Modern Camouflage (2002).

A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: “Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright: Little Houses on the Prairie” lecture by Roy Behrens
• When: Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 pm
• Where: Eldon Library Hall
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

Landmarks close because of budget woes; Gothic House stays safe

In response to an article in the Des Moines Register Wednesday, March 25, Jeff Hutton from the Ottumwa Courier helps us set the story straight.

"ELDON — Several landmarks around the state are targeted to close because of state budget woes, but the American Gothic House and the American Gothic House Center are just fine, thank you."

Click on the title link to see the rest of the article.

IPTV Premiere of THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC

Eldon— Iowa Public Television to show Sasha Waters Freyer’s documentary This American Gothic at 5:40 pm on Sunday, March 29.

THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC is a quirky portrait of Eldon, Iowa, population 998, site of the house that inspired one of the most famous paintings in the world. The film follows a group of local women as they work towards their dream of a Gothic House Visitor Center to attract tourists and save their struggling community.

The ongoing fascination with the painting "American Gothic" suggests hunger for stories from rural America that THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC both taps into and exposes. What do these stories and images from the heartland symbolize? Why are they still so powerful, even in parody or myth? THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC explores the poignant irony of a rural America abandoned to economic hardship trying to rebuild itself through tourism that glorifies a happier, if largely imaginary, country past.

THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC uses interviews, direct cinema, animation, parodies and moving image portraiture to explore the complex, ambivalent nature of Grant Wood's famous painting, and to meditate upon observation, self-presentation and representation in painting, photography, history, and the documentary impulse itself.

Produced, directed & edited by Sasha Waters Freyer, Director of Photography by Meghan Sims and featuring Priscilla Coffman, Linda Durflinger, Donna Jeffrey, Brenda Kremer and Steve Siegel.

• Who: Iowa Public Television
• What: TV Premiere of THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC Documentary
• When: Sunday, March 29 at 5:40 PM
• Where: Your TV
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

American Gothic celebrated in Eldon

Eldon— The American Gothic House Center celebrates the visit of American Gothic to the Des Moines Art Center with a spring cleaning sale, bus trip and informal lecture from art scholar Wands Corn.

From now through Saturday, March 21, select items at the visitor center are on sale up to 50% off. On Saturday, March 21, enjoy the first ever spring cleaning sale with 10% off the entire store from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

On Sunday, March 22 there is still room to join the bus trip to see the painting in person. Ottumwa Transit will depart Eldon from the American Gothic House at 11:30 am and they will depart Ottumwa from Bridge View Center at 12:00 noon. Cost of $15.00 covers the bus fare.

The celebration winds down with art scholar Wanda Corn, who will visit Eldon on Wednesday, March 25. She will speak to American Gothic House Center volunteers and supporters at 4:30 pm at the Eldon Library Hall. This informal lecture is free and open to the public. Corn is one of the most eminent scholars of late-19th- and early-20th-century American art and author of “Grant Wood’s American Gothic: Regionalist, Modernist, Internationalist.”

Corn will deliver her formal lecture at Levitt Auditorium in Des Moines on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 pm. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Jessica Strom at 641-652-3352.

• What: Spring Cleaning Sale
• When: Now through March 21, with 10% off March 21 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Where: American Gothic House Center

• What: Des Moines Bus Trip to see American Gothic
• When: Sunday, March 22 day trip – 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
• Where: Depart from the American Gothic House Center & Bridge View Center

• What: Wanda Corn Informal Lecturer
• When: Wednesday, March 25 at 4:30 pm
• Where: Eldon Library Hall

Art Institute admission raised to $18

"To gaze on Grant Wood's American Gothic will soon cost visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago $18."

Iowan's need to take advantage of having "American Gothic" at the Des Moines Art Center. Their doors are open free to the public, making this a limited opportunity to see the painting for free.

The American Gothic House Center will be taking a bus trip to see the painting on March 22. There will be a bus leaving from Eldon as well as Ottumwa. There are nearly 10 spots left for each bus.

"Was Iowa ever American Gothic?"

"The house is still there, but is the much-parodied icon still relevant to the Midwest?" Bill Glauber tells the story.

"To really understand the grip the painting has on the imagination of Iowans, and by extension Midwesterners, it pays to visit Eldon, population 956, around 100 miles southeast of Des Moines. Here are the keepers of the “American Gothic” flame, the people who live with the original home that forms the backdrop to the painting."

"American Gothic" Through a Sontag Lens

Interesting comments on "American Gothic."

"American Gothic has minimized the world's view of Iowa and Midwestern lifestyles forever. For people who have never visited Iowa but have seen American Gothic, Iowa seems to be a simple place with equally as simple, good (although not too happy), and hard-working people. To some, most Iowans live in a farmhouse in small towns like West Branch, and attend church every Sunday (if they notice the steeple in the background of Wood's painting that is). This may be true of SOME Iowans, but not ALL Iowans."

Anniversary of Grant Wood's Birthday

Grant Wood was born on a small farm near Anamosa, Iowa on February 13, 1891.

Key to Wood’s famous painting is adaptability

"ELDON — The American Gothic House Center will sponsor a trip to Des Moines on March 22 to view the original “American Gothic” painting."

Grant Wood Birthday Soup Smorgasbord

Saturday, February 7 was a beautiful day! About 50 people came out to the Eldon KD Center to enjoy some hot soup in celebration of the 118th Anniversary of Grant Wood's Birthday. The fundraiser brought in over $300 to help support projects for the American Gothic House Center.

Quiet Winter Day

It's a quiet winter day today at the American Gothic House Center...yet we still managed to get a couple of visitors from Delaware!

NEW DATE for this years Soup Smorgasbord

Eldon— Is there anything better than a bowl of steaming hot soup when it’s cold outside? We don’t think so.

Join the American Gothic House Center for some belly filling soup and soul satisfying company Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Eldon KD Center.

Our homemade soup smorgasbord will offer many to choose from, featuring potato cheese, chili, chicken and rice, ham and bean, broccoli cheese, and vegetable beef. As a side, take your pick from a variety of freshly baked breads, crisp vegetables and crackers.

In celebration of the 118th anniversary of Grant Wood’s birthday top it off with a piece of birthday cake while sipping on a hot cup of coffee.

Free will donations benefit projects for the American Gothic House Center.

“There is nothing like a bowl of hot soup, its wisp of aromatic steam teasing the nostrils into quivering anticipation.” -Louis P. De Gouy, The Soup Book (1949)

Exhibit will make you proud of heritage

I am excited to learn that the original “American Gothic” is coming to Iowa.

As readers travel to Des Moines to see the famous painting and the excellent exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center, I hope they remember that Eldon is the home of the house that inspired the painting.

The current exhibit at the American Gothic House Center teaches visitors about how Grant Wood came to visit Eldon, which led to his discovery of our little white house.

Please visit the center to brush up on our local history before traveling to see the original piece of art. It will make you proud of our southeast Iowa heritage.

Jessica Strom, Administrator
American Gothic House Center
300 American Gothic St.
Eldon

American Gothic painting coming to Des Moines

"Grant Wood’s famous painting, American Gothic, will be on display at the Des Moines Art Center.

Yep. The real painting, which is housed at the Chicago Art Institute, will be on view in Des Moines from Jan. 30 to March 29, 2009."

Eldon named a 2008 All-Star Community

"The Iowa League of Cities recognized the city of Eldon as a 2008 All‐Star Community at its Annual Conference & Exhibit, which was held in Council Bluffs from September 10 to 12."

This American Gothic

"OTTUMWA, IOWA -- A special premiere came to Ottumwa Sunday.

A documentary focusing on the second most parodied painting in the world was shown for the first time in Ottumwa on Sunday."

Ottumwa Premiere of THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC

Ottumwa— The Ottumwa Area Arts Council received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host a free documentary called This American Gothic by Sasha Waters Freyer at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 7 at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. The event will be followed by a reception with an opportunity to ask questions and visit with the director as well as a chance to produce your own photo of “American Gothic.”

THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC is a quirky portrait of Eldon, Iowa, population 998, and site of the house that inspired one of the most famous paintings in the world. The film follows a group of local women as they work towards their dream of a Gothic House Visitors Center to attract tourists.

THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC uses interviews, direct cinema, animation, parodies and moving image portraiture to explore the complex, ambivalent nature of Grant Wood's famous painting, and to meditate upon observation, self-presentation and representation in painting, photography, history, and the documentary impulse itself.

Produced, directed & edited by Sasha Waters Freyer, Director of Photography by Meghan Sims and featuring Priscilla Coffman, Linda Durflinger, Donna Jeffrey, Brenda Kremer and Steve Siegel.

A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.

Ottumwa Courier includes the American Gothic House when "Finding a good time in Iowa"

"There was the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, which is quite impressive. I think as time moves forward, more visitors will continue to appreciate what the center has to offer and I think it will mean an economic boost to the county."

American Gothic House Center Receives Conservation Bookshelf

Eldon – Treasured objects and artifacts held by the American Gothic House Center will be preserved for future generations with help from the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of conservation books, DVDs, and online resources donated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding of the nation’s museums and libraries. IMLS and its cooperator, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), will award a total of 3,000 free sets of the IMLS Bookshelf by the end of 2009.

“We house a fine collection of American Gothic parodies that will benefit from the guidance of the Conservation Bookshelf,” said Jessica Strom, Administrator of the American Gothic House Center.
“We are very pleased to announce the recipients of the IMLS Bookshelf in the second round of competition. These libraries, museums, and archives are in the forefront of our call to action on behalf of America’s collections,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of IMLS. “According to a recent national survey, our important collections are at great risk, and without them, the American story simply cannot be told to future generations.”

American Gothic House Center is being awarded this essential set of resources based on an application describing the needs and plans for care of its collections. The IMLS Bookshelf focuses on collections typically found in history or art museums and in libraries' special collections, with an added selection of texts for zoos, aquaria, public gardens, and nature centers. It addresses such topics as the philosophy and ethics of collecting, collections management and planning, emergency preparedness, and culturally specific conservation issues.

The IMLS Bookshelf is a crucial component of Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a conservation initiative that the Institute launched in 2006. IMLS began the initiative in response to a 2005 study by Heritage Preservation documenting the dire state of the nation’s collections. The multi-faceted, multi-year initiative shines a nationwide spotlight on the needs of America’s collections, especially those held by smaller institutions, which often lack the human and financial resources necessary to adequately care for their collections. For more information on the conservation initiative, please go to www.imls.gov/collections.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Gothic Days Art Contest and 5K Results

Eldon—The atmosphere of Gothic Days 2008 was a bit different this year as many people still didn’t know what to expect from the rising water levels. Visitors, children and months of planning, however, would not be deterred.

The American Gothic House Art Contest, co-sponsored by Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.) and the American Gothic House Center (AGHC), was judged Friday evening, June 13 by Cindy Woodbury, Chris Abigt and Laura Frana. Despite limited entries, it was a tough contest to judge with two entries just one point (out of 150) apart.

Congratulations go out to Aundera Tubb of Ottumwa, Iowa, winner of the sixth through eighth grade division, Bethany Hemm of Granby, Colorado, winner of the ninth through twelfth grade division, and Margit Trautmann of Ottumwa, Iowa, winner of the adult division. Most of the entries will remain on display at the AGHC through the end of the month, where they will then be on display at the July 4th Fairfield First Friday Art Walk before being returned to the artists.

Early Saturday morning, June 14, 20 running and walking enthusiasts came out to participate in the first annual American Gothic 5K event. The group started at the AGHC, and then wound through the town of Eldon before trekking back up the hill to the finish line. Chad Damin of Freeport, Iowa won the overall first place men’s trophy and Michelle Albert of Eldon, Iowa won the overall first place women’s trophy.

The weekend concluded Sunday morning, June 15, with 13 biking enthusiasts riding down Highway 16 to Douds and back for a total of 21 miles. It was a beautiful morning with the sun shinning, moderate temperatures and a friendly breeze.

Thank you to the many individuals who helped plan and participated in these events.

Tom Milligan as Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel

Eldon—The American Gothic House Center received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host a free presentation called Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel by Tom Milligan at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 22 at the American Gothic House Center. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.

In this 45 minute, one-man show, Grant Wood chats with the audience as if he were talking to an old friend across a backyard fence or in his home at Five Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He talks with the audience about his life and how he changed the art world forever with his work. It is the man behind that we see and hear in this prize-winning play and the story of how he took the moments, the memories, and the people of the plains and the prairies, and showed the whole world the special ness that is the Midwest.

Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel brings to life Iowa artist Grant Wood, the creator of one of the two most recognized paintings in the world, today, American Gothic. Growing up in rural Iowa, far away from the professional art scene, Woods' love for painting was created and nurtured by the people and things around him. In defiance of what he was told an artist should be by the New York critics, Wood faced down years of poverty and rejection to stay his own personal course. Ultimately, his was the triumph, with both the international success of his painting and the emergence of the Regionalist Movement, the style that he pioneered and that still influences artists to this day.

In Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel, the audience experiences Wood's struggles first hand, and witnesses as well, the inner spirit of the artists that refused to be crushed by either outside world, or the inner demons that arrived with success. Finally, and ultimately, the audience realizes with Wood, that the most meaningful events of our lives happen not in the big arena, but in the small and simple experiences and traditions of every day.

Eldon Premiere of THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC

Eldon—THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC is a quirky portrait of Eldon, Iowa, population 998, and site of the house that inspired one of the most famous paintings in the world. The Eldon premiere of this documentary will be this Saturday, June 14 at 1:30 pm at the Living Hope Bible Church.

The film follows a group of local women as they work towards their dream of a Gothic House Visitors Center to attract tourists and save their struggling community. The ongoing fascination with the painting "American Gothic" suggests a hunger for stories from rural America that THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC both taps into and exposes. What do these stories and images from the heartland symbolize? Why are they still so powerful, even in parody or myth? THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC explores the poignant irony of a rural America abandoned to economic hardship trying to rebuild itself through tourism that glorifies a happier, if largely imaginary, country past.

THIS AMERICAN GOTHIC uses interviews, direct cinema, animation, parodies and moving image portraiture to explore the complex, ambivalent nature of Grant Wood's famous painting, and to meditate upon observation, self-presentation and representation in painting, photography, history, and the documentary impulse itself.

Produced, directed & edited by Sasha Waters Freyer, Director of Photography by Meghan Sims and featuring Priscilla Coffman, Linda Durflinger, Donna Jeffrey, Brenda Kremer and Steve Siegel.

Eldon Gothic Days to offer new events

"ELDON — After 37 years of Eldon Gothic Days, can the townspeople come up with anything new for the 38th one?

If you said no, you don’t know the tribe in Wapello County’s southeast corner."

5K Run/Walk & Bike Ride: 1st Anniversary Activities at the American Gothic House Center

Eldon—This June marks the first anniversary of the American Gothic House Center (AGHC). In celebration the AGHC has added two new events to this year’s annual Gothic Days celebration in Eldon. Pre-register for the 5K Run/Walk and/or the 20+ Mile Bike Ride by Monday, June 2nd and get a discount!

The first annual American Gothic 5K Run/Walk is Saturday morning, June 14 at 8:30 am (registration begins at 7:45 am) and is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Kremer Funeral Home, the Eldon Kwik Shop and RPM Graphics. The 5K course will take outdoor enthusiasts down through the Wapello County Fair Grounds, along the River Road and will end by traveling the American Gothic Trail back up to the American Gothic House Center. Participants will receive a t-shirt and a chance to win a trophy or award with their registration.

The first annual 20+ Mile American Gothic Bike Ride will take place Sunday morning, June 15 at 8:30 am (registration begins at 7:45 am) and is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Riverside Cyclery, AJ’s Bicycle Shop and Golden Furrow. Bikers will begin at the AGHC, travel south on Highway 16 through Selma on down to the turn around point in Douds. A map will be provided with an optional route on the gravel roads along the Des Moines River. A t-shirt and post-ride pizza are included with registration.

Call the American Gothic House Center at 641-652-3352 to sign up now!

American Gothic House Committee Honored with Award

Eldon—The American Gothic House Committee received the Loren Horton Community History Award for the Best Use of Volunteers last Monday, May 19 in Des Moines, IA at the State Historical Society of Iowa.

For the full press release, see below.

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
600 E. Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2008
Contact: Jeff Morgan, 515-281-3858

SHSI announces historic preservation, community history awards

DES MOINES – The State Historical Society of Iowa today announced historic preservation and community history awards during “Celebrate Community History,” an event that celebrates May as National Historic Preservation Month.

Historians, historic preservationists and others gathered for the event, which was created in 1995 with the 10-year anniversary of the Certified Local Government Program. Today’s event recognized Iowa’s varied and important historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, and groups and individuals for their work in preserving Iowa’s rich heritage.

“This event is a celebration of our historic assets and efforts undertaken during the last year to preserve them,” said Cyndi Pederson, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. “We are pleased to recognize the projects and the people who devote their time, energy and resources to ensure our heritage is kept alive for future generations of Iowans to enjoy.”

Awards and certificates presented today included Preservation Projects of Merit; National Register of Historic Places Certificates; Cultural & Entertainment Districts; Certified Local Government Awards of Grant Funds: Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance Best of Preservation Award; National History Day in Iowa “Kids Count!” Award; Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award; Loren Horton Community History Award; Petersen/Harlan Award and the Mills/Noun Popular History Award.

Celebrate Community History is sponsored by SHSI, the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance and the Iowa Gaming Association.

Following is a list of award and certificate recipients recognized today:

PRESERVATION PROJECTS OF MERIT
The Award of Merit recognizes outstanding historic tax credit projects that exemplify the best of preservation practices and meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.
Award Recipients:

• Residential Property: Sherrill Mount House, Sherrill, Mark Maiers
• Commercial Project Under $500,000: Upper Main, Dubuque, Gronen Properties, LLC
• Commercial Project Over $500,000: Armstrong Apartments, Clinton, Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.
• Special Recognition: Hurst Hotel, Maquoketa, Signature Properties

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CERTIFICATES
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Properties listed on the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture.
Certificate Recipients:

• Beaconsfield Supply Store, Beaconsfield
• Chevre B’Nai Yisroel Synagogue, Council Bluffs
• Lincoln-Fairview Historic District, Council Bluffs
• Louis C. and Amelia L. Schmidt House, Davenport
• D.S. Chamberlain Building, Des Moines
• Dubuque Star Brewery, Dubuque
• Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm Historic District, Fairfield
• Fort Madison Downtown Historic Commercial District, Fort Madison
• Knoxville WPA Athletic Field Historic District, Knoxville
• Edmundson Park Historic District, Oskaloosa
• Netcott-Pfeiffer House, Parkersburg
• First Christian Church, Pella
• Julius and Anine Overson House, Sioux City
• Williges Building, Sioux City
• Antlers Hotel, Spirit Lake
• Tabor Antislavery Historic District, Tabor
• Hunter School, Tabor Vicinity
• Youngville Café, Watkins Vicinity
• City Hotel, Wheatland
• Lincoln Township Mausoleum, Zearing

CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS
A Cultural and Entertainment District is a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use compact area of a city in which a high concentration of cultural facilities serve as the anchor. The following represent the most recent communities to be given this title:

• Oskaloosa Cultural & Entertainment District
• Grinnell Cultural & Entertainment District
• Cody Road Cultural & Entertainment District, LeClaire

CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS OF GRANT FUNDS
Jointly administered by the National Park Service in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office, the Certified Local Government Program is a model and a cost-effective local, state and federal partnership that promotes historic preservation at the grassroots level across the nation.
2008 Award Recipients:

• Ames Historic Preservation Commission, College Heights Intensive and Architectural Survey
• Coon Rapids Historic Preservation Commission, Survey and Evaluation of the Coon Rapids Commercial District
• Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission, Downtown Design Guidelines
• Monona County Historic Preservation Commission, Survey of the Onawa Downtown District
• Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission, Survey of the Downtown Commercial District
• Washington Historic Preservation Commission, Planning for Preservation Project

IOWA HISTORIC PRESERVATION ALLIANCE PRESERVATION AT ITS BEST AWARDS
This award recognizes outstanding historic preservation projects in a wide range of categories. The awards, given annually, recognize projects that demonstrate a commitment to maintaining and preserving Iowa’s cultural heritage.
Award Recipients:

• Residential – Single Family: 323 E. 4th St., Spencer, Martin Arthur, Julie Schmidt and Lee Vogel
• Public Building – Charles Theater: Charles City, Veronica Litterer, Stoney Point Players and Charles City Art Council
• Commercial – Small Building: Breadeaux Building, Hampton, Joel and Kim Orr
• Commercial – Large Building: Dubuque Star Brewery, Dubuque, David Johnson and City of Dubuque Planning Services
• Mixed Use – Dubuque Casket Company: Dubuque, David Johnson and City of Dubuque Planning Services
• Mixed Use – 500 E. Locust, Suite 500, Des Moines: Sam Erickson, Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY IN IOWA “KIDS COUNT!” AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO YOUTH RESEARCHERS
The “Kids Count!” awards recognize Iowa libraries, archives and museums for providing outstanding service to young student researchers.
Certificate of Achievement Recipient:

• African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, Cedar Rapids

Certificate of Merit Recipients:

• Cowles Library – Drake University, Des Moines
• Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch

BENJAMIN F. SHAMBAUGH AWARDS
This award recognizes the most significant book published on Iowa history during the previous calendar year.
Award Recipient:

• Wilson J. Warren, Tied to the Great Packing Machine: The Midwest and Meatpacking, published by University of Iowa Press

Certificates of Recognition:

• William B. Friedricks, Investing in Iowa: the Life and Times of F.M. Hubbell, published by The Iowan Books
• Abigail Foerstner, James Van Allen: The First Eight Billion Miles, published by University of Iowa Press

LOREN HORTON COMMUNITY HISTORY AWARD
The Loren Horton Community History Award recognizes the best project that increases the awareness of and participation in Iowa history on a local level.
Loren Horton Community History Award

• Danville High School Fine Arts Students, “A Living Legacy of Danville History”

Loren Horton Certificate of Recognition Recipients

• Outstanding Research or Publication: Judy M. Holzmer, “Diary of Walter C. Laughead: Company D, 50th Iowa Volunteer Infantry”
• Outstanding Use of Volunteers: American Gothic House Committee, Edlon, “American Gothic house Visitor Center Project”
• Outstanding Project in Museum: The Putnam Museum and IMAX Theater, Davenport, “Bringing History to Life: The Civil War Years”

PETERSEN/HARLAN AWARD
The Petersen/Harlan Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has made significant long-term or continuing contributions to Iowa history.

• Dorothy Schwieder, Ames

MILLS/NOUN POPULAR HISTORY AWARD
This award recognizes the author of the most significant article on an Iowa history topic published in a popular history periodical during the previous calendar year. It is named in honor of Iowa reporter and popular historian George Mills and Iowa historian and philanthropist Louise Noun.

Award Recipient

• Dr. Thomas Morain, Pardon Me, Governor: Ernest Rathbun, William Harding and the Politics of Justice, Iowa Heritage Illustrated, Winter 2005

Honorable Mention

• Tim Lane, Saint Patterson and His Duck Soup, Iowa Heritage Illustrated, Summer 2005
• Leah D. Rogers and Clare L. Kerneck, The Lincoln Highway’s Seedling Mile, Iowa Heritage Illustrated, Fall 2005

###

The State Historical Society of Iowa is a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate for understanding Iowa’s past. It identifies, records, collects, preserves, manages and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources. Its dual mission of preservation and education serves Iowans of all ages, conducts and stimulates research, disseminates information, and encourages and supports historical preservation and education efforts of others throughout the state. More information about SHSI is available at www.iowahistory.org.

New Exhibit and Extended Hours!

Eldon—This Memorial Day Weekend marks the opening of a new summer exhibit about how Grant Wood ended up in Eldon to discover the house made famous as the background of his most parodied painting. The new exhibit was funded in part by grant monies received from the Alliant Energy Foundation.

Thanks to the support of volunteers, there will be extended hours this weekend. The Center will be open Saturday, May 24 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday, May 25 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, and Monday, May 26 from just after the Veterans Memorial Service to 4:00 pm. Come learn about American Gothic, Grant Wood and how he ended up in Eldon to discover this special little house.

Free Workshop on How to Take the American Gothic Photo

Eldon—Join us Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 PM to learn how to take your own reproduction of “American Gothic” in front of the house that inspired the masterpiece. Learn about where the couple and photographer should stand, what props you might consider using and how to frame the photo to get a close approximation of the original painting.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and a smile or frown. Costumes, hayfork and antique glasses will be available. Photographers will practice on each other, or you can bring your own couple to practice on.

It's Not Too Late to Enter the American Gothic House Art Contest!

Eldon— American Gothic House Center (AGHC) and Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (GATE) join together in sponsoring the third annual art contest during the 2008 Gothic Days, June 13-15.

The art contest celebrates the house used as the background of Grant Wood’s most famous painting American Gothic. Entries must include the American Gothic House. The contest will promote greater awareness of the uniqueness and beauty of the little white house with its gothic window.

Submitted works will be returned. Minimum size will be 8” x 10”—no maximum size. Contest is open to amateur artists only in the following three divisions:

• Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
• Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
• Adult

Prize money in the amount of $50 for 1st place and $25 for 2nd place will be awarded for each division.

Judging will take place Friday evening, with the exhibition planned for Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15 from 1 PM to 4 PM at the AGHC in Eldon, Iowa. Official entry forms are required, and artwork must be submitted by Friday, June 6.

For entry forms, complete rules and further information, contact AGHC; Jessica Strom; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554; 641-652-3352; aghc@iowatelecom.net.

GATE is a nonprofit community betterment organization and no entry fee will be sought from submissions or participants.

Schedule Change to the American Gothic House Spring Plantings

Eldon— Pack your shovels, gloves, hat and a snack for some fun in the sun at the American Gothic House Center Monday morning, May 12 at 9:00 am to help with some spring plantings.

The originally scheduled butterfly garden program has been delayed, as the seedlings are not yet ready for the ground. Instead, staff and volunteers will replace ten redbud trees that didn’t make it and spread more mulch around existing trees.

Gothic May Brunch

Eldon— Remember when women had lace handkerchiefs and white gloves? The Gothic Guys and Gals Committee are hosting a vintage, nostalgic Gothic May Brunch Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 – 11:30 am at the Eldon KD Center. A special program will include a sneak preview of “This American Gothic” documentary by Sasha Waters. Please purchase your tickets in advance at the Eldon City Hall, as seating is limited to only 50. Tickets are $6.00.

"How Grant Wood came to paint American Gothic" lecture by Kristy Raine

Eldon— In preparation for the new summer exhibit, Kristy Raine (a Reference Librarian and Archivist from Mount Mercy College) will speak on Grant Wood’s connections to Eldon -- Edward Rowan and John Sharp -- which led to his painting of American Gothic. This program is ideal for Center Volunteers and the public that want to know “the rest of the story.”

Spring Volunteer Training at the American Gothic House Center

Eldon— The American Gothic House Center seeks additional volunteers in preparation for its second summer season. With the tourist season just around the corner, come see how YOU will fit in. Some ways to stay active include greeting visitors, giving tours of the facility, keeping the center shining clean and assisting patrons with photos and sales. All it takes is three hours or more commitment per month and your own personal enthusiasm.

The next informal volunteer orientation & training will be Thursday, March 27 at either 2:00 PM or 6:00 PM at the new center at 300 American Gothic St in Eldon. Call Jessi at 652-3352 to sign up or for more information.

2008 American Gothic House Art Contest

Eldon— American Gothic House Center (AGHC) and Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (GATE) will co-sponsor the third annual art contest during the 2008 Gothic Days, June 13-15.

The art contest is to celebrate the American Gothic House used as the background in Grant Wood’s most famous painting American Gothic. Entries must include the American Gothic House. The contest will promote greater awareness of the uniqueness and beauty of the little white cottage with its gothic window.

Submitted works will be returned. Minimum size will be 8” x 10”—no maximum size. All mediums except photography are allowed. Contest is open to amateur artists only in the following three divisions:

• Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
• Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
• Adult

Prize money in the amount of $50 for 1st place and $25 for 2nd place will be awarded for each division.

Judging will take place Friday evening, with the exhibition planned for Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15 from 12 PM to 4 PM at the AGHC in Eldon, Iowa. Official entry forms are required by May 15. Artwork must be submitted by June 1.

For entry forms, complete rules and further information, contact AGHC; Jessica Strom; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554; 641-652-3352; aghc@iowatelecom.net.

GATE is a nonprofit community betterment organization and no entry fee will be sought from submissions or participants.

Grant Wood Soup Smorgasbord Lunch

Eldon— Come celebrate Grant Wood’s birthday with a Soup Smorgasbord on Saturday, February 9. It will be held at the KD Center in Eldon from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The menu will include five homemade soups, fresh bread, fresh vegetables, drinks, brownies and cake. Free will donations benefit the American Gothic House Center.

Detailed Description— Grant Wood’s birthday is being celebrated in Eldon on Saturday, February 9 with a fragrant homemade soup smorgasbord. There will be potato cheese soup, chili, vegetable, broccoli and ham and bean soup. Crisp vegetables, crackers and a variety of fresh breads are next. For dessert delight in mouth-watering brownies and cakes. Lunch is from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM in Eldon at the KD Center. Free will donations to the American Gothic Committee will benefit projects at the American Gothic House Center. Make us your lunch stop on Saturday February 9th in Eldon.

Christmas around the area

"ELDON — The Christmas spirit resounded in southeast Iowa this weekend with celebrations in cities all around.

In Eldon children started the day by making gingerbread houses from candies and frosting at the American Gothic House Visitors Center."

Gingerbread Wonderland Event at AGHC

Eldon— An old fashioned Christmas will be in full swing in the town of Eldon this weekend, and children of all ages are invited to create gingerbread houses at the American Gothic House Center this Saturday, December 8th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Graham crackers, candy decorations and gooey frosting along with adult helpers will be provided.

The “American Gothic” Santa with his red and white striped overalls, red blazer and cheery Mrs. Claus are waiting to pose for pictures with you indoors. Visitors are welcome to view the center’s main exhibit and seasonal “Misty Water-colored Memories” exhibit by Dr. R. H. Intress, a former Eldonean.

The gift shop with many American Gothic-themed items will be open to please you with Christmas cards, note cards, T-shirts, tea towels, sweatshirts, handcrafted items, prints and books about Grant Wood.

After you’ve visited the McHaffey Opera House Winter Tree Wonderland & Nativity Display and the Rock Island Christmas Depot with its trains, stop in to make and take a gingerbread house, have your photo taken and shop for that special someone.

Other events include a GATE Christmas dinner served at the KD Center from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, a special Christmas surprise downtown at the American Legion Building at 1:00 PM for kids of all ages and the Boy Scout Soup Supper at the KD Center from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

Photo help at Gothic Center thanks to grant

"ELDON — Want your picture taken in the cut-outs at the American Gothic House Center?

If you do and you forget your camera, the center’s staff can help you thanks to a $2,500 grant from the Wapello County Foundation."

American Gothic Photos Available on Site

Eldon— The American Gothic House Center gives thanks for the $2,500 grant received from the Wapello County Foundation. Now visitors can have their pictures taken by a Sony camera and printed immediately on an Epson printer. American Gothic look-alikes can purchase quality 4” x 6” pictures of their memory in front of the house. This new service will add to the center’s bottom line.

Included in the grant are a Sony Cyber-shot camera and a portable PC-free printer by Epson Picture Map Snap, which enables center personnel to take the printing show on the road. They can capture those cute shots of merrymakers in the American Gothic wooden cut-outs.

Also included is Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium software package, which allows the center to manage its website and design its promotional pieces. It’s a technological dream come true for AGHC director, Jessi Strom, with thanks for the continuing support of the Wapello County Foundation.

Of "Intress" - Misty Water-Colored Memories Exhibit

Eldon— Dr. Robert H. Intress MD’s "Misty Water-Colored Memories" exhibit features images of the Rock Island Depot, grain elevator, old railroad bridge, locomotives, Sandy Lane School, brick kiln and brickyard, Exchange Hotel and memories of Eldon Christmas celebrations of the l930's.

Dr. Intress presented the American Gothic House Center with original watercolors drawn from his childhood memories of Eldon. Dr. Intress describes himself as “a very amateur painter,” but his memories are something all native Eldonites can relate to. This trip down memory lane can be celebrated in the media room from the November 30th Opening through January 6, 2008.

Intress’ grandfather Dr. S.H. Sawyers was Eldon’s doctor from 1890 through l950. His parents were Carl and Alice (Sawyers) Intress. Mr. Carl Intress was a Rock Island fireman-engineer for 50 years.

Dr. Intress is a graduate of Eldon High School Class of l938 and earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa in l944. In addition to 41 years of practicing medicine in Amarillo, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico, he volunteered 6 years of service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He and his wife now reside in Waynesboro, VA.

The Opening of Intress’s Misty Water-Colored Memories Exhibit will be held Friday evening November 30 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the American Gothic House Center. All are welcome.

Oak Savannah Planting at Center

Eldon—Tuesday afternoon Cardinal High School students Danny Luna, Marcus Giltner, Andrea Fults and Curtis Fiedler hustled to plant the first trees of the oak savannah project at the American Gothic House Center. Tuesday evening Quenton Sims, Dakota Wilbanks, Auston Hummell and Lewis Aszman from Ottumwa Cub Scout Pack #11--with Den Leader Teresa Wilbanks, Cub Master Cheryl Carness and parent Robert Aszman--planted one more tree.

Students and cub scouts dug holes, filled in, watered and mulched the newly-planted trees under the direction of Administrator Jessi Strom and volunteers Dennis Donaldson of Ottumwa and Dennis Jeffrey of Eldon.

A grant from Alliant Energy/Trees Forever generated the funds for the oak savannah featuring burr oaks, white oaks and red oaks. Other trees to augment the oaks are basswood, black cherry, red maples, white pine, service berries and burning bushes.

Wapello County Conservation workers Lincoln Utt and Paul Totten transported trees and continued planting with volunteers on Wednesday.

Proud of Visitors Center at American Gothic House

We are so proud of our new Visitors Center at the American Gothic House here in Eldon.

Anyone that hasn’t taken the time to drive out to visit it has missed a local treasure. Allen and I have been volunteering there since it opened in June. We really enjoy meeting folks from all over the world. I like to read the comments folks have written in the guest book. Seems like our local folks are really surprised at how very nice it is.

Anyone who enjoys people should consider becoming a volunteer. We have had folks from Yorkshire, England; they had flown into Chicago, rented a car and were going to travel here for six weeks. This was one of their first stops. They had been to the Art Institute in Chicago and seen the original painting the day before. We had a family with nine children from Idaho. They were on their way to Nauvoo, Ill., to be part of the play there. Everyone is so friendly and those who don’t know about the painting’s history are happy to have it explained or watch the 30-minute film, “Grant Wood’s America.” Our administrator, Jessica Strom, is well-versed on the history and has several books about Grant Wood for the volunteers to get “boned up.”

There is a nice gift shop with books, T-shirts and many other items for sale. One of the most popular things is the rack of clothes for folks to put on, including a three-tined pitchfork and gold-rimmed glasses. They really enjoy going out and having one of the volunteers take their picture in front of the house. I always tell them, “Now, this is one picture that you don’t smile.” This is all free!

This is truly the dream of many of our local folks. Don Gettings and Helen Glasson worked very hard for many years to get it. Now, it is a reality. Hats off to the committee and the many people that have worked in the past to get this done. Take this as an open invitation to one and all to come for a visit.

Rosie Morrison

Eldon

Eldon Does Something Cool - Plants Trees With Help From Trees Forever and Alliant Energy

Eldon— Volunteers and community leaders in Eldon are planting trees to provide shade and save energy through the Trees Forever and Alliant Energy Branching Out community tree-planting program.

“We’re looking forward to working with Trees Forever and Alliant Energy this year to plant trees,” says Jessica Strom. “Together, we are growing a better environment while making our community more beautiful and attractive.”

“Trees Forever and Alliant Energy are committed to improving the environment and our quality of life. Especially this year when many communities were hit hard by the late winter storms that damaged or destroyed so many trees,” says Shannon Ramsay, Trees Forever President and CEO. “We thank our local volunteers in Eldon for their dedication and hard work and look forward to helping with positive solutions this year--- tree by tree, neighborhood by neighborhood.”

Alliant Energy will award $64,962.00 in grants to assist 15 Iowa communities and groups with tree-planting projects this fall. Eldon will receive $5,000 for its ambitious tree-planting project.

Planting trees helps reduce peak electric demand, keeps communities healthy and vital, and provides long-term environmental benefits.

“Energy efficiency is important to us and we believe our investment in tree planting and education will help our customers become more aware of the benefits that trees have to offer,” said Tom Aller, president of Alliant Energy-Interstate Power and Light. “We care about the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to help them.”

If you would like to volunteer to help plant and care for trees in Eldon, please call Jessica Strom at (641) 652-3352 or Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269.

Branching Out grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during two grant-making cycles (spring and fall). The next application deadline is November 1, 2007. Spring 2008 grant recipients will be announced in December. For more information, contact Trees Forever at 1-800-369-1269. Applications are available online at www.alliantenergy.com/branchingout or www.treesforever.org.

Branching Outis a nationally-recognized program where Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and Iowa communities work together to plan and create outstanding tree-planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness, and community stewardship in Iowa.

Branching Outis offered exclusively to Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. The utility provides grants of between $500 and $10,000 for community-based, tree-planting projects – like parks, gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools and more. Trees Forever administers the program, providing technical and planning support.

Behind Grant Wood’s canvas

"This couple doesn’t need any convincing. She dips her left foot gingerly into the patterned purple dress, pulling it up to her neck. Her husband hooks the Union Bay overalls at his chest and reaches to help her close the clasp.

“It almost fits me,” she says, while tying the apron behind her back."

$5,000 Alliant Energy / Trees Forever Grant Awarded

Eldon— The American Gothic House Center (AGHC) of Eldon, Iowa has been awarded a $5,000 Alliant Energy / Trees Forever grant through its Branching Out program. The check will be presented at the Eldon City Council meeting Tuesday, September 11, 2007.

The AGHC project will include planting a concentration of Oak trees, other non-Oak deciduous trees, Eastern Red Cedars and Serviceberries for a total of 36 trees. The goal of the project is to include a variety of trees native to Southeast Iowa. The AGHC is seeking additional funds to incorporate the Oak trees into a Prairie Oak Savannah restoration.

The trees will be planted by the Wapello County Conservation Board beginning Monday, November 12, 2007. Please contact Jessi Strom at 641-652-3352 if you would like to be a part of the tree planting.

Branching Out is a nationally-recognized grant program through which Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and local community leaders work together to fund and implement tree-planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and community involvement in Iowa.

Since the start of the Branching Out program in 1989, more than 1.1 million trees and seedlings have been planted as part of 2,188 Iowa projects by a volunteer force of 111,117 people. Environmentally, the trees planted represent a kilowatt hour savings of 13,918,553—or enough energy to power more than 1,700 average-size residential homes for one year.

Struggling Iowa town finds hope in American Gothic painting

"ELDON, Iowa — The perfectly arched and cross-paned gothic window is everywhere.

It is among the blue ribbon winners at the Wapello County Fair crafts barn, built out of 16 Popsicle sticks. It's printed on yellow banners that hang from lampposts lining Elm Street. And down American Gothic Street, it sits atop the white cottage."

Thanks for supporting Gothic House Center

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Eldon and Wapello County for their support of our new American Gothic House Center. We had a successful grand opening Saturday, June 9, with about 300-350 visitors the day of the opening and another 350 since.

The enthusiasm for the facility and exhibit has been great. The committee responsible for raising the funds and grants for the building, the volunteers who signed up to help operate the gift shop, give tours and clean the facility, and the many visitors who have already stopped by show that there is a strong passion for Grant Wood and his American Gothic.

Visitors enjoy putting together the magnetic puzzles in the exhibit hall, putting on American Gothic costumes to take their own picture in front of the original house and watching the animated film “Dropping in on Grant Wood.”

A big thanks goes out to the contractors who worked so hard to have a parking lot, road and sidewalk done in time, the individuals who helped bake cookies for our opening reception, the many volunteers who raised the necessary funds to pay for this project (and continue to do so as new needs are discovered) and everyone who gave what they could — whether it was time, talent or money.

Thank you.

Jessica Strom

Great day planned at Gothic Days celebration

"ELDON — Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting will come alive today at the annual Gothic Days celebration."

New center a highlight of next weekend’s Eldon Gothic Days

"ELDON — This year, Eldon has twice as much to celebrate at Eldon Gothic Days. In addition to the traditional activities, supporters will celebrate the opening of the much anticipated visitor center."

Strom named Gothic House Visitors Center administrator

"ELDON — The American Gothic House Visitor Center has gained another friend — professional curator Jessi Strom."

Excitement growing in Eldon

"ELDON — Excitement is the only thing building faster than the construction crew at the Gothic House Visitor’s Center."

Construction of Gothic House Center under way

"ELDON — The building is going up “fast, fast, fast,” according to Brenda Kremer."

Gothic House Visitor's Center receives funding

"ELDON — What would have been “later” improvements for the American Gothic House Visitors Center will now be able to be done sooner thanks to the Iowa Legislature."

Wapello Co. Supervisors to look at Gothic House's 28E agreement between Eldon and county

"OTTUMWA — The American Gothic House in Eldon will be the main focus of the Wapello County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday."

Eldon receives $15,000 grant Visitor Center construction

"ELDON — A $15,000 grant has been awarded to the city of Eldon to help with the construction of the American Gothic Visitor Center."

Vacant 'American Gothic' house home to American art history

"Grant Wood's "American Gothic" is the most recognizable painting in the history of American art, which should make the modest Carpenter Gothic structure in the background the art world's most famous house."