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.