There is a charming town in the mountains of California. Solvang is a famous tourist draw. Whenever I visit any town, I not only stroll through the main district, but I enjoy walking through the neighborhoods as well. I was especially impressed with the cleanness of Solvang. The houses and yards were tidy, ordelry, and picked up. There was not a weed or stray object left abandoned on the properties. The shops and businesses were immaculate as well, inside and exteriorly. I finally asked one of the locals – why?! She lifted her chin and efficiently informed me, “Because…..we are Danish!”
Well, now I live in Kansas and I travel broadly throughout the Midwest. Recenly I was in Winterset, Iowa, and as I walked around town and through its neighborhoods, I suddenly stopped and had a Solvang déjà vu moment. This town was immaculate, and then I realized all of Iowa is prisitine. I recalled the many towns I had visited, and sure enought, it was true of all of them: Amana, Clear Lake, Pella…. I like clean. I don’t enjoy a vacation as much in a location that is rundown and uncared for. So, Iowa is now on the top of my getaway list.
I took a coffee break at the Petite Cafe on the town square. Inside I ran into Teddi, who is the manager of the Visitor Center. We had a delightful conversation. In rapid succession (watch the path my mind took), Teddi told me about John Wayne having been born here, and then about their Winterfest (which transforms the town into a Hallmark scene), and then about their county’s slogan: “Get engaged in Madison County”. So naturally, I thought that all meant the possibility of meeting a John Wayne-type man…at their Hallmarkish event…with a potential for getting engaged. That sounded like a romantic yes to me. But later, it dawned on me that the slogan means – to get involved in Madison County. My hopes may have beeen slightly dimmed, but that won’t deter me from going to Winterfest and getting involved in the town’s Christmas celebration. I will greatly enjoy the glowy lights and a warming mug of hot cocoa.
Whenever you come to Winterset, walk around the town square and browse through the boutiques. Don’t miss the mystical shop, Harvest Creek. It is a treat for the senses. These photos will give you a bit of a feel for what you will experience there.
After you finish perusing the town square, drive down the road to the Madison County History Museum.
They have transported old buildings from around the county to be preserved here. You can enter them and experience the type of lives our ancestors experienced.
This videos shows the combination house/post office in this rural county during the 1800’s. Looks like a tight squeeze to me.
Inside the original house on the property, watch for the unusual artifacts of that day. Some made me cringe.
The commode next to the bed would be convenient, but even with a lid, I would think it could get smelly. And then having to empty it in the morning, would mean holding it level while carrying it downstairs, and seeing it safely unsplashed to the outhouse. That process would be doubly difficult during a blizzard.
This room feels dangerous and scary. A wood stove next to a crib! And look how low the rails are on the bed. Any child could crawl over that. I shuddered and quickly left that room.
I love this charming invention. A highchair on wheels. What child wouldn’t enjoy eating their meal while stolling through the park?!
Another building is the schoolhouse. I visited on a clear bright day, and yet it was fairly dark inside. Can you imagine how dark it would be in on a sunless day?! Even with candlelight, I would think it would be a strain to see what you were reading. Plus, with the windows and doors closed on winter days, would it get awfully smoky in there??
The mercantile is tiny. I couldn’t figure out how it could service an entire town. But Jared, the Executive Director of the museum, explained that there were 16 neighborhood mercantile shops throughout the area. They each provided for approximately five blocks of houses, which would be about 30 families.
Be sure to imagine your ancestors in this type of setting. It will give you a great sense of pride in their hardiness. We all come from sturdy stock. That is encouraging to me. If they endured, we surely can. We have their tenacity within us!
There are many more buildings on the grounds. Enjoy them all. But be sure to stop into the main museum building and see all the exhibits. Plus, enjoy a chat with Jared. He is an astoundingly accomplished young man with vast understanding of the past. He has intriguing stories to tell, and can answer your questions.
At the end of the day, you will discover that not only is Winterset a shiny-clean town, but filled with some of the nicest people on earth. A year before this visit, I had driven through Winterset. I stopped briefly to look around and chat with the locals. They told me about their Winterfest. I decided I could drive up on Thanksgiving Day, as the event is always held on the following day. But I asked – would there be a restaurant open on Thanksgivings so I could grab a bite to eat? One of the locals, quickly responded, “you can come eat with my family”! I was stunned. I was a stranger to her. I felt the rush of tears and thanked her profusely. I wouldn’t intrude on family, but I was greatly touched by her generous kindness. These are the genuinely good people. Iowa is now one of my top favorite states in the Union. I will be back often.