Union County Historical Village~

 As we were driving through Creston, a sign advertising a Quilt Show caught my eye.  I've always loved quilts, my Aunt & my Grandmother made some amazing quilts.  I have one cut out, but the challenge will be sewing the pieces for the squares!  Maybe some future cold winter I'll take on the task.

In the meantime, I love admiring the work of other skilled artisans.  Butch was game to check it out, before we started the drive home.  We followed the signs & ended up at McKinley Park.  This was the park my paternal Grandparents used to take us to - for the Fourth-of-July Fireworks show!  

A welcoming view~

The beautiful sight of handmade quilts blowing in the wind, welcomed us to the Union County Historical Village.  We'd seen & commented on the historic buildings during another trip here, but it had been winter & the village closed to the public.  

The beginning of our tour~

Wondering at the time, about all the buildings, now we had the opportunity to tour the small town & enjoy the beautiful display of stunning quilts.

We both love antiques & appreciate learning about the history of an area.  Of course I have a personal interest, having spent summers on my Grandparents farm, just north of Creston.

Built in 1896 by William Harris~

It was - an absolutely perfect early June day!  Temperatures in the mid-80's, a light breeze & fluffy white clouds moving overhead.  A local quilters group had been contacted by the volunteer's who manage the village & the idea was born for a quilt show.

Paper Pieced Quilt~

Quilts were displayed both inside the historic buildings & outside too.  The variety was as impressive as the sewing craftsmanship.

Print Shop ~

Inside the print shop, we were treated to seeing a Chandler & Price in operation!  The gentleman operating it, had just closed his shop in Creston & retired.  Now, he enjoys demonstrating his craft to visitors.

General Store~

The General Store, was full to the brim, of items that would have been in stock, back in the day.  

Denim & old jean pockets!

There was so much to look at & some great informational displays.   Easily worth several visits, we plan to return.

Spaulding Church~

Seeing the church above was a déjà vu moment for me.  It looked familiar, yet out of place?   As we walked in, Butch saw a plaque near the door.  Though out of it's original place now, this building had been moved from Spaulding, IA in 1970. 

Creston News Advisor, April 29, 1970

I had ridden Topsy to the small town of Spaulding, more than once in the early 1960's.  I remember when we found the little ghost town for the first time & riding past the church.  I'm so glad it's been saved from the ravages of time.

Another beautiful quilt~

Butch found the machine shed!  I didn't think I'd ever get him out of there!  One of the tractors was almost identical to the one he re-built at Agriland!   He realized the seat on his isn't right - because it's not the original. 

Butch, in the Seagrave Fire Truck~

The Fire Truck above was street worthy!  Butch would have been happy to have taken it for a spin!  :-)  Seeing the two-row planters & one row harvesters gave us both such an appreciation of the hard, backbreaking labor yesterday's farmers put into growing our crops!

Truly, a wonderful place to visit & gain perspective of SW Iowa's rural heritage~