July 1, 2005
Where's a good place to go for a day trip this summer?
Paul Lasley
Paul Lasley
Sociology department chair
The Bily Clock Museum in Spillville (near Decorah). The clocks were made
by two bachelor brothers, Joseph and Frank Bily, who were very gifted and
talented in carving. They had limited education but produced magnificent
pieces of art with their clocks. They were offered $1 million by Henry Ford
for one of their clocks. Some of the clocks are eight feet tall and weight
500 pounds. Several are animated, with carved moving figures. This is one of
Iowa's best kept secrets.
More info:
http://www.ubr.com/clocks/museum/bily/bily.html
Heidi
Hohmann
Heidi Hohmann
Landscape architecture assistant professor
The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend (near Algona). For some, it's a
religious site, but I view it as a cultural or vernacular landscape, one
that expresses the unique vision of a single individual. I look at it and
think "geekorama" -- here's someone's obsession taken to the max. It's folk
art. At the grotto, you can enter someone's world, experience what it's like
inside someone's obsession. Besides, the rocks are cool.
More info:
http://www.westbendgrotto.com
Elwynn Taylor
Elwynn Taylor
Agronomy professor
Mars Hill Baptist Church (southeast of Ottumwa). Built in the mid-1800s,
it's the oldest operating log church in America. The church is the size of a
large room and seats about 60 people. Next to the church is a pioneer
cemetery. The oldest tombstone I found was dated October 1846. Tours are
offered on Sundays, but you can go in anytime. Members say it has the most
beautiful stained glass window in the nation -- an open window with a
beautiful view. If you like historical areas, this is one of your choice
locations.
More info:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Fields/6746/marshillchurch.html
Jerry Rupert
Jerry Rupert
Recreation Services program coordinator
Ada Hayden Park, just north of Ames on Grand Avenue (where the quarry
used to be). It's an activity-based place, with a nice walking/biking trail.
You also can fish, canoe, kayak and sail on the lake, or eat at one of the
picnic areas. University faculty staff and students can rent equipment to
use at the park from ISU Recreation Services for very little. Part of the
park is being restored to prairie, which is good for bird watchers or those
interested in the environment. It's a neat place with a variety of
activities.
More info:
http://www.city.ames.ia.us/parkrecweb/Ada%20Hayden%20updated.htm
