![scholte house[1] (2)](https://historicpellatrust.org/historicpellatrust/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/scholte-house1-2.jpg)
The Historic Pella Trust, established in 1994, is a non-profit preservation group who helps to preserve Pella’s architectural resources so that future generations will continue to be enriched by the historic legacy of Pella’s Dutch heritage and culture. We serve in a counseling and advisory capacity regarding historically correct architecture and disseminate information regarding restoration and reconstruction of facilities.
Our Mission Statement is:
To Protect and Promote Buildings, Landscapes, and Sites
Important to the Heritage of Pella, Iowa.
Protect & Promote our Heritage
Our office is located in the oldest building in Pella, Iowa, The Thomas Tuttle Cabin Build in 1843. We do provide tours of this historic landmark.
The Trust interacts to rescue historically significant property in danger of demolition. Restoration of these properties and protection covenants are arranged by our organization. We take an active approach towards historic preservation advocacy working with local, state and national government agencies to document and preserve.
Members receive our newsletter “Preserve Pella”. Our annual meeting is in November, by tradition we honor several Pella homeowners with a Historic Landmark plaque and award during this meeting.
Contact Information
Historic Pella Trust, Inc.
Phone :641-628-2935
Email: office@historicpellatrust.org
Tuttle Log House address: 608 Lincoln Street
Mailing address: PO Box 1, Pella, Iowa 50219
Planning a visit? Please Email Historic Pella Trust
Recent Blog Posts
- Preserve Iowa Summit 2019 July 19, 2019
- Christian Opportunity Center Friends Visit Tuttle Cabin July 12, 2019
- Pella’s Webster Schools; Consigned to History June 11, 2019
- Historic Pella Trust Tulip Time 2019 May 6, 2019
- South Pella’s Amazing Boomtown Days April 16, 2019
- $1000 Walmart Grant for Tuttle Learning Walk April 16, 2019
- Des Moines Valley Railroad April 8, 2019
- South Pella’s Flour Mills April 8, 2019
- A Place To Call Home; by Rachel Line and Sallie DeReus February 13, 2019
- 1964 Pella Christian High School Fire February 2, 2019
New: Donate Online!
In the News and Events
Your financial Support is needed to build the Tuttle Learning Walkway!
We are excited to introduce the Tuttle Learning Walkway in partnership with the City of Pella! The walkway will provide an educational experience using signage, instructional capsules and landscaping to offer historical insights and information regarding Pella’s early history.
Historic Pella Trust has committed to raise 100% of the funds needed for the project so that no tax dollars will be involved. The Learning Walk will utilize a vacated city alleyway beside Tuttle Cabin that leads north to Sunken Garden Park.
https://historicpellatrust.org/learning-walkway/
Historic Rock House for Rent
1401 University Street
Consider living in our historic rock house built by stone mason Dick VanLoon in the late 1800’s. Four rooms on the main floor and a loft, perfect size for one person. Located on a large double lot with room for growing, gardening and enjoying country living on the edge of Pella. Please email including your phone number and tell us why you would like to live in this special landmark. Email essay for Rock House Rental consideration
Our Facebook news feed is available to our viewers even if you are not a member of Facebook; you can view the post below by clicking on the white lettering or white photo word and it will open on your browser. Please enjoy looking at our social media posts...
Historic Pella Trust on Facebook
Here's a Saturday mystery quiz for you on a sweltering July day. Notice the mattress on the upper porch in the left photo - it was hot then, too! Sleeping outdoors was the primary method to keep cool.
Do you recognize this early Pella home? Hint: It still stands today. Leave your guesses and check back tomorrow - we'll let you know the full details!
The Preserve Iowa Summit helps to equip people to utilize the resources and realize the benefits of preserving historic structures. Read about Lila's experience at this years summit.
historicpellatrust.org/2019/07/19/preserve-iowa-summit-2019/
Preserve Iowa Summit 2019 - Historic Pella Trust
By Lila Turnbull The Preserve Iowa Summit is the premier statewide annual conference for professionals, property owners, and volunteers involved in historic preservation in Iowa. This year it was held...Charles McClatchey owned the entire block (8 lots) in northeast Pella, bounded between Lincoln and Columbus streets and East 2nd and East 3rd streets. He constructed a large two and a half story house and this barn in the late 1850's along with several other buildings that covered most of the block. McClatchey started the first steam-powered woolen mill in central Iowa, later moving it to Knoxville. Charles and Cassia McClatchey had three girls but Cassia died in 1866, when the oldest daughter was just four years old.
A historic home with "good bones" is never too far gone to be restored. Looking into our archives at this historic landmark preserved by Bob Klein. Many historic homes in Pella are in danger of demolition because the potential isn't recognized. I vote to keep strong historic homes out of the landfills!
Sharing a hands on activity from the good old days... Laundry on a wash board! Have you tried it?
historicpellatrust.org/2019/07/12/christian-opportunity-center-friends-visit-tuttle-cabin/
Christian Opportunity Center Friends Visit Tuttle Cabin - Historic Pella Trust
Several of our friends from COC came to visit Tuttle Cabin on a sunny Tuesday morning, June 25th. It was a beautiful day for a walk through Sunken Garden Park and a visit to the cabin to learn what li...608 Lincoln Street in 1974; It had been purchased by Bob Van Vark during an estate auction. Some of the siding was removed exposing the walnut logs. This was before "Tuttle Cabin" was moved onto a new basement toward the back of the same lot. The cabin had been built in 1843, before the Dutch settled in Pella, by Thomas and Nancy Tuttle. It was owned by HP Scholte from 1847 until 1866, then purchased by Jan Steenhoek. The cabin was in the Sneller family the longest until 1971. After Bob Van Vark's daughter, Gail Kirby passed away it was purchased by Historic Pella Trust. We consider it the birthplace of Pella, Iowa!
Once upon a time, there was a log cabin between Prairie and Skenk street according to the info under our photo. However, the Historical Society places it on the corner on East 1st? I do not have more information, I would like to know more about it, maybe someone else remembers this?
Continuing research on Pella's past blacksmiths; a hobby that is special to our family...Vintage photo of Gezel's blacksmith shop on Main Street, Pella, Iowa. Henry learned how to blacksmith when he was just 13 years old and continued up to a couple before passing away. at age 78. Henry Gezel's obituary states that the community really appreciated him. This is the profession that helped to build our community.
Historic Pella Trust is extremely thankful for the fundraising help from Pella Garden Club. The Garden Gala was wonderful and Marcia Leaper, the keynote speaker was very entertaining and informative!
Pella Garden Club raises $11,000 for walkway
The Pella Garden Club raised a record amount of $11,000 for the Tuttle Learning Walkway during their Annual Garden Party on June 27.Case Naaktgeboren; Pella Blacksmith; interesting article about when he retired in 1955. We would love to hear more about the local Pella blacksmiths and their shops. JVK
