![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 Pella 2019; Volume 27 August 19, 2019
- 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
New: Donate Online!
In the News and Events
Advanced Dutch Language Class
With Carol Hoeksema
Beginners classes on Thursdays from 130 to 3 and 7 to 830 Starting on Sept 26th – October 31.
Advanced class on Tuesdays, at 530pm and 7pm. Starting September 24th- October 29. The book pictured is only needed in the advanced class. 
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 sale
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. Listed through Home Realty. This home would make a lovely airbnb. It is located on the bike path and close to Central College. The rock house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is eligible for tax credits and historic building grants.
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
This includes the Rock House at 1401 University!Scavenger Hunt Fun!!
This Thursday, September 19th
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
#theresnoplacelikehome
The morning of June 9th contractors interested in building the Tuttle Learning Walk were invited to meet and see the location. Kim Mulch, Chandler Nunnikhoven, Jeanette Vaughn, Duane Rempe, Bob Zylstra and Jennifer VanKooten were present to answer questions the contractors had about the project. Bids are due on the project Sept. 20th.
Historic Pella Trust 25th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting! Everyone is welcome, donations are appreciated towards The Tuttle Learning Walk or the HPT home preservation project; the historic home built by the Pella Brick and Drain Tile factory at 222 Oskaloosa Street. Dave Baker will be our guest speaker. His presentation is "The Other Side of the Tracks: the railroad, manufacturing and industry that built Pella at the turn of the 20th century" Hope you can join us! 6:30 PM, Thursday, October 10, 2019. Pella Opera House
Thank you Pella Garden Club for this wonderful donation for the Tuttle Learning Walk! You have always brought beauty to our community and this pathway of heritage plantings can be enjoyed by everyone. The Tuttle Learning Walk will be a valuable attraction by sharing our history with all who visit Sunken Garden Park and Tuttle Cabin, the birthplace of Pella.
Pella Garden Club presents $15,000 check to Pella Historic Trust
Members of the Pella Garden Club completed the celebration of their annual garden party by presenting a $15,000 check to the Pella Historic Trust for the future Tuttle Learning Walkway.Potential plans to be presented to the Pella City Council on October 8th that would update the Historic Pella Community Center to help it comply to city code standards and community needs.The possible west wing addition with the dedication plaque...Presentation to the City Council at October 8, 2019 work session.
Central Park Cafe was probably the longest-running restaurant in Pella's history. It was located directly south of the Tulip Tower on Franklin Street (today home to The Sanctuary). It's beginning is murky, but some put it at the early 1900s. In 1923 Dan Meupolder purchased the business from Gerrit De Geus; and in 1925 Meupolder temporarily moved the restaurant four doors to the west while he had Pella's first purpose-built building to house a restaurant erected at 719 Franklin Street.
Loren Vande Lune was the final owner of Central Park Cafe. He closed the restaurant for the last time on December 31, 1999 after owning and operating it for 30 years.
The distinctive windmill that graced the front facade for several decades was constructed by Pella's famed woodworker George Heeren. -BB
This map shows areas with a strong dedication to preservation; I thought you may find it interesting. Each dot is a property that has been documented as historical.
