Annual Business Review and Program Video
We had a great turnout for our 25th Anniversary celebration and annual meeting. We enjoyed great food, interesting displays and a wonderful presentation by Dave Baker. If you were not able to join us, we have made the presentation available on YouTube via the video below. To play, please click on the arrow and watch the Pella Preservation Trust's annual business meeting followed by Dave Baker's presentation: "The Other Side Of The Tracks".
The Pella Preservation Trust’s mission is: To protect and promote buildings, landscapes and sites that were important to the heritage of Pella.
Over the past 25 years, the Trust has accomplished several feats helping to preserve Pella’s historical buildings. They were instrumental in getting seven Conservation Easements placed on buildings around town. Easements are perpetual and can prevent a building from being demolished, or its historic features from being altered.
Historic Pella Trust is selling the 1869 Birdseye View of Pella, Iowa map. Email office@historicpellatrust.org to purchase one. (The 1915 Pella Chronicle Ad is sold out.)
Dave Baker
Guest Speaker, Mr. Dave Baker; Historian and Central College Alumni, gave a presentation titled “The Other Side of the Tracks”. He related how the railroad and industries have benefited Pella through time. Dave Baker’s website and Facebook page are called The 29th State.
Pella Railroad History
Historic Pella Trust was delighted to share with our guests a private collection of train memorabilia, tools and historical train lanterns, many from the turn of the century or earlier as table decorations. Each table had a placemat with a map of the Des Moines Valley, Keokuk and Rock Island Railroad, along with assorted railway pictures. The above photo depicts the importance of the train lantern. Our sincere thanks to the individuals who shared this valuable collection and for printing the placemats and information lantern cards.
Tuttle Learning Walk and Tuttle Cabin Display
Tuttle Learning Walkway project is being built in the spring of 2020 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.The Learning Walk will utilize a vacated city alleyway beside Tuttle Cabin that leads north to Sunken Garden Park.
Historic Pella Trust needs your help through donations for the walk to be built before next Tulip Time. Click on photo below to learn more about the Tuttle Learning Walk project and to donate online:
Buerken’s Wagon Factory Display
HPT Featured South Pella at our 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting
