Get Into All Things Grinnell through this regular recap of community activities, events and opportunities!
It is never too late to think about holidays in Grinnell! With summer about to end, our (creative) Chamber Ambassadors met this morning to discuss the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Jingle Bell Holiday and general “holidays in Grinnell” festivities!
Jingle Bell Holiday is a grand Grinnell event, with hundreds of people packed in a chilly downtown with hot chocolate and treats in hand. Though the event is always a major hit, our Ambassadors pitched ideas to take the event to the next level, including creating more holiday photo opportunities throughout town and developing a mini holiday scavenger hunt.
In the weeks leading up to the holiday season, the Chamber Ambassadors brainstormed ways to keep the holiday feel into town after Jingle Bell Holiday, starting with the local businesses' annual extended hours. One key takeaway? Incorporating different aspects that fit multiple demographics: one for kids, one for adults, and a general free event for all to enjoy — whether a pub or food crawl, or a retail business scavenger hunt with an “Amazing Chase” theme.
Plus, the Ambassadors considered ways that businesses and organizations could collaborate and benefit through potential fundraising opportunities. For example, the Ambassadors pitched joint activities to complement the free sponsored holiday merchant movies at the Strand, or the festival of trees held at the Drake Community Library. Whether that means creating a gigantic winterland with a local open space or having little igloos scattered around Central Park, we are trying to gauge community interest and ideas!
What would you like to see? Roping in carolers from the Grinnell School of Music or Grinnell College? Or perhaps you would want to be involved with a downtown activity, such as a holiday decoration contest to help adorn local retail shops and businesses?
Or would you like to see us extend some Jingle Bell Holiday activities into our extended hours days, like additional activities at some of our retail establishments?
Finally, the Chamber is preparing for a grand hand off of the beloved Central Park holiday decorations [tradition]. For eight years, the beautiful display has been led and organized by Jennifer and Kevin McAlexander and put into place by a team of volunteers, but now we are looking for their successors. If you are interested in the passing of the torch, or wish to contribute with a small role, email communications@getintogrinnell.com or message our social media platforms.
If you have more ideas about the holidays in Grinnell and potential activities, drop them in the comments below — we would love to read them and share with our business community!
Chamber Ambassador (Brainstormers), from left to right:
Dedee and David Lehman don’t do things halfway. When they opened their real estate agency about a year and a half ago, they wanted their business name to be representative of how they approach their work — all in. Now, they are celebrating their agency, All in Real Estate Inc., as one of the newest members of the Chamber of Commerce!
Dedee had always wanted to be a real estate agent, but money had stopped her years ago. “I just couldn’t give up a paycheck and take a leap of faith in a field where my income is not guaranteed,” she recalls. But after twenty-five years of corporate life, Dedee and David turned to real estate as they helped their own children find rental properties. As the whole family searched together, Dedee and David were inspired to buy small homes, creating a little portfolio of rental properties that would grow into something more.
By this time, David had already retired for the second time, and so when Dedee asked him what he wanted to do post-retirement, he exclaimed, “I’m retired! I can do anything I want.” As Dedee shared the story with the Chamber Ambassadors during their ribbon cutting, she laughed, saying, “He is the only retired person I know who thought, ‘Let me run my own business!’”
Three months later, their real estate agency was born. Dedee and David currently work for multiple owners, managing over 60 rental units. They help with a wide range of tasks — from ensuring payment of utility and insurance bills, moving tenants in and out, and assisting with maintenance. On the backend, David focuses more on recording accounts receivable and payable. And in line with her true passion, Dedee focuses on showing beautiful homes and rental properties.
Dedee has had her license for 7 years, and was elated when David volunteered to get his license, too. As a true partnership, the Lehmans rotate between being in the office, showing houses, preparing marketing materials, or completing miscellaneous errands for their clients.
“We bail each other out,” says Dedee. “It’s great!” Though they are both licensed in Iowa, they love to sell and list properties that are local within the Poweshiek and Jasper county area. As connoisseurs of the local area and market, the Lehmans mainly sell residential homes and local commercial properties on the side.
The Lehmans’ advice for both buyers and sellers? “Find the best fit for you. Personalities have to mesh, and at the same time, find someone who will put in the effort for you — to do the marketing, to do the open houses, and make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table.” Showing houses on the weekends or after 5 PM on the weekdays is not unfamiliar territory to the Lehmans. Their commitment is so impenetrable that they’ve shown houses for over four years before finding a perfect fit for their client.
“We have a background in the corporate world, so we approach our work very seriously, from our meetings, to documentation, to being transparent with our market analysis,” shares David. The Lehmans always perform market research and analysis to ensure their clients won’t have their house stale in the market, or lose money selling for too low a price. “We show our clients about 3 to 6 houses comparable to theirs in a similar location, and show those numbers,” adds Dedee.
From school district employees to college students who cycle in and out of Grinnell, Dedee and David offer a cute extra touch for their clients moving in, supplying quick essentials 24 hours before move-in, like frying pans and blankets if needed.
If you’re looking for your next dream home, or are ready to rent or part with yours, contact the Lehmans at homes@allinrealestateinc.com or call them at 641-659-6500. They are also keeping an extra office in their building warm, in case a new or experienced agent wishes to join their team! To stay up to date with All in Real Estate Inc’s rental properties or listings, visit their website, allinrealestateinc.com, or visit their Facebook page.
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Behind the local carpentry business Summit Carpentry, LLC is a one-man operation that gets the job done. Gunnar Johnson, originally from Des Moines, began his business in 2020, a few years after moving to Grinnell. Originally operating under the business name “Gunner Customer Creations,” Johnson realized he wanted to stand out under a new name, and at the same time, narrow the scope of his work.
“I wanted a business name that resembled the peak of a project. And honestly, I also thought the new name would make me sound more professional,” he laughs. Now five years in the business, Johnson is celebrating his inauguration into the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce. Johnson is a self-described meticulous, customer-service-oriented carpenter, with skills in general contracting and custom woodworking. He picked up many of his skills from his dad, who worked in sales and carpentry. Like a typical father-and-son duo, they’d tackle home projects together. Soon, Johnson would improve on his skills by taking woodworking and shop classes in high school, too.
“My favorite project is the one I’m usually working on,” shares Johnson. “Right now, I’m working on a 9-foot built-in walnut mantle in a family’s entertainment center. It’s by far my favorite wood to work with — it’s just so pretty.” For clients, he has created bed frames, floating shelves, coffee tables, closets, and even custom cabinets that create a “flow for storing things.” With his general contracting background, he is extremely comfortable working on projects like hanging doors, finishing trim, sheet rocking, framing, and other exterior work. His eye for design and detail also allows him to build furniture that matches the clients’ home — for example, he matched a client’s coffee table to match the ceiling beams and design of their basement!
And when customers come to Johnson, the possibilities are endless. Usually, they’ll show him a set of pictures from Etsy and Pinterest — a vision for their furniture or homes. “They tell me what they like from each picture, and that’s usually how our process starts,” says Johnson. Together, Johnson and his clients develop a plan for a furniture piece or home design. This might be hard to believe, but the hardest part of Johnson’s job is resisting redoing his own house after seeing the beautiful work his clients are left with!
Johnson has been a Grinnellian since 2017, living just slightly outside city limits (it still counts!). Since then, he’s developed a plethora of meaningful, local relationships while getting his business started. One of his mentors is Dave Vander Linden, who runs his own business, Vander Linden Construction Inc. “He’s a role model to me and honestly an overall good guy to lean on. He recommended I join the Chamber and I called him immediately after I did!” laughs Johnson.
In narrowing his scope of work, Johnson has built relationships with local businesses to fill the gaps; for instance, he works with local folks to complete plumbing, flooring, and HVAC work in his clients’ homes. “I want to focus on my area of expertise and rely on others for everything else — and this is how we have the best finished products for our clients.” This also means that for Johnson, working on big, long-term projects roots him locally, traveling at most 20-30 minutes, and doing day trips to Des Moines for a quick project. His woodworking projects can also be delivered and installed within a few hours or a day!
“I like to make people feel like they are my only client,” Johnson says. “I want to make people feel like they are the only focus and take a lot of pride in giving customers the best products.”
Although Summit Carpentry’s Facebook page is slightly out of date, don’t worry — Johnson’s wife will make sure he starts posting more of his work on there in the coming days! Plus, there are stunning photos to look through until his next post. If you’re interested in hiring Johnson, he has started booking clients for the winter season! Give him a call at 515-326-0136, or email summitcarp@gmail.com.
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Staying healthy sounds easy enough — eat your vegetables, wear your bike helmet, teach your children how to read, and get vaccinated. But what do you do when you can’t reach clinics or services? Or if you simply can’t afford it?
When Brooke Holder stepped into her role as manager of public health at Poweshiek County Public Health three years ago, she wanted to get resources out to Grinnell and the rest of Poweshiek County — and fast.
“Public health is amazing,” shares Holder. “And so we try to make it a presence in the community.” So far, her work has been going according to plan, incorporating new initiatives like harm prevention vending machines, distributing free ATV helmets, and more. The vending machines are full of harm prevention tools, carrying free nasal Narcan, naloxone, and hygiene supplies. Currently, three are located in Grinnell, including next to the Drake Community Library. At the Grinnell Farmers Market, Holder and her staff were the ones who brought the mega brain experience to the park — attracting a number of youth to pick up their free ATV helmets!
Holder’s staff — made up of four registered nurses, a certified nursing aide, and an office manager — cover many more demographics with free resources, as well. This includes babies, mothers, the elderly, and everyone in between.
For moms who deliver at the UnityPoint Grinnell, for example, they can request a visit from a lactation specialist and get connected to local resources. “We even have grants that can cover trips to places like Marshall, Tama, and Benton County,” says Holder. “The specialist can also connect moms with physicians and pediatricians.” Poweshiek County Public Health also offers a postpartum program, to help with baby blues, also known as postpartum depression. Recently, they collaborated with Read to Lead to gift babies with free books every month for a year, plus some extra goodies for baby home safety.
Poweshiek County Public Health also coordinates the Village Closet, which is in partnership with the general community. People can donate anything from diapers to onesies for the fall, and can find the full donation list online.
For our more senior residents, Holder and her staff have prepared a variety of resources, too. “We have a free ‘Unlocking Brain Fitness’ class that is usually $300 a month in Des Moines,” she shared. The class, held at St. Francis Manor, teaches about exercises and habits to keep your brain sharp and prevent Alzheimer’s.
Another member of Holder’s team also provides services for homebound individuals on a sliding scale. She can bathe, meal prep, and do some housekeeping for them.
But if there is something that is missing in the general community, Holder wants to know. “We have a Community Health Needs Assessment Survey that is federally required, and it lets us know what work we need to be doing — whether to focus on access to food, transportation, or something else entirely.” The survey, which takes 10-15 minutes, will then be compiled into data that they can use to create localized action plans. Plus, the data will open for the general public to view.
“It really sets the foundation of public health,” says Brooke. “With feedback, it tells us where there are still gaps throughout the county. And we can use the data to track our progress so far.”
This August, Poweshiek County Public Health will also host back-to-school clinics for grades 7-12, so mark your calendars! In Grinnell, they will host one at the Grinnell High School from 8 AM-noon on Thurs., Aug. 7; in Montezuma, their clinic will be held at Montezuma School from 8 AM-noon, on Wed., Aug. 6. These clinics mean free physicals, immunizations, and dental screenings, all mandatory for incoming public school students.
Let Poweshiek County Public Health know what resources you enjoy, or indicate a new resource you think the community would benefit from with their Community Health Needs Assessment Survey (prcsurvey.com/begin/Grinnell2025CHNA), which closes at 4 PM on Friday, July 31. Health is not limited to one’s individual experiences, but our collective voices can certainly contribute to a healthier Grinnell.
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Channing Fraker is no stranger to a challenge. After leaving the healthcare industry, she decided to start a small business in custom goods and creations by attending vendor shows and renting a space along Hwy 146. As she embarked on the next steps of her exciting entrepreneurial journey, she saw an opportunity — to establish her unique retail store on 4th Avenue! Today, she celebrates her one year anniversary in Grinnell and re-opening of her business, Channing’s Customs & Co., with a ribbon cutting!
The store is colorful and beautiful, with an array of sparkling earrings and greeting cards, tempting children’s toys, Iowa-pride clothing, and stunning home decor. Since 2022, Channing has been known for her custom work, like her signature handpaintings (which you may have spotted already on her store windows), custom wedding and baby gifts, and vinyl designs. And when you enter her store, you can spot her personal touches — from her interior design to her lovely mural next to her register.
As a maker and creator, she was all too familiar with selling her original works at craft shows and market spaces — in fact, she will host the Roots to River Market in October, held in Iowa County! Often, she would drag her stuff onto a truck and unload them wherever she would sell, a hard enough process in itself.
After Channing became pregnant, she decided to pivot into the lifestyle of a flexible business owner — where else but downtown Grinnell?
But when her doors opened back up in April, Channing realized she needed some help filling the space. So what better way to do that than to bring in other makers and creators she’s worked with? Currently, her store carries products from 10 Iowa-sourced, local business owners — and she’s always open to new opportunities and partnerships.
Channing, who is originally from Williamsburg, Iowa, carries cups, earrings, fragrances, and more from Williamsburg vendors; she also carries unique items, including a skincare line from Beth Hoopes, PharmD, from Lettes, Iowa. But she has made space for Grinnell vendors, too. The barrel tables that display her vendor products and custom works are done by Stephen Pierce, owner of Pierce Revival Co. Channing also carries greeting cards from Grinnellian Diane Carnine, and sells colorful children’s toys courtesy of Taylor Wilhelm, formerly with Sissy and Scooters.
“I love giving people the opportunity to display their things and support small businesses without them having to load and unload their stuff like I used to,” says Channing. Soon, she will also develop an online presence, and plans to release boutique clothing as another store product.
“The community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Channing of her time since opening. And she’s been a positive addition to the community, too! She has already launched a 3-month event series named “4th Fridays on 4th” to encourage shopping locally and support other small businesses around her. Like her grand opening a few months ago, she will have live music, refreshing lemonade drinks, and special products, like sourdough goodies!
“The J months — June and July — are always so hard for retailers,” says Channing, “so I wanted to host something to encourage bringing people downtown.” Her next 4th Friday on 4th is 5-7 PM on July 25, so don’t miss it! This month, she will have a charm bracelet decorating as a special in-store activity.
As Channing continues to make large strides within her business, she has nothing but cheerleaders in her corner. “She does an awesome job,” says her husband, Devon. “When people come in, they like Channing immediately.” Channing’s mother-in-law is also very proud of how Channing has been flourishing in her new role as a business owner. “To see how far she’s grown in the last two and a half years is remarkable,” she shared.
Support local and visit Channing’s Customs and Co. during your next trip to downtown — there is something for everyone! Oh — and don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by one of her children when you stop in!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Back in the day, Brandy Virchow was an up-and-coming hairstylist. Although she was relatively new to the industry, one of her clients, George Ortiz, had no fear of her touching his hair. He walked right into the salon where she worked and handed her a big razor. “You’re going to shave my head!” he declared. Though Virchow was startled by the request (as any of us would!), she went right ahead and bzzz!
Today, Oritz is one of her most loyal customers at Virchow’s new hair salon in Grinnell, B. Nicole Salon, which celebrated its membership in the Chamber with a ribbon cutting! He used to travel from Newton every other week to get his haircuts — but now he gets to stay in Grinnell to enjoy her services! For 16 years, Virchow has been providing haircuts, styling, waxing, and more in Grinnell and surrounding communities. Since then, she has built an extremely loyal clientele, with Ortiz and an additional 130 clients following her from her previous workplaces. Fun fact: the location of her new salon is where she started working all those years ago!
When Virchow opened the salon, her promise to the Grinnell community was to provide quality and affordable services. “I also saw a need for a local salon with family-friendly hours and flexible scheduling,” shared Virchow. Ever since her salon opened 13 weeks ago, she has been grabbing people’s attention through her crafty cartoon signage outside her door and her unique salon hours — especially those after 5 PM and over the weekend. “Sometimes people have to book appointments so far out in advance, but because my hours are so flexible, they can schedule an appointment with me online or walk in after work,” she says, which is especially beneficial for people popping into Grinnell for the day. And if you need to bring your kids to the salon, she also has a comfortable couch, Netflix, Hulu, and coloring books to keep them occupied!
Virchow’s salon is aesthetically pleasing, with vintage photos of her salon back when it used to be the Cunningham Drug pharmacy — and she has an array of hair products from Denmark and Canada that are colorful and vegan (no preservatives or chemicals to be found!).
Virchow also gives back to the community, teaming up with a nursing home in Newton to provide regular haircuts to 56 community members with dementia and Alzheimer's. As a single mother, she pursued her Master’s degree in business management to complement her years of experience in the salon industry. Working alongside her with an entrepreneurial spirit and dream are social media marketer and bookkeeper Chris and Morgan Zimbleman, who are supporting Virchow and helping to grow her business.
Staying true to her promise, Virchow offers an array of discounts and deals. For Grinnell College students, she offers $5 off any service if they show their P-Card/student identification card. Community members who want to also save money but keep up their looks in the long term can sign up for her monthly club services. Men can clean or trim up their beards with Virchow, or enjoy a hot towel service with a complimentary neck and face massage. She can even wax your face for that shiny, glowing look. “The wives love it,” she says, laughing. Women can also join her weekly wash club services, and get their hair washed and styled every week! Kids also love to come in and have Virchow do any of the latest hair trends — which are mohawks at the moment!
P.S. Chris shared with the Chamber Ambassadors that one of his challenges before he retired from the military was looking for a place that could give him a haircut! So if you’re looking for a quick booking, give B. Nicole Salon a call at 641-657-1396, or visit their website bnicolesalon50112.glossgenius.com. For those wanting to rent a chair at Virchow’s salon, she is still looking for a colorist and hair specialist to join her!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
In the 90s, Kyle Gonyea built and updated websites the old-school way, back when you had to paste images and type simple HTML text into Excel-like tables. “That’s just how you did it back then,” recalls Gonyea. Jump to today, and he helps his clients craft engaging web designs for their businesses and equips them with terrific search engine optimization, a.k.a making sure his clients’ websites and social media pages can be found through Google. His company, Poweshiek Digital Marketing, commemorated their inauguration to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting alongside his wife and son, and described how his company can serve all of your marketing needs!
For the record, Gonyea’s skills in marketing aren't limited to just website design — he can craft social media posts, track analytics, design logos, and provide market data analysis. He even has a 3-D printer in his office to print client logos and QR codes to promote their websites and social media pages! He also has experience within graphic design, having arranged and printed newspaper layouts and articles.
At any given time, Gonyea usually works with 12 to 20 clients, but is always looking to build his clientele. He has a wealth of marketing knowledge, having worked in website design for a decade in San Diego and in more general marketing with local businesses, restaurants, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Gonyea doesn’t mind revealing marketing secrets, either. His number one marketing tip? Get on social media as soon as possible. “Anyone not on social media is missing out,” he shares. “Facebook, for example, has a great search engine presence and helps with search engine marketing.” When his clients come to him, they can be involved as much or as little as they want in their marketing plan. “Whatever the client needs, I can lead them to a tool they can use. I am always happy to introduce them.”
To stay up to date in the marketing field, Gonyea follows different educational pages on social media and says he is (jokingly) forced into learning new things all the time, from new versions of social media platforms to new website updates. He is also ahead of the social media wave, utilizing a Bluesky account for his business and keeping up with TikTok and Reddit. At the same time, he keeps up with new technologies within website development, too, and can help with IT issues, JavaScript software, and more.
If you’re interested in delving into the world of marketing or hope to recruit some services from an expert like Gonyea, visit his website at poweshiekdigital.com or email at info@poweshiekdigital.com. Your website transformation or social media revitalization awaits!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
If you’ve been downtown on 4th Avenue recently, it is possible you have noticed a few new businesses. Chamber Ambassadors were excited to officially welcome one of them as a new member, Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays -nail salon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony! This family-owned business, run by Rayann Richards, Madi Tomlinson, Nikole Toubekis, and Jim Richards, now located in Grinnell, offers a unique combination of retail goods and nail care.
Originally founded in Des Moines in 2024, Richards' Relics and Radiant Rays recently moved to Grinnell to be closer to their home in Gilman. The store specializes in a mix of new and unique items, typically sourced from pallet liquidations. Exactly what is in the liquidation pallets is unknown when they purchase it, but they often include seasonal overstock from major retailers, which means you can find great deals on items you wouldn't normally expect, like holiday-inspired merchandise or flannel shirts in the middle of summer!
Top sellers include personal care products, essentials like razors and body wash, at lower prices than traditional retail. Shoppers will also find an assortment of household goods such as plates, cups, cookware, and home decor. For the young or young at heart, Hot Wheels have been a big hit, along with action figures and plush toys. Jewelry lovers will be delighted by the wide variety of costume jewelry, which has been another top seller. They also sell items from local makers, like hand painted vinyl discs from Grinnell Farmers Market vendor, Rose Mary Pirkle!
In addition to the retail offerings, Radiant Rays nail salon provides a range of nail care services, from manicures and pedicures to gel, hard gel, and acrylic nail sets. For those looking to add some personal flair, Rayann specializes in nail art with designs starting at just $1.
Jim also sources antiques and vintage items from estate sales and cleanouts, bringing an eclectic blend of old and new to the store. In addition to the brick-and-mortar store, Richards' Relics also maintains a presence on online platforms like Poshmark and eBay.
On Saturdays, you'll likely see young helpers outside the storefront running a lemonade stand. The proceeds from the stand benefit a charity of their choice, a sweet way to give back to causes near to their heart.
They are open every day of the week, except Mondays. Appointments are encouraged for nail services. Both Richards’ Relics and Radiant Rays offer periodic specials, so be sure to stop by or check their Facebook pages for the latest deals!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
Chamber Ambassadors gathered this morning to learn about Protech, a new suite of cutting-edge solutions from MCG - Mahaska Communication Group. Known for its responsiveness to customer needs, MCG launched Protech to meet growing demand for a "one-stop tech shop" offering a wide range of technology solutions including security cameras, card building access, overhead paging, audio visual systems and network infrastructure.
Protech grew out of MCG’s merger with Southern Iowa Technologies, founded by Larry Shepard, a business owner and tech professional with 26 years of experience serving school districts, hospitals, large corporations and small businesses across Southern Iowa. This recent partnership has allowed MCG to expand its reach and better serve their customers. Notably, customers do not need MCG internet to use Protech’s services, though they are happy to accommodate both! According to Sales Manager Kevin Stensrud, this growth into new areas of technology marks a major milestone for the company.
One year after the acquisition, MCG is now actively rolling out the Protech division across their service territory, though they are not limited to markets and areas already serviced by MCG.
When asked about the most common service clients inquire about - Stensurd and Shepard both agree - security cameras. “In the past five years, my business grew substantially as customers wanted the security cameras provide,” says Shepard. “We have had many livestock farmers who invest in this technology, too - they’re great for calving or lambing seasons - farmers are able to keep an eye on their livestock from wherever they may be.”
Founded in 2002 by Musco Lighting to meet its own connectivity needs, MCG has since expanded its fiber internet network across South Central Iowa. True to its slogan, “Not Your Ordinary Communication Provider,” Business Account Specialist Trent Arment, commented that MCG is known for exceptional customer service, often offering same-day support.
Arment also emphasized MCG's dedication to the communities it serves through event participation and support, sharing “We don’t just work here, we live here, too. We work hard to support the communities in which we reside, from sponsoring community events and lending a hand wherever we can - we want our communities to know we care.”
All of Protech’s services are available to both residential and commercial customers, with no required subscriptions and local data storage offered for enhanced security and privacy. Learn more about these MCG’s new service offerings and how they could benefit your home or business by visiting mcgprotech.com.
Chamber Ambassadors (from left to right):
The Grinnell Historical Museum is re-opening in 18 days — and it’s bigger, educational, and more wheelchair accessible than ever! Board member Ann Igoe is one of many at the center of its grand re-opening, committed to sharing the unique stories of Grinnell and its residents.
Back in November 2022, the Grinnell Historical Museum was a shell of itself. But as Igoe and her team cleaned and re-painted the space, the museum revealed itself to be the perfect treasure trove for Grinnell’s stories.
One of the first stories that the museum will display is the beginnings of Grinnell, detailing the contributions of the Meskwaki nation and the town’s abolitionist namesake, J.B Grinnell. “I was so excited that the Meskwaki nation agreed to contribute to the exhibit,” shared Igoe. “The history behind [Grinnell’s beginnings] is just fascinating.”
Along with the beginnings of Grinnell, you can expect an exhibition showcasing the aftermath of Grinnell’s 1882 cyclone disaster, too. “After the cyclone hit, J.B Grinnell went everywhere to gather money and build the town back to what it was," Igoe told Chamber Ambassadors.
Although J.B Grinnell was significant in shaping the town’s history, Igoe emphasized that the museum will share more than one person’s story, such as those of his daughter, who was instrumental in beginning the local high school’s first Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
And when it comes to Grinnell’s participation in the Underground Railroad, the system that helped escape enslaved folks before the Civil War was not purely the work of J.B Grinnell. “There were other participants, too, but that story rarely gets told,” Igoe remarked. “So we want to tell the full story.”
Other notable highlights coming to the museum are exhibits about the Jewel Box Bank, pianist Isabella Beaton, and aviator Billy Robinson, who set distance records and died trying to achieve an altitude record. One piece from his airplane was hauled into the museum by 8 people and drilled to the wall, ready for visitors to take a look! Beaton’s piano will also be on display — Beaton, who grew up in Grinnell, was a composer who played internationally. Her first concert was at Grinnell College…at the age of 12! Though the museum is still collecting antique furnishing and storage materials, they have been receiving contributions from many groups, including a 1996 quilt from the newly formed Middle School History club.
The museum will also have a gift shop and rotating exhibits every six months. Igoe noted the board’s commitment to making the museum an affordable experience, too, capping tickets at $10 for visitors — to be used to preserve Grinnell’s history.
“Once you know the story behind the exhibits,” commented Igoe, “you can start connecting one story to another. You can find a story almost out of anything, and that’s the fun part.”
The stories of Grinnell’s history are waiting for you, so celebrate the Grinnell Historical Museum with a visit! On June 28, there will also be an open house from 3-5 PM with a ribbon cutting held at 3:30 PM to commemorate the new space. That evening, a concert fundraiser (tickets at $75) featuring the Mojos (yes, from the 60s!) and Whiplash will be held at Hotel Grinnell! The Mojos were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame so don’t miss your chance to see them and support the Historical Museum at the same time!
Chamber Ambassadors (from left to right):
