Binford House board looks to the future, launches Jessie Binford Advocate for Youth Award
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Binford House, an Italianate-style home located 110 N. 2nd Ave. in Marshalltown. While the residence plays host to teas and dinners and can be rented for special events, its owner, the Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs, wants the public to know the history of the woman who gifted it the house: Jessie Binford. To honor her legacy, it has established the inaugural Jessie Binford Advocate for Youth Award, open to those who serve Marshall County.
“We’re at a relaunching point. We recently went on a retreat and we had an excellent work session,” said Binford House Board President Ce Hubbard. “One of the things we looked at was how much of an advocate of youth Jessie was, and that the gift of the house was to help the community serve the youth, and I think we’re going to be more focused on that by supporting organizations that do good works within Marshalltown. We talked about inspiring the history makers of tomorrow, and I thought that was a fabulous way to put it.”
Board member Peggy Kelly added they hope to connect with schools, women’s groups and service clubs, including within the Hispanic community, to further the mission.
The board’s plan also encompasses continuing repair work on the house, bringing in academics to review documents, renovating the upstairs, taking inventory, working to promote the Binford family’s story to a wider audience, and broadening fundraising efforts.
“The upstairs is being used for storage but it’s so beautiful up there,” Kelly said. “We’re looking at grants to start renovating the rooms upstairs that could also be used for weddings and events.”
Board member Leona Wallen noted that while she’s been affiliated with the house for more than a decade (as its previous caterer), it wasn’t until the retreat that she learned more of its history.
“The educational piece for me is foremost,” she said.
Jessie gained national notice for her 60-year career working at Hull House in Chicago as a social worker, and was regarded as a disciple of Jane Addams. Jessie was active in the organization of the Legal Aid Society, which later became the Juvenile Protection Association, and served as its executive director for 43 years. Knowing the Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs needed a meeting place, in the late 1920s, Jessie offered the house to the organization, with the stipulation that it would never be mortgaged or sold, and instead used for the purpose of a meeting place for these groups. While the Federation used the residence throughout the ensuing decades, the deed was not turned over to the group until 1965. Jessie died in 1966.
Famed oral historian Studs Terkel interviewed Jessie in the mid-1960s after her retirement. When asked if she ever got bored, she replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever been bored anyplace. I can’t imagine being bored. Life is just too full of challenge, wherever you are.”
For Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director Dylan Does, it’s the story and not necessarily the house that inspired him to get involved on the board.
“For me, it comes down to Jessie’s story — her great impact, being the voice for the voiceless, living out of her ethical center, and the impact that she had. This is a Marshalltownian who had this opportunity to make a big impact,” Does said. “Those who had (the) opportunity to make change, she held them accountable. That’s an incredible legacy. That’s the piece that fires me up.”
The award is a collaborative effort among the Federation, Marshalltown Area United Way (MAUW), the Chamber and the Historical Society of Marshall County (HSMC).
“The purpose of this award is to recognize, celebrate and encourage people in the Marshall County area who make a significant positive difference in the lives of youth, particularly those in need of an advocate for social justice,” said Michelle Roseburrough with the United Way.
The due date for nominations is Oct. 11. Nominations must be submitted in writing, and may be submitted via email to: binfordhouse@gmail.com or mailed to Binford House, PO Box 273, Marshalltown, IA 50158.
The nomination should describe the ways in which the nominee has been an advocate for youth, evidence of the nominee’s commitment to all youth, and the results or effectiveness of the nominee’s efforts. This can encompass paid or volunteer work, ranging from education, coaching, social services, healthcare, religious institutions, counseling and more. A selection committee of community members will review nominations.
“Jessie spent her life advocating for disadvantaged children, so I’m sure she would appreciate having her name on this award,” said Dorie Tammen with the HSMC.
An award banquet will be held Nov. 7 at the Binford House. The Marshalltown Federation of Women’s Clubs will donate $500 to the charity of the award winner’s choice.
For more information about the award, Roseburrough may be reached at: 641-691-4592 or marcom@unitedwaymarshalltown.org.
Hubbard said the popular Passport Dinner Club would continue to be offered in 2025. These feature a five-course meal and live entertainment. There will be two different passport tickets available: a 10-month for $1,000, (half of the price covering the cost of the meals and the other half considered a donation to Binford House). The six-month plan will cost $650, again the cost split between the house and paying for the food. Dinners will run from February through November. The Binford House may be reached at 641-753-5450 or binfordhouse@gmail.com.