Thank you, Marshall County residents, for making our October 6 Historical Home Tour a success! It was heartwarming to see so many out socializing on a beautiful day. The Historical Society of Marshall County is a non-profit organization, founded in 1908, which receives no federal, state or local funding. We couldn’t exist without a small annual allocation from the Sower Trustees, membership fees, donations and occasional fundraisers, like our home tour.

So many people helped to make the tour happen, especially the homeowners: Julie and Kevin Hitchins, Kristyn and Barry Kell, Cherri and Gerry Coleman, Jennifer and Jason Matteson, Mary and Craig Pfantz and Jenny and Beau Hanson.

Our donors were Pro Finish Painting, Minuteman and Home Federal Bank. The following gave items for the homeowners’ gift bags: Lillie Mae, Hellberg’s, Smokin’ G’s, Tremont on Main, Real Deals, Sawdust and Flames, The Flying Elbow, Taylor’s Maid-Rite, Theisens, Culver’s, Mama DiGrado’s, Wayward Social, Judy Dale and La Carreta.

UnityPoint and the McFarland Clinic donated booties to wear while touring the wonderful homes. Many volunteers helped as well, including Logan and Noah Lang, Ashley, Avery, Max and Mason Buck, and Tara and Evan Pfantz. Lori Wignall even provided homemade cookies at the Hansons’ home. We also thank Police Chief Tupper for making parking easier during the event.

Finally, we’d like to thank the Times-Republican, KFJB-KIX 101, KDAO, WHO-TV 13 and the Mid-Iowa Enterprise for the event publicity that was so critical to the success of the tour. The funds raised will help with our operating expenses.