An Iowan perspective Angela Beenken Hist521 March 5, 2010

Source  Owens, Jeffrey A. "Placelessness and the Rationale for Historic Preservation: National Contexts and East Texas Examples." East Texas Historical Association, 43(2) (2005):

Overview  According to Jeffrey Owens, there are six major categories or “concepts” in which properties and preservationists are grouped.  The following slides will highlight each category with examples provided that are located within the state of Iowa.

Patriot Shrine Concept  According to Owens this is the oldest preservation concept in the United States. Examples provided include the first group effort of preservation in1858 of George Washington’s home, by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.  This concept includes historic homes, battlefields, fortifications, and courthouses.

Iowa Examples of Patriot Shine Concept  Montauk : Home of Iowa’s 12 th Governor. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Designated as a state preserve. Located in Clermont, Iowa. Picture from State Historical Society of Iowa

Iowa Examples of Patriot Shine Concept  Herbert Hoover birthplace. A two room cottage located in West Branch, Iowa. Part of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Picture taken from National Park Service website

Americana Concept  This concept interprets everyday life during particular eras through groups of historic buildings.  Examples provided include Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village and Clyde Gray’s Heritage Village Museum. These sites include buildings the served multiple purposes including family homes, workshops, schools, stores, and churches.

Iowa Example of Americana Concept  Amana Colonies located near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A grouping of 475 buildings from the original settlement of the Community of True Inspiration, a religious group from Germany. The Amana Colonies are a National Historic Landmark. Picture taken from Amana Colonies website

High Society Concept  According to Owens, this concept is a reflection of the fascination the public has with mansions and extravagant lifestyles.  Examples provided include the John Durst home at Mount Sterling although the author indicates that early homes of East Texas, of which he focuses his article, are less lavish than the grand mansions found in other localities.

Iowa Examples of High Society Concept  Brucemore, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a 21 room Queen Anne style mansion. Built in 1886, it is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Picture and Information taken from Brucemore website

Washed-Up-Community-Selling-History- to-Tourists Concept  This concept features “heritage tourism, pilgrimages, romantic lodgings, and antique malls.”  According to Owens this concept is used to replace industry in communities.  The advent of the automobile in the 1920’s and 1930’s encouraged this type of tourism.  Examples provided include Natchez, Mississippi where a Southern aristocratic atmosphere was created for tourists to immerse themselves in. 

Iowa Examples of Washed-Up-Community- Selling-History-to-Tourists Concept  While a very broad example, I believe that the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area could be included under this concept.  The heritage area covers 37 counties in Northeast Iowa and is affiliated with the National Park Service.  According to the website, the organization was created to, “support development of regional heritage tourism and share the story of American agriculture.”

Iowa Examples of Washed-Up-Community- Selling-History-to-Tourists Concept  Northeast Iowa has a thriving farm industry although opportunities outside of farming are limited. Small communities are utilizing their affiliation to the heritage area to create destinations for tourists. Information and Pictures taken from

Heritage Area Sites  1876 Coralville Schoolhouse  Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

Heritage Area Sites (cont.)  Barn Quilts of Grundy County  Froelich General Store and Tractor Museum

Community Bandwagon Concept  This concept is based on the attempts of a community group to preserve a structure by garnering the support of initially uninterested bystanders.  Examples given include churches, schools, post offices, libraries, fire stations, and hotels.  Owens specifically notes the 1912 Marshall’s Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot.

Iowa Examples of Community Bandwagon Concept  Motor Mill Restoration Project. This project is led by a group of volunteers who are attempting to maintain the architectural integrity of one of the few Iowa grist mills remaining. This project has been ongoing for several years and has established widespread public support. Numerous grants and private funds have been committed to this project. Photo and information taken from

If-Walls-Could-Talk Concept  This concept is based on the idea that restoration occurs by private individuals who provide all funding.  Examples provided include the Judge J.W. Fitzgerald House located in Tyler, Texas. This home was restored by the owners who then developed commercial space within the home.

Iowa Example of If-Walls-Could-Talk Concept  Many examples of restored homes in Iowa are large Victorian style structures which are then converted to Bed and Breakfasts.  Carey House Inn Denison, Iowa Photo taken from