Pella, Iowa

 July 11, 2012

Pella, Iowa....does the name sound familiar????  As in Pella Windows and doors.  The original name of the company was Roll up screen company.  Some how that just doesn't do a lot for a company.

Oh well, that is not really the true beginning of this town.  It originally was a town established in 1847 by a Dutch clergyman that brought his wife and children and 800 followers to the new world.  The Dutch purchased 18,000 acres for $1.25 per acre. They named of the town Pella, a city of refuge.

There was the working windmill with a replica of the millers quarters on
the second floor of the windmill.
The large wooden shoes were just sooooo tempting!!!!

There was a replica of the original town with original artifacts.
Note the McCaskey Register Company was located in Alliance, OH.

There was a replica of a town in the Netherlands, complete with a
little house with a tulip garden.

The town buildings had a Dutch flare to them also.

Let us not forget to mention the trip to the Bakery.  The pastry was wonderful.  There was a pastry there in the shape of the letter "S".  This pastry is usually made at Christmas time for Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas).  Here is a bit of the history:

"Saint Nicholas (later known as Sinterklaas) lived from 271 to December 6, 342 A.D. in Myra, Asia Minor. He became the patron saint of fishermen and as a priest, was known for good deeds all through the Mediterranean area. He is the patron saint of Amsterdam. As Dutch trade grew, so grew the tradition of Sinterklaas.
Sinterklaas arrives by boat from Spain and rides through the streets on a white horse. He is accompanied by his Moorish servant, Piet, and many helpers. Sinterklaas rides over roof tops listening at chimneys to check children’s behavior. Wooden shoes are left by the fireplace with carrots or hay for the horse. Piet exchanges the carrots and hay for a small gift or candy.
Sinterklaas Eve, December 5, and Sinterklaas Day, December 6, are days of festivity and merriment. Sinterklaas parties consist of jokes, rhymes, simple gifts camouflaged in strange wrappings and lots of festive fun and laughter. Traditional spice cookies, hot chocolate, apple fritters and Dutch donuts are served. Chocolate letters are special Sinterklaas Day treats."

This bit of information was taken from http://www.pella.org./

Just a really neat little town to visit.  I'm glad Bill and Nancy decided to share it with us.

Until later.....stay safe.

Barb & Jim