Pioneer Day Set for Saturday
Marion County Historical Village
The Marion County Historical Society is hosting their annual Pioneer Day on Saturday, May 26. There is free admission to the 8 village buildings located in the Marion County Park, 306 Willets Dr., Knoxville. The day’s festivities begin with a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10:30 served by the Knoxville Lion’s Club. Lunch will be served by the Marion County Historical Society and there will be home baked goodies for sale in the General Store.
Throughout the day there will be a variety of entertainers performing on the platform behind the depot. Special guests Notes of Harmony, Fine Line Blue Grass and the Red Rock Retro Radio Group will perform. You will not want to miss the horseshoe pitching contest run by Steve Hatch, practice and warm-ups from 10 to noon, competitions – noon to 4.
In the various buildings find the following demonstrations of old time skills: spinning by Janice Clark and Mary Parks, hardanger by Doris Evans, crocheting by Bonnetta Constant, jewelry making by Nancy Hatch, hankie doll making by Cami Vannoy, rug making by Helen Boertje, hide tanning by Bob Myers, wooden yoke making by Randy Wineland, and rope making by Milton Vos.
There will be a special program in the village museum library celebrating the life of Iowa’s State flag designer, Dixie Cornell Gebhardt. Stop by and chat with “Dixie” re-enactor Marla Suter and learn more about the Knoxville City Library Expansion plan that includes the purchase and preservation of Mrs. Gebhardt’s former home.
Vintage vehicles will be displayed on the grounds. If you haven’t made arrangements to show off your restored car or tractor, feel free to drive over and the Historical Society will find a place to park your treasure. Also there are still vendor spaces for $15. Contact Janet Ritchie at 641-842-4895.
Pioneer Day offers a fun and inexpensive way for you, your children, and grandchildren to connect with local history. The historical village is open on weekends (1 to 5 p.m.) during the months of June, July, and August or by special arrangement. The regular fee is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for students, and is free for pre-school children.
