Iowa All Over: Celebrating Grant Wood’s life, legacy in Eldon

ELDON — Most people notice the pitchfork the man holds in Grant Wood's iconic 'American Gothic' painting. But if you look closely, you'll see the shape repeated in his overalls.

The same shape is used again in the window of the house, but upside down, and in the wrinkles on the man's face.

These were a few of the details about the painting shared by Holly Berg, administrator at the American Gothic House Center in Eldon. The center, which has been open for eight years, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the artist and his life.

The center is across the street from the house that inspired Wood to paint 'American Gothic.'

'He came here to Eldon in 1930 for an art show, got a tour of town and happened to drive past the house outside, and when he saw the house, he just knew that's what he was looking for his next painting,' Berg said. 'He sketched the house here, took a drawing back to Cedar Rapids with him where he lived and had his studio, and then he used his sister, Nan, and dentist, Dr. McKeeby, as the two models for the painting.'

When he finished the work in the fall, Wood entered it in an art show at the Art Institute in Chicago, received third place and $300 as the prize money, Berg said. The Art Institute purchased the painting for $300, where it still resides today.

'It all started from the house here in Eldon,' Berg said.

Just in front of the American Gothic House Center, the spot where the models stood is marked, allowing visitors to recreate their own 'American Gothic' moment. The center also offers an exhibit featuring a collection of the painting's numerous parodies — political, social and celebrity.

The first parody was created in 1942.

'Just 12 years after he does the painting, it's already famous enough to be mimicked,' Berg explained. 'There's not a day that goes by on Twitter where someone hasn't posted something that says, 'The new 'American Gothic.'' That's what really help keeps it relevant.'

The center also has a media room that shows the documentary 'Grant Wood's America.'

In the last fiscal year, the center saw more than 16,000 visitors, Berg said.

The center and Eldon's connection to Wood contribute to tourism spending in Wapello County, Berg added. For the first time this year, the house opened for tours from April to October on the second Saturday of the month.

The center also regularly offers programs. On Oct. 31, the center will host an American Gothic Halloween party for children from 2 to 4 p.m. On Dec. 5, there will be gingerbread house building.

The town puts on American Gothic Days every year in June. The festival aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Wood and his contributions to the community and Iowa, Berg said, while celebrating the town's heritage.

In 1974, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The last private owner donated it to the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Eldon, population 927, is home to other buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including its downtown opera house.

If you go

What: American Gothic House Center

Where: 300 American Gothic St., Eldon

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday through Monday, October through April

(641) 652-3352 or go to americangothichouse.net.