County historical preservation group want to ID historical sites for signage

At their August meeting, the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission was informed that the final report of the Wayland/Jefferson Township reconnaissance survey is ready to be sent to the state for reimbursement of their share of the expenses.

Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted with this project in which 461 sites, 50 years or older, were researched. An HRDP grant for a follow-up survey of six of these properties and three historic districts, possibly eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, will likely be applied for in 2018.

A contribution to the Mt. Pleasant Heritage Trust for handicap accessibility was approved.

The commission is trying to identify historical sites in the county that have a significance, where signage might be placed. For example, the location of the 1911 Eastern Iowa District Fair, at Winfield, where the Curtiss biplane, which ascended, flew in a circle and landed, the same year as one of the Wright brothers demonstrated their plane in France.

Those who have suggestions are asked to contact any of the commissioners, including Caroline Lehman, Gwen Moore, R.L. Chrisinger, Rosie Kramer, Mary Savage, Faye Heartsill, Joel Garretson, Chad Brousseau, Todd Barton, Larry D. Roth, or Johanna Crawford.

On Sept. 21, the commission will meet at 2 p.m., in the conference room, at the Henry County Court House. All interested visitors are welcome.