Genealogical Society

The Washington County Genealogical Society met Tuesday, May 6. Janice Twinam was in charge of the program, ?Stephen and Ruth (Foster) Viggers: Innovators and Preservationists.?

Ruth Foster was the daughter of a county pioneer family. She was a graduate of Iowa State College and the first extension home economist in this county. She worked with farm wives and 4-H clubs, teaching modern methods of home and personal improvements.

Steve, born and raised in Des Moines, graduated from Grinnell College. He served in the Navy during World War II. He came to Washington to manage the Washington County Cooperative Breeders? Association.

They were married Dec. 24, 1950, and started farming in 1953 in Jackson Township. Since Steve was not tied to farming traditions, he tried new farming techniques, especially with hogs. John, their son, was born in 1952; and JoEllen, their daughter, was adopted in 1960. They also shared their home with 15 foreign students between 1958 and the early 1970s.

As Steve?s health declined, the farm was rented, ending the farm innovative years. They became preservationists. Their first major project was turning the old Pines Rest Home into the Conger House Museum. The family and friends spent days gutting and then redoing the building. Both served as officers of the Historical Society when the Conger House was dedicated June 6, 1973.

Ruth became a member of the DAR, a patriotic historical group. She served as an officer locally, on district and on state level. She was involved with restoring the Young Log House and decorating veterans? graves in the Washington cemeteries.

Steve?s last major undertaking was the Chapel of Remembrance in the Elm Grove Cemetery. He purchased an empty mausoleum and had it remodeled to make a chapel honoring Washington County veterans. The chapel is opened every Memorial Day.

The Viggers family was determined to save the county?s landmarks and did so, even if they made enemies of ones wanting to tear them down. They invested their talents, time and money for the community.