Odd Fellows Hall becomes latest feature on the Historic Hills Scenic Byway

BENTONSPORT — The Historic Hills Scenic Byway has unveiled a new interpretive panel in Bentonsport, highlighting the town’s enduring role in southeastern Iowa’s history. The addition is part of an ongoing effort to share the stories of the communities, landscapes, and landmarks that define the 105-mile scenic route.

The new panel now stands at the Odd Fellows Hall, a historic structure built in the 1850s. The Van Buren County Conservation Department has worked diligently to stabilize and preserve the storefront and masonry and rehabilitating the historic windows. The panel tells the story of the Odd Fellows organization and its lasting influence on community life and charitable service.

Richard Daugherty, Van Buren County Conservation Director, has more restoration projects planned for Bentonsport. The historic truss bridge, which spans from Bentonsport to Vernon, has received funding for restoration. “The bridge project is moving along. We have gotten the contract signed for the engineer to start working on plans for the repairs and new walkway and are waiting for the final DOT approval to begin,” said Daugherty.

This panel was made possible through funding from the Van Buren County Conservation Department and the Historical Resource Development Program administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Historians Paula Mohr and Paul Larson provided the history and images used in the panel.

Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator Christina Hedstrom has expanded the Byway’s history panels to connect travelers with the people and places that define the route in southeastern Iowa, which stretches from Donnellson to Blakesburg. “Our communities have such depth of history and tradition,” said Hedstrom. “By sharing these stories through interpretive panels, we make it possible for travelers to connect with the people and places that define this region.”

For more information about the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa Byways, or Pathfinders RC&D, please contact Christina Hedström at 641-472-6177 or christina@pathfindersrcd.org. Visit the webpage: https://pathfindersrcd.org/what-we-do/community-development/historic-hills-byway/ Visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricHillsScenicByway

The Odd Fellows Hall is located at 21903 Hawk Drive in Bentonsport

Spotify Audio Tour for The Odd Fellows Hall webpage: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XMua9XuZeIVy2NJuYbWRe

Full Spotify Audio tour webpage: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KT72fU0r950vsLE2iVsH4

For more information about Van Buren County Conservation, please visit their website: https://www.vbcountyconservation.com/