Local In-Home Stay Program seeks hosts

MT. PLEASANT — Though Midwest Old Threshers Reunion still is months away, many have already begun to plan their visit to Mt. Pleasant and as they do, the organization asks the surrounding community to consider supporting the tradition by opening their homes to visitors.

Every year, thousands flock to Midwest Old Threshers for the five-day event traditionally ending on Labor Day. Many of these guests come from across the country and globe to stay in small-town Mt. Pleasant for the event.

While Mt. Pleasant and surrounding areas offer several more typical lodging options, the Old Threshers Local In-Home Stay Program gives event volunteers, vendors, and visitors a more homey option.

“It looks good for the city of Mount Pleasant and its residents, how they embrace Old Threshers and how they're willing to go out of their way to have strangers in their house,” In-Home Stay Program Coordinator Lori Shoultz said.

Shoultz remembers the tradition of this program existing even while she was in school at Iowa Wesleyan over thirty years ago.

“We host the old, young, male, couples, just a variety,” she said.

“I pair the host with the person coming in, and then I let them call each other and talk back and forth. If it's a good go, we go with it. If not, while we start over again. Most times it’s good on the first try.”

“I have been a host for many years,” local resident Jane Messer said. “And the couple that came to stay with us stayed year after year after year has now become good friends and returns to visit with us in between.”

According to Shoultz, it is very common for visitors to schedule their stays for the following year at the end of each Reunion.

“And since then, they have gotten a camper and camp on the ground,” Messer said. “So, now I have another couple that came to stay with me, and they also are very nice. I've had very good luck.”

“Although I know many are hesitant the way the world has changed, but I have been very fortunate to have wonderful people,” Messer added.

As Shoultz volunteered at Old Threshers in the General Store last year, one visitor utilizing the Local In-Home Stay Program sought her out.

“He wanted thank me,” she said. “It was such a wonderful match. They loved it, and they stood up, set up late talking, and so they made new friends, which is basically what this is all about.”

Shoultz will do her best to match visitors with hosts until all the homes available are full.

Right now, “I still got one room in a house and then I’ve got a camper that sleeps seven and a camper that sleeps two,” Shoultz said. “Basically, everything else is pretty well taken.”

According to Shoultz, approximately 20 homes open their doors to visitors for the Reunion, currently, but the program did recently lose five homes for a variety of reasons.

Another reason Shoultz attributes to the need for most host homes comes from the group size of those seeking lodging.

“Instead of coming as a single or couple, they’re coming four at a time,” Shoultz said.

According to Shoultz, hosts do receive some compensation, though, the amount depends on amenities and proximity.

Some guests request to stay in homes within walking distance of the Old Threshers grounds. Some hosts offer light breakfasts, private bathrooms, private entrances.

According to Shoutlz, however, the bare minimum requirement is clean sheets and a willingness to offer hospitality to guests.

Guests stay in their matched homes for a variety of lengths from Aug. 31-Sept. 4

Homeowners interested in participating in the program should contact Shoultz at (309) 791-7689

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com