State OKs addition of Wayland Historic Residential District to National Register of Historic Places

MT. PLEASANT — The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday June 21 at the courthouse.

Larry D. Roth announced that the State Historical Society has approved the nomination of the Wayland Historic Residential District to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service is expected to issue its final approval in September.

Pat White updated the Commission on the status of the Cemeteries of Henry County book project and stated that the project is nearing completion and that a first draft will be issued soon.

Pat also reported on the presentations and workshops she attended at the annual Iowa Preservation Summit held earlier this month in Sioux City. She mentioned that a statewide survey of historic bridges is in the works.

There was a discussion on the repair of the Lowell Mills monument in Stephenson Park at Lowell placed there in 1930 by the James Harlan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The monument has been damaged by flooding and natural weathering. The Commission will work with the DAR chapter and the Henry Co Conservation Department to help restore the monument.

Johanna Crawford mentioned that the Swedish American Museum in Swedesburg is holding a Midsummer Celebration June 24, and Swedish Pancake Breakfasts on July 15 and August 19 from 8- 11 a.m.