July 2009 .............

Grundy County: Grundy Center is the county seat of Grundy County, and was established in 1856. In 1891 the courthouse was constructed at a cost of $45,000. It's build like a stone castle and the workmanship was so superior that it's in nearly the original shape today. There are 55 Quilt barns in the county and you can get a CD with a self guided tour.
We visited friends close to Grundy Center that are crop farmers. The bottom two photos above are corn growing right up to their front yard. They explained the how the corn silk is open and puffy until it catches the pollen, they it closes up like we see it on an ear of corn we pick. They also told us there is one silk for every kernel. They said Grundy Co. has some of the richest and deepest top soil in the state. Sometimes up to over 20 feet. Driving through Iowa where the corn is sometimes over seven ft. tall and looks like you could just walk across it is something to see.

July 2009 .............

Marshalltown: Marshall County Courthouse, dedicated in 1886 and built with limestone from Marshall County for $150,000.The building was ordered repaired or removed in 1973. It was at that time put on the National Reg. of Historic Buildings. In 1975 the restoration began at a cost of over $2,000,000. The inside of the courthouse is beautiful, definitely worth a stop.
All through the state there are many old barns that provide wonderful photo opportunities and a window to the past.

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