by Jerry Annunzio
Des Moines, Iowa will be the place to be in July 2001, as the American Council of the Blind celebrates its 40th anniversary at a convention with something for everyone! We are looking into a number of tour possibilities, and are excited to have found opportunities in and near Des Moines that will capture your imaginations between June 30 and July 7. Iowa is a state with lots more to do and to see than many may have imagined. Let me touch on some of the possibilities!
Are you interested in the workings of government? Then you will be pleased to learn that Des Moines is the capital of Iowa. The state buildings are available for tours, and we also plan to visit the Iowa Department for the Blind, which is within easy walking distance of the convention complex.
What better place to build your dreams than in a castle! Did you know that one of “The Great Castles of America” is near downtown Des Moines? Salisbury House, where the fabled lord of that manner himself would feel right at home in the medieval halls — perhaps even wearing some of the (touchable) suits of armor — welcomes tourists who dream of days of yore and lords and ladies of centuries past.
What about your childhood fantasies of being a movie star — or perhaps the president’s first lady? Step into your dreams when you visit the birthplace of the movie star John Wayne, or Ike’s first lady, Mamie Eisenhower.
Do you devour books and films about a young nation where pioneers cleared and tilled the land with horse-drawn plows and the spirit and determination that epitomize 19th century America? Then visit the Iowa Living History Farm, where you can examine the farming equipment that got the job done before the advent of diesel engines, or visit the general store, where the pot-bellied stove is still the place to exchange stories with friends and neighbors, the cracker barrel still offers up the snack food favored by your great-grandparents, and the wooden planks of the floor still exude the soft aroma of the lemon oil that keeps them in good condition.
Maybe you were captivated by that modern romance story which took place in fabled Madison County. Just south and a little west of Des Moines is the setting for the novel and movie. The farm house, now called “Francesca’s House,” is open for tours and the narration there is exceptionally good. One of the covered bridges is in the Winterset city park where it is accessible in a safe and clean environment.
Did the concept of living in a commune, where the work of each would contribute to the well-being of all, capture your imagination in the ‘70s? Well, there’s a famous community in Iowa that you might want to visit and tour, the Amana Colonies. About two hours east of Des Moines is the community of seven villages established by people who believed in hard work and excellent craftsmanship. The tour possibilities include the broom and basket makers, candle makers, the woolen mill, furniture and woodworking shop. This unique German community has an abundance of good food and great shopping possibilities for you to enjoy.
And that’s not all! We are exploring many other possibilities, and will keep you informed as the months go by and we all make plans to experience our personal fields of dreams at the 2001 national convention of the American Council of the Blind, in Des Moines, Iowa.
To make hotel reservations for the 2001 ACB national convention, call the Des Moines Convention and Visitors’ Bureau at (800) 451-2625.