Trying to find something to do between Davenport and Ottumwa, I saw that the American Gothic House was not too far outside of Ottumwa and an easy detour to get there. The hubby got to go to Trainland USA, I was going to go to the American Gothic House.
What is the American Gothic House? It's the house that was in the "pitchfork picture" -- the painting by Grant Wood with the couple standing outside a farmhouse with stoic expression and pitch forks. Of course people want to see it and create their own picture.
The American Gothic House Center has a small museum inside the shows the life of the area during the time that American Gothic was painted as well as the history of the house and Grant Wood. It is educational but I wasn't really interested in the museum. I just wanted my picture taken in front of the house. In non-COVID years, the house would be open on Saturdays to tour as well.
After some cajoling by another (frequent) patron, the hubby agreed to hold a pitchfork and get his picture taken too. He is good at the stoic look. At one point he reaches over and fixes my pitchfork. Apparently I can't hold it straight.
There a varying sizes of pitchforks so the entire family can hold one. Some people get creative with their poses but we stuck with the stoic look.
The hubby was reluctant at first but I think he truly enjoyed himself. He has mentioned the American Gothic house a couple times since going.
If you are ever in Southeast Iowa, I would recommend making a quick pit stop and check out the famous house and take your own pitchfork picture. In non-COVID times, there are even costumes you can wear. Then head over to Ottumwa, the Video Game Capital of the World and home to Twin Galaxies Aracde.
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