2009 was also memorable because it marked the 40^th anniversary of the Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa. The festival theme was "Meet Me at the Bridge". This year also marked the 5^th anniversary of the Madison County Historical Society’s “Passport to the Past” program.   What started as a vision has proven itself to be successful.

 

New in 2009, Mr. Stan Dehaan portrayed Abraham Lincoln in our Winterset Public Library.  Abe” talked to attendee about the Civil War and his visit to Monumental Park.  Abe handed out Monumental Park wooden coins to all participants.

 

Paxton Williams returned with his portrayal of George Washington Carver. He had added two new sessions to his portrayal – “Words George Loved” and “A Nature Walk with George Washington Carver”. He performed in Carver Park, located on the south side of the town square, in the storytelling tent, and his nature walk was held around the courthouse lawn (due to snow). 

 

Maureen Korte once again portrayed Mayme Bevington, daughter of C.D. Bevington, who was a life-long resident of Winterset. Her father built the 1856 Bevington-Kaser House which is located on the grounds of the Madison County Historical Complex. Maureen, professional story teller, is excited about portraying Mayme as part of the Passport to the Past activity.   

 

Stations on the passport were:

1.     Monumental Park (meet Abe Lincoln)

2.     Library activities (make an old fashioned toy)

3.     Art Center (paint a tin can as a planter)

4.     Carver Park (plant some seeds in your tin can planter and watch them grow!)

5.     Iowa State Extension (learn about the Wallace family)

6.     Museum Complex (One room school lessons and meet Civil War soldiers)

7.     Courthouse Tours (meet Susan B. Anthony and tour the courthouse)

8.     Cutler Bridge (learn Civil War songs & take a nature walk with G.W. Carver)