Tucked away memories came to life when Alan and I strolled the streets of his boyhood town. White clover blanketed lawns. Narrow sidewalks, cracked with age, bordered quiet streets. Pink and white peonies waved a greeting. Rustling, green leaves shook overhead. Far from the hectic pace of the city, we had returned to Iowa for his family reunion. A slow paced, friendly atmosphere embraced us and reminded us of earlier days in Iowa and Indiana.
An eclectic mixture of homes lined the streets. Colorful flowers edged homes, walls, and fences. Wicker chairs on wraparound porches waited for neighborly chats. Manicured lawns with bright flowers surrounded well kept houses. Ladders leaned against unkempt structures. Tall grass partially camouflaged old toys, ancient tools, cement blocks, and even a white toilet. Long forgotten cars rusted amid weeds. What contrasts.
Stately three story homes brought imagined stories of happy owners, family get togethers, and fulfilled dreams. Broken windows, boarded up doors, and overgrown yards formed tales of lost jobs, unemployment, and despair. Each house held secrets from the past.
A chubby robin swooped past us. Secured between electrical wires and under the gutter, her nest rested securely. Worms dropped into teeny, uplifted beaks. Spring had arrived.
A sweet, distinctive aroma perfumed the air. White lilacs adorned the street. The lovely scent brought back memories of a simpler time.
A huge courthouse anchored the center of downtown. Carved columns stood as sentries beside large entrance doors. White domed lights clustered atop stone torches. Above the doors, words of wisdom were etched into the blocks. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Jasper County for just and good government. Where law ends, anarchy begins. When the courthouse was built in 1840, the country was much different, but the words remain true and powerful.
In the circular reception area, we gazed up above the third level to the glass designs of the rotunda. The intricate beauty was a contrast to the simple stone exterior. Old wooden benches called us to rest before venturing back outside.
A smattering of white clouds floated across the brilliant, blue sky. Like a beacon shining in the night, a large American flag stood as a reminder of our values and freedoms.
As part of the veterans’ memorial, a soldier holding a stricken comrade pleaded for help. Engraved on bricks near the statue were names of local veterans. A reminder of the thousands who have served and continue to serve.
Leafy trees at each corner of the square swayed in the breeze. Small shrubs, lilacs, and tiger lilies accented the manicured grass. Small businesses filled spaces around the square. The picturesque town square continues to symbolize small town America.
