And best wishes for the new year. Amidst the busy-ness and buying, remember that the best things in life aren’t things. A gift of time is the most precious gift of all.

 

 

 

The initial paperworkfor our nomination to the National Register of Historic Places was submitted in April 2009. It underwent two reviews by a committee of the State Historical Preservation Office, with required revisions and additions made after each review. On Oct. 9, 2009, it was reviewed for the third time in Des Moines, with a brief Power Point presentation of photos made by Bob Rickard, president of the Red Oak Grove Cemetery Association. The 14-member committee voted unanimously to approve the nomination. The next step will be review by the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., and – we hope! – final approval.

 

 Red Oak Grove Reporter  –  December 2009  –  Page 2

 

In January of 1851, the congregation of Red Oak Grove Church began holding services in Tipton. But seven years later, they returned to “the Grove” and began construction of a simple frame church that was completed in July 1859.

Red Oak Grove Reunion. . . Our third annual Red Oak Grove Reunion Sunday, May 17, 2009, was blessed with beautiful spring weather. Fifty-seven persons attended the 11 a.m. service, with about the same number at the bountiful potluck. About 35 were at the 118th annual meeting. Thanks to all who helped to make the day special and memorable.

 

 

Aerial thank-you. . . Two pilots (one of them also an aerial photographer) donated their time and resources to help Red Oak Grove Church and Cemetery’s quest for National Register of Historic Places status. In late summer, Jim Rohlf of Bennett, Iowa, took digital aerial photos of the church and cemetery and gave Bob Rickard a disk. Another pilot, Phil Benge of Tipton, flew Bob aloft for more photos. The excellent results became part of the National Register nomination.

           

Preserving our history . . . Donations of any amount are always welcome and needed for the care and preservation of Red Oak Church and Cemetery. The donor may direct how they will be used, either for the endowment fund (which generates interest to provide perpetual care) or for a special project. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call Bob Rickard, (563) 886-6018, or contact him at the addresses below.

 

Concrete improvements. . . In late September, a 110-foot extension was made to the existing 140-foot driveway in the South Cemetery. Also, the old sidewalk on the south side of the church was removed, and a new one was poured. The downspout extensions, which used to lie across the sidewalk (a tripping hazard), now run beneath it. This work was done by Oberbrecking Construction Company of Stanwood.

 

Board member honored . . .On June 6, Keith Whitlatch received the Ralph A. Whitten Service Award of the Lions Club, at the group’s state convention in MasonCity. The award recognizes outstanding service and community involvement. A Lion for more than 30 years, Keith is also on the Red Oak Grove Cemetery Association Board.,

 

 

Red Oak Grove Reporter, Issue No. 4

Published at Tipton, Iowa, December 2009