Jim and Pat On The Road Again: The Bridges

Today we set out to explore Winterset, Iowa and the Bridges of Madison County. I love the beauty of this area and the evidence of rural history all around. Also, some of us remember that there was a book and movie that made it all a little more interesting.
And, for us quilters, Fons and Porter from Love of Quilting TV and magazine fame have a quilt shop in town. Not to be left out, John Wayne was born in Winterset and the town opened a new museum in his memory this weekend.

We started at the Visitor Center in St. Charles. A beautiful old church, rescued at auction by a local lady who wanted the windows to be saved. Her family later donated the church to the town.

First bridge on our route was the Imes Bridge, listing just a bit.

Then we found the Holliwell Bridge.

And the Cutler-Donohoe Bridge.

Taking a side trip from the bridges, we found this tower, built as a family memorial.

No rain during our explorations today…lovely and warm.

Winterset had a Memorial Day Parade that ended with a ceremony at the cemetery. Just beautiful to see the honor this town has for their veterans.

Each of the flags along the walkway has a marker for a vet who gave up their life in battle.

Winterset has a charming and well restored town square. The center attraction is the courthouse.

Of course there’s a water tower. And the buildings are a wonderful assortment of architecture.

Fons and Porter’s store is right on the square.

Sadly, the store was closed for the holiday so I could only go window shopping.

For movie fans, this restaurant was featured in the film. Also closed for the holiday. Too bad…I heard they serve excellent pie.

John Wayne is a hero around here. His movies are always on the Iowa Theater marquee.

And his birthplace is a lovely, well kept house.

Now back to the bridges. Just three more to find.

Ok…”the bridge” from “the movie.” Roseman Bridge. And the little gift store on the grounds. All of the bridges are on beautifully maintained grounds. Some have been relocated to parks and others well maintained in their original sites

Next, Hogback Bridge. To be honest, they all look pretty much the same to me. The same architectural style, built in the late 1800’s, crossing the several small rivers in the communities.