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kayelynn49

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Joined 2019

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Vintage Aerial photo from 1981 in Palo Alto County, IA

1981

Palo Alto County, IA

Commented

This motel was owned and operated by my significant other's parents for 24 years, so he and his brother grew up there. The main office includes a living quarters and basement. The huge rock garden in front was done my his mother and it was her pride and joy. The building to the far left is a restaurant/bar with fine dining. The extra buildings left of the motel are suites. Since then, it as been sold and a separate wing of rooms was added on the right side of the motel. This place holds many happy memories for him, as he had full access to the swimming pool with his friends. The motel is still going strong, although the pool is no longer in use.

Vintage Aerial photo from 1971 in Palo Alto County, IA

1971

Palo Alto County, IA

Commented

I have an interesting story to share about the huge grove surrounding the building site. My great grandfather drove horse and wagon to the East fork of the Des Moines river to dig saplings to wrap in burlap and return to the farm to transplant the grove. The distance was approximately 10 miles so it was a 3 day event, one day to get to the river, a day to dig and wrap saplings, another day to drive the team and wagon home. Then the transplanting began. The grove is still there and is magnificent. The trees are nearly 150 years old (1871), before the Homestead was official and paperwork was completed. It was required there be a grove and dwelling to be accepted by the Homestead Act.