$10,000 grant will help the Winneshiek County Historical Society to refurbish a house on Broadway

The Winneshiek County Historical Society has received a $10,000 grant from the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.

The money will be used for restoration of 14 second-story windows in the home at 509 West Broadway in Decorah. The back apartment of the "Landers-Adams Home" will become the headquarters and research center for the Winneshiek County Historical Society in December of this year.

The original home had six-over-six double-hung sash windows. Two of the windows being restored are original to the home and twelve more will be replicated in the style of the originals, with vintage glass being used.   Window restoration specialists Wadsworth Construction of Decorah is doing the work. The end goal is to eventually restore all windows in the house to their original Greek Revival style, and to increase their energy-efficiency.

The NSDAR awarded 15 grants nationwide this year.  The Winneshiek County Historical Society received the only grant awarded in Iowa, and was one of seven organizations receiving the full amount of $10,000.

The Landers-Adams home is one of the three oldest homes in the Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District.  Built by Frederick and Sarah Landers, early settlers from Canisteo, New York, the house's architectural style is typical of those in New York State.

The fourth generation owners of the house, Joe and Emily Bodensteiner, gifted the Landers-Adams house to the Winneshiek County Historical Society in September of 2016.

Restoration of the home was begun in 2017 and is ongoing. The Historical Society will occupy the back two-thirds of the home with an entrance on North Mill Street when they move from their temporary quarters at the Smith Building in December. The front of the home will continue to be rented as a private apartment.

Future plans include the addition of museum exhibits showcasing Winneshiek County history and the Landers family.

An open house will be held at the house from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. this Saturday, July 28th.  There will be tours of the first floor of the future WCHS office and research center. Some of the initial restoration work to the exterior will be on display.