Pella, Iowa - a town with a history

Our hectic schedule caught up with us so we slept in until 7:20 and got a late start. We left Mason City, IA, on this overcast day, and headed southeast for Pella. This town was founded in 1847 by approximately 800 Dutch immigrants, many of whom were from Gelderland, seeking religious freedom. The Dutch influence can still be seen throughout Pella. We toured the Historical Village that includes this authentic working Dutch windmill (the Vermeer molen,) which was a dream come true for Harry Vermeer, the mill's namesake. It was constructed in Holland by Lukas Verbij from 16 different types of wood, disassembled, each piece numbered, shipped to Pella and reassembled with the assistance of the expert who originally built it. The old town also included the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp. We stayed until 5:00 so we could enjoy the ringing of the bells at the Klokkenspel and watch the animated figures. We were sure to find the Dutch bakeries and purchase several of their pastries. But I was sad to see that our choices did not include all of the "must try" Dutch pastries listed in the visitors' guide. Will now be looking for another Dutch bakery.