Unearthly Tales From Pella’s Past: A Weekend of History, Mystery, and Community
There’s something special about autumn in Pella, Iowa — the cool air, the golden leaves, and the feeling that history itself might be whispering from the old brick streets. That sense of magic came alive during Unearthly Tales From Pella’s Past, a sold-out weekend of storytelling that celebrated our town’s fascinating and sometimes eerie history.
A Night at the Opera (and Beyond)
The weekend began Friday evening at the historic Pella Opera House, where guests enjoyed drinks and conversation while the haunting notes of live organ music set the mood. Between melodies, storytellers shared spine-tingling tales about the Opera House’s past, stories of performers and patrons who may still linger behind the velvet curtains.
From there, visitors boarded the new Pella Trolley, embarking on a sunset journey to Oakwood Cemetery. Under the crescent moon, history and legend came together as storytellers brought real figures from Pella’s past back to life, people whose stories remind us that history is as human as it is haunting.
Guests met Ila Fox Loetscher, Iowa’s first female pilot, whose daring spirit took flight far beyond Pella’s borders, and Pete Vander Werff, a man whose tragic mistakes and later quiet redemption helped shape the very sidewalks of our town. Each story blended fact and folklore, offering a moving glimpse into the lives that built this community.
The evening ended back downtown at Butcher’s Brewhuis, where guests gathered for one final tale — a fitting toast to a night filled with curiosity, history, and a few good chills.
Saturday Morning’s Unearthly Adventures
The stories continued Saturday morning at Central College, where attendees enjoyed hot apple cider, fall treats, and more fascinating tales of Pella’s past. The trolley once again rolled through town, making stops at key landmarks that hold layers of local lore.
At the Fire Station Museum, guests heard accounts of courage, loss, and mystery. Around Pella’s town square, storytellers shared macabre and historical vignettes tied to familiar places, proof that even the most well-known corners of town still hold secrets.
The morning concluded with a tour through the Scholte House Museum, where visitors stepped inside the home of Pella’s founder, Dominie Hendrik Scholte, and imagined life in the 1800s. The weekend wrapped up with one last trolley ride through the heart of Pella, a fitting farewell to a journey that connected past and present in unforgettable ways.
Why It Matters
“Unearthly Tales From Pella’s Past” was more than an event; it was a celebration of Pella’s history, its people, and the power of storytelling. Through laughter, goosebumps, and community spirit, we rediscovered how deeply our local history shapes who we are today.
At Pella Historical Museums, our mission is to preserve and share Pella’s remarkable story, from its Dutch founding to the everyday lives that continue to define it. Events like this one remind us that heritage isn’t just about artifacts or dates; it’s about connection, memory, and shared experience.
Thank You
This unforgettable weekend wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible partners and supporters. A heartfelt thank you to Visit Pella, the Pella Opera House, Central College, Butcher’s Brewhuis, and our local historian Bruce Boertje, whose storytelling expertise brought Pella’s past vividly to life.
And to our volunteers, trolley drivers, and every guest who joined us — thank you for embracing the spirit of the season and celebrating the stories that make Pella such a special place.
Here’s to many more nights of history, mystery, and community, and to keeping the tales of Pella’s past alive for generations to come! Until next year, keep your lanterns lit and your ears open for the whispers of Pella’s past.