06/30/2024
Our Town of the Week is Spillville! First off, don't miss the 4th of July Celebration this coming Saturday July 6th down at the park! More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1623574515092345
Founded in 1860 this small town is nestled along the banks of the Turkey River. A small village founded by a German that grew into a refuge for Czechs. One of the most famous is Dr. Antonin Dvorak a world-famous musician and composer, came to spend the summer of 1893 in Spillville. While in town Dvorak composed the widely-known "American Quartette" and found the inspiration for "Humoresque", which was written after he left.
Another big part of the towns history comes from The Bily Brothers, Frank and Joseph. These bothers are best known for there amazing hand-carved wooden clocks that are on display at https://www.bilyclocks.org/ If you have never had a chance to view these in person you are definitely missing out. Many of these clocks took YEARS to carve and are absolute masterpieces!
After your clock fix you can take a spin around The Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Bandstand. This Memorial is located in the center of town. The bandstand was built with the sweat and loyalty of Spillville community members to honor those that served for the cause of liberty and equality. Also, this is know as the oldest roundabout in Iowa! How neat is that!
The fun doesn't stop there. While in town you need to visit St. Wenceslaus church which is the oldest Czech Catholic Church in the United States. The original church was completed in 1860, bell tower was added in 1869 and the sanctuary and transept were completed in 1873. The original pipe organ installed in 1876 still remains and was played by Antonin Dvorak during his stay in Spillville.
Do you love dancing? Well dag-nabit if you haven't heard of the iconic Inwood Ballroom then you are missing out! As many of your parents and grandparents will tell you this was the place to be when they were young. Many love stories began on the dance floors in this hall. It features a 10-sided hardwood dance floor, stone fireplaces, and latticed ceilings. The inwood holds so many peoples hearts in its walls and if its walls could talk they would have endless stories! What are your favorite Inwood memories? https://www.inwoodballroom.com/
Last but not least how can we forget so many great businesses in this historic town!
Reed Backes Custom Woodworks - One of the best woodworkers around! Oh and his wife is awesome at woodworking to, so make sure to check out skrapwork https://www.facebook.com/skrapwork
Duane Albertson - Need a used car - well they got you
covered!
Need your car worked on? Check out any of these great auto shops! Howard's Tire & Repair, Inc. Central Motors Inc. Ed's body shop or SHIMEK’S HOT ROD GARAGE
Need to plant some crops? Call Ernie at Ernie's Ag Center - He also is really good at corn hole!
Need a cold beer or some food check out the Farside Bar!
Construction: Frontier Mudjacking & Construction LLC https://www.facebook.com/Frontiermud - These fella's are top notch!
***Who the heck could forget about live music?!? Check out Ludwig Stage down at the Inwood Park and make sure to mark your calendars for Turkey River Music Festival & Spillville Summer Concert Series - All the info here: https://www.facebook.com/TurkeyRiverMusicFest
