October 1979, Pope John Paul II, a field in Iowa

The actual Pope said Mass outdoors in Iowa in front of a gorgeous quilt under the bright October sky. The emphasis on the land and on a traditional woman's art made for a stirring backdrop to a very old ceremony. My parents and younger sister attended. Janet says they got to see the helicopter arrive (quite a thrill) then walked over to the hill. The sun was out but there was a bitingly cold wind. She and my father finally gave in to the weather and put big trash bags over their clothes to cut the wind. Then they sat down on the hill and Janet started to slide. There was giggling. My mother, a devout Catholic, had nothing to do with these shenanigans. Not in front of the Pope! Nikita Khrushchev, Pope John Paul II, and The Moon Landing. Quite a year for anniversaries.

Resources on the Pope's visit to Iowa. Many of these may not be checked out, but may be viewed at the Central Library.
Graphic Source: John Paul II Visits Rural America p. 59

Troublesome Creek

Not another flood story, this DVD chronicles the struggle of an Iowa family to keep their farm despite the strain of the farm crisis of the 80's and 90's. It's an intimate yet clear-eyed portrait by a member of the family. The daughter, Jeanne Jordan, brings you the beauty of the farm, making it clear why the family would never want to leave. You see the anguish of the family as their treasured possessions are auctioned off, and the humor they use to ease their situation. Pretty powerful stuff.

Troublesome Creek