A main street running through downtown Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
I am endlessly fascinated when visiting small towns in Siouxland. And am always surprised at what one might find in them, as well as the folk one meets. Walking around, taking my time, something students of mine for my Photo Safari classes know all too well, in good and inclement weather. Recently while in Pisgah the class met a couple who runs a bed and breakfast there. I had no idea.
A 104 year old former hotel is now the Loess Hills Bed and Breadfast located in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
They also have access to a small museum with local history. Class photos of people who graduated from the area in the 1930’s, although there are no longer any schools in the small community. The sleepy little town is a starting point for exploring the Loess Hills in western Iowa where hiking and meandering roads allow one to explore the countryside and surrounding area.
A photograph of 1932 graduates from the Pisgah High School that no longer exists hangs in a small museum, formerly a barbershop, in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
A photograph of 1938 graduates from the Pisgah High School that no longer exists hangs in a small museum, formerly a barbershop, in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
David Chlupacek, left, shows visitors inside of a former barbershop and now museum that sits across from a 104 year old hotel, now the Loess Hills Bed and Breakfast he and his wife run in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
It’s these meetings and a chance to learn about the a local area I always find fascinating, even with newly transplanted residents such as David Chlupacek and his wife, who have lived there maybe 10-12 years. Getting a sense of what was once a vibrant small town now a bit more quiet and circumspect about its future.
Photographs and other items are found in a small museum, formerly a barbershop, in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
David Chlupacek, right, talks with a visitor standing in front of a former barbershop and now museum in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
A sometimes pass through point for an Iowa tradition of bike riding, RAGBRAI, where small communities grow into overnight metropolises. But not the day we visited. But because of the visitors headed to the Loess Hills State Park the town retains one decent eatery and a place to relax and enjoy small town America with lunch and a short rest before pursuing other places to visit.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
The Old Home Fill-er Up and “Keep on Truckin” Cafe was made famous in a song by C.W. McCall is located in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
Photographs hang in a small museum, formerly a barbershop, in Pisgah, Iowa. (Jerry L Mennenga©)
lostinsiouxland 
I enjoyed your post, Jerry. I’ve been by and maybe through Pisgah a couple of times during some wandering trips through the Loess Hills. I never knew though, that the Old Home Fill-er Up and Keep On Truckin’ Cafe was there! Now I’m going to have to go back to the little burg and check it out. I was wondering if you saw CW and Mavis’ dog, Sloan laying around the diner? Keep up the good work my friend.
gary,
Thanks for the kind words. No I didn’t see any pooches lying about and enjoying the sunshine that day. But if you buy a second meal at the cafe, who knows, maybe Sloan will show up. SMILE…..
Jerry
Jerry,
What a great post about Pisgah, Iowa. My maternal grandparents were born in Pisgah. They eventually moved to Illinois. However, as a youngster my two brothers and I would make the trek from Chicago to Pisgah every summer. My uncle, Jim Bryceson, owned a farm that included cattle, hogs, sheep, and chickens. We fed the livestock, collected eggs in the morning, drove tractors and so much more. What an education us “City Slickers” received. Those are still some of my favorite childhood memories. There were many mornings that we ate breakfast at the Old Cafe in the center of town. I also wanted to let you know that I saw my grandmother, Frances Bryceson, in the 1932 graduation photo.
Terry
Terry, Hey. Am glad you enjoyed the post. There are a lot of small towns that have great stories and memories for many of us. It’s fun to visit them and share what I find. Thank you for stopping by. jerry