“The group of individuals that has made this happen, have made Iowa proud,” said Rep. John Whitaker, D-Hillsboro.

Brenda Kremer, one of the volunteers who has put countless hours and effort into making the visitor center a reality, said she has been amazed at everything.

“I’m very impressed with the turnout,” she said. “I think this will be a great thing for the city of Eldon.”

Kremer said on Friday that community spirit was high and that was evident at the town’s celebration on Saturday with the energy in the parade in the morning, hearty appetites for the barbecue after and then the dedication of the center. The town of Eldon came together to make this the best Gothic Days the public has seen yet.

And with the induction of the American Gothic House Visitor’s Center, many people believe it will continue to make the town an attraction and bring more people to the area.

“I think it will bring a lot of people in,” said Eldon native Arlouine Trent. “That is what everyone is hoping for.”

Kremer also said on Friday that she looks for the visitor center to give Eldon the economic boost it has needed for quite some time.

“I think this will continue us on the path to developing this city even more,” she said. “It is a great day for the city of Eldon.”

Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.