Gosnell said the Gothic House was built 125 years ago and is the second most-recognized house in the world because of Wood’s painting.

In 1930, Wood visited a friend in Eldon. As they walked along Eldon’s southern edge, Wood spotted the small house perched atop the hill. Its unusual gothic windows inspired him.

Wood used the house as a backdrop for his painting, “American Gothic.” Wood convinced his family dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby, to pose as a farmer with a pitchfork in hand. Next to the “farmer,” Wood posed his sister, Nan Wood Graham, as the farmer’s wife.

Wood entered his painting in the Art Institute of Chicago competition and won a bronze medal and $300 (about $3,200 today). The institute put the painting on display, which brought nearly instant fame to the painting and the artist.

“American Gothic” has numerous parodies, which feature everyone from cartoon characters to politicians as the Gothic couple. The image is believed to be the most recognized one worldwide.

Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.