Pella is a community in south central Iowa. Probably best known for Pella Windows and Doors, it is also the home of Central College (founded 1853) and several other companies. But, Pella’s claim to fame is “Tulip Time,” an annual celebration of it’s Dutch heritage.
Named after Pella in Asia Minor, a city of refuge for early Christians, it was founded in 1847 by Dominee (Reverend) Hendrik Scholte and the 800 immigrants that followed him from The Netherlands to escape religious persecution.
The King decreed all to follow the State Church. Those thinking the state church too informal, theologically unsound and lax, refused to follow the edict. By 1835 the Separatists were being imprisoned. Compounding the difficulties of the Separatists, all of Europe was suffering from a potato blight that caused famine in many parts fo the country.
Dominee Scholte and his family left first, followed by 800 others, sailing in four vessels to Baltimore, Maryland. From there they traveled by river and over land to reach St Louis, MO. Then following the direction of a Baptist circuit rider they traveled into Iowa.
The community purchased18,000 acres high on a ridge between the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers for $1.25 per acre. Much of the land already tilled and settled, the Dutch built houses of sod and roofed with prairie grasses. From the vision of the grass roofed homes, the area was called “Strawtown.” Gradually more and more Dutch and Americans settled in the fertile area.
To this day, Pella is known for its strong Christian community values. The town today, proud of its heritage attracts many tourists for its festivals, unique architecture and business district.
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