also to acquire title to the 'East Market Square' in the City of Pella, Marion
County, Iowa, according to the plat thereof recorded June 12, 1848, and to erect
a 'Home for the Aged' and other buildings thereon for the use of those who may
become its inmates under the provisions of its by-laws."

Title to the East Market Square was acquired and before the close of the year
1907 a building was erected thereon for the "Home," at a cost of .$12,000.
Subsequently a $4,000 addition was built, the money for the original building
and for the addition having been raised by subscription. The institution is
under the management of a board of twelve directors--eight men and four women--.
but is under the immediate supervision of a "Father and Mother," who are subject
to certain rules and regulations.

The annual election of directors is held on the first Tuesday in May. Every
person who contributes one dollar or more annually is entitled to vote. A life
membership in the association may be obtained for twenty dollars, and the
directors have the power to issue stock, not exceeding $10,000 at any one time,
for the purpose of perpetuating the institution. Persons sixty years of age or
older are eligible for admission to the home, upon payment of a certain sum and
agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations laid down by the board. The
institution has been so popular from the beginning that it has been kept filled
to capacity, with a number of applications for admission on file.

The result of this is that the contracts have all been let for the immediate
construction of an addition to the present building on the east side. This will
be forty by eighty feet in dimension and will furnish room for a hospital, rooms
for nurses, the kitchen and other features. This will add materially to the
conveniences of the institution and make it possible to accept a number of new
inmates, many of whom have had applications filed for some time past. The
contracts have all been let, at a total cost of $24,163.20.

The present officers of the Board of Directors are: John van der Ploeg,
President; A. Waechter, Vice President; J. S. Rhynsburger, Secretary; G. H.
Wormhoudt, Vice Secretary; N. Van Vliet, Treasurer.

The other members of the board are: N. Boogaards, A. Van Duren, J. Braam, Mrs.
J. Braam, Mrs. A. Kempkes, Mrs. A. Boogaards and Mrs. W. Verros.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Bliek have been the efficient and devoted "Father and Mother" of
the home from its beginning until March, 1922, when Mrs. Bliek was compelled to
give up her part of the work because of ill health. Mr. Bliek is still at the
active head and is assisted by Miss Maria Doedyns, in the capacity of matron.
The great popularity which this institution has enjoyed from the beginning is
largely due to the able, diplomatic and unselfish work of the "Father and
Mother," to whom this has been a labor of love.

PRINCIPAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1890

Cement walks, thirty miles. Paving, eight miles.

First water system, constructed in 1892; present water system, constructed
in 1909; total cost to date $150,000

Sewer system, constructed in 1910; cost to date 58,300
Electric light plant, installed 1909; cost to date 57,000
Municipal office building, purchased 1915; cost to date 16,000
Paving put in 1914 76,500
Paving put in 1921 360,500
Public library building, constructed in 1906, cost 18,000
Permanent grading, cost 40,000