Retired Marine and Wife Building Community

After serving our nation for 33 years in the United States Marine Corps, my husband retired and we moved home to Eldon, Iowa. We now have the opportunity to serve our small-town and local community. Eldon is the Home of the American Gothic house that's made famous by Grant Wood's iconic painting, "American Gothic". Over 15,000 tourists come to our small town each year to visit the little house with the gothic window, called the Gothic House. So, whether you are a resident of the area or someone just passing through, please know that our heart is for community, and we believe there is a place for you in it!

In December of 2022, just before Christmas, we were able to purchase a building in downtown Eldon, that my heart had been set on for years and years. Built in 1886 and having sat vacant for numerous years, we hope to bring new life to this historic building and our town by opening a mercantile-coffee shop called Necessites so guests can have a place to share a cup of coffee, slice of pie or goods grown, or crafted, from our local community.

The idea of Necessities began when we purchased a farm property in Eldon over 10 years before my husband retired. That's when we became "farmers", and I dreamt of a store (the actual building we purchased) where we could sell things produced on our farm such as milk, eggs, bread and cheese. You know, the "Necessities". We realize now, having moved to the farm 3 years ago, that it's impossible for us to produce everything we need for our store and run a farm at the same time. So, we are inviting producers from our community, into our store, to have a place to sell the things they grow or produce. It will truly be a community store with the added benefit of having a place to grab a cup of coffee or specialty drink. We will be partnering with IRIS Coffee in Pella, Iowa to sourced coffee specially roasted for our store and brand.

Currently, Eric and I are doing as much of the work as we possibly can ourselves. The building will eventually house 2 renovated apartments in the upper story, although our attention is first to the lower-level mercantile store and coffee shop so that we can get it up and running and serve our community as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the entire back wall of the building needs immediate attention and will need to be rebuilt before we can open to the public. All new plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling will need to be installed, hopefully before winter hits. We are also working to retain and refinish the original tin ceiling and floors. This is just the beginning, because the exciting part begins when we get to set the store.

Necessities will be a place to experience the heart of community that you will want to share with family and friends. Eric and I would like to invite you in on our journey and into Necessities. Our hearts are grateful for donations of any amount and will be used 100% for the efforts of saving the building that we hope, will remain for many future generations to enjoy.

Follow us on Facebook to watch the transformation and progress.