MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (KCRG) – The childhood home of four brothers who lived extraordinary lives is open for tours in Our Town Mount Pleasant.
“Each one of them went into and became successful in four totally different lines of work,” Pat White explained, a Board Member at Henry County Heritage Trust.
The
Van Allen House
was built in 1862 and was home to George, James, Maurice and Bill Van Allen.
George became an attorney, Maurice was a neurologist, William who went by Bill was a successful businessman, and the most famous brother Dr. James Van Allen was a scientist who discovered that radiation belts circle the earth.
At one point the Van Allen House was at risk of demolition, but the home was saved and is run by volunteers through Henry County Heritage Trust.
“It just goes to show because of public support we’ve been able to preserve the home for people to come and see and appreciate what the home would’ve looked like when these famous boys were growing up here,” said White.
The Van Allen House was moved two blocks from it’s original location in 2009.
It now sits next to the Henry County Heritage Trust museum.
You can tour the home by appointment anytime. It’s also open the first Saturday of each month May-October from 1-4 p.m.
