Big as a Barn News: February 2023

Farm to Table reservations open

Chef Katie and her terrific crew are ready to get back into the kitchen for another season of Farm to Table Thursday dinners at the Wallace House!

The 2023 season kicks off on March 31 and is offered weekly thru December 14, except for July 6 and Thanksgiving. Front porch seating is available May thru September, weather permitting.



Right now, online reservations for March, April and May dates are open. We'll let you know as other dates open throughout the year.

Take a look at the sample spring menu, and follow the links to specific dates. Questions? Email Katie.

Share the love at Hearts & Homes

Looking for a special way to celebrate love and friendship? February is the perfect month to attend our Hearts & Homes program with a spouse or group of friends. Treat them (and yourself) on Friday, February 17 at the Wallace House. The 90-minute program includes a locally-sourced lunch, thought-provoking readings and interesting table discussion.

We'll begin at 11:30 am, with doors opening 15 minutes prior. The menu includes a beef and vegetable stew with chocolate cake for dessert. Accessible parking & entrance available with notice. For reservations, other dates and menus, please visit the Hearts & Homes web page or call 515.243.7063.

Wallace House improvements

During this cold weather, we're particularly thankful for the hardy and skilled folks working at the Wallace House. A crew from Andrews Roofing is putting the finishing touches on the roof and will return in the spring to paint the new gutters. Woodland Fair will soon be replacing the ADA entrance/deck on the south and west sides of the house.

All of this work, plus the 2 new HVAC systems installed earlier, is the result of a Community Development Grant from the Polk County Board of Supervisors and a sustainability grant from Wells Fargo.Thanks to the supervisors, Wells Fargo and all the skilled work crews for helping to preserve this historic site.

Legacy giving

Do you want to ensure that the Wallace Centers of Iowa continues connecting people to food and the land for a long time to come? Consider a gift to one of WCI's two endowment funds. A distribution is issued each year from these funds for operational support and maintenance needs at our two historic sites. Gifts of any amount are welcome, and one of the funds allows for Endow Iowa tax credits. Contact Ann via email or at 515.243.7063 with your confidential questions and without any obligation.

Connect with us!

Visit us online at wallace.org

The Wallace Centers of Iowa

Wallace House: 756 16th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314

Wallace Farm: 2773 290th Street, Orient, Iowa 50858