Big as a Barn News: January 2023

Seeking Garden Production Mgr

We’re looking for a Garden Production Manager to join our team! This person will manage the production garden and orchard at the Wallace Farm, which supplies fruit, vegetables and herbs to the two commercial kitchens. Experience in vegetable/fruit gardening and operating small equipment ideal, as well as good communication skills and creative problem-solving ability. Supervisory and greenhouse experience is a plus.

Here’s the full job description and application instructions.

Valentine Dinner at Wallace House

The only tables remaining for our Valentine Dinner at the Wallace House on Saturday, February 11 are all at 8 pm. The 4-course menu includes:

Borscht with Creme Graiche & Dill Microgreens

Crispy Polenta Cake with Lamb Ragu & Gremolata

Mangalitsa Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Onion Tart & Agrodulce

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Meringue & Raspberry Compote

Tickets are $75/person. Book your table online or call 515.243.7063. Email Katie for the wait list.

Know Your Farmer

On Thursday, March 9, our Know Your Farmer dinner features Amy & Jason Boyer of Osceola, IA. The Boyers raise all-natural beef and pork at Boyer Family Farms as well as own and operate the Harvest Barn Marketplace, an event space and weekend eatery. The store sells their meat, fresh produce, homemade fudge, candles and gifts.

The 3-course menu:

Tart Cherry Glazed Beef Short Rib

Bacon Jam & Quark Cheese Pork Roulade

Dark Chocolate Torte with Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream

Tickets are $65/person. Doors open at 6 pm; dinner served at 6:30 pm. Bring your own wine or beer. Book your table online or call 515.243.7063.

Hearts & Homes start Feb. 17

Our Hearts & Homes programs might fit your friend group to a "T" --a locally-sourced lunch, thought-provoking readings and interesting table discussion. Held in the same house where editor Nancy Cantwell Wallace poured over reader correspondence and crafted her women's column for Wallaces Farmer magazine, we offer the 90-minute program to the public one Friday a month from February thru December.

Programs begin at 11:30 am, with doors opening 15 minutes prior. We ask that you notify us of any dietary restrictions before the tea. Accessible parking & entrance available with notice. For dates, menus and reservations, please visit the Hearts & Homes web page or call 515.243.7063.

Wallace House improvements

Lots of hammers are making noise at the Wallace House right now! A crew from Andrews Roofing is replacing the main roof on the Wallace House, as well as the one-story kitchen addition and gutters. After that work is complete, Woodland Fair is scheduled to replace the ADA entrance/deck on the south and west sides of the house.

All of this work is the result of a Polk County Community Development Grant from the Polk County Board of Supervisors. The grant is covering several improvements to the Wallace House including the roof, ADA entrance and two HVAC systems. Thanks to the supervisors and all the skilled work crews for helping to preserve this historic site.

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