A marking on the Mason House Inn showing how far the water crept up when the Des Moines River flooded in Bentonsport . This led to a boat striking the side of the house during the flood of 1851 . Photo by Donald Promnitz / The Ottumwa Courier
“ And prior to that time — believe it or not — this whole riverfront property was filled with old cars and tractors ,” said Bentonsport resident Bill Printy . “ It was a literal junkyard .”
One of those buildings to be cleaned up and restored was Shafer ’ s own home . Built in 1847 , the Brown- Hancock House was in disrepair when he and his wife moved in .
“ I was always game to dress in costume and portray someone , and it ' s fun to interact in with people who come through and help them picture what it would be ( like ) to be waiting for the steamboat to come up river … from St Louis , or considering where they ' re going to take the stage and have to make your way around buffalo wallows , or come by water up the Des Moines River and hope the boiler on the steamboat doesn ' t explode ,” Shafer said . “ Those are the kinds of conversations we would have with people who come through .”
Others keep not only the fashions of old Bentonsport alive , but also the professions . Bill Printy lives in the village with his wife , Betty . Originally an engineer , he took up blacksmithing as a hobby , doing demonstrations at craft shows and renaissance fairs in Lee County . He was approached by a friend to seek out Teal , who ’ d just
TOP : Blacksmith Bill Printy gives a tour of his shop , which is adjoined to the Iron and Lace store in Bentonsport . Printy still uses smithing techniques common to the time when Bentonsport was in its prime . BOTTOM : Betty Printy gives a tour of the Iron and Lace shop she runs in Bentonsport . Photos by Donald Promnitz / The Ottumwa Courier
The Brown / Hancock House in Bentonsport , built in 1847 . The house was restored and lived in by Herb Shafer , who has since moved .
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