Stone sanctuary
The Berberiches agreed to allow the Festival to continue use of their site as part of the annual event held the second Sunday each June. The day celebrates and honors the life of internationally recognized area artist, Grant Wood (of American Gothic fame) and the Art Colony he operated in Stone City during the summers of 1932 and 1933.
Colorful reproduction ice wagons -- painted like the ones that Wood and fellow artists decorated and lived in during those summer sessions -- are brought from storage and placed on display. Entertainers perform on stage and wander through the crowds as selected artists sell their work. This creates a colorful tapestry of festival life against the green hills and stone buildings.
With its connection to Grant Wood and unique stone buildings, Stone City is a popular site for step-on bus tours. The Stone Barn is a point of interest to visiting groups. Debra, who always has the coffeepot on for friends and family, welcomes tour groups like old friends.
Lots to discover
The Berberiches have made many discoveries about their acreage. Two stone ruins located on their land are reminders of John Green's once-thriving quarry businesses. One ruin was a depot for a railway spur that Green used for hauling and shipping limestone blocks. The original use of another building remains a local mystery. Stan speculates that it might have been used for payroll since it was located near the depot. Tall, narrow windows with angled slits that could have provided protection from gunfire appears to support his theory.
A pile of limestone rocks near the Berberich drive contains more of the land's history. A large, limestone cross that was never completed is carefully positioned in the stone pile. Local legend says a corner broke off the cross as it was carved for the St. Joseph Church located a short distance from Stan and Debra's acreage. The discarded cross was unearthed by former owners a few years ago during land excavation and placed near the entry to the acreage.
While the stone barn is the heartbeat of the acreage, the land itself is a treasure of nature's wonders. A mix of hardwood oak, hickory, black locust, box elder, and mulberry trees cover the Iowa hillsides. Wildflowers grow profusely over the land during the spring and summer months.
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