Dear Friend,
When I was a kid, my Grandfather would take us on "shopping" trips to the local dump. This predates landfills and goes back to a time when free public access was allowed. He was an antique dealer and the local dump was a treasure trove if you got there early enough.
Each item we picked up was a history lesson as we searched for "priceless artifacts". We'd come home with a box of what my Gram called "junk" and get sent to the washroom. Most of what us kids kept was junk, but he always found a treasure or two.
I was recently reminded of those trips by John Trier of Adel, who is also a history buff. He sent me an article and photos he has on a surveyor's compass he owns. It has a bit of a mystery associated with it and has great historical value to both Adel and Dallas County.
Ultimately, John would like to see it displayed in one of Dallas Counties' museums.
This month we have John's great story. There's still time to sign up for the 2nd Annual John's Baby Steps 5k Run/Walk. We have news of a New Church, news For Your Heart, Bread Baking 101, and the latest events from Around Town, news and events from the Adel Public Library, a Recipe from Home, and much more!
Have a great October, we're looking forward to seeing you in Adel this month!
Enjoy!
ChrisAs a supporter of Adel you are receiving the DiscoverAdel.Com monthly newsletter. If you are having trouble viewing this document or it's images, you can view the Newsletter Here. |
O.D. Smalley - Surveyor's Mystery Compass
| 
 | |
A Rittenhouse Compass
|
Mystery Compass -
"Surveying compasses, like this one were used extensively when this country was settled.
They were used to lay out towns, and all sorts of lines to divide properties, or county and state lines.
George Washington was a surveyor and used a compass made by Goldsmith Chandlee.
Abraham Lincoln was also a surveyor and used a Rittenhouse compass made before he was born.
The earliest American compasses were made in the 1st quarter of the 1700's. The earlier they were made the more decoration or engraving you will find on the compass face.
These are important instruments since they used to settle and map out our great country. Early compass makers were highly competitive, each maker trying to out preform his rival in quality of construction and decoration.
It is highly unusual to be able to attribute a surveying compass to a particular surveyor. Only the maker Goldsmith Chandlee would engrave the name of the surveyor on the face of the compass when it was originally sold.
Surveyor's are often lost to history, with little record of their work. As luck would have it, this compass has been discovered with good provenance and documentation.
It can be attributed to the surveyor O.D. Smalley who surveyed Dallas County Iowa from 1850 to 1855. O.D. Smalley, as a surveyor is quite well known and written about in many internet searches and historical books. In one publication he is referred to as, "The Christopher Columbus of Dallas County."
O.D. Smalley Compass
The history of this compass (made by Benjamin Pike) is mysterious. It was discovered in the early 1980's in Oklahoma when a house was being demolished.
Hidden within the interior of a wall, construction workers found it and sold it to Dwight Talent of Oklahoma.
Why it was entombed within a wall will always be a mystery. The mystery deepens when you consider another compass was found in Pennsylvania (made by Gurley) also entombed within a wall of a house.
Card Found in Box
The card you see here was found within the walnut box of this compass identifying it as owned/used by O.D. Smalley. Web sites still exist describing this compass and its mysterious past.
Email communications between myself and Dwight Talent of Oklahoma are an encouraging part of its provenance and authenticity.
Specifically, this Benjamin Pike compass is well used. It lacks all of its original silvering on the compass face. One of the sight vanes is a replacement, no doubt when the original fell out of Smalley's surveyors bag and was lost in the field.
There is a replacement compass needle which is common when an original becomes non functional.
I was aware of this compass due to my internet research, and to my surprise it recently became available on eBay and I was able to purchase it.
The other compass shown is by Richard Patten of New York (circa 1820), and is shown for comparison purposes, showing proper silvering of the compass face and ornate compass face engraving.
Both compasses are also vernier compasses with a more complicated micro adjustment capabilities for more accurate field use."
- John Trier You can contact John for more information on the compass by emailing him at, john.p.trier@gmail.com |
|
Children's Christmas Store - Divine Dancers
| 
Adel's Divine Dancers will be holding a Children's Christmas Store on
the Holiday Tour, but first we need your help! We are now accepting donations at the Adel Tumbling and Dance Club every Sunday, from 1:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. We are looking for small, non clothing items that you would be willing to donate candles, plates, tins, jewelry, toys etc.. anything you can think of! Then, at the Holiday Tour, your children can have a chance to purchase items for $ .25 cents each, and can feel special by having Christmas presents of their own to give to their loved ones. Donations will be accepted starting Sunday Sept. 25 through November. For additional information contact Sue Dunsmoor at (515)-669-6657. Adel Tumbling & Dance Club
211 S 7th St Ste A
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 515-993-4411
Website: www.adeltumblingteam.com |
 Celebration Church is Now Fusion Church
| 
 Are you looking to be a part of something new and exciting?
Coming Soon to Adel...Fusion Church launches at 10 a.m. on
Sunday October 16th. At Fusion you will find a place where you can come as you are and connect with God in a meaningful way. You'll find an encouraging and authentic environment with modern music, and messages that are relevant to life. Fusion Church is an Assemblies of God church that will meet off Highway 6 one mile east of Adel (formerly Celebration Family Church). Make plans to attend Fusion's kickoff event. Friendship Fest will take place on Saturday October 15th from 12-4 p.m. There will be free events for the whole family to enjoy such as inflatable games, face painting, fall fun, and free food. We look forward to seeing you at Fusion! Fusion Church
Sunday's 10AM
Hwy. 6 (just east of Adel)
Phone: 515.993.5438
Website: www.connectwithfusion.com |
Healing Therapies - Heart Wisdom Class
| 
Healing Therapies - Heart Wisdom Class
When you think of your heart in your chest, it is the size of your hand squeezed into a fist. When you think of your heart "on stress" it is the tension of your hand squeezed into a fist. Continue that tension indefinitely and you have the many physical problems of stress.
Come learn to listen more deeply to your heart's wisdom as it communicates with you about your life.
Beginning with the attitude-of-gratitude, we will share a variety of different ways to relax and open your heart - for your physical health and your emotional/spiritual health.
Some basic physiology of stress (what your body does and how that can lead to physical and emotional symptoms) is included to bring a non-judgmental understanding about your life, to put you more in control of your own health.
In small groups, we will experience heart-opening approaches. You will have one week to practice these methods at home and then come back to fine tune them to fit your particular needs so they will be even more effective.
As you continue this practice, you can grow in your relationship to yourself and to others.
October 22 and 29, 9:30 - 11:30 am at Healing Therapies, Adel.
$30 Class size is limited so preregister.
Taught by MaryLea Holcomb (Healing Therapies, Adel)
For more information and to preregister, contact MaryLea.
Healing Therapies
MaryLea Holcomb
118 S 9th St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4691
Email: HealingTherapies@earthlink.NET
|
Flu Shots Available at Adel HealthMart
| 
Adel HealthMart is now offering both the Influenza Vaccine and the Flumist.
No appointment needed, but please call in advance to verify the immunizing pharmacist is available.
In addition, we have been getting quite a bit of new gift type items in lately including but not limited to purses, billfolds, jewelry, Slap watches, scarves, figurines... and more! Stop in and see all of the great items!
Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook! Watch for an upcoming giveaway.
Adel HealthMart
113 N 9th St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-3644
Email: jane@adelhealthmart.com
Website: adelhealthmart.com
Facebook: facebook.com/adelhealthmart
|
Bread Baking 101 - Pies Bread & Beyond
| 
 Elaine of Pies Bread & Beyond is offering a Bread Baking 101 Class on Saturday, October 22nd at 10:00 a.m.
Pies Bread & Beyond is an old fashioned bakery, offering traditional and artisan breads, muffins, scones, and bagels, cookies and bars, pies and more!
Artisan Breads are one of Elaine's main focuses. She enjoys the delicate process, enriched flavors, and intriguing process the recipes lend.
Elaine, a member of the Bread Bakers Guild, will be teaching the "Basics of Bread Baking" with hands on experience for all who attend.
Register for the class at Pies Bread & Beyond, starting Monday the 3rd.
Pies Bread & Beyond
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-2080
Website: www.piesbreadbeyond.net
Email: elaine@piesbreadbeyond.net
|
| Around Town |
 Apple Pumpkin Fest Weekends at Wills OrchardsWills Family Orchard in Adel is now open with fresh organic apples and u-pick pumpkins. The next two weekends are Apple Pumpkin Fest Weekends... Continue reading...
|
 Adel Park and Rec. Events for October 2011 October is a another busy month in Adel for sports and recreation. Here is the official listing of the Adel Parks and Recreation events for... Continue reading...
|
 River Valley Golf Tournament "Chili Opens" River Valley likes to wrap up of the golf season the best way they know how, with a month of tournaments. Every Sunday in October they will host their Chili Opens... Continue reading...
|
 Nuts for Sale - United Methodist Church The United Methodist Women are again taking orders for nuts which will arrive in mid - November. To order nuts and/or fruits to have... Continue reading...
|
 Open Sew Friday at the Adel Public LibraryJoin Jacque Johnson, owner of Adel Quilting & Dry Goods Co. Friday, November 12th at the Adel Public Library for Open Sew Friday... Continue reading...
|
 Scout Pack 152 Popcorn Sales - Oct. 1st - 30th.The Boy Scouts of America Scout Pack 152 will be selling Popcorn from Continue reading...
|
 Free Kids Clothes ClosetKids Clothes Closet is here to help with free clothing! Stop by the Kids Clothes Closet in Adel on the first and third Saturday of each month from 9-11am... Continue reading...
|
 October Deals at Next 2 New!October Tag Deals. Next 2 New in Adel is now accepting fall and winter consignments the 1st thru the 21st of each month through January, excluding all Saturdays... Continue reading...
|
 Pies Bread & Beyond - October SpecialPies Bread & Beyond in Adel is running an October special on 10 inch Deep Dish Fresh Raspberry Pies for $12.00. Free Delivery within the immediate Adel area... Continue reading...
|
 Wealth & Wisdom Institute - Oct. 6thPlease be our guest, learn how traditional financial thinking has not prepared us for the changing demographics of this country... Continue reading...
|
 2011 Beggar's Night in Adel, Iowa - Oct. 29th.Join the city of Adel, Iowa as we celebrate Beggar's Night 2011! This year, Trick or Treating will take place Saturday, October 29th from 6 - 8pm... Continue reading...
|
There are even more events and activities on the DiscoverAdel Calendar.
|
|
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Well, that wraps it up for the DiscoverAdel.Com newsletter this month! We hope that you've enjoyed this issue and will share it with your friends. We always appreciate any comments or article suggestions. Please email us at info@DiscoverAdel.com.
Sincerely,
Chris Brocka
G.Rafics Inc.
DiscoverAdel.com is proudly produced by
G.Rafics Inc. ~ Go Beyond the Ordinary |
|
|
Featured Article
| 
| Each month we
showcase a business, person, event or organization that makes Adel special.
This month we showcase
O.D. Smalley's Surveyor's Compass
If you have a business or organization you would like to see featured, please contact us at
via Email here
|
Adel Public Library
| |
| Courtesy of Adel Library
Do you have an eReader? Do you enjoy reading eBooks?
If so, you should check out the Adel Public Library's collection of downloadable books!
The library offers a wide array of books available for free check-out through Wilbor, a consortium of Iowa Libraries.
These books can be read on your computer or transferred to a variety of different eReaders like the Nook, iPad, Kindle and many more.
Wilbor also has a large collection of audiobooks available for check-out. All you need is your library card.
For directions on how to use Wilbor check out the help page, stop into the library, give us a call at 515-993-3512, or send an email to laura@adelpl.org.
We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.
Mon. Oct. 3rd - Oct. 7th:
Olympian Week
Celebrate the release of the newest Rick Riordan book, "Son of Neptune," with Olympic sized challenges all week!
Stop in each day for a different challenge to earn raffle tickets to win the newest book!
Wed. Oct. 12th:
Early Out Movie -
1:30pm
Spooky Buddies
Tues. Oct 18th:
Teen Activity -
4:00pm
Stop in after school to make a fun Halloween treat!
Thurs. Oct. 20th:
Iowa Paranormal Advanced Research Team - 6:30pm
Think your house might be haunted? Interested in learning more about haunting?
The Iowa Paranormal Advanced Research Team will be at the library to talk about ghost hunting!
Fri. Oct. 28th:
Tri-Fundraising Event
9:00am - 4:00pm
1. The Friends of the Library Annual Bake Sale will be held in the library community room.
2. A Vintage Book Sale, also in the community room. An extensive collection of rare books is being offered.
3. Garage Sale will be held on the second floor. (The garage sale will also be open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 29).
Garage sale items are available for a free will donation.
Please remember that this is a fundraiser for the library and give accordingly.
Mondays:
Preschool Storytime - 10:30am
Children will play games, listen to stories, sing songs and make crafts.
Tuesdays:
Toddler Time - 10:30am
Join the fun as we read stories, sing songs, play games and make crafts.
Thursdays:
Music Time - 10:30am
Join us for singing, dancing, and action songs. Note, there will be no music time on Oct. 13th.
Library hours are:
Mon. and Fri. 10am-5pm
Tues. -Thurs. 10am-7pm
Sat. 10am-1:30pm
Laura Guth-Hanson
Youth Services Librarian
Adel Public Library
303 S. 10th St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Adel Public Library
|
or Recipe of the Month
|  | |
Cheddar Biscuits
When the girls were little I'd take them each out for their Birthday.
It was a chance to have one-on-one time with them. We'd go out for lunch and shopping.
Each of the girls would try and come up with odd places to have lunch. Something they could brag about.
Except my second daughter found a favorite she could never give up.
Her favorite spot to eat served seafood and all you can eat cheddar cheese biscuits.
Between us, we've eaten most of the items on their menu. But the biscuits were the best part.
Not wanting to wait 12 months to have more biscuits, she asked if we could find the recipe.
We searched through numerous cookbooks, this pre-dated online search and "secret recipes dot com", and tried a lot of near miss recipes.
Through trial and error we came up with a version of our own.
Give it a try, let us know.
Ingredients:
2 C. Flour plus additional for kneading
1/2 C. Dry Powdered Milk
2 T. Sugar
2 t. Baking Powder
1/8 t. Salt
1/8 t. Onion Powder
1/8 t. Garlic Powder
1/8 t. Dried Parsley
8 oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/3 C. Butter
1 C. plus 1 T. Water
Directions:Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly grease baking sheet.
Combine dry ingredients and cheese in medium bowl. Cut in butter to make coarse crumbs.
Stir in water just until moistened.
Knead dough 10 times on lightly floured surface. Pat into an 8 x 8 inch square.
Cut into 12 biscuits. Place biscuits about 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Serve warm.
Great with soup or fish!
Enjoy! |
What is DiscoverAdel.com?
| 
DiscoverAdel.com is a destination website.
Our goal is to inform everyone of the benefits of Adel. Not just those who live in Adel, but also our friends from around the world.
From unique shopping to award winning events to outstanding services, you will find it all in Adel, Iowa!
Bookmark
DiscoverAdel.com to check out new businesses, upcoming events, local stories and daily news. | Help the World
Discover Adel!
|
|
|
GraceJuliet Photography - Wedding Special
