County Historic Preservation Commission Recognizes Vicky Hinsenbrock and Ted Wilson

DECORAH -- At its May 12, 2025, meeting, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission, proclaimed May as National Historic Preservation Month. The theme of National Historic Preservation Month 2025, as designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is "Harnessing the Power of Place!" The Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission, in recognition of Historic Preservation Month, has presented its 2025 Certificates of Appreciation to Vicky Hinsenbrock and Ted Wilson. The commission recognizes Vicky Hinsenbrock for her efforts in preserving the Hinsenbrock-Bakke farm on Norske Road in Frankville Township. The farm dates back to 1859, when Norwegian immigrant Peder Bakke bought the land from his stepfather and mother. For almost 100 years, the farm stayed in the Bakke family. Hinsenbrock purchased the farm in 1993 and has invested much time and effort in its careful restoration. The farm includes a restored 1878 barn, featured on the Iowa Barn Foundation's All-Iowa Tour, and a limestone spring house, circa 1880. Hinsenbrock's home on the farm was built in 1882-83; its original limestone hitching post dates from the same era. Ted Wilson, an accomplished stone mason from Pleasant Township, is recognized for his efforts and expertise in helping to preserve a host of Winneshiek County stone structures. Wilson, a native of Great Britain, honed his considerable skills helping restore Wells Cathedral which dates to the 13th century, in Somerset, England. Wilson has worked on Spillville's St. Wenceslaus Church, Vesterheim's Jacobson Farm, the Frankville School, the Schulze Kiln in Decorah's Phelps Park, the Locust School, and the grotto at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina, along with many other public and private projects. Designing and building the Stone Arch Bridge at Dunning's Spring is the capstone project of Wilson's long and productive career. The nine-member Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission (WCHPC) was formed in August 1985, one of the earliest historic preservation commissions in Iowa. Its purpose is to identify, recognize, and attempt to preserve, record, and research buildings, archaeological sites, and districts with demonstrated historic value. Current WCHPC members include Steve Johnson (chair), Donald Arendt (treasurer), Roger Bergan, Ashley Christensen (secretary), Kim Glock, Dennis Karlsbroten, Elizabeth Lorentzen, Ronald Novak, and Greg Vanney. Steve Kelsay, Winneshiek County supervisor, serves as the Board of Supervisors' liaison to the commission.