The first time Chris and I visited Dyersville, about 20 years ago, we came primarily because of baseball and the movie "Field of Dreams." But on that visit and every year since, we've met friendly folks and learned more about the rich history of the community.
We made sure to carry lots of water for Avu, who is still adjusting to hot and humid summers. She grew up in Barrow, Alaska's chilly and dry summers. But she was happy just to be with us.
After a six-hour drive, we checked into our motel, met some baseball fans and ran the bases at the Field of Dreams. Then on to the Ghost Players' game at Commercial Club Park. It was a perfect warm summer night. Lots of laughter, kids running after foul balls, fireflies, chatter, birds and more laughter.
Some hot dogs, pop and peanuts also
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Avu curled up behind us and just took it all in. We were fortunate to share a picnic table with some local folks, Pat and Jerry Even. Turns out they know a lot of the Ghost Players, who have various backgrounds, but all have that basic passion for the game and willingness to pass it on to youngsters. I was fascinated to learn more about town teams, and rivalries among towns across rural Iowa. This includes Dyersville versus Cascade.
This is what baseball is about, as the movie "Field of Dreams" and the Iowa traditions speak to. The feel of the grass, the smell of the balls and gloves, and the love of the game and its traditions - on the field and among the fans.
The next day I made a morning trip to the historic Dyer House, built by founder James Dyer back in 1850. Joan Kramer was there and gave me a tour of this first frame house in Dyersville. Before that, she said, folks lived in log cabins.
We checked out the doll collection, which includes over 1,200 dolls of all sizes, races and nationalities. More and more are coming in, she said, and they somehow find a little more space. I saw a tall redheaded doll that looked like one of my granddaughters who is now in college.
But I was also fascinated with household items from Dyersville's history, including a formidable old stove - with fuel including wood and corncobs. It looked like a lot of work to make a big meal there, but I bet every dish was a masterpiece! And manual clothes washers, and even a metal device to make pleats in a pair of pants.
We learn about Dyersville each trip and hope to be able to make many more visits. I know that Avu is ready, even in the hot Midwestern summers. The three of us keep making new friends around town. "Hey, hey, let's get more hot dogs and play two!"
- Finkler, a frequent visitor to Dyersville, relocated to Medford, Wis., in 2008 after previously living in Barrow, Alaska. He can be reached at ecfink1@ hotmail.com.