Two landmarks linked to prominent Iowans were added to the National Register of Historic Places Tuesday. The Van Meter farmstead where Bob Feller first warmed up the arm that would make him a Hall of Fame pitcher is now on the historic register. The Second Baptist Church in Centerville where opera singer Simon Estes first warmed up his vocal chords is also now on the list. Feller went from the Dallas County farmstead to the major leagues where he used a blazing fastball to throw three no-hitters and became a national hero in the 1940’s. The farmstead includes the barn where Feller practiced in bad weather, and a home he built for his parents. Estes went from singing hymns in the Appanoose County church in the 1940’s to become an international opera star. He still tours the world today. The two sites were added to the list in a ceremony in Des Moines for National Historic Preservation Week.
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