Van and the Matchsticks!

August 20, 2018

I love Iowa so much that a lot of my vacation time is spent right here in the state.  Most people have no idea the amazing things and people they can see without spending the time and money to get on a plane, drive a long way or travel by other means.  Whenever I tell people this, they always give me that, “Ya, you’re right" response. But I can tell they’ve not experienced it to the extent that they truly understand.  God bless Disney world, but holly cow……..time and $$$$$$$!

Here’s an amazing Iowan…Patrick Acton.  Here’s his amazing place….”Matchstick Marvels” in Gladbrook, Iowa. The guy’s work is sought out all over the world and he has been on every major national, international and local media outlet there is. He’s a history buff and a perfectionist.  He takes matchsticks and builds sculptures out of them.

No big deal right? After all when I was in Junior High, I saved Popsicle sticks, did some stacking, weaving and gluing and made a world class (?) fruit basket for my Mom. The only reason she loved it was because I made it. Nobody else even knew what it was. Besides, it fell apart when my Dad tossed the first banana in it.

But this guy, Patrick, and his work is absolutely unbelievable.  In fact I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen his creations with my own eyes. The USS Iowa, the space shuttle, our Governor’s mansion Terrace Hill, a huge replica of the United States Capitol, a historic cathedral and on and on. All of this at his Matchstick Marvels Museum in little downtown Gladbrook, Iowa. The detail is incredible, and if he can’t make it completely accurate, he won’t do it.  Isn’t Iowa great?!

 

 

 Then, on the way out of town I saw this garage. Is it just me or is it a bit crooked?  Bet Patrick could build the guy a straight one!