Early history and architecture American Gothic House

this side view evinces modest size of house; obscures of home s addition give glimpse of original design.

there no conclusive evidence explaining why dibbles chose place gothic windows on upper level. windows believed have been purchased through sears catalog. there 2 commonly accepted theories: dibbles may have wanted windows beautify home @ time when rural life in iowa struggle, or have been following trend in extravagant details desirable in residences in late nineteenth century, , dibbles chose windows costs have been relatively reasonable @ time.

the dibbles house foreclosed around 1897 after unable pay taxes, , moved portland, oregon 1900. exchanged hands several times until 1917, when gideon , mary hart jones purchased it. jones family owned house until 1933 (and notably added kitchen created west wing of house); thus, jones family allowed grant wood use home backdrop american gothic.