T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY Diners Craig and Rebecca Haravedian of Marshalltown and Binford House Valentine’s Day dinner organizer Cynthia “Boo” Mansager converse on Saturday night.

Diners who attended either of the Binford House’s Valentine’s Day dinners over the weekend were treated not only to an extravagant five course meal but also a window into the early days of Marshalltown.

According to event organizer Cynthia “Boo” Mansager and Binford board member JoAnn Neven, there were only 10 sign-ups for the Friday night meal, but the number jumped to 28 on Saturday. In all, this is the fifth Valentine’s Day meal at the historic house and the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We wanted to make it really festive and fun and put the pride in it,” Mansager said. “I think people are excited to be here and be out and get back to their normal.”

Being closed for 22 months greatly affected the Binford Board’s ability to generate revenues for upkeep and general operating expenses, so seeing a strong turnout over the weekend was especially encouraging as board members begin to look forward and plan for the future.

The crowd on Saturday night was a mix of every year attendees and some complete newcomers, and Arlene Shelby kept them all entertained with her delicate piano arrangements ringing out through each room. The catering team of Missy Smith, Tricia Wilder and Leona Wallen prepared a meal that included a charcuterie board, salad, rolls, a main dish with beef tenderloin or salmon, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, and a black forest dessert.

The Binford House, which was built in 1874, is available to rent for a variety of private events including birthday parties, showers, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. The Binford board will sponsor an English tea event in May.

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Contact Robert Maharry at

641-753-6611 ext. 255 or

rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.