Our Birth
The Indo-American Association of Iowa was started in October 1973 with about 7-8 families (about 30 people) of Asian Indian origin meeting for a picnic at Union Park in Des Moines and it was then called the Indo-American Association of Des Moines. The main objective of this organization was to have some social interaction among the families and to provide an opportunity for their young children to learn about their cultural background and give expression to their talents. The association had a welcoming committee for Asian Indian newcomers and also provided help to them as they settled in.
Movies were rented from Chicago and screened at Iowa Methodist Hospital auditorium. India Night and Christmas were the major celebrations with food which was catered by the members and entertainments which usually involved dance performances by a “young” Penny Furgerson and her troupe. Picnics were common during the summer.