This locally-owned small business is a cross between a one-room general store and a fruit stand. They carry old-fashioned stick candy, bags of malted milk balls and chocolate-covered angel candy, along with a tempting selection of Midwestern jams, jelly and honey. The fresh fruits and vegetables were limited, but then it wasn't the right season for them either. I took one look at the shelves of containers with vegetable and flower garden seeds and couldn't wait for spring. It was a treat to chat with Bob, a knowledgeable guy with long expertise in the grocery business in the Ottumwa area. read more

There it was...BOB'S BARN...and since my first name is Robert I just had to stop in, little did I know what there was to greet my eyes. Some of the best Nuts, Jams, Cheeses, Jellies, Preserves, and on and on I could list but the most welcomed find was Bob himself. What a most Gracious, Kind, Personable, and Warm individual he is. I bought some Great Cashews and the best Peanut Brittle I have ever had along with a jar of Seedless Blackberry Jam but it was the conversation with Bob that has stuck in my mind long after the products were gone. We shook hands as I left but I couldn't leave right away so a second handshake was in order because as I travel continuously and knowing there is little chance that I will see him again I felt a little sad that I may never see him again. Fairfield, you are a lucky community because you can stop in at Bob's Barn when ever you want to and simply say hello to Bob and I am sure he will share a big smile. So if you are ever passing through Fairfield, Iowa, stop in, buy something but most importantly shake Bob's hand for you will have met an exceptional Man who still knows how to look you in the eyes and share his positive outlook on life. I left a better person just by carrying Nuts, Brittle, Jam in a bag. If this ever reaches your eyes, Bob, I wish you well and here's hoping the days are ones of Good Health. Robert John Biedermann read more