A celebration of one of Mount Pleasant’s most historic figures is set for next weekend during the Farmhouse Central Vintage Market in downtown Mount Pleasant.
The community is invited to Central Park on Saturday, May 23rd, to celebrate the 180th birthday of Arabella Babb Mansfield — better known locally as Belle Babb Mansfield. 
The event will feature live music from Maybelle Lou from 1 to 3 p.m., along with birthday cake and a chance to reflect on Mansfield’s lasting connection to Mount Pleasant history.
Mansfield became the first certified female attorney in the United States after taking the Iowa bar exam in 1869. That exam was administered inside the historic Union Block building overlooking Central Park — a landmark that still stands today. Mount Pleasant also honors Mansfield with a statue on central campus recognizing her groundbreaking achievement.
The Farmhouse Central Vintage Market will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Central Park and will include shopping, entertainment, and community activities throughout the day.
The birthday celebration is sponsored by the Henry County Bar Association.