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Monticello, Indiana

Monticello is a city in and the county seat of White County, Indiana, United States. The population was 5,508 at the 2020 census. Monticello is known as a tourist destination in north-central Indiana and is home to the Indiana Beach amusement park on Lake Shafer, and Lake Freeman.

History
Monticello was laid out in 1834 as the county seat, with a post office established that year, and is still currently in operation. The city was named after President Thomas Jefferson's estate in Virginia.

Monticello, Indiana sustained serious damage by a tornado on April 3, 1974, part of the 1974 Super Outbreak that caused death and destruction across the midwest and south. The aftermath of this storm is recorded in the Herald Journal's book, Killer Tornado. The tornado was rated F4 on the Fujita scale. This storm killed eight people and was part of tornado family that killed 18, causing an estimated $100 million in damage. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, news outlets reported three hundred deaths across the United States and the creation of temporary morgues. The local paper said the aftermath was similar to a World War II bombing.

On September 2, 2005, Jordan Manufacturing burned down. The company manufactured outdoor furniture such as folding chairs, umbrellas, and seat cushions. Due to the materials used in making these products, four city blocks were contaminated with toxins. The blaze was large enough to require firefighters from seven surrounding communities to battle it and needed approximately "3000 gallons of water per minute for the first three hours of the blaze." While such a fire might not be a big event for a larger city, it had a profound impact on Monticello, as Jordan Manufacturing was one of the few manufacturing plants left in the city after a recession in the 2000s.

The Monticello Carnegie Library, James Culbertson Reynolds House, and South Grade School Building are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
Monticello is located at 40.74667°N, -86.76528°W (40.746709, -86.765359).

According to the 2010 census, Monticello has a total area of 3.686 sqmi, of which 3.47 sqmi (or 94.14%) is land and 0.216 sqmi (or 5.86%) is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 5,378 people, 2,179 households, and 1,319 families living in the city. The population density was 1549.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,457 housing units at an average density of 708.1 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 90.8% White or European American, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 5.5% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.5%.

Of the 2,179 households 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.5% were non-families. 34.6% of households were one person and 18.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age was 40.4 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 23.6% were from 45 to 64; and 21.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 5,723 people, 2,268 households, and 1,417 families living in the city. The population density was 2,047.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,414 housing units at an average density of 863.8 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 91.39% White, 0.28% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 5.96% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.22%.

Of the 2,268 households 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 32.2% of households were one person and 16.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.04.

The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median household income was $35,537 and the median family income was $42,831. Males had a median income of $30,478 versus $19,511 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,066. About 4.8% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The lakes and campgrounds are popular tourist destinations, but the most well-known was Indiana Beach, an amusement park on Lake Shafer.

The Madam Carroll, docked on Lake Freeman, offers scenic lake cruises with live entertainment. Dinner cruises are also held on certain dates. On February 18, 2020, it was announced that Apex Parks Group, the owners of Indiana Beach since acquiring it in 2015, would be closing the park and dismantling the rides. Indiana Beach has a new owner, and is going to remain open.

Education
Twin Lakes School Corporation is the school system in Monticello. The Schools are Eastlawn (elementary), Oaklawn (elementary), Meadowlawn (elementary), Roosevelt Middle School, and Twin Lakes High School. Woodlawn Elementary School was previously part of the district until it was closed in 2013.

The High School was heavily damaged by the 1974 tornado and had to be rebuilt. Students resumed classes in local churches and then in portable units erected near the location of the high school until reconstruction could be completed.

The town has a lending library, the Monticello-Union Township Public Library.

Notable people

 * DJ Ashba (born 1972), rock musician
 * W. E. Biederwolf (1867–1939), Presbyterian evangelist; buried in Old Monticello Cemetery
 * BJ Hollars(born 1984), an American author and artist
 * Gregory Wasson (born 1958), president and CEO of Walgreens

title: Monticello, Indiana


text:
Norway, Indiana

Norway is a census-designated place (CDP) in Union Township, White County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 386 at the 2010 census.

History
Norway was originally called Mt. Walleston, and under the latter name was laid out in 1845. A large share of the early settlers being natives of Norway caused the present name to be selected. A post office was established at Norway in 1898, but was soon discontinued, in 1899.

Geography
Norway is located at 40.78194°N, -86.76778°W (40.781877, -86.767850).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.9 sqmi, of which 0.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (6.32%) is water.

Norway is on Tippecanoe River just below the Norway Dam. The dam holds Lake Shafer, the home of Indiana Beach, an amusement park and campground. Norway's Southern boundary is also the Northern boundary of Monticello, the more populated county seat and just west of Norway there is the golf course and hotel resort, Pine View.

Despite the small area and population, the central location of Norway and the convenience of the Norway Bridge river crossing (connecting the more populated West Shafer and East Shafer Drives) have allowed for the continued presence and success of several restaurants and other small businesses.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 437 people, 169 households, and 126 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 491.4 PD/sqmi. There were 208 housing units at an average density of 233.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.40% White, 0.23% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.75% of the population.

There were 169 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,214, and the median income for a family was $25,486. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $16,154 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,681. About 15.6% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.2% of those under age 18 and 47.6% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Norway, Indiana


text:
Reynolds, Indiana

Reynolds is a town in Honey Creek Township, White County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 533 at the 2010 census.

History
Reynolds was platted in 1854 when the railroad was extended to that point. The town was named for Benjamin Reynolds, one of its founders. A post office has been in operation at Reynolds since 1853. Reynolds was incorporated as a town in 1875.

Geography
Reynolds is located at 40.75°N, -86.87361°W (40.750051, -86.873716).

According to the 2010 census, Reynolds has a total area of 0.55 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
Mean prices in 2008: All housing units: $189,808; Detached houses: $191,528; Townhouses or other attached units: $186,187; Mobile homes: $116,429

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 533 people, 215 households, and 151 families living in the town. The population density was 969.1 PD/sqmi. There were 244 housing units at an average density of 443.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.4% White, 0.2% African American, 2.1% Native American, 5.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.9% of the population.

There were 215 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.8% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the town was 38.8 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 547 people, 199 households, and 159 families living in the town. The population density was 1,036.2 PD/sqmi. There were 225 housing units at an average density of 426.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.58% White, 1.46% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 7.86% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.78% of the population.

There were 199 households, out of which 44.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.3% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 31.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,833, and the median income for a family was $74,083. Males had a median income of $42,250 versus $12,417 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,188. About 2.0% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

BioTown, USA
In 2005, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture began a program to make Reynolds an energy self-sufficient community, able to subsist almost entirely on locally produced alternative energy. Called "BioTown, USA", the pilot project involved converting local vehicles to run on ethanol and biodiesel fuels and converting animal waste into electricity and natural gas.

Reynolds was selected to become BioTown, USA because of its size, its easy accessibility by road and by rail, and its proximity to both large-scale livestock farms and to Purdue University (Purdue is located in West Lafayette, Indiana). This process has been slow but Reynolds still holds the title.

title: Reynolds, Indiana


text:
Wolcott, Indiana

Wolcott is a town in Princeton Township, White County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 1,001 at the 2010 census.

History
Wolcott was platted in 1861 when the railroad was extended to that point and is named after its founder, Anson Wolcott. Oliver Wolcott, an ancestor of Anson, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A post office, which with a zip code of 47995, the highest zip code within Indiana, has been in operation at Wolcott since 1861.

The Wolcott House was formerly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Wolcott July 4 Summer Festival has been celebrated every year since 1967 on the grounds of the Wolcott House, except for 2020 due to the Coronavirus outbreak. It is now (as of 2022) celebrated on the weekend prior to the 4th of July.

Major businesses in Wolcott (as of 2020) include Indiana Ribbon (one of the few decorative ribbon manufacturing plants left in the U.S.), Dwyer Instruments, the Bank of Wolcott (with branches in Remington and Monticello), and the Farmers Elevator.

Wolcott aims to become the quietest town in America after passing a new town ordinance in 2022. Town members can be fined for producing any audible sound that can be heard from a neighbor's property line. This could include a dog bark, normal conversations, generators, radios, wind chimes, etc. However, lawn and power tools are permitted.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Wolcott has a total area of 0.59 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,001 people, 385 households, and 272 families living in the town. The population density was 1696.6 PD/sqmi. There were 428 housing units at an average density of 725.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.3% White, 0.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 385 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.4% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the town was 39.4 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.6% were from 25 to 44; 27.2% were from 45 to 64; and 17.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 989 people, 392 households, and 272 families living in the town. The population density was 1,846.8 PD/sqmi. There were 427 housing units at an average density of 797.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.28% White, 0.30% African American, 0.20% Native American, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 392 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,563, and the median income for a family was $45,833. Males had a median income of $29,293 versus $18,990 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,875. About 4.7% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Wolcott is served by the Tri-County School Corporation. Tri-County serves five townships in three counties: Princeton, West Point and Round Grove townships in White County; Carpenter township in Jasper County; and Gilboa township in Benton County. Tri-County Jr-Sr High School is located approximately three miles southwest of Wolcott in White County; Tri-County Elementary School is located in Remington, IN while Tri-County Intermediate School is located in Wolcott. Prior to the consolidation with the Remington, IN schools to form the Tri-County School Corporation in the late 1960s, Wolcott was served by Wolcott Schools (Wolcott Elementary School, Wolcott Junior High School, and Wolcott High School). The first graduating class from Tri-County High School was in May 1972.

The town has a lending library, the Wolcott Community Public Library.

title: Wolcott, Indiana


text:
Churubusco, Indiana

Churubusco ( or ); often shortened to Busco, is a town located near the headwaters of the Eel River in the extreme northeast corner of Whitley County, Indiana, United States, in Smith Township, about 16 mi northwest of Fort Wayne. The population was 1,796 at the 2010 census.

History
Originally, the area of Churubusco was made up of two towns founded in the 19th century by European Americans: Union and Franklin (in honor of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin) that bordered each other across a railroad track. In the 1840s, the populations of both Franklin and Union grew large enough to qualify each for a post office. Before that time, residents of both towns had to trek 11 miles by foot or horse and buggy to nearby Columbia City to get their mail. Since the towns were in the same location, the Postmaster General ordered the towns to apply for a joint post office. The Postmaster General denied the use of either "Union" and "Franklin" as the new post office name, since both were already used by other Indiana towns.

After a community meeting, the residents selected Churubusco for the new post office, named after the site of the 1847 Battle of Churubusco, in Mexico during the Mexican–American War. At the time, after the suggestion of local school teacher Eliza Rich, the townsfolk thought it was as patriotic a name as Union and Franklin, since the United States won a large victory there. More importantly, they were certain no other Indiana town would already have chosen such a unique name. The Churubusco post office has been in operation since 1848.

The name Churubusco is a Spanish corruption of an indigenous Nahuatl toponym (place name) referring to a temple area celebrating the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli. It is bordered by the Rio Churubusco in Mexico City. The Spanish-Nahuatl word literally translates as 'place (or temple) of Huitzilopochtli (the left side or south of the hummingbird)'.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Churubusco has a total area of 0.9 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,796 people, 706 households, and 483 families residing in the town. The population density was 1995.6 PD/sqmi. There were 749 housing units at an average density of 832.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 706 households, of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the town was 33.9 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,666 people, 650 households, and 438 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,876.8 PD/sqmi. There were 692 housing units at an average density of 779.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.60% White, 0.06% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 650 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,583, and the median income for a family was $49,279. Males had a median income of $34,844 versus $22,161 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,814. About 3.2% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government
Churubusco has an elected clerk and town council-style. The Churubusco Town Council is a three-member legislative group that serve four-year terms; each are elected town-wide as at-large council members. The council elects one member from among its body to act as president of the council. That president sets agendas during council meetings. Beginning January 1, 2016, the Council began serving staggered terms, with two members serving a one-time, three-year term, and one member and Clerk-Treasurer serving a four-year term.

Culture
Churubusco is home to the oldest continually held festival in Indiana. This event is held yearly at the local park grounds and features many different rides, games, live music, and vendors for the enjoyment of people of all ages. Turtle Days is rooted in the lore of Oscar the Turtle or the Beast of Busco, a giant snapping turtle that reportedly haunted nearby Fulk's Lake in Allen County. Many have tried to catch the monster turtle but no successful attempt has ever been recorded. He has been thought to be the size of a small car. The lake he is rumored to hide in has been drained, but no evidence was found. A popular theory as to why this turtle is so elusive is because the lakes and ponds around Churubusco are connected through an extensive series of channels and streams; some of which are tunnels. Many locals have claimed to see the beast but until evidence can be found, Oscar will still be a mystery of Churubusco, Indiana. Churubusco has multiple murals and statues commemorating this local legend around the down town area as well as inside of Smith green community schools.

Churubusco recently completed phase one of the Downtown Revitalization Project, funded in part with a Main Street Revitalization Grant. The completed phase reconstructed sidewalks, added decorative lighting and landscaping features, and new benches and trash receptacles along the 100 block of North Main Street (US 33), enhancing the beauty of the downtown area. Churubusco's downtown is home to many locally owned shops including an antique store, two barber shops, a hardware store, a secondhand clothing store, and restaurants. One famous restaurant, Magic Wand, is located on South Main Street. It has been owned and operated by the same family since 1964 and is a family friendly diner that also has an outside ice-cream shop. This Indiana landmark is famous for its unusual decor, with the inside of the restaurant decorated with hundreds of clowns.

Churubusco Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Churubusco have been instrumental in creating events that have assisted in the improvement of the quality of life for town residents. Every August, Churubusco hosts the 'Busco Block Party. This free event features local merchants, live music, and other events. The Chamber and the Town have also partnered to organize Halloweenfest. Held the Saturday before Halloween, the event features a merchant trick-or-treat, costume contest, hayrides, and more. Hundreds of children attend the event and it continues to grow every year.

Education
Churubusco High School, Middle School, and Elementary School together form the Smith-Green Community Schools district which includes approximately 1,400 students.

The town has a lending library, the Churubusco Public Library.

Climate
Severe weather
 * On April 25, 1929, a tornado blew the roof off a service station in the town.

Newspapers
Churbusco has had seven news sources in its history, five of which have ceased publication.
 * Churubusco News, weekly tabloid newspaper, 1994–present
 * Busco Paper, weekly newspaper, 1914–1936
 * Daily Busconian, daily newspaper, 1910
 * Churubusco Tri-County Truth, weekly tabloid newspaper, 1891–1990, originally published as the Saturday Truth
 * Churubusco Sunday People, weekly newspaper, January 17 – May 27, 1886
 * Churubusco Weekly Herald, weekly newspaper, 1881–1882

Radio

 * WXKE 96.3 MHz Radio format: Classic rock

Notable people

 * Paul Ashley Chase, (1878-1946), co-founding executive of Warner Brothers Pictures with Harry Warner
 * Brent Gaff - professional baseball player
 * Harry Gandy, (1881–1957), former U.S. Representative from South Dakota (March 4, 1915 – March 3, 1921)
 * Craig W. Hartman, architect
 * Sharon Wichman, Olympic gold medalist swimmer

title: Churubusco, Indiana


text:
Columbia City, Indiana

Columbia City is a city in Columbia Township, Whitley County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 9,892 at the 2020 Census, up from 8,750 at the 2010 Census, estimated to be 10,064 in 2023. The city is the county seat of Whitley County, and is the largest community therein. It is part of the Fort Wayne MSA.

History
The first non-Native American settlers arrived in 1837 as a result of the end of the Black Hawk War and the Erie Canal. They were from New England - "Yankee" Settlers, descendants of the English Puritans who settled New England in the colonial era. They were primarily members of the Congregational Church though due to the Second Great Awakening many of them had converted to Methodism and some had become Baptists before coming to what is now Columbia City.

Columbia City was founded in 1839, originally just being called "Columbia". The name was later changed in 1854 since there was already a city named Columbia in the state. Many public debates were held to discuss different names for the city, but it was later only reduced to two: "Beaver" and "Columbia City." Eventually, the name Columbia City was selected.

The completion of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, & Chicago Railway in 1856 brought rapid growth to the small town, and from 1865 to 1875 the population would have tripled. Columbia City was incorporated in the state of Indiana in 1888.

The Whitley County Courthouse was designed (1888–1891) by Brentwood S. Tolan, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Thomas R. Marshall House was added to the register in 1983 and the Columbia City Historic District was added in 1987.

Geography

According to the 2010 census, Columbia City has a total area of 5.601 sqmi, of which 5.58 sqmi (or 99.63%) is land and 0.021 sqmi (or 0.37%) is water.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Columbia City has a hot-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Columbia City was 103 F on June 26, 1988, while the coldest temperature recorded was -24 F on January 19–21, 1994.

Economy
About 12 percent of Columbia City's population is employed in the manufacturing sector. This makes it one of the most important sectors in the city. Currently there are 6 businesses employing 50 - 350 people in the city. Those six companies are 80/20, Coupled Products, LLC, Alcoils, inc., Reelcraft Industries, Inc. ChromaSource, Inc. and Kilgore Manufacturing Company, Inc.

The city also has agricultural roots with it contributing heavily to its economy. Columbia City is 25 miles away from Fort Wayne, 20 miles away from Warsaw, and 69 miles away from South Bend, making it a strategic location for business.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,750 people, 3,658 households, and 2,235 families residing in the city. The population density was 1568.1 PD/sqmi. There were 3,944 housing units at an average density of 706.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 0.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 3,658 households, of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 36.1 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 15.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,077 people, 3,018 households, and 1,874 residing in the city. The population density was 1,359.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,191 housing units at an average density of 613.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.11% White, 0.32% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.

There were 3,018 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,112, and the median income for a family was $47,357. Males had a median income of $34,803 versus $21,740 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,296. About 4.5% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The city government consists of a mayor and a five-member city council. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote, along with the city councilperson-at-large. The remaining four council members are elected from individual city districts: northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest. There is also a city clerk-treasurer who is elected in a citywide vote.

The Columbia City post office has been in operation since 1854.

Healthcare

 * Columbia City is home to a Parkview Health branch.

Education

 * Columbia City High School
 * Eagle Tech Academy
 * Indian Springs Middle School
 * Mary Raber Elementary School
 * Little Turtle Elementary School
 * Northern Heights Elementary School
 * Coesse Elementary School
 * Faith Christian Academy

The town has a lending library, the Peabody Public Library.

title: Columbia City, Indiana


text:
Larwill, Indiana

Larwill is a town in Richland Township, Whitley County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 283 at the 2010 census.

History
Larwill was originally laid out and named Huntsville on November 13, 1854. On March 8, 1866, the town was renamed to Larwill in Honor of William and Joseph Larwill, who were railroad engineers. The Larwill post office has been in operation since 1866.

The Dr. Christopher Souder House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Larwill has a total area of 0.22 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 283 people, 100 households, and 69 families living in the town. The population density was 1286.4 PD/sqmi. There were 125 housing units at an average density of 568.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.9% Non-Hispanic White and 1.1% from two or more races. There were 100 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.0% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 12.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.0% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.36.

The median age in the town was 35.5 years. 26.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 12% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.3% were from 25 to 44; 27.6% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 282 people, 98 households, and 70 families living in the town. The population density was 1,266.9 PD/sqmi. There were 106 housing units at an average density of 476.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.94% White, 0.35% Asian, and 0.71% from two or more races.

There were 98 households, out of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.45.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 34.8% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 13.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,563, and the median income for a family was $40,556. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $19,688 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,154. About 13.2% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 9.7% of those 65 or over.

Notable natives

 * Jill Long Thompson, former U.S. Representative, former candidate for Governor of Indiana

title: Larwill, Indiana


text:
South Whitley, Indiana

South Whitley is a town in Cleveland Township, Whitley County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 1,751 at the 2010 census. South Whitley is a town in the Midwestern tradition of red brick buildings and tree-lined streets.

History
South Whitley was originally called Springfield, and under the latter name was laid out in 1837. A post office was established that year under the name Whitley. The post office was renamed to South Whitley in 1842, and still operates today.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, South Whitley has a total area of 0.91 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,751 people, 729 households, and 482 families living in the town. The population density was 1924.2 PD/sqmi. There were 820 housing units at an average density of 901.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 729 households, of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.9% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the town was 37.6 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 14.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,782 people, 742 households, and 482 families living in the town. The population density was 2,423.2 PD/sqmi. There were 791 housing units at an average density of 1,075.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.16% White, 0.22% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.51% of the population.

There were 742 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,114, and the median income for a family was $42,438. Males had a median income of $34,653 versus $21,221 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,766. About 7.0% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The town is served by Whitko Community School Corporation and contains South Whitley Elementary and Whitko Jr/Sr High School.

The town has a lending library, the South Whitley Community Public Library.

Media

 * WIOE-FM 101.1 is licensed to South Whitley, but is located in nearby Warsaw.

Notable people

 * Will Cuppy — humorist and journalist
 * Hugo Fox — principal bassoonist in Chicago Symphony Orchestra
 * Janie Fricke — country music singer
 * Albert Fredrick Ottomar Germann — scientist and academic
 * Jennie Bain Wilson — writer of Christian hymns

title: South Whitley, Indiana


text:
Adair, Iowa

Adair is a city in Adair and Guthrie counties of Iowa in the United States. The population was 791 at the 2020 census.

History
The Rock Island Railroad was built through the area in 1868, which led to the area being known as Summit Cut. This was in reference to the ridge that forms the watershed divide between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The town officially became known as Adair on August 20, 1872, when it was incorporated with the county. The town is named after General John Adair, a general in the War of 1812 who later became the eighth governor of Kentucky. Adair was the scene of the first successful train robbery in the American West when on July 21, 1873, the James-Younger Gang (led by Jesse James) took US $3,000 from the Rock Island Express after derailing it southwest of the town. The derailment killed the engineer.

A rare F5 tornado occurred near this town on June 27, 1953, although the damage occurred closer to the town of Anita. One person was killed and two others were injured.

Adair is recognizable from Interstate 80 by its tall yellow "smiley-face" water tower. Humorously known as "the happiest town on Earth", its roadsign warmly greets visitors with, "Welcome to Adair; it'll make you smile". Some of the local businesses incorporate the smiley-face tower image into their company logos.

Adair is mentioned in the 2013 Stephen King novel Doctor Sleep.

In February 2024, Adair Police Chief Brad Wendt was convicted on 11 of 15 federal charges, for conspiring to make false statements to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and illegal possession of a machine gun. "Authorities say he bought machine guns for the police department, then sold them for an almost $80,000 personal profit. Trial evidence showed he bought machine guns for his gun store, including a .50-caliber machine gun he mounted to his own armored Humvee".

Geography
Adair is located at 41.5°N, -94.64389°W (41.500094, -94.643839).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.22 sqmi, of which 2.20 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Demographics
The Guthrie County portion of Adair is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 781 people, 361 households, and 208 families living in the city. The population density was 355.0 PD/sqmi. There were 403 housing units at an average density of 183.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.1% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 361 households, of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.4% were non-families. 38.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 41.9 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.8% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 17.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 839 people, 366 households, and 214 families living in the city. The population density was 381.1 PD/sqmi. There were 404 housing units at an average density of 183.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.05% White, 0.12% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 0.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.19% of the population.

There were 366 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.5% were non-families. 39.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.51.

Age spread: 22.2% under the age of 18, 17.3% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,319, and the median income for a family was $42,847. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $22,941 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,557. About 2.5% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Adair is in the Adair–Casey Community School District, and houses Adair–Casey Elementary School and AC/GC Junior High School. Students attend AC/GC High School in Guthrie Center, a school of the Guthrie Center Community School District, under a grade-sharing arrangement.

title: Adair, Iowa


text:
Bridgewater, Iowa

Bridgewater is a city in Jackson Township, Adair County, Iowa, United States. The population was 148 at the time of the 2020 census. Bridgewater was founded in 1885.

History
Bridgewater got its start in 1885 when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad was extended to that point. A post office called Bridgewater has been in operation since 1885.

Geography
Mormon Trail Lake and Park are located outside of town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.29 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 182 people, 89 households, and 48 families living in the city. The population density was 627.6 PD/sqmi. There were 100 housing units at an average density of 344.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 89 households, of which 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.1% were non-families. 43.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 47.3 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 28.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.3% male and 46.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 178 people, 87 households, and 56 families living in the city. The population density was 620.7 PD/sqmi. There were 105 housing units at an average density of 366.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.44% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 87 households, out of which 17.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.50.

Age spread: 17.4% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 20.2% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 33.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,536, and the median income for a family was $31,625. Males had a median income of $27,188 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,780. None of the families and 7.0% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 6.6% of those over 64.

Education
Nodaway Valley Community School District serves the community. It was formed on July 1, 2000, by the consolidation of the districts of Greenfield and Bridgewater–Fontanelle. Nodaway Valley High School is the joint high school.

Notable person

 * Joy Corning, Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, was born in Bridgewater.

title: Bridgewater, Iowa


text:
Casey, Iowa

Casey is a city in Adair and Guthrie counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 387 at the 2020 census.

The Guthrie County portion of Casey is part of the Des Moines – West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Casey was platted in 1869. The community has the name of a railroad man. The firm John and James Casey, Contractors, from Erie, Pennsylvania, under John F. Tracy, President of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, built the railroad across Iowa, and through Casey, from 1866 to 1869. Most of the streets in the town are named for Union Army generals in the American Civil War.

In 2015 the City Clerk, Dorothy Dillinger, was indicted for misappropriation of city funds and burning down the city hall. She stole up to $300,000 in city funds and spent it on purchases at Victoria's Secret and Wal-Mart, among other places. Dillinger pleaded guilty in federal court and received a prison sentence of five years from judge James E. Gritzner. A new city hall and community center, which replaced the one destroyed in an attempt to cover up the embezzlement, had its groundbreaking in 2018. The estimated cost is $1 million. The majority of the building would be dedicated to community center functions.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.74 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 426 people, 174 households, and 109 families living in the city. The population density was 575.7 PD/sqmi. There were 215 housing units at an average density of 290.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 2.1% Asian, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 174 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 44.3 years. 26.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.6% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 478 people, 203 households, and 129 families living in the city. The population density was 649.0 PD/sqmi. There were 226 housing units at an average density of 306.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.54% White, 0.84% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.72% of the population.

There were 203 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.96.

Age spread: 26.8% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,000, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $27,917 versus $24,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,189. About 7.4% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Nicholas Lindbergh was elected mayor in 2019 and was re-elected in 2021.

Education
Casey is in the Adair–Casey Community School District, and students from Casey attend Adair–Casey Elementary School and AC/GC Junior High School in Adair. Students attend AC/GC High School in Guthrie Center, a school of the Guthrie Center Community School District, under a grade-sharing arrangement.

Notable People
Thomas William Duncan, author, was born and raised in Casey at 610 Wallace Street. He wrote circus novels, his most famous of which was Gus the Great, (1947). He died in 1987 in Las Cruces, New Mexico and was buried in an unmarked grave which remained so until 2015. He is the namesake of the local library.

title: Casey, Iowa


text:
Fontanelle, Iowa

Fontanelle is a city in Summerset Township, Adair County, Iowa, United States. The population was 676 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Fontanelle was platted in 1855, by New York state native James C. Gibbs (1820–1907), who followed the arrival of a transient named Collins. In the summer of that year, Gibbs purchased lots on the northeast of the city square where he constructed a large log cabin. He brought his family there to live. Gibbs ran a hotel out of the log cabin briefly. He died in 1907, aged 86, and is buried with his wife, Phoebe, in Fontanelle Cemetery.

D. M. Valentine purchased lots immediately to the west of Gibbs', thus becoming the second settler.

The city is named for chief Logan Fontanelle of the Omaha tribe, son of the French fur trader Lucien Fontanelle of the American Fur Company and an Omaha tribeswoman.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.96 sqmi, all land.

The local terrain is rolling with a few ravines near the streams. The east branch of the Nodaway River enters Fontanelle in its northwest quadrant.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 672 people, 304 households, and 164 families living in the city. The population density was 700.0 PD/sqmi. There were 336 housing units at an average density of 350.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.7% White, 0.1% from other races, and 0.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 304 households, of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.1% were non-families. 41.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 48.2 years. 22.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.2% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 26.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 692 people, 305 households, and 186 families living in the city. The population density was 775.6 PD/sqmi. There were 328 housing units at an average density of 367.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.42% White, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 305 households, out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.70.

20.2% were under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 19.4% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 34.2% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,328, and the median income for a family was $39,861. Males had a median income of $30,000 versus $20,550 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,352. About 3.6% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Nodaway Valley Community School District serves the community. It was formed on July 1, 2000, by the consolidation of the districts of Greenfield and Bridgewater–Fontanelle. Nodaway Valley High School is the joint high school.

Media
The city's newspaper is The Fontanelle Observer, which now has a page on the website of the Creston News Advertiser. The office of the Observer is on 5th Street.

Defunct newspapers include The Fontanelle Register (established in 1862) and The Fontanelle Reporter (1879).

Churches
There are two churches in Fontanelle: a United Methodist and an Emmanuel Lutheran, established in 1874.

Notable people

 * Clel Baudler, politician
 * Donald D. Clayton, astrophysicist
 * Henry Winfield Haldeman, physician who practiced in the town

title: Fontanelle, Iowa


text:
Greenfield, Iowa

Greenfield is a city in and the county seat of Adair County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 2,062.

History
The area around Greenfield was settled in 1854. The plan for the town of Greenfield was created in 1856 when the land was purchased by Milton C. Munger. Munger is responsible for the design of Greenfield's unique Lancaster-style town square, and the city park located at Grant and NE Second Street was also included in the original plat. Greenfield is named after Greenfield, Massachusetts. Greenfield became the county seat in 1875, after battling out nearby Fontanelle for the title. The city was incorporated on May 22, 1876.

Greenfield is home to four entries on the National Register of Historic Places, the E. E. Warren Opera House listed in 1970; the Adair County Courthouse, listed in 1981; the Adair County Democrat/Adair County Free Press building, listed 2012; and Hotel Greenfield, listed 2012.

The Free press building is 19th-century Commercial in style, with Romanesque features on its façade. It was erected in 1903 by Edwin J. Sidey and his father John S. Sidey, founders of the Adair County Democrat in 1889, later the Adair County Free Press. Edwin's son Kenneth (1895–1976) and grandson Edwin J. Sidey (1925–2008) succeeded as publishers and editors. Well-known White House reporter forTime/Life and author Hugh Sidey (1927–2005), brother of Edwin J., was also closely associated over time with the family's journalism and photojournalism legacies. Publisher/Editor Linda E. Sidey, widow of Edwin J., relocated the newspaper business and its associated photo gallery to 141 Public Square in December 2010.

2024 tornado
On May 21, 2024, a violent EF4 tornado struck the town. Many homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, including some that were leveled, vehicles and outbuildings were destroyed, power poles were snapped, and trees were shredded. Four people were killed in the town (another fatality was confirmed near Corning) and at least 35 others were injured.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.81 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,982 people, 894 households, and 537 families residing in the city. The population density was 1095.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,000 housing units at an average density of 552.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 894 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.9% were non-families. Of all households, 35.8% were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the city was 45.2 years; 22.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 24% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,129 people, 937 households, and 580 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,172.6 PD/sqmi. There were 999 housing units at an average density of 550.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.20% White, 0.05% African American, 0.38% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.42% of the population.

There were 937 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. Of all households, 34.2% were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.82.

Age spread: 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 26.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,869, and the median income for a family was $42,872. Males had a median income of $29,792 versus $22,091 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,444. About 7.7% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.0% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
In 1995, Greenfield became affiliated with the Main Street Iowa program, to rejuvenate the downtown area. The Main Street Approach was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center with the goal of economic development within the context of historic preservation. Every year Main Street Iowa awards the member communities for their efforts. Greenfield has won awards every year since it became a Main Street town.

Adair County Courthouse
Greenfield's unique Courthouse, built in Romanesque style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, was constructed in 1891 after the original was destroyed in a fire. The Courthouse was designed by S. E. Maxon. The country's wars have taken their toll on artifacts surrounding the structure. A gazebo on the south lawn was burned during a World War I victory celebration and cannon that once decorated both entrances were melted down during a World War II scrap iron drive.

Warren Cultural Center / E. E. Warren Opera House
The E. E. Warren Opera House was constructed on the site of the old courthouse in 1896. The three-story structure was built by E. E. Warren and his wife, Eva. Edward Earnest Warren was born in New London, Iowa on March 31, 1862. In 1884, Edward married Eva Mary Viers from Fontanelle, Iowa. Eva was born in Washington, Iowa in 1863. The Warrens built their new store and opera house in 1896, in company with John J. Hetherington. Mr Hetherington was born in Pennsylvania in 1842. The idea of a building containing both a store and opera house was first announced in Greenfield in 1895. The building site was formerly occupied by the original courthouse which had burned down. The building's store conducted its grand opening on December 1, 1896. The storefront windows had been curtained until the opening ceremony. At 7:30 pm the curtains were raised and the crowd rushed the door, breaking it from the force. A string quintet provided live music for visitors. Upstairs the Opera House was awaiting its chairs. Mr Warren finally had his own store building. In 1913, the business became titled "Warren Dry Goods Company". Eva worked as the company's bookkeeper. Mr Hetherington was simultaneously building his new store alongside the E. E. Warren Opera House.

In the early years, the Opera House hosted traveling theatrical troupes, medicine shows, musical productions and local theatre. Though the upper floors declined in usage, the ground floor was used as retail space until 1990. The Opera House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

In 1996, the E. E. Warren Opera House Association was formed to save and restore the building and its integrity. The association has made numerous structural and aesthetic improvements to the interior and exterior of the building. The association recently acquired the adjacent Hetherington Building and Taylor Building. The mission of the association is to create a cultural center which will promote all forms of the arts. There will be retail and dining space to enhance the visitor's experience and the facility aims to support live theatre performances, concerts, art exhibits and many more entertaining events. The completed renovation will be known as The Warren Cultural Center, with grand opening in May 2012. Upcoming events can be followed online at http://www.warrenoperahouse.com/

Hotel Greenfield
Hotel Greenfield, operated by ADCO Enterprises, LC, dates to 1920, the city's fourth hotel and the third at 110 East Iowa Street, preceded at this site by The Wilson Hotel and later the Commercial Hotel. It is the largest commercial building in the central business district. Many early hotel patrons traveled to town by the C, B & Q freight-passenger train and were shuttled from the south Greenfield depot. Others arrived by automobile via Iowa's developing highway system.

Despite the shadow of the Great War (WW I) local boosters were yet able to capitalize a 32-room state-of-the-art lodge at a cost of $65,000. Regional architect William Gordon designed the Classical Revival (Commercial) style building, to be constructed starting in 1919. It was completed and furnished by 1920. A gala Grand Opening was featured June 3, 1920, with William Don Carlos and George Musmaker toastmasters of the evening.

The original “Greenfield Hotel Company” of April 8, 1919, was founded by local business owners and town boosters as a community improvement project, more than as a profit-making enterprise, as such. The company, an Iowa corporation, owned the hotel until July 12, 1951. Lawyer George Musmaker, president, and banker Jay Howe, secretary-treasurer, were two of the company's primary leaders during those first 32 years. Individuals and families owned and operated the business after that.

Freedom Rock
The Freedom Rock is a large boulder that marks the entrance to an old rock quarry. Beginning in 1999, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II has painted the rock every Memorial Day with different patriotic images and sayings in support of the United States military. There are also several murals throughout Adair County featuring Bubba's patriotic artwork.

Iowa Aviation Museum
The Iowa Aviation Museum celebrates Iowa's aviation heritage from the state's first recorded flight in 1910 to its native sons and daughters exploring the universe.

Adair County Heritage Museum Complex
Established in 1986, the Adair County Heritage Museum is a five-acre complex dedicated to preserving and display- in the history of Adair County for the benefit and enlightenment of future generations. Located on the west edge of Greenfield, it is operated by the Adair County Historical Society.

Schildberg Antique Car Collection
Dennis Schildberg, a local car collector, needed a location to house his extensive collection of antique cars. After remodeling an old Ford dealership building, he was able to house his cars and display them for the public to enjoy. He started collecting cars with his wife Marlene in the early 1960s, and since then they have collected over 15 antique vehicles. All the vehicles are in running condition except a 1936 Chevy.

In 1982, Schildberg started restoring the cars. The Schildbergs involve their cars in parades and car shows. Although Schildberg died in 1992, his collection is still available to the public. The museum is open by appointment and for special local events.

Parks and recreation
The Ken Sidey Nature Area is located 2+1/2 mi miles southwest of Greenfield at 2521 Lewis Avenue. There are 107 acre of timberland and 3 mi of walking trails. Ken Sidey Nature Area is owned by the Adair County Conservation Board.

Education
Nodaway Valley Community School District serves the community. It was formed on July 1, 2000, by the consolidation of the districts of Greenfield and Bridgewater–Fontanelle.

The district's only high school, Nodaway Valley High School, and the district's only elementary school, Nodaway Valley East Elementary, are in Greenfield.

Filming location
Greenfield was the primary location for the filming of the 1971 satirical comedy film Cold Turkey, produced by Norman Lear, starring Dick Van Dyke. The movie involved a town that accepted a challenge to quit smoking for 30 days. Greenfield also rose to the challenge and went "Cold Turkey" with 166 of its citizens signing Stop Smoking pledges. In 1999, a "Cold Turkey" reunion was held with Lear and several original cast members in attendance. Greenfield and surrounding communities renewed anti-smoking pledges. Portions of the 2009 thriller Peacock were filmed in Greenfield and other towns in Adair County.

title: Greenfield, Iowa


text:
Orient, Iowa

Orient is a city in Orient Township, Adair County, Iowa, United States. The population was 368 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Orient was incorporated on March 21, 1882, on land set aside by the nearby Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.45 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 408 people, 169 households, and 118 families living in the city. The population density was 906.7 PD/sqmi. There were 186 housing units at an average density of 413.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 169 households, of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.2% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 29% were from 45 to 64; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 402 people, 167 households, and 111 families living in the city. The population density was 863.4 PD/sqmi. There were 179 housing units at an average density of 384.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.51% White, 0.25% Native American, and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 167 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.5% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.02.

Age spread: 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,750, and the median income for a family was $39,219. Males had a median income of $28,438 versus $21,477 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,937. About 3.2% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 17.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Orient-Macksburg Community School District operates area public schools.

Steve McClain
Assistant basketball coach for the Georgia Bulldogs men's basketball team.

Dazzy Vance
National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance was born in Orient in 1891. Vance played professional baseball for twenty years, from his debut game in 1915 until his final game in 1935. Known for his blazing fastball, Vance is still the only pitcher in history to top the National League in strikeouts seven consecutive seasons. He earned the Triple Crown of pitching in 1924 and was also named Most Valuable Player that same year. Vance was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.

Henry A. Wallace
U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace (1941–45) was born on a farm near Orient in 1888. The original farmstead is now home to the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center, a popular tour site. Wallace founded seed corn company Pioneer Hi-Bred in 1926 and was an editor of Wallace's Farmer magazine. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Wallace to be US Secretary of Agriculture (1933–41) at the depth of the Great Depression. He also served as US Secretary of Commerce (1945–46); and later ran unsuccessfully for President on the Progressive Party ticket in 1948. Wallace was a key figure in assisting Roosevelt to formulate “New Deal” economic recovery policies and in helping the US prepare to join the Allies in defeating Japan and Germany in World War II. He was named the “Most Influential Iowan of the 20th Century” in 1999 by the Des Moines Register.

title: Orient, Iowa


text:
Stuart, Iowa

Stuart is a city in Lincoln Township, Adair County, and in Stuart Township, Guthrie County, in the U.S. state of Iowa. That part of the city within Guthrie County is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,782 at the 2020 census.

History
Stuart got its start in the late 1860s, following construction of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad through the territory. It is named for Charles Stuart, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to the city.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.58 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,648 people, 667 households, and 423 families living in the city. The population density was 638.8 PD/sqmi. There were 746 housing units at an average density of 289.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 667 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.6% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 41.5 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,712 people, 695 households, and 460 families living in the city. The population density was 846.0 PD/sqmi. There were 742 housing units at an average density of 366.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.36% White, 0.06% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.53% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.

There were 695 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.

24.3% were under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,491, and the median income for a family was $41,600. Males had a median income of $31,156 versus $21,638 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,113. About 6.6% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Stuart is within the West Central Valley Community School District. The district was established on July 1, 2001 by the merger of the Stuart-Menlo Community School District and the Dexfield Community School District. The former was established on July 1, 1971 by the merger of the Stuart and Menlo school districts.

Notable people

 * Osborn Deignan - received Medal of Honor for actions in the Spanish–American War
 * William R. Peers - United States Army Lieutenant General - Best known for presiding over the Peers Commission of the My Lai Massacre and for service with Detachment 101
 * Buck Shaw - offensive tackle who blocked for George Gipp on Knute Rockne's first undefeated University of Notre Dame football team, winner of two Sugar Bowls as Head Coach of Santa Clara University, the first football head coach at the United States Air Force Academy, the Philadelphia Eagles head coach who won 1960 NFL Championship, and the only coach to have beaten Vince Lombardi in the playoffs.
 * A. H. Wilkinson- Wisconsin state senator; born in Stuart.

title: Stuart, Iowa


text:
Carbon, Iowa

Carbon is a rural hamlet in Douglas Township, Adams County, Iowa, United States. The population was 36 at the 2020 census. There is a church at Carbon, and a community center, and no other businesses or services. It is the 24th smallest place in Iowa by population.

As of 2021, the hamlet is included in the United States Census Bureau's census-designated place bearing its name.

Other places in Iowa have been named Carbon: there was a Carbon Post Office in Davis County, six miles south of Ottumwa, that operated for less than a year in 1881. There was also a Carbon Post Office in Webster County, three miles south-east of Fort Dodge, that operated from 1870 to 1872. A post office on the latter location was known as Gypsum from 1902 to 1905.

History
Carbon is located on the Middle Nodaway River. This was home to the Pottawatomie, Oto and Iowa Indian tribes, until the treaty of 1851 forced their removal to Kansas or Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The first settler to Carbon was Elijah Walters, who established a sawmill there in 1849. He reported seeing huts and old camp fires but stated that the tribes had moved on, only to see an occasional "red man" appear and look over old camp sites and burial sites, then move on. Elijah built a mill on the Middle Nodaway river that became a great social center of its time.

The village was originally named Walters, after its first settler, but was renamed Carbon after the discovery of coal. The town was established in 1873, but was not incorporated until 1903. A post office was established in Carbon in 1874, but from 1877 to 1880, the name was changed to Shinn.

By the time of the Civil War, there were small coal mines along the riverbanks near Carbon. In 1894, there were nine coal mines in Carbon, of which five were then in use. Typical mine shafts were 80 feet deep, working a coal seam 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) thick. The town at that time was described as a mining camp. Unlike the vast majority of Iowa's coal camps, the UMWA had no union local in Carbon between 1900 and 1912; during that period, most of Iowa's coal camps were organized, and the largest UMWA locals in the country were based in Buxton and Centerville, Iowa.

By 1908, it was estimated that the total coal production of the county had exceeded 350,000 tons, despite the lack of any rail connections. Most of this was from the Carbon area. Coal from the Carbon mines was sold locally, with some sold as far away as Corning and other towns within a 25-mile radius. The two most notable mines in the area in 1908 were the Jones, Smith and Tindall mine, a new mine employing 25 miners, 1/4 mile south of Carbon and the J.F. Ruth mine, a year-old mine employing 30 miners, 1/2 mile northeast of town. Both used horse whims to power their hoists, and had minimal safety features. At the time, one other mine had recently been closed by a cave-in, and another was just being opened.

The heyday of the Carbon coal mines lasted approximately 75 years, beginning in the late 19th century and ending in the early 20th century. Carbon has always been known as a lawless town for those that like to fight. Many a gun fight did take place in the streets when the coal mines were booming. Until 1998, the only water supply was on what is now called the "pump road". On the edge of this road, sits an old hand pump. The pump has stood for over 100 years. Horse-drawn wagons would carry ice from the river and water from the pump back to town. Only one home within the Carbon city limits had a well. It was only in the late 1990s that rural water was finally piped in.

Geography
Carbon is located on the south bank of the Middle Nodaway River, just east of its confluence with Bull Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 34 people, 18 households, and 6 families residing in the city. The population density was 47.9 PD/sqmi. There were 21 housing units at an average density of 29.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% White and 2.9% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.

There were 18 households, of which 11.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 22.2% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 66.7% were non-families. 50.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.89 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 50 years. 17.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 11.7% were from 25 to 44; 47.2% were from 45 to 64; and 14.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 55.9% male and 44.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 28 people, 15 households, and 4 families residing in the city. The population density was 39.5 PD/sqmi. There were 28 housing units at an average density of 39.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 15 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 20.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 66.7% were non-families. 46.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 33.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.80.

Age spread: 21.4% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years.

The median income for a household in the city was $10,500, and the median income for a family was $0. Males had a median income of $8,750 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the city was $9,891. There were no families and 45.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
Carbon is within the Corning Community School District. Residents are zoned to Southwest Valley High School, operated by the Corning district, and shared with the Villisca Community School District as part of a grade-sharing agreement. It was previously served by Corning High School.

title: Carbon, Iowa


text:
Corning, Iowa

Corning is a city in Quincy Township, Adams County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,564 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Adams County. Corning is located just north of the intersection of U.S. Route 34 and Iowa Highway 148. Corning is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Johnny Carson. Daniel Webster Turner, who was governor of Iowa from 1931 to 1933, was born in Corning on March 17, 1877.

The town is named for Erastus Corning who owned stock in the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad which reached Corning on August 23, 1869 (resulting in the local depot moving from nearby Queen City to Corning). Corning donated a church bell to the Methodist Church. Corning also owned sizeable shares of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad and other towns on the railroad including Corning, Missouri.

French Icarian settlement
The first European settlers here were a group of French Icarians who came from Nauvoo, Illinois in 1852; they established a community near Lake Icaria, north of Corning in 1854. The new state of Iowa gave the town of "Icaria" a corporate charter in 1860. This community was dedicated to the utopian principles of Etienne Cabet and the democratic principles of the American Revolution and the French Revolution; this small French-speaking community considered themselves to be very patriotic Americans. In the 1860s, the community split between "traditionalists" and "progressives" (the latter favored women's right to vote). The "progressives" left the original site and moved to a new location about three miles (5 km) east of Corning's location. Although the corporation formally dissolved in 1878, some continued to live in the communal dwellings until 1898, making this the longest-lasting Icarian colony in the United States. Eventually the community disbanded and merged into the general population. Displays and documents about the Icarian community can be found at the Icarian History Foundation office and in the Adams County offices, both in Corning. The former colony east of Corning is slowly being restored with the help of state and federal grants, and it will become a historical site; as of 2006, only a couple of partially restored buildings and a very small cemetery (with grave markers inscribed in French) remain. Around the first weekend of June each year, Corning celebrates "Le Festival De L'Heritage Francais" in the French market.

American settlement
Nearby Queen City had been established circa 1854. Surveyors came to the location of Corning in 1857, though the area was largely uninhabited (except by the Icarians) until 1869.

The first Adams County seat was established by act of the Iowa Legislature on January 12, 1853, at Quincy. The building was later used as a schoolhouse and in 1932, it was torn down. In November 1872, the people voted to remove the courthouse from Quincy and locate the county seat in Corning.

Points of interest
The Corning post office contains a mural, Band Concert, painted in 1941 by Marion Gilmore. Murals were produced from 1934 to 1943 in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department. Gilmore's original entry won a federal-sponsored Forty-Eight States design competition in 1939 and depicted a Sunday band concert but a local jury of concerned citizens requested that Gilmore's image contain only actual architecture and landmarks in the downtown district and that she remove a cannon and an obelisk from the image. Gilmore made the changes to accommodate a WPA requirement stipulating that murals should "suit the taste of the local townspeople".

In 1996, Main Street Corning won the Spirit of Main Street Award, and in 1998 received the Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center. The Main Street program is a volunteer driven program. Main Street Corning volunteers have logged over 76,606 hours since Corning became an Iowa Main Street Community in 1990.

The Johnny Carson board has restored the birthplace of Johnny Carson according to photographs, with a museum available to visitors.

Festivals
Corning hosts Lazy Days of Summer on the last weekend in July. The weekend includes a BBQ competition, street dance, Doctors' Dash race, and other events around the community.

Parks and recreation
Lake Icaria is a 650-acre man-made lake, four miles north of Corning on Iowa Highway 148. The lake has a beach, marina, playgrounds, picnic shelters, cabins, primitive campground, non-primitive campground, and numerous nature trails. Lake Icaria offers great fishing with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, perch, walleye, and wiper. Boating and camping are very popular, bringing in visitors from all over Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. A smaller lake, Lake Binder, is located one mile east of Corning and offers a quieter setting for camping and fishing.

The Nodaway River has two tributaries that run through the area. The East Nodaway River flows through Corning, and the Middle Nodaway River runs four miles north of town and through Carbon. Both rivers are popular kayaking and tubing spots in the summer months and have river entry.

Sports
Corning is home to Adams County Speedway, which holds races on Saturday nights from April through September. Adams County Speedway is a part of the Whelen All-American Series, with Late Models, Modifieds, B-Mods, Pro Stocks, and Hobby Stocks.

Corning is also home to the Carnac Family Skatepark, a 1200 sqft skatepark built with donated money. Major donations included $75,000 from Corning native Johnny Carson, and $5,000 from well known skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.58 sqmi, all land.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Corning has a hot-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,635 people, 725 households, and 427 families residing in the city. The population density was 1034.8 PD/sqmi. There were 849 housing units at an average density of 537.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.2% White, 0.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 725 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.1% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 45.3 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 24.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,783 people, 803 households, and 452 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,132.3 PD/sqmi. There were 880 housing units at an average density of 558.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.16% White, 0.17% African American, 0.22% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 803 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% were single, and 43.6% were non-families. 39.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.87.

Age spread: 22.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,977, and the median income for a family was $45,227. Males had a median income of $26,667 versus $19,569 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,836. About 5.0% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary school students is provided by the local school district Corning Community Schools. The school system, as of 2013, began whole grade sharing with the nearby Villisca Community School District, and the Corning district operates jointly with the Villisca district, Southwest Valley High School, with the mascot being the Timberwolf. Students completing their studies previously graduated from Corning High School. The school's mascot and athletic emblem were the Red Raiders.

Notable people

 * Byron Barr, actor, Double Indemnity, Tokyo Rose
 * Johnny Carson, American talk show host and comedian, was born in Corning.
 * Horace Mann Towner, United States Representative from Iowa's 8th congressional district, appointed Governor of Puerto Rico from 1923–1929.
 * Daniel Webster Turner, Governor of Iowa from 1931–1933.

title: Corning, Iowa