Category Archives: Road Trip

Town Sign Project: Johnson County

I don’t want to get into too much of how much effort it takes on the backend of this website to make the part of the website you see. But for every picture that is submitted to THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE, it takes about 5 minutes of work to prepare that picture and put it on the website, so the rest of the world can see it.

Every once in awhile, I can jack something up in that 5 minute span. Despite my extensive use of a proofreader and a QA department. Yesterday, that happened with Elizabeth’s picture for Circle. It would take a long time to explain what happened, but the short version is, something bad. It might have been karma. Monkey Bread Hoax Karma.

Therefore, enjoy Elizabeth’s picture now:


WEEK 363 - CIRCLE - ELIZABETH NORDEEN
Elizabeth Nordeen

Lot of circles in that pictures!

My apologies. It will probably happen again.

One thing I forgot to mention about THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE for this week is that next Monday is Labor Day. While the government and schools and banks take the day off, there are no days off for Photography 139. The struggle is real! But I might not be in a position to send out any reminders. Plan your submissions accordingly!

+++++++

A couple months back I made it back to Johnson County to harvest the rest of their town signs. I took the majority of the Johnson County signs back in April when a family member was at the University of Iowa Hospital having surgery. Only one person was allowed in with them and I was the odd person out. Mostly because of my lack of medical knowledge. I spent the time waiting for the surgery to be over driving around Johnson County. Then I came back several months later and harvested the last two signs.

Here are some facts about Johnson County:
+ Population is 150,819 making it the 4th most populous county in Iowa. Below Scott County and above Black Hawk County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Iowa City.
+ Established in 1837.
+ This is pretty cool. Originally named after US Vice President Richard M. Johnson. As his name implies, he was a dick. Slave owner. Used the fact that he may have (but may not have) killed Shawnee Chief Tecumseh to political advantage. In 2020 the County Board of Supervisors changed the county namesake to Lulu Merle Johnson. The first black woman in the state to get her doctorate. Only the second in the United States. Making Johnson County the only county in Iowa named after an African-American and only the second named after a woman. (By my math.) On the other hand, there are several named after vile racists.
+ Home of the second largest university in the state, the University of Iowa. The first public university in the United States to admit men and women on an equal basis.
+ Birthplace of Ashley Joens. The greatest basketball player in Iowa State women’s basketball history.
+ Major highways are: I-80, I-380, US-6, US-218, IA-1, IA-22, and IA-27.
+ Adjacent counties are: Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Linn, Muscatine, Louisa, and Washington.
+ Currently at peak population.

The Johnson County Courthouse is beautiful. Possibly Top 10. Maybe Top 5. Well Top 10.


Johnson County Courthouse
The Johnson County Courthouse in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Johnson County Freedom Rock is located in Solon, Iowa.


Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

Johnson County Freedom Rock

With Johnson County completed, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 86 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

86 counties completed. 86.9% of the Cyclone State conquered!

West Branch is in Johnson County, but mostly in Cedar County. I shared the West Branch sign when I shared the Cedar County signs.

Here are the town signs of Johnson County:


Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
IOWA CITY
Population: 74,828 (+10,966)

Coralville, Iowa
Coralville, Iowa
welcome to CORALVILLE
Population: 22,318 (+3,411)

North Liberty, Iowa
North Liberty, Iowa
WELCOME To NORTH LIBERTY
Population: 20,479 (+7,105)

Tiffin, Iowa
Tiffin, Iowa
Tiffin
Population: 4,512 (+2,565)

Solon, Iowa
Solon, Iowa
SOLON
Population: 3,018 (+981)

Lone Tree, Iowa
Lone Tree, Iowa
WELCOME TO LONE TREE
Population: 1,357 (+57)

University Heights, Iowa
University Heights, Iowa
WELCOME TO THE CITY OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
Population: 1,228 (+177)

Swisher, Iowa
Swisher, Iowa
WELCOME TO SWISHER
Population: 914 (+35)

Hills, Iowa
Hills, Iowa
WELCOME TO HILLS
WHERE TOWN AND COUNTRY MEET
Population: 863 (+160)

Shueyville, Iowa
Shueyville, Iowa
Welcome to THE TOWN OF Shueyville
EST. 1855
Population: 731 (+154)

Oxford, Iowa
Oxford, Iowa
Oxford
Population: 722 (-85)

Sutliff, Iowa - Unincorporated
Sutliff, Iowa – Unincorporated
SUTLIFF
OLD BRIDGE – SCENIC VIEW – BOAT RAMP – TAVERN – FUN

Clearly the worst town sign in Johnson County is the sign for University Heights. Basically just a DOT sign.

But what gets Best of Show. What gets the purple ribbon. I like the sign from Shueyville and Swisher and Oxford, but this one is pretty obvious. It is Lone Tree:


Lone Tree, Iowa
Lone Tree – Best in Show – Johnson County

There are a couple of alternate town signs in Johnson County:


Hills, Iowa
Hills – Alternate

Lone Tree, Iowa
Lone Tree – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Best in Show – Allamakee County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Lone Tree, Iowa
Best in Show – Johnson County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

Next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT we will be visiting Washington County.

Black Hawk County Aux – Vol.2

This is the second and final collection of images from my time spent in Black Hawk County. On this trip I spent no time in Waterloo and next to no time in Cedar Falls because of time constraints and I frankly don’t spend much time in larger towns on these trips. But mostly cause of time constraints. However, the major thing I missed, that I wanted to see, was there is a dairy near Hudson that has kangaroos. Kangaroos! Yeah, let is soak in. Kangaroos! I will get there some day.

Here is the second collection of auxiliary images:


Black Hawk County - La Porte City
La Porte City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City
Worst. Store. Ever. – Actually they had some really cool stuff. See the next picture.

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City
I love a fine sausage… but they weren’t open.

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County - La Port City

Black Hawk County

Marshall County - Marshalltown
Marshalltown

Marshall County - Marshalltown

Marshall County - Marshalltown

Marshall County - Marshalltown

Marshall County - Marshalltown
I need to go back and see this with plants in it.

Marshall County - Marshalltown
Zeno’s – If you know, you know. If you don’t. Now you do.

Marshall County - Marshalltown
Van Gogh’s Marshalltown days are not talked about enough.

The next county that we will hit up for some auxiliary images is Dickinson and Emmet.

Black Hawk County Aux – Vol. 1

Several months back I cruised around Black Hawk County harvesting the balance of their town signs. It was somewhat of an abbreviated trip because I had to be in Marshalltown for supper with my friends from The Witch Hunt. Therefore there wasn’t a ton of auxiliary images from Black Hawk County. In fact, a good portion of the pictures from these posts are going to be from Buchanan County and Marshall County.

Here is the first collection of auxiliary images from the trip:


Black Hawk County - Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls – I did not.

Black Hawk County - Cedar Falls

Black Hawk County - Cedar Falls

Black Hawk County - Cedar Falls

Black Hawk County - Dunkerton
Dunkerton

Buchanan County - Fairbank
Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank
Their attempts to cover up some of the graffiti cracks me up.

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Fairbank

Buchanan County - Littleton
Littleton – I feel like this used to be a town sign that these people appropriated.

Black Hawk County - Jesup
Jesup – How is all this incredible stuff still up for grabs!

Black Hawk County - Jesup

Black Hawk County - Jesup

Black Hawk County - Jesup

Black Hawk County - Jesup

Black Hawk County - Raymond
Raymond – Purple Hawks

Black Hawk County - Raymond

Black Hawk County - Gilbertsville
Gilbertsville

Black Hawk County - Gilbertsville

Black Hawk County - La Port City
La Port City

There is still another collection of images from this road trip to share.

Town Sign Project: Allamakee County

A few months back I went to Allamakee County to harvest their town signs. Teresa went with my on this trip. I now firmly believe that Allamakee County is the most beautiful county in Iowa. If not, the whole Driftless Area is the most beautiful part of Iowa. I hope to go back up there this fall when the leaves change and do some more photography. Hopefully the scheduling works out.

Here are some facts about Allamakee County:
+ Population is 13,761 making it the 57th most populous county in Iowa. Below O’Brien County and above Cass County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Waukon.
+ Formed on February 20, 1847.
+ There are two theories on who Allamakee County is named after. One is that is was named after a tribal leader. The other theory is is was named after Allen Magee, an early trader. Whomever it was named after, still better than being named after human trash like Andrew Jackson.
+ Located in the northeast corner of Iowa.
+ Part of the Driftless Area, which means there was no ice there during the last ice age.
+ Home of Effigy Mounds National Monument.
+ Home of Yellow River State Forest, which is home to the only fire watch tower in Iowa. (Not currently in use.)
+ Major highways are: US-18, US-52, IA-9, IA-26, IA-51, and IA-76.
+ Adjacent counties are: Clayton, Winneshiek, and Fayette.
+ Population peaked in 1880 at 19,791.

The Allamakee County Courthouse is pretty ugly:


Allamakee County Courthouse
The Allamakee County Courthouse located in Waukon, Iowa.

The Allamakee County Freedom Rock is located in Waukon, Iowa:


Allamakee County Freedom Rock

Allamakee County Freedom Rock

Allamakee County Freedom Rock

With Allamakee County completed, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 85 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

85 counties completed. 85.9% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Allamakee County:


Waukon, Iowa
Waukon, Iowa
WAUKON
NEXT 2 EXITS
Population: 3,827 (-70)

Postville, iowa
Postville, Iowa – Partially in Clayton County
EST. 1849
POSTVILLE
Hometown of the World
Population: 2,228 (+1)

Lansing, Iowa
Lansing, Iowa
LANSING
Where Eagles Soar
Population: 968 (-31)

New Albin, Iowa
New Albin, Iowa
NEW ALBIN
WELCOMES YOU TO KEE HAWK COUNTY
SHOOKY FINK BASEBALL LEGEND 1917-188
Iowa’s Richest High School Baseball Tradition!
Population: 432 (-90)

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Harpers Ferry, Iowa
WELCOME TO HARPERS FERRY
Population: 262 (-66)

Waterville, Iowa
Waterville, Iowa
Welcome to Waterville
Population: 109 (-35)

Volney, Iowa
Volney, Iowa – Unincorporated
Welcome to VOLNEY
est 1852

I know I’m just loving on Allamakee County, but I think at the aggregate level, this county has the best collection of town signs. True, there are only 6 incorporated towns, and that helps, but I don’t feel like picking a worst one. Okay, it is Waterville. But even the Waterville sign would be the best in some counties.

But who gets the Purple Ribbon? I do truly love them all, but I am giving it to Harpers Ferry. The sailboat sign is just incredibly unique. But more than one sign from this county will probably make the book.


Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Harpers Ferry – Best in Show – Allamakee County

There is only one alternate town sign in Allamakee County:


Volney, Iowa
Volney – Alternate

Some of you might be wondering why I even bothered to photograph the Volney alternate sign, when it has probably fallen off by now. You know I love the old, decrepit, and the damaged. It is why Laura once very mistakenly accused me of having hipster tendencies. Elizabeth once told me that I was attracted to damaged people. Which now I think about it, is there another kind?

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Harpers Ferry, Iowa
Best in Show – Allamakee County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road, we will visit Johnson County.

Woodbury County Aux – Vol. 2

These pictures were taken on a trip I took with Jesse to Woodbury County to harvest the town signs of Woodbury County. However, all of these pictures were taken in Carroll County. Most of them in Roselle, Iowa in a church we stumbled upon. We were there on a Saturday night and the church was open for a Bible Study Group that meets there. Other than that service, there is no weekly mass at the church. They do the daily Catholic stuff there, but there isn’t many people left in the congregation. The church was recently restored though. It is absolutely beautiful. One of the most beautiful churches I have ever been in.


Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Glidden

Carroll County - Glidden

Carroll County - Glidden

The last three pictures are not of a Freedom Rock. There is only one Freedom Rock per county (except Polk County which has two) and the Carroll County Freedom Rock is in Manning. This rock is in Glidden. I think there are some alternate Freedom Rocks out there. But I haven’t looked into it.

The next time I share auxiliary images from THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, they will be from Black Hawk County.

Woodbury County Aux – Vol. 1

A few months back I cruised around with Jesse harvesting the town signs of Woodbury County. I actually took hardly any auxiliary pictures in Woodbury County because we were in a time crunch. We were meeting Bill in Harlan for lunch. So actually hardly any of the auxiliary images on this trip were taken in Woodbury County. Most of them were taken in Carroll County.

Here is the first collection of auxiliary images:



There is still one more collection of these images left to be shared.

Town Sign Project: Fayette County

A few months back I cruised around Fayette County harvesting their town signs. It was a good trip:

Here are some facts about Fayette County:
+ Population is 19,604 making it the 35th most populous county in Iowa. Below Henry County and above Jackson County.
+ The largest town is Oelwein.
+ The county seat is West Union.
+ It is hard to say when Fayette County formed because it was part of the Wisconsin Territory and then party of the Iowa Territory. It was organized into its current size in 1850.
+ Named after Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette. A French general who fought with the Americans in the Revolutionary War. You know, the guy from HAMILTON. “I dream of France without a monarchy/The unrest in France will lead to “onarchy”/Onarchy? How you say? How you… oh, anarchy!”
+ Home of Upper Iowa University.
+ Major highways are: US-18, IA-3, IA-56, IA-93, IA-150, IA-187, and IA-281.
+ Adjacent counties are: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, and Winneshiek.
+ Population peaked in 1920 at 29,251.

The Fayette County Courthouse isn’t bad. Very similar to Boone’s.


Fayette County Courthouse
The Fayette County Courthouse in West Union, Iowa.

The Fayette County Freedom Rock is located in Fayette, Iowa.


Fayette County Freedom Rock

Fayette County Freedom Rock

Fayette County Freedom Rock

Fayette County Freedom Rock

With Fayette County completed, here is the Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 84 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

84 counties down. 84.8% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Fayette County:


Oelwein, Iowa
Oelwein, Iowa
Welcome To…
OELWEIN
Population: 5,920 (-495)

West Union, Iowa
West Union, Iowa
West Union
WELCOME YOU
Population: 2,490 (+4)

Fayette, Iowa
Fayette, Iowa
FAYETTE
UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY
Est. 1857
Population: 1,256 (-82)

Fairbank, Iowa
Fairbank, Iowa (Partially Buchanan)
Welcome to Fairbank
Population: 1,111 (-2)

Elgin, Iowa
Elgin, Iowa
WILLKOMMEN
GRUETZI MITEN AND
GREETINS ONE AND ALL
ELGIN
Little Switzerland of Iowa
Population: 685 (+2)

Clermont, Iowa
Clermont, Iowa
WELCOMT TO HISTORIC CLERMONT
Home of Willaim Larrabee,
Governor of Iowa, 1886-1890
Population: 586 (-46)

Maynard, Iowa
Maynard, Iowa
City of Maynard
WELCOMES YOU
Where the River Flows North
Population: 476 (-42)

Hawkeye, Iowa
Hawkeye, Iowa
HAWKEYE
2 MILES
Population: 438 (-11)

Arlington, Iowa
Arlington, Iowa
ARLINGTON
Where Hills and Prairie Meet
Population: 419 (-10)

Waucoma, Iowa
Waucoma, Iowa
WAUCOMA
Just A Few Short Streets
Where Old Friends Meet
Founded – 1855
Population: 229 (-28)

Waden, Iowa
Wadena, Iowa
Home of The Lighted Cross
Welcome To WADENA
Population: 209 (-53)

Westgate, Iowa
Westgate, Iowa
Welcome To Westgate
Population: 192 (-19)

St. Lucas, Iowa
St. Lucas, Iowa
ST. LUCAS
INC. 1900
WELCOMES YOU
Population: 167 (+24)

Randalia, Iowa
Randalia, Iowa
RANDALIA CENTENNIAL PARK
Population: 50 (-18)

Oran, Iowa (Unincorporated)
Oran, Iowa – Unincorporated
Welcome To ORAN

Clearly the worst town sign in Fayette County is Randalia cause it isn’t even a true town sign.

But who gets Best in Show? There are some town signs in Fayette County that I really like. I like Waucoma. I like Wadena. I like Westgate. I like Arlington. I like Hawkeye. But my favorite is definitely Clermont. Backup the purple ribbon truck!


Clermont, Iowa
Clermont – Best in Show – Fayette County

There were a few alternate town signs in Fayette County:


West Union, Iowa
West Union – Alternate

Hawkeye, Iowa
Hawkeye – Alternate

Fayette, Iowa
Fayette – Alternate

Fayette, Iowa
Fayette – Alternate

Arlington, Iowa
Arlington – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT we will visit Allamakee County.

Plymouth and Sioux County Aux – Vol. 5

Here is the final collection of pictures I took on my road trip to harvest the town signs of Plymouth and Sioux County.

Lots more great art:


Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Sioux County

Next time we hit the dusty trail for auxiliary images from THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will visit Woodbury County.

+++++++

This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is FAMILY:


WEEK 361 - FAMILY

FAMILY! What a great theme for Year 9 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what exactly is a FAMILY photo? It is simply a picture of a FAMILY or something that comes from a FAMILY. An example might be a keepsake from a relative that has passed on. But don’t be hampered by the strict DNA definition of FAMILY. In the theme reveal image, none of the 3 people share any DNA. They were the judges for the Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest. They are a photography FAMILY. They are in the Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest FAMILY. The people that come here and submit pictures are a FAMILY of sorts as well. Even though I am the only one that has met every single one of you.

I should note that I am on vacation next Monday. I don’t necessarily have plans for that day yet, but it is quite possible that there will be no reminders going out that day. Also possible the submission post might be later in the day than usual.

Happy photo harvesting!

Town Sign Project: Winneshiek County

A couple of weeks back I tooled around Winneshiek County harvesting their town signs. Winneshiek County is one of the most beautiful places in Iowa. If I had to rank the most beautiful areas in Iowa, the Driftless Area would be first. The Loess Hills would be second. Then there would be a big gap and then the Des Moines River Valley.

Here are some facts about Winneshiek County:
+ The population is 20,090, making it the 32nd most populous county in Iowa. Below Carroll County and above Buena Vista County.
+ Decorah is the largest town and the county seat.
+ Organized in 1847.
+ Named after the Chief of the Winnebago tribe.
+ Home of Bily Clocks.
+ Home of Dunnings Springs waterfall, the pretties waterfall in Iowa.
+ Major highways are: US-52, IA-9, IA-24, IA-139, and IA-150.
+ Adjacent counties are: Allamakee, Fayette, Chickasaw, Howard, and Clayton.
+ Population peaked in 1880 at 23,398.

The Winneshiek County Courthouse is beautiful:


Winneshiek County Courthouse
The Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa.

The Winneshiek County Freedom Rock is located in Calmar, Iowa.


Winneshiek County Freedom Rock

Winneshiek County Freedom Rock

Winneshiek County Freedom Rock

Winneshiek County Freedom Rock

With Winneshiek County completed, here is the Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 83 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

83 Counties down. 83.8% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Winneshiek County:


Decorah, Iowa
Decorah, Iowa
DECORAH
Population: 7,587 (-540)

Calmar, Iowa
Calmar, Iowa
WELCOME TO CALMAR
EST. 1850
Population: 1,125 (+147)

Ossian, Iowa
Ossian, Iowa
OSSIAN
Est 1850
Population: 802 (-43)

Spillville, Iowa
Spillville, Iowa
WELCOME TO SPILLVILLE
Population: 385 (+18)

Fort Atkinson, Iowa
Fort Atkinson, Iowa
WELCOME TO HISTORIC FORT ATKINSON
Population: 312 (-37)

Ridgeway, Iowa
Ridgeway, Iowa
A NICE PLACE TO LIVE
RIDGEWAY
‘Where BIG Things Come In Small Packages’
FOUNDED IN 1867
POPULATION 295
Population: 275 (-40)

Castalia, Iowa
Castalia, Iowa
Entering
CASTALIA
Homes of Caring People
Population: 145 (-28)

Jackson Junction, Iowa
Jackson Junction, Iowa
EST. 1897
JACKSON JUNCTION

Winneshiek County, for being such a beautifully natural county, has a fairly weak collection of town signs. I’m going to have to give last place to Decorah. What a disappointment of a town sign for such a beautiful town.

For the purple ribbon. For Best in Show… hmmmm. I like the Calmar sign. I like the Ridgeway sign. But I’m giving it to Castalia.


Castalia, Iowa
Castalia – Best in Show – Winneshiek County

There is only one alternate town sign in Winneshiek County:


Spillville, Iowa
Spillville Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will visit Fayette County.

Plymouth and Sioux County Aux – Vol. 4

Time for another collection of images from my road trip through Plymouth and Sioux County to harvest their town sign. Most of these auxiliary images were taken in Le Mars. Le Mars has an incredible collection of murals to go with being the Ice Cream Capital of the World.


Plymouth County - Brunsville

Plymouth County - Brunsville

Plymouth County - Stuble

Plymouth County - Stuble

Plymouth County - Brunsville

Plymouth County - Brunsville

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

Plymouth County - Le Mars

There is still one more collection of images from this road trip left to share.