Category Archives: Road Trip

Town Sign Project: Jackson County

Back at the end of January I went to Jackson County to harvest the balance of their town signs. This was a big one to cross off the list for me, because my strategy (if you can call it that) for this project has been all over the place. However, for a few months now, my strategy has been to finish what I call the cross of Iowa. All the counties north, south, east, and west of Boone County. From there, I will knock out the corners of Iowa. First the southwest, then the northwest, then the northeast, and then finally the southeast. Obviously, not everything has went exactly to that plan, as I finished the southwest corner before I finished the cross, but finishing Jackson County meant that the cross is finished and now I can devote myself to knocking out the northwest corner.

Here are some facts about Jackson County:

+ Population is 19,485. Making it the 36th most populous county in Iowa. Below Fayette County and above Poweshiek County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Maquoketa.
+ Formed on December 21, 1837.
+ Named after one of the worst humans to ever be President of the United States and undoubtedly the worst person to have an Iowa county named after them… vile piece of human refuse Andrew Jackson.
+ Home of one of the best state parks in Iowa Maquoketa Caves State Park. Also home to Bellevue State Park.
+ Home of the only Iowa town that is an island.
+ Major highways are: US-52, US-61, US-67, IA-62, and IA-64.
+ Adjacent counties are: Clinton, Dubuque, and Jones.
+ Population peaked in 1880 at 23,771.

For a modern looking courthouse, I don’t hate the Jackson County Courthouse:


Jackson County Courthouse
The Jackson County Courthouse in Maquoketa, Iowa.

The Jackson County Freedom Rock is located in Bellevue, Iowa:


Jackson County Freedom Rock

Jackson County Freedom Rock

Jackson County Freedom Rock

With Jackson County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 63 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

63 counties completed. 63.6% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Jackson County:


Maquoketa, Iowa
Maquoketa, Iowa
MAQUOKETA
Population: 6,128 (-13)

Bellevue, Iowa
Bellevue, Iowa
BELLEVUE
Population: 2,363 (+172)

Preston, Iowa
Preston, Iowa
WELCOME TO PRESTON
Population: 949 (-63)

Sabula, Iowa
Sabula, Iowa
Welcome to SABULA
Iowa’s Island City
Population: 506 (-70)

Miles, Iowa
Miles, Iowa
WELCOME TO MILES
Population: 408 (-37)

Andrew, Iowa
Andrew, Iowa
Welcome to the Heart of Jackson County
ANDREW
Population: 380 (-54)

La Motte, Iowa
La Motte, Iowa
WELCOME TO LA MOTTE
Population: 237 (-23)

Monmouth, Iowa
Monmouth, Iowa
Monmouth Co-Ed 4-H Welcomes You
Population: 129 (-24)

Springbrook, Iowa
Springbrook, Iowa
EST. 1906
Springbrook
Population: 143 (-1)

Saint Donatus, Iowa
St. Donatus, Iowa
ST. DONATUS
Population: 120 (-15)

Baldwin, Iowa
Baldwin, Iowa
WELCOME TO BALDWIN
Population: 99 (-10)

Spragueville, Iowa
Spragueville, Iowa
THE SPRAGUEVILLE COMMUNITY WELCOMES YOU
FOUNDED 1841
Lauren Sprague
“DOWN BY THE OLD MILL STREAM”
Population: 92 (+11)

It should be noted that Zwingle is also partially in Jackson County, but it is mostly in Dubuque County, so I will share that sign when we get to Dubuque County.

Jackson County is not a great collection of town signs. Mostly a lot of tombstone looking signs. It is very disappointing, considering that Jackson County is a very beautiful County. I love Bellevue and Saint Donatus and Maquoketa as towns, but they all have terrible signs. But I would have to give the worst sign to Monmouth, which is more a 4-H sign than a town sign.

There are a few town signs in Jackson County I do like though. Andrew is solid. As is Spragueville, but I’m giving the purple ribbon to La Motte.


La Motte, Iowa
La Motte – Best in Show – Jackson County

Preston is the only town sign with an alternate town sign.


Preston, Iowa
Preston – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer 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

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke 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

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

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

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas 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

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto 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

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

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 end up in Cherokee County.

Bremer County Auxiliary Images

Don’t forget, that if you want to enter Roundball Oracles – Year 17, click on the link below:

Roundball Oracles – Year 17

So far I think about 15 brackets have been filled out. The first ones filled out were by Sara and Shawn Lockner. I was very impressed!

+++++++

A few months back, I toured Bremer County harvesting its town signs. But I also spent a little bit of time in Black Hawk County and Fayette County. I also stopped in Marshalltown for a shake and to photograph their Freedom Rock. Here is a collection of the auxiliary images I took on that trip:


Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

Bremer County

In Plainfield, I came across the most fascinating park. There was this weird rock formation that was a memorial to WWI Veterans. But it was built before WWII, so it just references The World War. Then there was the strangest collection of rocks set up for display.

In the shelter area, sitting on the picnic table I found this:


Bremer County

It said “FREE GIFT” right on it! I was pretty sure it was probably left there by the Baptist church that preaches “Christ Coming Again”. I still don’t know if that was the case, but I will hold on to that theory until I’m proven wrong.

I texted a couple people, people who I only consider to be slight fun haters, on if I should take this free gift.

Shannon responded:

“I don’t think so…”

“But it is a free gift.”

“What is it?”

“Copy of the New Testament.”

“Pretty sure you already have something like that”

“But do I have one that I found randomly in some small town in one of the weirdest parks I’ve ever seen?”

She had no response to that.

I also asked Elizabeth. Her response came way late, well after I had already taken it:

“I’m sorry I didn’t see this sooner. But no.”

“Too late. But I might regift it. 47 counties done.”

“You took it??”

“Of course.”

As you may have figured it out, of course I took it. But where it ended up, well for that you will have to wait for another day. A day far enough into the future that you will probably have already forgotten about the Free Gift I picked up in a strange park in Plainfield, Iowa.

Town Sign Project: Palo Alto County

A couple months back I cruised around Palo Alto County harvesting their town signs.

Here are some facts about Palo Alto County:

+ Population is 8,996 making itthe 82nd most populous county in Iowa. Below Davis County and above Greene County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Emmetsburg.
+ Named after the battle from the Mexican-American War.
+ Major highways are US-14, IA-4, and IA-15.
+ Adjacent counties are Emmet, Kossuth, Pocahontas, and Clay.
+ Population peaked in 1940 at 16,170.

The Palo Alto County Courthouse is pretty awful looking:


Palo Alto County Courthouse
The Palo Alto Courthouse located in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

The Palo Alto Freedom Rock is located in Ruthven, Iowa:


Palo Alto County Freedom Rock

Palo Alto County Freedom Rock

With Palo Alto County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 62 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

62 counties completed. 62.6% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Palo Alto County:


Emmetsburg, Iowa
Emmetsburg, Iowa
EMMETSBURG
Cead Mile Failte
100,000 Welcomes
Population: 3,706 (-198)

Graettinger, Iowa
Graettinger, Iowa
GRAETTINGER
Population: 832 (-12)

West Bend, Iowa
West Bend, Iowa – Partially in Kossuth County
WEST BEND
EST. 1856
Population: 791 (+6)

Ruthven, Iowa
Ruthven, Iowa
WELCOME TO RUTHVEN & LOST ISLAND LAKE
Population: 725 (-12)

Mallard, Iowa
Mallard, Iowa
Welcome to MALLARD
WE’RE FRIENDLY DUCKS
Population: 257 (-17)

Ayrshire, Iowa
Ayrshire, Iowa
AYRSHIRE CITY HALL
ESTABLISHED 1882
Population: 133 (-10)

Cylinder, Iowa
Cylinder, Iowa
Welcome To CYLINDER
Population: 87 (-1)

Curlew, Iowa
Curlew, Iowa
Welcome to CURLEW
Est. 1884
Population: 37 (-21)

Rodman, Iowa
Rodman, Iowa
RODMAN City Hall and Community Center
A Small Town with a Big Heart
Population: 31 (-14)

I think is is pretty obvious that Ayrshire has the worst town sign in Palo Alto County. It isn’t even a town sign. It is the sign to their town hall. Rodman’s isn’t much better.

I also think the purple ribbon for Palo Alto County is pretty obvious. It is very clearly Mallard.


Mallard, Iowa
Mallard – Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Ruthven is the only town in Palo Alto County with alternate town signs:


Ruthven, Iowa
Ruthven – Alternate

Ruthven, Iowa
Ruthven – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer 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

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke 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

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

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas 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

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto 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

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

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we will hit the open road THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, we will end up in Jackson County.

Shelby and Mills County Auxiliary Images – Vol. 3

A few weeks back I cruised around Shelby and Mills County (and Pottawattamie County) harvesting their town signs. This is the third collection of auxiliary images from this trip. Most of these pictures are taken in Malvern. I loved Malvern! It is a small town with a thriving art community! That kind of thing is my bag, baby!

Malvern is definitely firmly entrenched on the list of towns that I want to visit and photograph more intently after completion of this project. Also on that list are Creston, Walnut (also briefly featured today), Mount Vernon, Amana Colonies, and Rock Rapids off the top of my head. I really should write this list down.


Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County - Malvern

Mills County

Mills County

Pottawattamie County - Walnut

Pottawattamie County - Walnut

Pottawattamie County - Walnut

Pottawattamie County - Walnut

Malvern accomplished everything I wished the Boone Art Council would have accomplished. Only the Boone Art Council ended in assault and it is a mystery if it will continue into the future at all.

The next time I share auxiliary images from THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, it will involve Bremer County and a mystery copy of the New Testament that I picked up, even though I was advised that I shouldn’t.

TOWN SIGN PROJECT: BUENA VISTA COUNTY

A couple months back I cruised around Buena Vista County harvesting the balance of their town signs. It was a foggy, icy, and excellent trip.

Here are some facts about Buena Vista County:

+ Population is 20,283 making it the 29th most populous county in Iowa. Below Mahaska County and above Carroll County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Storm Lake.
+ Formed on January 15, 1851.
+ Named after the Battle of Buena Vista from the Mexican-American War. It is surprising how many things in Iowa are named after things from that war.
+ Home of Buena Vista University.
+ Major highways are: US-71, IA-3, IA-7, IA-10, and IA-110.
+ Adjacent counties are Clay, Pocahontas, Sac, and Cherokee.
+ Population peaked in 1960 at 21,189.

For a modern looking courthouse, I don’t hate the Buena Vista County Courthouse:


Buena Vista County Courthouse
Buena Vista County Courthouse located in Storm Lake, Iowa.

The Buena Vista County Freedom Rock is located in Albert City, Iowa.



With Buena Vista County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 61 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

61 counties completed. 61.6% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Buena Vista County:


Storm Lake, Iowa
Storm Lake, Iowa
STORM LAKE
Population: 11,269 (+669)

Alta, Iowa
Alta, Iowa
WELCOME TO ALTA
Catch the Energy!
Population: 2,087 (+204)

Newell, Iowa
Newell, Iowa
WELCOME TO NEWELL
Population: 906 (+30)

Sioux Rapids, Iowa
Sioux Rapids, Iowa
WELCOME TO Sioux Rapids
IN THE Valley of Beauty
Population: 748 (+27)

Lakeside, Iowa
Lakeside, Iowa
CITY OF Lakeside
BEST LITTLE CITY BY A DAM SITE
Population: 700 (+104)

Albert City, Iowa
Albert City, Iowa
ALBERT CITY
“HOW SWEDE IT IS”
Population: 677 (-22)

Marathon, Iowa
Marathon, Iowa
MARATHON
Population: 230 (-7)

Rembrandt, Iowa
Rembrandt, Iowa
WELCOME TO Rembrandt
A Classic Since 1901
Population: 209 (+6)

Linn Grove, Iowa
Linn Grove, Iowa
Welcome to LINN GROVE
Population: 163 (+9)

Truesdale, Iowa
Truesdale, Iowa
TRUESDALE
100 USA
Est. 1917
Population: 69 (-12)

I think this is a great collection of town signs. It might be the strongest county I’ve seen so far! The only one I think is a bad sign is Alta. I don’t even think that is terrible. It is just that they seem to have made a sign out of a file that was too small and that has made the sign pixelated and doesn’t look very good.

There are so many town signs I love here and when I put together the book I can see at least two of these being included in it. I don’t know what the exact plan for the book is going to be, but I’m leaning towards including 100 town signs in the book. The 100 best in Iowa. Which means many counties won’t be represented and a few counties like Buena Vista could have several.

I love the Albert City sign. I love the sign for Sioux Rapids, Marathon, and Rembrandt as well. But only one town sign includes a giant lighthouse. That means that Storm Lake gets a rare purple ribbon for a county seat!


Storm Lake, Iowa
Storm Lake – Best in Show – Buena Vista County

There are a couple of alternate town signs in Buena Vista County:


Storm Lake, Iowa
Storm Lake – Alternate

Rembrandt, Iowa
Rembrandt – Alternate

Albert City, Iowa
Albert City – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer 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

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke 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

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

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas 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

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page 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

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

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 cruise the roads or Palo Alto County.

TOWN SIGN PROJECT: IOWA COUNTY

Before I get into the meat of today’s post, here is my reminder that if you live in the city limits of Boone, then you should get out and vote today. I won’t tell you how to vote, that is the job of the Facebook algorithm.

But today is the day to vote on Public Measure A:

“Shall the following public measure be adopted?

Shall the City of Boone, Iowa issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 for the purpose of the construction, improvement, and equipping of a wellness and recreation center facility?”

So if you live in the city limits of Boone, get out and vote!

+++++++

A few weeks back I made a trip to Iowa County to harvest their town signs.

Here are some facts about Iowa County:
+ Population is 16,662 making it the 44th most populous county in Iowa. Below Hardin County and above Madison County.
+ The largest town is Williamsburg.
+ The county seat is Marengo.
+ Formed on February 17, 1843 and named after the Iowa River.
+ Home of the Amana Colonies a group of settlements of German Pietists who lived communal life until the mid-1930s.
+ Major highways are I-89, US-6, US-151, IA-21, IA-149, IA-220, and IA-212.
+ Adjacent counties are Benton, Linn, Johnson, Washington, Keokuk, Poweshiek, and Tama.
+ Population peaked in 1900 at 19,554.

The Iowa County Courthouse is cool looking:


Iowa County Courthouse
The Iowa County Courthouse located in Marengo, Iowa.

The Iowa County Freedom Rock is located in Marengo, Iowa:


Iowa County Freedom Rock

Iowa County Freedom Rock

Iowa County Freedom Rock

Iowa County Freedom Rock

Iowa County Freedom Rock

With Iowa County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project
PURPLE=COMPLETED

60 counties completed. 60.6% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Iowa County:


Williamsburg, Iowa
Williamsburg, Iowa
Williamsburg
Population: 3,346 (+278)

Marengo, Iowa
Marengo, Iowa
MARENGO
OUR TOWN
MAKE IT YOURS
Population: 2,435 (-93)

North English, Iowa
North English, Iowa (Partially Keokuk County)
Welcome to NORTH ENGLISH
Home of the English Valleys Bears
Population: 1,065 (+24)

Victor, Iowa
Victor, Iowa (Partially Poweshiek County)
VICTOR
Population: 875 (-18)

Ladora, Iowa
Ladora, Iowa
LADORA, IA
Population: 229 (-54)

Parnell, Iowa
Parnell, Iowa
WELCOME TO PARNELL
Population: 194 (+1)

Millersburg, Iowa
Millersburg, Iowa
Millersburg
EST. 1852
Population: 135 (-24)

Amana Colonies, Iowa - Unincorporated
Amana Colonies, Iowa – Unincorporated
AMANA COLONIES
SEVEN LITTLE VILLAGES WITH BIG GERMAN HERITAGE

Homestead, Iowa - Unincorporated
Homestead, Iowa – Unincorporated
Homestead
Amana Colonies
National Historic Landmark

Iowa County is not a great collection of town signs, but the worst one is pretty obvious. Ladora’s town sign is really a sign for a restaurant.

The best town sign? I’m going to give the purple ribbon to Millersbug.


Millersburg, Iowa
Millersburg – Best in Show – Iowa County

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


Marengo, Iowa
Marengo – Alternate

North English, Iowa
North English – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer 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

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke 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

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

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas 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

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page 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

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

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 cruise the backroads of Buena Vista County.

TOWN SIGN PROJECT: HARRISON COUNTY

A couple months back on my way back from a trip to Manhattan, Kansas to watch Nate graduate from Kansas State, I cruised through Harrison County and harvested the balance of their town signs.

Here are some facts about Harrison County:
+ Population is 14,582 making it the 53rd most populous county in Iowa. Below Kossuth County and above Mills County.
+ The county seat is Logan.
+ The largest town is Missouri Valley.
+ The birthplace or home county of Josh Kraushaar.
+ Where Sneaky Snake Root Beer’s near professional labeler was trained.
+ Major highways are I-29, US-30, IA-37, IA-44, IA-127, IA-183, and IA-191.
+ Adjacent counties are: Monona, Crawford, Shelby, and Pottawattamie.
+ Population peaked in 1900 at 25,597.

The Harrison County Courthouse is not gorgeous, but is pretty in an understated way:


Harrison County Courthouse
The Harrison County Courthouse in Logan, Iowa.

The Harrison County Freedom Rock is located near Missouri Valley, Iowa.


Harrison County Freedom Rock

Harrison County Freedom Rock

Harrison County Freedom Rock

With Harrison County conquered, here is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 59 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

59 counties completed. 59.6% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Harrison County:


Missouri Valley, Iowa
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Welcome to Missouri Valley
“A Train Town USA”
Population: 2,678 (-160)

Woodbine, Iowa
Woodbine, Iowa
WOODBINE
Population: 1,625 (+166)

Logan, Iowa
Logan, Iowa
LOGAN
FOUNDED
JULY 19, 1867
Population: 1,397 (-137)

Dunlap, Iowa
Dunlap, Iowa
Welcome to DUNLAP
1867
Population: 1,038 (-4)

Mondamin, Iowa
Mondamin, Iowa
Welcome to Mondamin
Gateway to the Loess Hills
Population: 339 (-63)

Persia, Iowa
Persia, Iowa
PERSIA, IA
HARRISON COUNTY’S EASTERN GATEWAY TO THE LOESS HILLS
EST. 1882
Population: 297 (-22)

Modale, Iowa
Modale, Iowa
Welcome to MODALE
Established 1874
Population: 273 (-10)

Pisgah, Iowa
Pisgah, Iowa
Welcome to:
Pisgah
Heart of the Loess Hills
Since 1904
Pop: 268
Population: 249 (-2)

Magnolia, Iowa
Magnolia, Iowa
Welcome to Magnolia
Population: 190 (+7)

Little Sioux, Iowa
Little Sioux, Iowa
LITTLE SIOUX
CHURCH OF CHRIST WELOMES YOU
ONE MILE AHEAD
Population: 166 (-4)

River Sioux, Iowa - Unincorporated
River Sioux, Iowa – Unincorporated
RIVER SIOUX

All in all, I think that Harrison County has a real fine set of signs. I think the worst one is pretty obvious. Logan has the classic tombstone looking sign. It already includes the date the town was founded on it and has left space on the bottom to put the date the town dies.

But who gets the Purple Ribbon for Harrison County? I think there are some real solid signs there. I like Dunlap’s. I like Woodbine’s. I like Missouri Valley and Pisgah’s. But I think I have to give it up to Modale for the best town sign in Harrison County.


Modale, Iowa
Modale – Best in Show – Harrison County

There are a few alternate town signs in Harrison County:


Woodbine, Iowa
Woodbine – Alternate

Persia, Iowa
Persia – Alternate

Missouri Valley, Iowa
Missouri Valley – Alternate

Logan, Iowa
Logan – Alternate

Pisgah, Iowa
Pisgah – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer 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

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke 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

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

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas 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

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page 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

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

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 end up in Iowa County.

TOWN SIGN PROJECT: POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

A couple months back, on my way back from a trip to Manhattan, Kansas to watch Nate graduate from Kansas State, I cruised through Pottawattamie County to harvest the balance of their town signs.

Here are some facts about Pottawattamie County:

+ Population is 93,667 making it the 10th most populous county in Iowa. Below Story County and above Warren County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Council Bluffs.
+ Named after the Potawatomi Native American Tribe.
+ Home of the only town in Iowa that is west of the Missouri River.
+ Major highways are I-29, I-80, I-480, I-680, I-880, US-6, US-59, US-275, IA-83, IA-92, IA-165, IA-191, and IA-192.
+ Adjacent counties are: Harrison, Cass, Mills, and Shelby.
+ Currently at peak population.

The Pottawattamie Courthouse is not much to look at:


Pottawattamie County Courthouse
The Pottawattamie County Courthouse in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock is located in Oakland, Iowa:


Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock

Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock

Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock

Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock

Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock

With Pottawattamie County conquered, this is the updated Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 58 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

58 counties completed. 58.6% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Pottawattamie County:


Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, Iowa
COUNCIL BLUFFS
All-America City
Population: 62,799 (+569)

Carter Lake, Iowa
Carter Lake, Iowa
WELCOME TO CARTER LAKE IOWA
Population: 3,791 (+6)

Avoca, Iowa
Avoca, Iowa
Avoca
Population: 1,683 (+177)

Oakland, Iowa
Oakland, Iowa
OAKLAND
1882 1982
Population: 1,524 (+18)

Treynor, Iowa
Treynor, Iowa (Note the Cy Rip-off on the Sign)
Welcome to TREYNOR
Population: 1,032 (+113)

Underwood, Iowa
Underwood, Iowa
WELCOME TO UNDERWOOD
EST. 1882
Population: 954 (+37)

Neola, Iowa
Neola, Iowa
WELCOME TO NEOLA
EST. 1882
Population: 918 (+76)

Carson, Iowa
Carson, Iowa
EST. 1881
CARSON
Population: 766 (-46)

Walnut, Iowa
Walnut, Iowa
WELCOME TO WALNUT
IOWA’S ANTIQUE CITY
EST 1871
Population: 747 (-38)

Crescent, Iowa
Crescent, Iowa
Crescent
Est. 1856
Population: 628 (+11)

Minden, Iowa
Minden, Iowa
WELCOME TO MINDEN
EST. 1875
Population: 600 (+1)

Macedonia, Iowa
Macedonia, Iowa
MACEDONIA
Pop. 325
ORIGINAL PIONEER TRAIL
“Small In Size Large In Heart!”
Population: 267 (+21)

Hancock, Iowa
Hancock, Iowa
WELCOME TO HANCOCK
Population: 200 (+4)

McClelland, Iowa
McClelland, Iowa
McCLELLAND
1903
Population: 146 (-5)

If you are wondering, Carter Lake is the only town in Iowa that is west of the Missouri River. There is no way to get to it from Iowa without having to drive through Nebraska. Which is a fate I wouldn’t wish on any Iowan. At least by car. I suppose theoretically, you might be able to swim across the Missouri River and never be in Nebraska, but I’m sure halfway through the Missouri River you are probably technically in Nebraska. Oh the humanity!

I’ll get into how Carter Lake ended up in Iowa and the Supreme Court cases that made it so at some point in the future. But Carter Lake does have a special place in my heart as its Methodist Church was the first church that Pastor Andrea was assigned to out of divinity school.

I think this is a pretty solid collection of town signs. The only one I would consider to be flat out bad is Avoca.

I really like Oakland’s acorn sign, but I’m going to have to give Pottawattamie’s purple ribbon to Walnut. And it isn’t only because I have a soft spot in my heart for antiques because of my parents.


Walnut, Iowa
Walnut – Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

There are a few alternate town signs in Pottawattamie County:


Walnut, Iowa
Walnut – Alternate

Walnut, Iowa
Walnut – Alternate

Oakland, Iowa
Oakland – Alternate

Oakland, Iowa
Oakland – Alternate

Carson, Iowa
Carson – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer 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

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke 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

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

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas 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

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page 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

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

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 end up in Harrison County. A county that at least a couple of people that I know have a special connection with.

Shelby and Mills County Auxiliary Images – Vol. 1

A few weeks back I cruised around Shelby and Mills County (and Pottawattamie County) harvesting their town signs. Here is the first collection of auxiliary images from this trip. Including some pictures of what I think might be the prettiest church in Iowa. But no, I’m not going to make a Iowa Church Power Rankings at any point in the future.


Shelby County

Shelby County

Shelby County
I don’t know how this turned out but this person hates schools!

Shelby County - Kirkman
Kirkman

Shelby County - Kirkman

Shelby County - Kirkman

Shelby County - Kirkman

Shelby County - Kirkman

Shelby County - Kirkman

Shelby County

Shelby County - Westphalia
Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Westphalia

Shelby County - Panama
Panama

Shelby County - Panama

Shelby County - Panama

Shelby County - Panama

Shelby County - Panama

Shelby County - Portsmouth
Portsmouth

Shelby County - Portsmouth

Shelby County - Portsmouth

Shelby County - Harlan
Harlan

Shelby County - Harlan

Shelby County - Harlan

Shelby County - Harlan

Do you think you know which church was my favorite?

There are plenty more images from this road trip left to share.