Town Sign Project: Tama County

I recently drove around the massive Tama County to harvest their town signs. It was a solo trip and I was surprised to discover that there are apparently many cities in Tama with Czech roots. I mostly think of the Meskwaki when I think of Tama County. That and the King Tower Cafe.

Here are some facts about Tama County:

+ Population is 17,767.
+ The largest town is Tama.
+ The county seat is Toledo.
+ Formed on February 17, 1843.
+ Named after Taimah, a leader of the Meskwaki tribe.
+ Home of the Meskwaki Settlement.
+ Major highways are: US 30, US 63, IA 8, IA 21, IA 96, and IA 146.
+ Adjacent counties are Grundy, Black Hawk, Benton, Poweshiek, Marshall, Iowa, and Jasper.
+ Home of The Bohemie Alps
+ Home of the Vining Iowa Testicle Festival – All You Can Eat for $12 (2014 Price)
+ Mollie B. will be in concert here in July 10th.
+ Home of Matchstick Marvels.
+ Population peaked in 1900 at 24,585.

Tama County has a pretty, but small courthouse:

Tama County Courthouse in Toledo, Iowa

The Tama County Courthouse is located in Gladbrook:

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

PURPLE=COMPLETED

22 counties completed. 22.2% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the Tama County town signs:

Tama, Iowa
Tama – Welcomes You
Population: 2,877

Toledo, Iowa
Welcome to Toledo-Tama
Population: 2,341

Traer, Iowa
Wind Up in Traer
Population: 1,703

Dysart, Iowa
Dysart
Population: 1,379

Gladbrook, Iowa
Gladbrook – Alive & Growing
Population: 945

Garwin, Iowa
Welcome to Garwin – Home of the Wolverines
Population: 527

Chelsea, Iowa
Vitame Vas do Chelsea – Lincoln Highway
Population: 267

Montour, Iowa
Montour Welcomes You!
Population: 249

Clutier, Iowa
Welcom to Clutier – Founded 1900 – Pop 213
Population: 213

Elberon, Iowa
Elberon
Population: 196

Lincoln, Iowa
Lincoln – Next 5 Exits
Population: 162

Vining, Iowa
Vining – Heart of the Bohemie Alps
Population: 50

I don’t know there is a terrible sign in Tama County. Maybe the sign in Lincoln is pretty weak. But the weathering gives it character. The Dysart sign is pretty uninspired. I was confused by the Traer sign, until I saw the winding staircase for myself. It is magnificent! I have no clue why there is a motorcycle suspended over the Elberon sign, but it keeps it from being the worst sign. I love Vining’s sign, but how do you not mention the towns annual Testicle Festival? I’ll give the award for worst to Lincoln.

Best in Show for Tama County. Really a no-brainer. It is Tama, Iowa.

Tama – Best in Show – Tama County

There are quite a few alternate signs in Tama County: