Category Archives: Town Sign Project

Town Sign Project: Wapello County

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

Here are some facts about Wapello County:
+ Population is 35,256. Making it the 20th most populous county in Iowa. Below Sioux County and above Marion County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Ottumwa.
+ Was formed on February 17, 1843.
+ Named for the Meskwaki Chief Wapello.
+ The “birthplace” of Iowa.
+ Site of the house in the background of Grant Wood’s painting “American Gothic”.
+ Major highways are: US-34, US-63, IA-16, IA-137, IA-149.
+ Adjacent counties are Mahaska, Keokuk, Jefferson, Davis, and Monroe.
+ Population peaked in 1950 at 47,397.

The Wapello Courthouse is kinda cool looking but the statue on the top is next level:


Wapello County Courthouse
Wapello County Courthouse in Ottumwa, Iowa.

The Wapello County Freedom Rock is located in Ottumwa, Iowa.


Wapello County Freedom Rock

Wapello County Freedom Rock

Wapello County Freedom Rock

Wapello County Freedom Rock

Wapello County Freedom Rock

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


Town Sign Project - 89 Counties
PURPLE=STRONG

89 counties completed. 88.9% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Wapello County:


Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa, Iowa
OTTUMWA
CITY OF BRIDGES
Population: 25,529 (+506)

Eddyville, Iowa
Eddyville, Iowa – Also in Mahaska and Monroe Counties
Home of the Rockets
EDDYVILLE
SINCE 1840
Population: 970 (-54)

Eldon, Iowa
Eldon, Iowa
Welcome to ELDON
Home of the American Gothic House
Population: 783 (-144)

Agency, Iowa
Agency, Iowa
Agency
Home of Chief Wapello
Population: 620 (-18)

Blakesburg,Iowa
Blakesburg, Iowa
Welcome To BLAKESBURG
Founded in 1854
Population: 274 (-22)

Kirkville, Iowa
Kirkville, Iowa
WELCOME TO KIRKVILLE
EST. 1844
Population: 157 (-10)

Chillicothe, Iowa
Chillicothe, Iowa
WELCOME TO Chillicothe
Est. 1881
Population: 76 (-21)

I don’t know that there is really a bad town sign in the bunch. I would say the most disappointing is Eldon. When yo have something so iconic as the American Gothic house in your town, your really need to do better with your town sign.

As for the purple ribbon. Best in Show? I really like the Chillicothe sign, but it has to go to Agency.


Agency, Iowa
Agency – Best in Show – Wapello County

There was only on alternate town sign in Wapello County:


Agency, Iowa
Agency – 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

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Best in Show – Clayton 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

Agency, Iowa
Best in Show – Wapello County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington 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 Muscatine County.

Town Sign Project: Clayton County

A few months back I made two separate trips to harvest the town signs of Clayton County. It was a great trip and I truly believe that Clayton County is one of the prettiest counties in Iowa. The whole region of Iowa is spectacular!

Here are some facts about Clayton County:
+ Population is 16,998. Making it the 41st most populous county in Iowa. Below Delaware County and above Tama County.
+ The largest town is Postville. The county seat is Elkader.
+ Established in 1837.
+ Named after John M. Clayton, a Senator from Delaware and the Secretary of State under Zachary Taylor.
+ Part of the Driftless Area.
+ 5th largest county in Iowa by area.
+ Home to Effigy Mounds National Monument. (Partially)
+ Major highways are US-18, US-13, US-52, IA-128, IA-56, IA-3, and IA-76.
+ Adjacent counties are Allamakee, Dubuque, Fayette, Delaware, Winneshiek, and Buchanan.
+ Population peaked at 28,829 in 1880.

Clayton County has a decent, but not spectacular looking courthouse:


Clayton County Courthouse
The Clayton County Courthouse in Elkader, Iowa.

The Clayton County Freedom Rock is located in Guttenberg:


Clatyon County Freedom Rock

Clatyon County Freedom Rock

Clatyon County Freedom Rock

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


Town Sign Project - 88 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

88 counties completed. 88.9% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Clayton County:


Postville, iowa
Postville, Iowa (Partially in Allamakee County)
EST. 1849
POSTVILLE
Hometown to the World
Population: 2,503 (+276)

Guttenberg, Iowa
Guttenberg, Iowa
Guttenberg
Historic Rivertown
Population: 1,817 (-102)

Monona, Iowa
Monona, Iowa
Garden City of Iowa
MONONA
Incorporate 1897
Population: 1,471 (-78)

Elkader, Iowa
Elkader, Iowa
WELCOME TO ELKDAER
SHOP DINE EXPLORE & MORE
Population: 1,209 (-64)

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Strawberry Point, Iowa
STRAWBERRY POINT
Population: 1,155 (-124)

Edgewood, Iowa
Edgewood, Iowa (Partially Delaware County)
CITY OF EDGEWOOD
Population: 909 (+45)

Garnavillo, Iowa
Garnavillo, Iowa
Welcome To GARNAVILLO
Gem of the Prairie
Population: 763 (+18)

McGregor, Iowa
McGregor, Iowa
Est. 1837
WELCOME TO HISTORIC McGREGOR
Home of Pikes Peak
Population: 742 (-130)

Marquette, Iowa
Marquette, Iowa
MARQUETTE
WELCOMES YOU
Population: 429 (+54)

Luana, Iowa
Luana, Iowa
Welcome to LUANA
Population: 301 (+32)

Farmersburg, Iowa
Farmersburg, Iowa
Farmersburg
THE SMALL TOWN IN THE COUNTRY
Population: 271 (-31)

Volga City, Iowa
Volga City, Iowa
VOLGA CITY
Population: 203 (-5)

North Buena Vista, Iowa
North Buena Vista, Iowa
Welcome to:
North Buena Vista
GROTTO
BOATING FISHING
Population: 109 (-12)

St. Olaf, Iowa
St. Olaf, Iowa
St. Olaf Civic Center
Population: 106 (-2)

Elkport and Garber, Iowa
Garber & Elkport, Iowa
Welcome to the Elkport-Garber Community
Where The Rivers Run Wild
Garber Population: 76 (-12)
Elkport Population: 29 (-8)

Clayton, Iowa
Clayton, Iowa
CLAYTON
Est. 1849
Population: 45 (+2)

Osterdock, Iowa
Osterdock, Iowa
Welcome to Osterdock
God’s Country
Population: 43 (-16)

Hardin, Iowa - Ghost Town
Hardin, Iowa – Ghost Town
VILLAGE OF HARDIN

That is a pretty solid set of town signs. I think the worst one is pretty obvious though. It is St. Olaf. It isn’t really a town sign, just a sign marking their Civic Center.

But who gets the purple ribbon for Clayton County? I love the signs for Osterdock and Marquette and Guttenberg and Elkport-Garber and Garnavillo and Monona and Postville. Volage City’s town sign is a fountain! A FOUNTAIN! I don’t imagine there is another town sign in Iowa that is a fountain. But only one town has a town sign that is also the world’s largest strawberry. I have to give the prize to Strawberry Point.


Strawberry Point, Iowa
Strawberry Point – Best in Show – Clayton County

There are quite a few alternate town signs in Clayton County:


McGregor, Iowa
McGregor – Alternate

Guttenberg, Iowa
Guttenberg – Alternate

Volga City, Iowa
Volga City – Alternate

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Strawberry Point – Alternate

Monona, Iowa
Monona – 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

Strawberry Point, Iowa
Best in Show – Clayton 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

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington 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 Wapello County.

Town Sign Project: Washington County

A few weeks back I cruised around Washington County harvesting their town signs. It was a great trip as Washington County has a couple of my favorite spots in Iowa to visit.

Here are some facts about Washington County:
+ Population is 22,491 making it the 27th most populous county in Iowa. Below Bremer and above Mahaska.
+ The largest town and county seat is Washington.
+ Formed in 1838 as Slaughter County. Later organized as Washington County when it was moved from the Wisconsin Territory to the Iowa Territory. Named after George Washington. A character from Hamilton. You know, the guy who said, “My name’s been through a lot, I can take it.” and “You have no control. Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.”
+ Home of the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise.
+ Home of the Kalona Creamery and Golden Delight Bakery, two of my favorite places in Iowa and places where I have fond family memories.
+ Major highways are: US-218, IA-1, IA-22, IA-27, IA-78, and IA-92.
+ Adjacent counties are: Iowa, Johnson, Louisa, Henry, Jefferson, and Keokuk.
+ Currently at peak population.

Washington County has a beautiful courthouse that I could have done a better job of photographing:


Washington County - Courthouse
The Washington County Courthouse located in Washington, Iowa.

The Washington County Freedom Rock is located in Brighton, Iowa.


Washington County Freedom Rock

Washington County Freedom Rock

Washington County Freedom Rock

Washington County Freedom Rock

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


Town Sign Project - 87 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

87 counties completed. 87.9% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Washington County:


Washington, Iowa
Washington, Iowa
WASHINGTON
Population: 7,352 (+86)

Kalona, Iowa
Kalona, Iowa
Welcome to KALONA
SINCE 1879
Population: 2,630 (+267)

Wellman, Iowa
Wellman, Iowa
WELCOME TO WELLMAN
Population: 1,524 (+116)

Riverside, Iowa
Riverside, Iowa
WELCOME TO RIVERSIDE
Where The Trek Begins
Population: 1,060 (+67)

Brighton, Iowa
Brighton, Iowa
Home of Lake Darling
Brighton
Population: 600 (-52)

Ainsworth, Iowa
Ainsworth, Iowa
City of Ainsworth
Population: 511 (-56)

Crawfordsville, Iowa
Crawfordsville, Iowa
CRAWFORDSVILLE
BIRTHPLACE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
FEBRUARY 23RD, 1854
Population: 277 (+13)

West Chester, Iowa
West Chester, Iowa
Welcome to WEST CHESTER
Population: 144 (+2)

Coppock, Iowa
Coppock, Iowa – Also in Henry and Jefferson Counties
Population: 36 (-11)

Last place is kind of a no brainer. Even in a county filled with nondescript and boring signs, Coppock is dead last for only having the DOT sign. The weird thing about Coppock is there is actually a decent sized business in the Eagles Nest. You would think they would have a sign.

As for Crawfordsville being the Birthplace of the Republican Party. #1. The original founders of the Republican Party must be completely ashamed to see what their party has become. #2. The Republican Party doesn’t recognize Crawfordsville as the birthplace of the Republican Party. There are two towns that fight over this distinction. Jackson, Michigan and Ripon, Wisconsin. Neither one, you might notice, is Crawfordsville, Iowa.

So what gives?

The Republican Party used to claim that the first informal meeting took place in Ripon on March 20, 1854. Then the first formal meeting took place in Jackson on July 6, 1854. The first organizing convention took place in Pittsburgh on February 22, 1856. The the first nominating convention took place in Philadelphia opening on June 17, 1856.

The Republican Party doesn’t site either place as their birthplace.

So where does Crawfordsville, Iowa come into this mix?

In February 23, 1854 delegates met in the Seceder Church and House of All Nations and drew up resolutions which began the Republican Party. There are no written proof of the actual meeting and you never see Crawfordsville mentioned as a possible birthplace of the Republican Party. Maybe it is for the best.

But after all of that, you are probably wondering what is the best town sign in Washington County. I do like the Riverside sign. I also like the Ainsworth sign. But clearly, Best in Show goes to Kalona.


Kalona, Iowa
Kalona – Best in Show – Washington County

There a few alternate town signs in Washington County:


Riverside, Iowa
Riverside – Alternate

Riverside, Iowa
Riverside – Alternate

Kalona, Iowa
Kalona – Alternate

Brighton, Iowa
Brighton – Alternate

Brighton, Iowa
Brighton – 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

Kalona, Iowa
Best in Show – Washington 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 Clayton County.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Town Sign Project: Delaware County

A couple months back I cruised around Delaware County harvesting their town signs. It was a good trip.

Here are some fun facts about Delaware County:
+ Population is 17,107 making it the 42nd most populous county in Iowa. Behind Dickinson County and above Crawford County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Manchester.
+ Named after the state of Delaware.
+ Major highways are: US-20, IA-3, IA-13, and IA-38.
+ Adjacent counties are Buchanan, Clayton, Dubuque, Fayette, Jones, and Linn.
+ Population peaked in 1900 at 19,185.

The Delaware County is beautiful:


Delaware County Courthouse
The Delaware County Courthouse in Manchester, Iowa.

The Delaware County Freedom Rock is located in Dundee, Iowa.


Delaware County Freedom Rock

Delaware County Freedom Rock

Delaware County Freedom Rock

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


Town Sign Project - 82 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

82 counties down. 82.8% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Delaware County:


Manchester. Iowa
Manchester, Iowa
MANCHESTER
Population: 5,065 (-114)

Edgewood, Iowa
Edgewood, Iowa
CITY OF EDGEWOOD
BUSINESS DISTRICT
Population: 909 (+45)

Earlville, Iowa
Earlville, Iowa
EARLVILLE
Population: 716 (-96)

Hopkinton, Iowa
Hopkinton, Iowa
Welcome to HOPKINTON
Population: 622 (-6)

Delhi, Iowa
Delhi, Iowa
Welcome to Delhi
est. 1842
Population: 420 (-40)

Colesburg, Iowa
Colesburg, Iowa
Welcome To
Est. 1848
COLESBURG
Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country
Population 412
Population: 386 (-18)

Ryan, Iowa
Ryan, Iowa
City of Ryan
Community of Unity
Population: 350 (-11)

Greeley, Iowa
Greeley, Iowa
Welcome To GREELEY
Population: 217 (-39)

Dundee, Iowa
Dundee, Iowa
Welcome To DUNDEE
TINY IN SIZE
MIGHTY IN PRIDE
Population: 198 (+24)

Delaware, Iowa
Delaware, Iowa
DELAWARE
Where Friends Meet
THE HEART OF DELAWARE COUNTY
Population: 142 (-17)

Masonville, Iowa
Masonville, Iowa
Welcome to MASONVILLE
Population: 99 (-28)

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Oneida, Iowa – Unincorporated
Est. 1896
Oneida

Petersburg, Iowa - Unincorporated
Petersburg, Iowa – Unincorporated
First Consecrated Church in Iowa
Welcome to PETERSBURG

Buck Creek, Iowa
Buck Creek, Iowa – Unincorporated
WELCOME TO BUCK CREEK
POP 30

Delaware County has a solid collection of signs. I don’t hate any of them, but if I have to give a worst town sign out, it goes to Earlville. Ryan isn’t much better.

But who gets the Purple Ribbon? Who gets Best in Show. I like the Oneida sign. I like the Greeley sign. I like the Manchester sign. I like the Manchester sign. I like the Petersburg sign. I’m going to give it to Oneida though. I think it is the most unique.


Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Oneida – Best in Show – Delaware County

There were a couple of alternate town signs in Delaware County:


Greeley, Iowa
Greeley – Alternate

Colesburg, Iowa
Colesburg – Alternate

Colesburg, Iowa
Colesburg – 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

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 Winneshiek County.

Town Sign Project: Buchanan County

A reminder that this Friday is the deadline to enter the Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest is this Friday at 5 PM. Entries should be turned in to the Boone Chamber of Commerce at 903 Story Street.


Pufferbilly Days Form - 2022

Photos will be displayed at KWBG at 824 Keeler St. Definitely starting on Friday, August 5. But the goal is to have them up Thursday morning. August 4. People’s Choice voting will begin shortly thereafter.

+++++++

Back at the end of May, I cruised around Buchanan County harvesting their town signs. It was a good trip.

Here are some facts about Buchanan County:
+ Population is 21,141. Making it the 29th most populous county in Iowa. Below Washington County and above Jones County.
+ The largest town and county seat is Independence.
+ Created in 1837.
+ Named after Senator James Buchanan, who would go on to be the 15th President of the United States.
+ Home of Iowa’s largest frying pan.
+ Major highways are: I-380, US-20, IA-27, IA-150, IA-187, and IA-281.
+ Adjacent counties are Clayton, Fayette, Delaware, Linn, Benton, Black Hawk, and Bremer.
+ Population peaked in 1980 at 22,900. Population has declined in the last two census.

The Buchanan County Courthouse is fair looking:


Buchanan County Courthouse
The Buchanan County Courthouse located in Independence, Iowa.

The Buchanan County Freedom Rock is located in Independence, Iowa.


Buchanan County Freedom Rock

Buchanan County Freedom Rock

Buchanan County Freedom Rock

Buchanan County Freedom Rock

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


Town Sign Project - 81 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

81 counties down. 81.8% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Buchanan County:


Independence, Iowa
Independence, Iowa
Independence
Celebrate our spirit!
Population: 6,064 (+98)

Jesup, Iowa
Jesup, Iowa – Partially in Black Hawk County
CITY of JESUP
Population: 2,508 (+12)

Fairbank, Iowa
Fairbank, Iowa – Partially in Fayette County
Welcome to Fairbank
Population: 1,111 (-2)

Winthrop, Iowa
Winthrop, Iowa
Winthrop
“Friendliest town for miles around”
Population: 823 (-27)

Hazleton, Iowa
Hazleton, Iowa
HAZLETON
Welcomes You!
Population: 713 (-110)

Quasqueton, Iowa
Quasqueton, Iowa
City of Quasky
Quasqueton
Est. 1842
Population: 570 (+16)

Lamont, Iowa
Lamont, Iowa
Welcome to LAMONT
WEST GATEWAY to BACKBONE STATE PARK
Population: 429 (-32)

Brandon, Iowa
Brandon, Iowa
Welcome to BRANDON
A Little Town
We’re Proud to Call Home
Population: 341 (-32)

Rowley, Iowa
Rowley, Iowa
Welcome To ROWLEY
IOWA’S BEST KEPT SECRET
Population: 270 (+6)

Aurora, Iowa
Aurora, Iowa
Welcome to Aurora
Population: 169 (-16)

Stanley, Iowa
Stanley, Iowa – Partially in Fayette County
STANLEY
Population: 81 (-44)

Buchanan County is a collection of some solid signs. Even a few great ones. I don’t think there is a bad sign in the bunch. I don’t think I can single one out as the worst.

But what get the purple ribbon? Who gets Best in Show? I love Brandon’s sign because it has the frying pan on it. I love the rapids on the Quasqueton sign. I love the fact that the words “Iowa’s Best Kept Secret” are pretty much a secret on the Rowley sign. However, I think the purple ribbon has to go to Stanley and their dilapidated Tin Man town sign. I’m sure some will argue it is the worst, but I love it. Even it blows over in the next derecho.


Stanley, Iowa
Stanley – Best in Show – Buchanan County

There are a few alternate town signs in Buchanan County:


Quasqueton, Iowa
Quasqueton – Alternate

Stanley, Iowa
Stanley – Alternate

Independence, Iowa
Independence – Alternate

Independence, Iowa
Independence – Alternate

Independence, Iowa
Independence – Alternate

Aurora, Iowa
Aurora – Alternate

Aurora, Iowa
Aurora – Alternate

Jesup, Iowa
Jesup – 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

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

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 look at the town signs of Delaware County.

Town Sign Project: Chickasaw County

Back on May 14 I cruised around Chickasaw County harvesting their town signs. It was a good day.

Here are some facts about Chickasaw County:
+ Population is 11,970. Making it the 63rd most populous county. Behind Grundy County and above Lyon County.
+ The largest town and county seat is New Hampton.
+ Founded in 1851.
+ Named after the Chickasaw tribe.
+ Home of the famous Little Brown Church.
+ Major highways are: US-18, US-63, US-218, IA-24, IA-27, and IA-346.
+ Adjacent counties are Bremer, Butler, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell, and Winnesheik.
+ Population peaked in 1900 at 17,037. Population has declined in every census since 1980.

The Chickasaw County Courthouse is fair looking. Looks a lot like Boone’s courthouse:


Chickasaw County Courthouse
The Chickasaw County Courthouse located in New Hampton, Iowa.

The Chickasaw County Freedom Rock is located in Lawler, Iowa:


Chickasaw County Freedom Rock

Chickasaw County Freedom Rock

Chickasaw County Freedom Rock

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


Town Sign Project - 80 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

80 counties down. 80.8% of the Cyclone State conquered.

Here are the town signs of Chickasaw County:



New Hampton, Iowa
A FRIENDLY WELCOME TO NEW HAMPTON
City of Expanding Horizons
Home of the CHICKASAWS
Population: 3,494 (-77)


Nashua, Iowa
NASHUA WELCOMES YOU
Population: 1,551 (-112)

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Fredericksburg, Iowa
WELCOME TO Fredericksburg
“WHERE YOUR FUTURE BEGINS”
Population: 987 (+56)

Lawler, Iowa
Lawler, Iowa
Welcome To LAWLER
Population: 406 (-33)

Ionia, Iowa
Ionia, Iowa
Welcome to IONIA
The little town with the BIG WELCOME
Population: 226 (-65)

Alta Vista, Iowa
Alta Vista, Iowa
WELCOME TO
ALTA VISTA CITY LIMITS
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY
Population: 227 (-39)

North Washington, Iowa
North Washington, Iowa
Welcome to North Washington
A Friendly Little Town
Population: 112 (-5)

Bassett, Iowa
Bassett, Iowa
Bassett City Hall
Population: 45 (-21)

Protivin is also partially in Chickasaw County, but it is mostly in Howard County, so I shared that sign last week when I shared the town signs of Howard County.

Chickasaw County has a solid, but not spectacular collection of town signs. The worst one is pretty obvious though. It is Bassett, cause they don’t have a legit town sign.

But who gets the purple ribbon? I like the rugged, rustic appearance of Alta Vista’s sign, but this one is really a no-brainer. It goes to Fredricksburg.


Fredericksburg, Iowa
Fredricksburg – Best in Show – Chickasaw County

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

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

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

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 Buchanan County.