Greenfield — Population: 2,129
Greenfield, Iowa, is a "can do" community that takes pride in its rural
heritage, historic buildings and energetic people. Greenfield is a place where people give
generously of their time, talents and resources to create a successful community.
Visioning and planning have established Greenfield as a progressive town interested and
active in industrial, commercial and tourism development. In the last 10 years, Greenfield
has built a new high school, completed a new city and library building, opened an antique
airplane museum, constructed an additional airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft,
and experienced industrial and retail growth. In 1998, the community developed a new
senior living center, and restoration of the E.E. Warren Opera House is currently in
progress. In concert with this progress, Greenfield Main Street was established in 1995 to
spearhead the revitalization of downtown, which surrounds a unique city square. The Adair
County Courthouse, site of the 1969 movie "Cold Turkey" starring Dick Van Dyke,
stands proud at the center of the square. Visit Greenfield, a Main Street community since
1995!
Main Street Greenfield
201 S. 1st St., P.O. Box 61
Greenfield, Iowa 50849
phone: 641/743-8444
fax: 641/743-8205
e-mail: Greenfield@mddc.com
www.greenfieldiowa.com
Town History
Greenfield was founded in 1856, just five years after Adair County was organized. Apparently, the name Greenfield was chosen because the location was green and luxuriant. The population of the town has increased at a comfortable rate. In 1854, the entire population of Adair County was 150; today, more than 2,000 people enjoy living in the rolling hills of the southwestern Iowa town of Greenfield.
In 1856, Milton Munger, an enterprising early settler, owned the land and engaged the services of D.M. Valentine, surveyor, to plat the town of Greenfield. Valentine platted the town around a "rare square," as the Greenfield square is unique in having a center street entering each side of the square and an exit at each corner. This type of closure gives our square a sense of place and it's unusual form is rarely found in the Midwest. It is the only known square of its kind in Iowa.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
- E. E. Warren Opera House (1896)
- Adair County Courthouse (1892)
- Heatherington Block (late 1890s)
Other Unique Historic Properties:
- Public Square - Located in the heart of downtown, this picturesque
commons area also serves as home to the Adair County Courthouse.
- Bon's Bakehouse - One of the downtown's original buildings, this
structure was rolled into town on logs.
- The Old Hotel Restaurant & Lounge - Built in 1920, this historic
building was first known as the Greenfield Hotel.
- Schildberg Antique Car Collection - Two dozen cars and trucks from 1902
to the 1970s.
- Iowa Aviation Museum - Features vintage aircraft, gliders, a jet and
aviation memorabilia. Home of the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame.
- Adair County Historical Complex - Museum, antique farm machinery and a
restored school, church and depot.
Annual Events
- January - Aviation Museum's Annual Fly-In Chili Lunch
- February - Valentine Extravaganza
- March - Ag/Expo Day; Quilt Hop
- April - Easter Parade, Egg Hunt/Party; Quilt Show
- May - October: Farmers Market on the Square Weekly
- June - Adair County Historical Complex Ice Cream on the Square
- July - Community Golf Day
- August - Wings, Wheels and Whistles Celebration on the Square
- September - Early Wheels of Iowa Swap Meet; Quilt Hop
- October - Fall Festival/Pancake Supper/Pep Rally/Halloween Party
- November - Pre-Holiday Open House; Golden Dollar Night
- December - Hospital Auxiliary's Holiday Tour; Numbered Newspaper Contest; Senior Citizen Day; Santa's Visit; Cookie/Candy Walk; Last Minute Shopping Days
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property and low
interest loan, tax abatement and design incentive grant programs for downtown Greenfield
business and property owners, contact Main Street Greenfield at 641/743-8444.
Local Links
Main Street Greenfield's local Web
site
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