Cresco was platted in 1866 at the time the railroad was expanding into the area.[7] Cresco is a Latin phrase meaning "I grow".[6] Cresco was incorporated on June 6, 1868.[8]
On October 20, 1980, The David Letterman Show was broadcast from Cresco, the winner in a competition to host the show.[9]
Geography
Cresco's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.374491, −92.115121.[10]
As of the census[14] of 2010, there were 3,868 people, 1,660 households, and 962 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,154.6 inhabitants per square mile (445.8/km2). There were 1,821 housing units at an average density of 543.6 per square mile (209.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.3% White, 0.4% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.
There were 1,660 households, of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.0% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.95.
The median age in the city was 39.8 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 23.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
2000 census
As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 3,905 people, 1,652 households, and 1,004 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,184.1 inhabitants per square mile (457.2/km2). There were 1,791 housing units at an average density of 543.1 per square mile (209.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.77% White, 0.23% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.03% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.
There were 1,652 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.95.
Age spread: 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,236, and the median income for a family was $43,682. Males had a median income of $30,088 versus $21,444 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,190. About 2.1% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
Museums and other points of interest
The Mighty Howard County Fair takes place in June each year. Originally established in 1868, the inaugural Howard County Fair took place in the Howard County Court House Square. The arts and crafts, as well as produce exhibits, were housed on the top floor of the Court House, while larger exhibits were situated on the lawn surrounding the Court House.[16]
Cresco Community Theatre is a non-profit organization open to anyone with an idea or the desire to contribute. The decision of which shows to be produced on the Cresco stage are reached by the contributing members, and range from famously named productions to the locally written plays.[17]
Although Cresco is no longer on a railroad line, it is home to a restored Milwaukee RoadFP7 diesel engine which is known as the Heritage Train and displayed in Beadle Park at the center of the city on Highway 9. Cresco is also headquarters for Featherlite Trailers.
The city newspaper is the weekly Cresco Times Plain Dealer, published on Wednesdays & “The Cresco Shopper” published on Tuesdays.
KCZQ 102.3 FM is a licensed radio station based in Cresco, Iowa, known as "Super C". The station's studios, located near Elm Street, serve as its central operational hub. KCZQ has been owned by Mega Media LTD since it began broadcasting in 1991.
Education
Notre Dame Catholic School in Cresco, and Trinity Catholic school in Protivin, offer private education to elementary school students.[citation needed] There was previously a Notre Dame High School in Cresco. Notre Dame High School graduated its final class in 1989.[20]
Governance and Expansion (1871–1880)
The school board's earliest documented minutes can be traced back to December 1871. Among the initial members of the board were Augustus Beadle, Edward Gillette, W. R. Mead, S. A. Stone, and W. H. Patterson. It was during this period that bonds were issued and subsequently sold for cash, providing the necessary financial resources to expand the school building with the addition of the west wing.
The next year brought about changes in both the composition and governance of the board. In January 1872, the board welcomed new members D. W. Owe and Charles I. White, who joined the ranks alongside Beadle, Stone, Patterson, Gillette, and Mead. A series of appointments took place in March of that same year, with Beadle assuming the role of president, John E. Peck appointed as treasurer, and White taking on the position of secretary.
During the course of 1872, the board undertook initiatives to further enhance the educational facilities. An allocation of $400 was approved for the acquisition of four adjacent lots to the existing schoolhouse, aiming to provide ample space for future development. Additionally, a tax levy of 10 mills on the dollar was introduced to contribute to the school house fund.
Growth and Expansion (1878–1896)
In 1878, an east wing was added to the building. The project was completed by 1880, with a total estimated cost of $13,000. It was during this time that the inaugural commencement ceremony of Cresco High School took place on June 18, 1880, in Cresco's Lyric Hall. The principal, L. T. Weld, delivered an address to the graduating class of six students. Although historical records from this period are somewhat limited, it is known that the high school offered a three-year course of study at the time. This curriculum was later expanded to a four-year program in 1901.
The physical infrastructure of Cresco's schools continued to evolve to meet the needs of its expanding student population. In 1893, a grade school building was erected on the central campus. This structure experienced a devastating fire in 1917.
In response to the growing demands of Cresco's educational landscape, the South Ward grade school was constructed in 1896. This facility underwent a comprehensive renovation in 1953.
Physical Growth and Development (1905–1913)
In order to cater to the ever-changing educational requirements of Cresco, a new high school building was erected in 1905. This project received the approval of the citizens in the independent school district, with a budget not exceeding $25,000, during the month of March in that same year. The construction bids were awarded in May, and by December, classes were already being held in the newly completed facilities.
The structure, 100 feet by 80 feet in size, was built using pressed brick and Postville stone. It reached a height of 84 feet from the grade line to the top of its dome. The cornice and bell tower were made of galvanized iron. Although referred to as a high school, the building accommodated students from grades 3 to 12.
Inside the 1905 building, the first floor consisted of the superintendent's office and five grade rooms. On the second floor, there was the seventh-grade room, six high school classrooms, four recitation rooms, an assembly room, and a laboratory. The basement housed the manual training department and the furnace room.
The building used a steam heating system and an advanced ventilation system. The Howard County Times in 1910 described it: "a series of air ducts lead to the cupola where a number of radiators form an upward current that completely changes the air of all rooms in approximately three minutes. Fresh air from the outside is first warmed over radiators and then conducted to all the rooms, after which it passes out through the ducts leading to the cupola."
Dora Perry, a student and later a teacher in Cresco, provided a detailed description of the new building in the 1906 "Old Rose and Black" yearbook. She wrote,
"The new high school building that was erected by the citizens of Cresco in 1905 does honor to the city. It is approached by a sidewalk from East Peck Street to the south or main entrance. Observing its overall structure, one can see that it is built of pressed brick, standing on a foundation of Bedford sandstone. Rising above the spacious roof is the dome and flagstaff, where the Star Spangled Banner often waves over the heads of the many school children. Engraved on the southern side, above the main entrance, is the date 1905. The building can be accessed through three entrances: the main entrance to the south, and the east and west entrances. Let us enter the building and take a quick glance at the interior. The heating and ventilation systems are well-designed, with radiators placed throughout the building. Down in the basement, we find the manual training room. The seventh grade expects to take up this branch of school work in the near future. Across the hall from the manual training department is the furnace room. As we admire the impressive machinery of the heating apparatus, we can't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the human mind to invent such intricate mechanisms for the comfort of others. Now, entering the vestibule, we encounter the stairway that leads to the first floor. While standing there, the following words come to mind: 'Life is what you make it, the world is as you take it.' To the right of the stairway is the superintendent's office, divided into a public and private office by an oak partition. Its ambiance clearly indicates that both pleasant and unpleasant business is conducted there. On the first floor, there are five grade rooms. The third grade is furnished with large double seats that remind us of the time when we were embarking on our first battles of life. Yet, this room does not exude laziness but rather reflects the hard work accomplished by its occupants. Next to the third grade, across the corridor, is the fourth grade. It is similar to the previous room but displays a higher level of intellectual development, evident in the ornamental details on the walls. Moving west, we find the fifth grade. This cheerful room provides an enjoyable learning environment for the children. Then we come across the sixth grade, where eager faces are ready to tackle their daily tasks. Across the south corridor is the eighth grade. Here, we witness a noticeable development of mental prowess. On the wall, there is a bust of Lincoln, presented to the grade on February 22nd. This statue reminds us of the lines penned by Longfellow: 'Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime.' Two stairways lead to the second story, and the first room we encounter is the seventh grade. The interior of this room showcases the students' artwork, with their talent displayed on the walls. Among these works, a picture of Robert Burns holds a prominent place.[21]"
In the subsequent years, Cresco underwent additional construction projects that further transformed its educational institutions. In 1913, a new grade school building was erected on the west side of the central campus, with an estimated cost of $13,000. This additional structure expanded the educational infrastructure, accommodating the growing number of students at the grade school level.
In 1919, Cresco opened the east high school building and the West Ward school building. To finance these projects, bonds totaling $56,000 were issued.
Modernization (1927–1951)
Cresco Junior College, founded on September 6, 1927, was located in a renovated house located opposite the high school buildings. In its first year, Cresco Junior College enrolled 19 students, and 23 students the following year. The college faced a setback due to small enrollment and ultimately had to cease operations after just two years.
In 1935, a new corridor was constructed, linking the 1905 building with the 1919 building. That same year, plans began for the construction of a gymnasium. It was completed in 1938. As part of this expansion, the old gymnasium within the 1919 building was completely reconfigured into a small performance space.
Further expansions and additions were made in 1951 with a new garage and bus barn, and a band room for the music program.
Consolidation and Expansion (1960–1983)
The Howard-Winneshiek Community School District was established on July 1, 1960, through the consolidation of public schools. This brought together the public schools of Chester, Cresco, Elma, Lime Springs, and Ridgeway, necessitating the expansion of educational infrastructure to accommodate the growing student population.
In December 1965, a $1,500,000 bond proposal was approved by voters. The primary objective of this proposal was to secure funding for the construction of new elementary buildings in Lime Springs and Ridgeway, as well as a high school in Cresco. Construction of the new high school in Cresco began in 1967, and Crestwood High School opened in 1968. During the transition to the new high school, the original school buildings in the Central Complex continued to be used for elementary and junior high courses. In 1983, these buildings underwent extensive renovations.[20]
A New Century (1991–Present)
In July 1991, the community members of the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District approved a bond issue of $5.975 million.[20] The purpose of this funding was to construct a new K-8 building situated north of Crestwood High School. The patrons also granted approval for the allocation of $700,000[20] from an existing schoolhouse fund balance. This amount was specifically designated for the renovation of the outlying centers, ensuring that these educational spaces would receive the necessary upgrades and improvements.
The total cost of this initiative reached $7.2 million. A majority of 64.5% voted in favor of the new school.[20]
Winneshiek County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,070. The county seat is Decorah.
Howard County is a county located in the US state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,469. The county seat is Cresco. The county was founded in 1851; it was named for General Tilghman Ashurst Howard, a Representative of Indiana.
Allamakee County is the northeasternmost county in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,061. Its county seat is Waukon.
Protivin is a city in Chickasaw and Howard counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 269 at the time of the 2020 census. Early settlers named the city after the Bohemian town of Protivín in what is now the south of the Czech Republic. The current mayor of Protivin is Michael Lensing.
Cascade is a city in Dubuque and Jones counties, Iowa, United States. The Dubuque County portion is part of Dubuque Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Jones County section is part of Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,386 at the 2020 census, up from 1,958 in 2000. The city is located within southwestern of Dubuque County and north-central Jones County.
Epworth is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,023 at the 2020 census, up from 1,428 in 2000.
Farley is a city in Dubuque County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,766 at the time of the 2020 census, up from 1,334 in 2000. Farley is the seventh-largest town in Dubuque County, recently passed by Peosta, Iowa.
Chester is a city in Howard County, Iowa, United States. The population was 139 in the 2020 census, a decrease of 7.9% from the 151 population in the 2000 census. Chester is located close to the state line from Minnesota.
Elma is a city in Howard County, Iowa, United States. The population was 505 at the time of the 2020 census.
Lime Springs is a city in Howard County, Iowa, United States. The population was 473 at the time of the 2020 census.
Calmar is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,125 at the 2020 census. It is at the junction of U.S. Route 52 and State highways 150 and 24, with both state routes terminating in Calmar.
Decorah is a city in and the county seat of Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 7,587 at the time of the 2020 census. Decorah is located at the intersection of State Highway 9 and U.S. Route 52, and is the largest community in Winneshiek County.
Fort Atkinson is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 312 at the time of the 2020 census. It is home to the historic Fort Atkinson State Preserve and hosts a large annual fur-trapper rendezvous each September. Fort Atkinson holds the largest regional hay auction every Wednesday.
Ridgeway is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 275 at the time of the 2020 census.
Spillville is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 385 at the time of the 2020 census. It is located in Calmar Township, approximately 4 mi (6.4 km) west of Calmar and about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Decorah, the county seat. Spillville is known for its Independence Day fireworks display, held the first Saturday in July.
Goldfield is a city in Wright County, Iowa, United States. The population was 634 at the time of the 2020 census.
Burr Oak is an unincorporated community in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States, very close to the Minnesota state line. Burr Oak is a census-designated place and the population was 166 in the 2010 census.
Crestwood Secondary School is a public high school, located in Cresco, Howard County, in northeast Iowa. Crestwood is the high school for the Howard–Winneshiek Community School District. It serves students from the cities of Cresco, Chester, Lime Springs, Elma, and Ridgeway. Students from nearby Protivin can choose to attend this school as well. The school district was formed in 1960 by combining the independent school districts and high schools of Cresco, Chester, Elma, Lime Springs, and Ridgeway. The current high school building was built in 1969.
The North Winneshiek Community School District was a public school district in unincorporated northern Winneshiek County, Iowa, with a Decorah address. At the end of the district's existence, it only served grades Pre-K through 6th. The enrollment count for the 2015–2016 school year was 126 students.
Howard–Winneshiek Community School District is a rural public school district headquartered in Cresco, Iowa.
↑ "Norman Borlaug: The Child". Driven to Discover. University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
↑ Clark, George (2008). United States Marine Corps Generals of World War II: A Biographical Dictionary. Jefferson, NC: McFarland. p.56. ISBN978-0786432035.
↑ Iowa State Historical Department - Office of Historic Preservation (May 27, 1986). "Iowa Site Registry - Polygonal Barn". National Parks Gallery. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
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