City of Olin, IOWA 52320

POPULATION: 663

Select by Tel. Co. | Select by Community | Rural Iowa Community Web | INS | netINS Dialup Services

Brought to you by Olin Telephone Company Inc.

LOCATION:
Olin is a picturesque rural community located on State Highway 38, bounded on the north by the Wapsipinicon River, and with Walnut Creek meandering west to east through the city. Cedar Rapids is 40 minutes west, the University of Iowa in Iowa City is a 45 minute drive south and west. Industry is related to the farms which surround the city, including a Purina Mills plant and elevators and grain drying plants. There are no strangers in Olin, only friends you haven't met.

TELEPHONE COMPANY & SERVICES:
Communication services are provided by the Olin Telephone Company, Inc. Olin was one of the first in Iowa to provide state-of-the-art digital telephone switching. Olin also provides telephone service to Morley. Customers can directly connect to long distance carriers using state of the art fiber optic facilities. Custom calling features such as call waiting, speed call and 3 way calling are just a few of the many calling features available. The Olin Telephone Company also provides cable television service to Olin customers.

SCHOOLS:
The Olin consolidated Independent School District is a growing, quality small school with K-12 enrollment of 400 students. The district's strong academic program with a teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:14 allows students an opportunity for success. Over the past 5 years, more than 90% of the graduates have continued their education. The school facilities are constantly being improved and a fiber optic classroom will be in operation in 1997. Special education, extended learning program, and extra curricular activities are included to make a well rounded program. The community supports the school and an active PTA adds strength and stability to current educational trends.

WELCOME MESSAGE:
Olin offers the best of both worlds as it is a rural setting with easy access to cultural and sporting events as well as employment opportunities in the nearby industrial sites located in the major cities of eastern Iowa. The city provides a quality of life with a safe environment as only found in small town Iowa. The city welcomes all visitors who come for a visit and invite them to stay for a lifetime.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS& RECREATION:
The local museum gives an overview of the past and of the community with the focus of being the oldest city in Jones county. Other museums, science stations, Hoover presidential library, Camp Corageous and Grant Wood Area Education Agency are just a few minutes drive. Public boat access to the Wapsipinicon River is located on the northeast edge of the city. Several ponds and the Wapsipinicon river provide fishing opportunities. Hunters will enjoy the Muskrat Slough area as well as the private farm areas that offer deer, turkey, duck and pheasant hunting. There are two golf courses and two swimming pools located within a fifteen minute drive. A 45 minute drive puts you in the middle of Big Ten sports in Iowa City or you can relax and enjoy the four ball diamonds, tennis court and volley ball court located in the city. A 14 acre park located within the city provides primitive camping and picnic facilities. Clubs and organizations are available for all ages from scouting, 4-H Clubs and Church Youth Groups to card clubs, fraternal organizations and women clubs.

AGRICULTURE:
The city is in the midst of prime farming area. Soy beans, corn, hay and livestock are raised. A Purina plant is located on the northwest edge of the city with the Clarence Cooperative located on the south edge. The gently rolling farm fields enhance the beauty and atmosphere of the city.

LODGING & RESTAURANTS:
The Lamp Post Bed & Breakfast is available for overnight stays in the city. Two family style restaurants are located in the business district. Motels and specialty restarants are within a ten minute drive.

LOCAL LEGENDS & HISTORY:
The early settlement was called "Elk Fork". The settlement was later renamed "Walnut Fork". It was by this name that the post office was established in 1841. The "City of Rome" was platted in March, 1842 and the settlement was again renamed. Even after the city itself was known by the name "Rome", the post office retained the name of "Walnut Fork" until July, 1872. The city was renamed for the fourth and final time. The name chosen was "Olin" being named after D.A. Olin, General Superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.

FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS:
The third weekend in June is the annual "Jamboree". This celebration starts off with a parade followed by family activities such as ball games, dances and community church services. The annual Santa Day is held the second Saturday in December featuring decorations, a craft sale, a drawing and a visit from Santa. The Olin Alumni Association holds an annual banquet Memorial Day weekend for all graduates of the Olin Consolidated School. A summer Bible School open to all children is sponsored by the churches of Olin at the City Park.

HOUSING:
The city has available sites near or in the business district to accomodate commercial business and land for development of industries. A new housing addition is located on the southeast edge of the city with the infrastructure in place.

CHURCHES:
Olin United Methodist, St. Pauls's Methodist and St. John Lutheran Church serve the spiritual needs of the community with other denominations within a 20 minute drive. The Olin United Methodist Church provide a "Kid's Club" one day per week for school age children. The three churches have joined together to support the "Tri-Church Youth Group". Through out the year the churches hold suppers and bazaars.

LIBRARY:
The Olin Public Library is open Monday and Wednesday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They participate in the State of Iowa "Open Access Program".

BRAGGING RIGHTS:
The Olin Ambulance is run by a group of dedicated EMTs and holds a provisional paramedic status. We boast a Fire Department with 35 volunteer trained firefighters with up to date equipment. The Economic Development Commission is aggressively addressing the needs of the community by establishing a board to build and operate a day care center.

MISCELLANEOUS:
The City of Olin is governed by a Mayor and 5 Council Members. They employ a certified waste/water maintenance employee and a certified municipal clerk.

For Additional Information:
Please contact The Olin City Hall at 319-484-2875.
Hours are M-F 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Select by Tel. Co. | Select by Community | Rural Iowa Community Web | INS | netINS Dialup Services

"For more information on Iowa towns, you can