Scranton, Iowa

City of Scranton, IOWA 51462

Population 570

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LOCATION:
Scranton is located along Highway 30 in West Central Iowa, nestled in the North Raccoon River Valley of Greene County. This onetime frontier town still operates as a thriving friendly community where old fashioned values prevail and where you will find an emphasis on the simple, peaceful things in life.

SCHOOLS:
In 1992, Jefferson and Scranton school districts joined to become the Jefferson Scranton Community School. Each community maintains their own grades K-3.

Fourth and Fifth grades are joined and attend school in Scranton. Scranton has an enrollment of 260 students and 42 staff members. Middle School and High School students attend the Jefferson site. The entire Jefferson Scranton Community School system is NCA accredited. There is also further county wide sharing of vocational programs, staff and athletics.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS & RECREATION:
When you think of a doll house, most likely visions of a portable dream house with tiny lifelike figures, furniture and accessories come to mind. But in Scranton. "Grace’s Dollyville" is much larger than that. In fact, it actually has an address - 1001 Jefferson Street and contains more than 2,500 dolls. But who’s counting! Grace had been collecting them for over 30 years, and decided that they needed a house of their own. She loves to share her collection with doll lovers, and guests can make an appointment for a tour of Dollyville.

Fisherman in Scranton have their own little piece of heaven too! For a highway construction project, quite a large borrow pit was formed at the southwest edge of town. The pond was formed and a park was made around the area with blacktop paths, shelter house, wild flowers, and grasses. The fishing is good too!

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY:
Scranton Manufacturing Company, Inc. founded in 1971 is the manufacturer of refuse equipment. They have approximately 50 employees. McLaughlin International manufactures multipurpose leather, vinyl, and nylon cases.

LOCAL LEGENDS & HISTORY:
Scranton is known for its’ water tower. The town boasts of having the oldest working water tower in the state! It was built by Pitt-Des Moines Inc. back in 1897 and still serves the town today.

FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS:
Mid-Summer Festival is an annual event held in July. This Traditional city-wide celebration includes the business and residents of all ages. The hub of excitement is on main street, where free popcorn, ice tea, watermelon and other goodies are served. This year the celebration will be July 19^th with a parade and sand volley ball tournament along with all the other festivities mentioned previously. Christmas in Scranton is made official by the festivities at the beginning of the month, including Open House by a variety of city businesses as well as special events, bake sales, Christmas bazaars and a visit by Santa at the local library.

CHURCHES:
Today there are four active churches in Scranton. The Scranton Church of Christ, Scranton Friends Church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and Scranton Methodist Church.

LIBRARY:
Scranton’s library is a center for resources and entertainment. The library sponsors several children’s programs and participate in the state summer reading program. The library is open six days a week, so drop in and check out a book.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:
Scranton can boast of having some famous people whose "roots" belong to Scranton. Earl Wampler, a professional wrestler in the late 1920’s was known around the country. He had nicknames such as "The Scranton Coal Miner", the

"The Villain", and "The Rough One". He was especially known for his trademark "rabbit punches".

Penny Johnson, a soprano opera singer has her "roots" in Scranton. She has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City! Penny has studied extensively and performed in theaters throughout the United States. She is the daughter of Beryl and Jean Johnson, who still reside south of Scranton.

Last but not least, Scranton is the hometown of Bryce Paup, famous NFL football player, who plays for the Buffalo Bills. Bryce was voted 1996 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year! He is the son of Byron and Harriet Paup of rural Scranton.

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