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Visit Historic Lenox, IA |
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 Records show that the town was first called Summit. A former editor of the newspaper relates that the town was named Lenox for the only daughters of a vice president of the railroad company. Legend exists, also that a team of oxen had a part in naming the town. As the team was being driven near a building, one leaned over to rub himself, giving rise to the term "Lean - ox", which was shortened to "Lenox". Regardless of how Lenox received its name we are proud of our thriving community.
Lenox had it's first two room school built in 1874 with 24 students. In 1912, a new brick building replaced the one of 30 years before, serving all grades. A new high school was dedicated in 1968 at the southeast edge of town, Progress was again seen in 2005, with the addition of a new elementary building that connects to the high school.
Tragedy struck in the early morning of November 7, 184l. Frank Wilson's restaurant caught fire which spread to adjoining buildings. When the smoke cleared, 43 businesses were leveled, a loss estimated at $100,000. These were all wood buildings. Only five businesses were left.
A fire committee was appointed by the mayor and council in May, 1910 with authority to organize a volunteer department. Today the fire department has state of the art fire equipment. Ambulance service is also provided; both are on a volunteer basis.
The Lenox Library was started in 1941 in two small rooms. Now at its present location at 101 N. Main, the library is meeting the needs of all residents from leisure reading, genealogical searches and computer and internet access.
The Lenox Time Table was founded almost as soon as the town and has had a continuous existence.
Lenox is the home to several large industries. With these businesses and the community's drive and determination to thrive. Lenox sports a population of over 1400 people. Today, Lenox is leading the way in Southwest Iowa in the renewable wind generation market with the construction of a wind turbine. The turbine has been generating energy since November 22, 2003.
Visit Lenox and experience the Bright Lights and Shining Hospitality of the past and present.
Much of this information was obtained from the Centennial History of Lenox, Iowa 1872-1972 publication and the cities web site at www. lenoxia.com.
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Add Lenox to your vacation destination |
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The Welcome to Lenox, Iowa signs extend a warm and friendly invitation to visitors. Lenox, Iowa is a town of about 1400 situated in the middle of an agricultural community in Taylor County. A good place to grow crops and farm animals, a good place to grow industry and business and a good place to grow a family.
The entire City of Lenox comes alive with Christmas lights and yard displays. You’ll be pleased to drive through the town and choose your favorite.
The Visitors Center welcomes you to Christmas in Lenox. The Visitors Center, located in the Lenox Depot, is open from 6PM to 9PM starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and extends hospitality until December 26th. Various organizations decorate the trees in and around the Depot. This historic building has been faithfully restored.
 Lenox was headquarters to the 200 plus cast and crew members who filmed a remake of the 1973 horror film, “The Crazies”. A two month adventure filled with excitement. Lenox offered the hospitality of our small town and we were treated to a spectacular view of the film making process. We shared our lives and came away richer for the experience.
The Lenox Windmill can be seen up close. This wind turbine was installed in 2003 and is owned and operated by the Lenox Municipal Utilities.
The Lenox Country Club is open to the public for golf starting in mid-April. The Golf Course is a 9-hole, beautifully manicured, course. The Club House Dining and Lounge opens at 11AM.
Bowling at the Tiger Lanes Bowling Alley is fun for the whole family. Tiger Lanes is the only bowling alley in Taylor County and is up to date with all the latest in bowling equipment and computerized scoring.
Lenox’s Highland Park features an exceptional swimming pool, as well as picnicking, playing basketball, swinging, teeter tottering, tube sliding, and playing on the large children’s play land. The park is a well managed, safe, tree shaded, manicured park that includes shelter houses with lots of picnic tables and fire-pit grills. And, there are indoor toilet facilities in the park.
Wilson Lake is a 50-acre site with a 20-acre lake and 10 modern camping sites. The lake is stocked with catfish, bass, pan fish and some walleye. A quiet, relaxing time will be there for you as there are only electric boat motors allowed on the lake and no hunting is allowed.
Motorcyclists enjoy the Annual Poker Run in July, sponsored by D&J Dally Post Saloon
The Bicycle Riding event of the year occurs the first Saturday in June when you can join with bike riders during their Ride Around Taylor County (RAT). This ride starts at the Lenox City Highland Park and is for bicycle riders of all skill levels. The ride is safe and patrolled by the Southwest Iowa Amateur Radio Club
City Wide Garage Sale occurs in June. You may find that treasure you seek at just the right price. Maps are printed in the local paper with the addresses and locations of all the garage sales.
Rodeo Week starts in late July with a parade sponsored by the Lenox Stock and Saddle Club, the Lenox Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lenox Sorority Sisters.
Old Fashioned Fun Night follows the parade and is sponsored by the Lenox Area Chamber of Commerce. It is a fun night for the whole family with fun activities and food. The Rodeo runs for three nights beginning with youth activities of mutton-bustin’ and junior steer riding. A mounted drill team heads up each night’s rodeo. From the first rodeo event, you’ll know you are in for a top-notch rodeo.
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Gravity and Sharpsburg Iowa....125 years of History! |
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Two small towns that are holding their own! Each is governed by a city council and mayor. Each community boasts their own active volunteer fire departments. A post office is still prominent part of both towns as well as lovingly maintained city parks.
 Gravity has a plumbing & electrical business, a car repair shop, a honey processing facility and a new bar and grill. Newly opened is an upholstery and a construction business. There is an active American Legion and Auxiliary and several community social clubs. Several businesses are active outside the city limits.
There are no records why the town was named Gravity, but many think Washington Center School was the center of the township, and gravity was center, so it was named Gravity. This is the only town named Gravity found in the U.S. general elections.
At its peak the population was once over 600, but with the loss of the railroad, the population now holds at approximately 225 residents.
Sharps, Sharpsburgh and Sharpsburg are all the same place. It was called  Sharps Siding, because of the railroad, and for a man named Sharps who owned a great deal of the town. It has taken the present name of Sharpsburg since that time.
Sharpsburg supports a Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church and a general store, a quilting club and several local artists who share their talents.
“Sharpsburg is like this: a nine year old girl told a fifty-five year old woman that she wasn’t over the hill, but on top of it. It is where a little boy cut his finger trying to get a piece of cheese at his grandmother’s. He knew he could run up the street to get help to stop the bleeding, and to get his finger “band-aided”, his tears wiped away, and a smile put back on his pretty face. It is where a lady makes and gives away lap robes to the elderly and infirm and where everyone knew about Halloween and still does. It is a town where, if you stub your toe, all laugh, but all are there to help you up if you should fall.” Verle Knapp.
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Places of Worship and Places to Stay |
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Lenox has several area churches including the Christian Church, the United Methodist Church, the United Presbyterian Church, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Lenox Motel is located on Main Street within walking distance of shops and eateries.
PJ’s Bed and Breakfast is located off the beaten path in a quiet neighborhood. Their motto is:” Enter as a stranger, leave as a friend.”
Lenox is a growing community that welcomes and invites visitors. The community has a quality school system, up to date fiber optic technology for cable TV, phone and Internet service, thriving industry and business; and fun, safe places to go, things to do and things to see. When you visit Lenox, you’ll be extended every courtesy and we’ll want you to come back often. To find out more about Lenox, visit our website at www.lenoxia.com. Or, contact the Lenox Area Chamber of Commerce, 200 1/2 South Main Street, Lenox, IA 50851, 641-333-4272, email:
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