Gladbrook, Iowa

History

A post office called Gladbrook has been in operation since 1880. The name Gladbrook was coined by a railroad official.

On March 21, 1910, the Green Mountain train wreck occurred between Gladbrook and Green Mountain in which a derailment killed more than fifty people riding on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific line.

Geography

Gladbrook is located at 42°11′6″N 92°42′53″W (42.184995, -92.714588).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.70 square miles (1.81 km²), all of it land.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 945 people, 410 households, and 251 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,350.0 inhabitants per square mile (521.2/km²). There were 467 housing units at an average density of 667.1 per square mile (257.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.8% White, 0.5% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 410 households of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.8% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 47.2 years. 20.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 27.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.3% male and 54.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,015 people, 408 households, and 263 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,456.9 people per square mile (559.8/km²). There were 437 housing units at an average density of 627.3 per square mile (241.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.82% White, 0.10% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.10% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.89% of the population.

There were 408 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 79.3 males under 18. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,167, and the median income for a family was $41,797. Males had a median income of $34,028 versus $21,161 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,484. About 4.2% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Annual cultural events

The Gladbrook Corn Carnival is an annual celebration in Gladbrook that attracts several thousands of visitors per year. It has been held since 1922. The 2014 dates for the Corn Carnival are June 26–29, with the Grand Parade being Friday, June 27 at 6:30 pm.

Museums

Gladbrook is the home of the Matchstick Marvels museum. This museum holds large creations, built by Patrick Acton, that are made out of matchsticks.

Parks and recreation

Gladbrook is host to a movie theater featuring $2.00 movies, a bowling alley, a 24-hour fitness center, a bike and walking trail and an indoor swimming pool.

Union Grove Park

Union Grove state park is located three miles south of Gladbrook. It features a public beach, several picnic areas, public fishing, campgrounds, and short hiking trails.

Notable people