Readlyn, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Readlyn, Iowa
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| Motto(s):
"857 Friendly People & One Old Grump!"
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Location of Readlyn, Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Bremer |
| Incorporated | February 1, 1905 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.33 sq mi (0.85 km2) |
| • Land | 0.33 sq mi (0.85 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,033 ft (315 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 845 |
| • Density | 2,568.39/sq mi (992.78/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
50668
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| Area code(s) | 319 |
| FIPS code | 19-65910 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0460544 |
Readlyn is a small city in Bremer County, Iowa, United States. In 2020, about 845 people lived there. It is part of the larger Waterloo–Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. Readlyn is famous for its unique "Grump" tradition. This is a special title of honor given to a senior resident each year. The tradition was inspired by a real person from a long time ago. Readlyn got its own post office in 1904.
Contents
Where is Readlyn Located?
Readlyn is located in the state of Iowa. Its exact location is at 42°42′12″N 92°13′35″W / 42.70333°N 92.22639°W. The city covers a total area of about 0.33 square miles (0.85 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no water.
How Many People Live in Readlyn?
Readlyn has seen its population change over the years. Here is a quick look at how many people have lived there:
| Historical populations | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1910 | 227 | — |
| 1920 | 403 | +77.5% |
| 1930 | 385 | −4.5% |
| 1940 | 426 | +10.6% |
| 1950 | 468 | +9.9% |
| 1960 | 547 | +16.9% |
| 1970 | 616 | +12.6% |
| 1980 | 858 | +39.3% |
| 1990 | 773 | −9.9% |
| 2000 | 786 | +1.7% |
| 2010 | 808 | +2.8% |
| 2020 | 845 | +4.6% |
| Source: and Iowa Data Center Source: |
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Readlyn's Population in 2020
In 2020, there were 845 people living in Readlyn. These people lived in 331 households, with 229 of them being families. The city had about 2,571 people per square mile. Most of the people (97.2%) were White. A small number (0.5%) were from other races, and 2.4% were from two or more races. About 2.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Readlyn in 2020 was 36.4 years old.
- About 29.3% of residents were under 20 years old.
- About 6.5% were between 20 and 24 years old.
- About 25.6% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 19.4% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 19.2% were 65 years or older.
Slightly more than half of the residents (51.7%) were female, and 48.3% were male.
Readlyn's Population in 2010
In 2010, Readlyn had 808 people living there. They lived in 338 households, and 222 of these were families. The population density was about 2,448 people per square mile. Most people (98.0%) were White. A small number were African American (0.5%), Native American (0.1%), or Asian (0.5%). About 1.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in 2010 was 37.8 years.
- About 28.1% of residents were under 18 years old.
- About 5% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 26.1% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 23.9% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 16.7% were 65 years or older.
The city had slightly more females (52.0%) than males (48.0%).
Education in Readlyn
The Wapsie Valley Community School District is in charge of the public schools in Readlyn.
Readlyn's Unique Culture
Readlyn has a very special and fun part of its culture.
The "Grump" Tradition
Readlyn's city sign on Iowa Highway 3 proudly displays its motto: "857 Friendly People & One Old Grump". This motto refers to a local legend and a special title of honor given out each year. The "Grump" is chosen from a senior resident of Readlyn by the Readlyn Community Club.
Origin of the Grump Legend
The story of Readlyn's "Grump" began a long time ago, when the first railroad came through the area in 1904. An old traveler, whose real name is unknown, got off a train in Readlyn. He wanted to settle down there. However, people quickly noticed he ignored everyone who tried to say hello. He also rarely showed any emotion except a tired frown. Because of this, people in Readlyn started calling him the "Old Grump."
The "Old Grump's" reputation lasted for about a year. Then, something funny happened in the city, and he laughed "for the first time in years." This event made the "Old Grump" a memorable part of Readlyn's history.
Becoming the Honorary Grump
The tradition of choosing an honorary Grump started in 1990. A man named Sam Sickles volunteered to be the first Grump because of his age and his "grumpy" attitude. Since then, every third week of June, during community events called "Grump Days," a new Grump is chosen. People aged 65 or older can put their names forward to be selected.
The only time this tradition was paused was in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To make up for it, two Grumps were chosen in 2021. Even though the title sounds like it's for bad behavior, being the Grump is actually a high honor. Those who are chosen usually feel very proud.
What the Grump Does
The Grump has several important roles in the community:
- They are expected to take part in community events and parades.
- They write a monthly article about good local events for the city newspaper.
- They receive special benefits, like a unique hat and a custom license plate.
Photos of all the past Grumps are kept at the Readlyn Historical Society. You can also see them at Grumpy's Spirits, Suds & Grub, a local restaurant. There is even a cartoon-style statue of a "Grump" on a bench in Readlyn. This statue is loosely based on the original Old Grump and is a popular tourist attraction.
See also
In Spanish: Readlyn (Iowa) para niños
