Whittier, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whittier, Iowa
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| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County | Linn |
| Township | Brown |
| Elevation | 915 ft (279 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 319 |
| GNIS feature ID | 463015 |
Whittier is a small, unincorporated community located in Linn County, Iowa, in the United States. An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
Contents
Where is Whittier Located?
Whittier is found in Iowa, at the crossing of County Roads X20 and E34. It is south of a place called Waubeek and west of Viola.
The Story of Whittier
How Whittier Began
Whittier started as a special community built by a group of people called Quakers. They are known for their peaceful beliefs and simple way of life. At first, this place was even called Quaker Corners! It was founded in Brown Township.
Early Buildings and Changes
The first building for the Quaker community was built in 1864. This building was very important because it was also used as a schoolhouse until 1878.
Later, in 1893, a new and bigger building was constructed right in front of the old one. This new building is called the Whittier Friends Meeting House. It is so important that it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special building recognized for its history.
In 1878, a separate schoolhouse was built just for students. A general store opened in 1893, run by the Hall family. They also managed the local post office.
How Whittier Got Its Name
The village was later renamed Whittier. This was done to honor a famous Quaker poet and abolitionist named John Greenleaf Whittier. An abolitionist was someone who worked to end slavery.
Whittier's Population Over Time
In 1902, Whittier had a population of 28 people. By 1940, the number of people living there grew to 100.
Changes in the Community
In the 1950s, the Quaker school closed down. The post office also closed around the same time.
In 2008, local planners created a document to help guide how Whittier would grow. This plan suggested that the community should grow slowly. It also wanted to make sure that Whittier's Quaker history and heritage were remembered and respected as it developed.
