Welcome to Monowi, Nebraska.
January 31, 2018 8:12 AM Subscribe
Population: 1
Monowi, founded in 1902, became the smallest incorporated town in the United States in 2004, when Elsie Eiler's husband Rudy passed away. Now 84, Eiler is the town's mayor, clerk, treasurer, librarian and owner of the only business, a tavern that receives regulars from around the region as well as visitors from around the world. (Previouslyish.)
Monowi, founded in 1902, became the smallest incorporated town in the United States in 2004, when Elsie Eiler's husband Rudy passed away. Now 84, Eiler is the town's mayor, clerk, treasurer, librarian and owner of the only business, a tavern that receives regulars from around the region as well as visitors from around the world. (Previouslyish.)
Great article, terrible travel piece, however.
posted by Keith Talent at 8:34 AM on January 31, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by Keith Talent at 8:34 AM on January 31, 2018 [4 favorites]
According to Wikipedia, there's two unoccupied housing units in Monowi.
posted by aniola at 8:36 AM on January 31, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by aniola at 8:36 AM on January 31, 2018 [3 favorites]
Google Streetview drove by in 2008. The aerial imagery looks a bit newer. She's only 8 miles down the road from Lynch, population 245. It has a hospital.
posted by Nelson at 8:42 AM on January 31, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Nelson at 8:42 AM on January 31, 2018 [3 favorites]
> grants her own alcohol licence
*Barney Gumble voice*
"You can DO that?!?!?"
posted by The Card Cheat at 8:56 AM on January 31, 2018 [18 favorites]
*Barney Gumble voice*
"You can DO that?!?!?"
posted by The Card Cheat at 8:56 AM on January 31, 2018 [18 favorites]
If the resident moves out, does Monowi remain incorporated? Can you have a town with a population of 0? What's the legal status of a ghost town?
posted by phooky at 10:18 AM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by phooky at 10:18 AM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
I think that the state or county has the power to disincorporate a place. That's what happened after the Manchester, SD tornado. I think the residents can apply to be disincorporated too, if they want to; I've heard of that happening in Maine.
Here's an article about Iowa. Aaack I'm in a rabbit hole help!!
posted by Melismata at 10:34 AM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
Here's an article about Iowa. Aaack I'm in a rabbit hole help!!
posted by Melismata at 10:34 AM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
If someone else moved there, would they have to call the town "Polywi"?
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:56 AM on January 31, 2018
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:56 AM on January 31, 2018
If someone else moved there, the vote to change the town name would still have to gain a majority of the voters.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 12:08 PM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Midnight Skulker at 12:08 PM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
> Midnight Skulker:
"If someone else moved there, the vote to change the town name would still have to gain a majority of the voters."
I could see that being difficult, especially as you might need a quorum.
posted by Samizdata at 12:16 PM on January 31, 2018
"If someone else moved there, the vote to change the town name would still have to gain a majority of the voters."
I could see that being difficult, especially as you might need a quorum.
posted by Samizdata at 12:16 PM on January 31, 2018
I like her. That postcard, addressed to "Elsie, Monowi", she's like Santa.
In further observations:
Population: 1 [more inside]
Waaaiiitt.... So does she have authority to grant her inner organs citizenship, too?
posted by flamewise at 12:16 PM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
In further observations:
Population: 1 [more inside]
Waaaiiitt.... So does she have authority to grant her inner organs citizenship, too?
posted by flamewise at 12:16 PM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
we should totally all move there and vote to name the town Metawi
posted by numaner at 12:24 PM on January 31, 2018 [9 favorites]
posted by numaner at 12:24 PM on January 31, 2018 [9 favorites]
The Metafilter State Municipality Project.
Or if there's a convenient stream we could split it and build Crone Island.
posted by tivalasvegas at 12:36 PM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
Or if there's a convenient stream we could split it and build Crone Island.
posted by tivalasvegas at 12:36 PM on January 31, 2018 [2 favorites]
a tavern
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name
posted by AndrewInDC at 1:57 PM on January 31, 2018 [3 favorites]
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name
posted by AndrewInDC at 1:57 PM on January 31, 2018 [3 favorites]
Pretty little prarie flower, according to at least one book.
posted by aniola at 5:19 AM on February 1, 2018
posted by aniola at 5:19 AM on February 1, 2018
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posted by Melismata at 8:14 AM on January 31, 2018 [1 favorite]