Irwin, Iowa: persistence and change in Shelby County.

Abstract

This chapter examines two images of Irwin, Iowa. The first is evoked by interviews with a number of older local residents who were in their prime in 1940 when a young rural sociologist named Ed Moe began his study of a typical midwestern agricultural community. The other image is drawn from Irwin's present and future, as seen through the eyes of other younger residents.

Persistence, Change, and Thinking Big about Small Places: Some Thoughts about the Practical Applications of Rural and Agricultural History

“…Irwin is persisting in spite of a lack of services that would seem to be absolutely necessary to an aging population. 6 Oddly enough, these very small towns persist in contravention to other sorts of wisdom as well. Sociologist Robert Wuthnow's 2011 book Remaking the Heartland contends that the Irwins of the region are on an inevitable path toward extinction.…”

“…Against all odds, Irwin maintains the appearance of a very small but healthy community. 4 Irwin is not alone. In 2010 there were approximately two dozen similar communities in rural Iowa, concentrated largely in the northern and western parts of the state.…”

“…It can also be the story of people who want to own their own homes, tend large yards and gardens, and feel free to allow their children to play in the street without much fear of traffic. 11 None of these narratives is necessarily disastrous. They all imply that a community needs to change over time and certainly that it needs to adapt as its population takes on new characteristics.…”