The Piece De Resistance Of The Midwest : Fairfield, Ia
- Date: 2010-08-21 - Word Count: 523
Share This!
Enclosed for miles by gently rolling meadows and fertile cropland, Fairfield, Iowa, has always been a dynamic, progressive little town, despite a modest population that is usually around 10,000. Fairfield is the county government and sponsored Iowa's first state fair in 1854. Andrew Carnegie built the first of 1,689 public libraries just south of the Fairfield square. Almost two dozen buildings in Fairfield have qualified for a listing on the National Register of Historic Buildings, including a turreted Victorian mansion two blocks east of downtown.
From industry to education to green existence, Fairfield, Iowa, has consistently made its mark.
The influential Louden Machinery Company, based in Fairfield, developed labor-saving tools that influenced agriculture all across the country. Today, Fairfield's lively business-driven climate has earned it the nickname "Silicorn Valley." Unique retail shops make Fairfield a popular destination point for the region. Among the one-of-a-kind stores are the whole foods grocery store Everybody's, the kitchen, cooking, and knitting store At Home, the alternative health store Thymely Solutions, and the children's toy store Finnywick's.
Parsons College (1875-1973) implemented one of the most remarkable educational programs of its time. It became known as the "Second Chance" college, attracting a nationwide student body. In 1974, Maharishi University of Management bought the campus and moved its student body from California to the Heartland. The accredited university offers a range of classes and an environment where everyone meditates. Students, faculty, and staff all follow Transcendental Meditation. Many new residences and classrooms have been built in recent years, and the new all-green Sustainable Living building is now under construction.
With the Sustainable Living at MUM, the City of Fairfield has also jumped on the green bandwagon. Msn.com named Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy one of the greenest mayors in the country, on par with Portland, New York, and Chicago! "I believe Fairfield is poised to become a model sustainable city reaping the benefits of energy conservation, smart technology, renewable energy, and green entrepreneurship," said Mayor Malloy. In 2009 the city hired its own Sustainability Coordinator, the dynamic Scott Timm, whoorganized Backyard Conservation workshops, conducted energy-efficiency studies on commercial buildings, and published the Fairfield's Go Green Guide.
Fairfield's appreciated trail system attracts many hikers and bikers, who can travel for miles through town, country, and woods, all on well-maintained gravel paths. The Fairfield Park &Rec's indoor pool recently installed a new filtration system that dramatically reduces the use of chlorine.
One evening each month, Fairfield lights up the square for the 1st Fridays Art Walk. Galleries and shops open their doors for a night of fine arts, music, entertainment, and neighborly fun. All year round, the new Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (FACC) hosts a stellar roster of entertainment, from concerts and dance productions, to plays and events. America's greatest musical theater artist, Stephen Sondheim, generously granted permission to use his name for FACC's 520-seat theater. TheStephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts is also home to Fairfield's Way Off Broadway theater company.
Media around the country have continually recognized Fairfield as a shining star in the Midwest. In 2006, Mother Earth News writer Lynn Byczynski chose Fairfield, Iowa, as one of "12 Great Places You've Never Heard Of."
From industry to education to green existence, Fairfield, Iowa, has consistently made its mark.
The influential Louden Machinery Company, based in Fairfield, developed labor-saving tools that influenced agriculture all across the country. Today, Fairfield's lively business-driven climate has earned it the nickname "Silicorn Valley." Unique retail shops make Fairfield a popular destination point for the region. Among the one-of-a-kind stores are the whole foods grocery store Everybody's, the kitchen, cooking, and knitting store At Home, the alternative health store Thymely Solutions, and the children's toy store Finnywick's.
Parsons College (1875-1973) implemented one of the most remarkable educational programs of its time. It became known as the "Second Chance" college, attracting a nationwide student body. In 1974, Maharishi University of Management bought the campus and moved its student body from California to the Heartland. The accredited university offers a range of classes and an environment where everyone meditates. Students, faculty, and staff all follow Transcendental Meditation. Many new residences and classrooms have been built in recent years, and the new all-green Sustainable Living building is now under construction.
With the Sustainable Living at MUM, the City of Fairfield has also jumped on the green bandwagon. Msn.com named Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy one of the greenest mayors in the country, on par with Portland, New York, and Chicago! "I believe Fairfield is poised to become a model sustainable city reaping the benefits of energy conservation, smart technology, renewable energy, and green entrepreneurship," said Mayor Malloy. In 2009 the city hired its own Sustainability Coordinator, the dynamic Scott Timm, whoorganized Backyard Conservation workshops, conducted energy-efficiency studies on commercial buildings, and published the Fairfield's Go Green Guide.
Fairfield's appreciated trail system attracts many hikers and bikers, who can travel for miles through town, country, and woods, all on well-maintained gravel paths. The Fairfield Park &Rec's indoor pool recently installed a new filtration system that dramatically reduces the use of chlorine.
One evening each month, Fairfield lights up the square for the 1st Fridays Art Walk. Galleries and shops open their doors for a night of fine arts, music, entertainment, and neighborly fun. All year round, the new Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (FACC) hosts a stellar roster of entertainment, from concerts and dance productions, to plays and events. America's greatest musical theater artist, Stephen Sondheim, generously granted permission to use his name for FACC's 520-seat theater. TheStephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts is also home to Fairfield's Way Off Broadway theater company.
Media around the country have continually recognized Fairfield as a shining star in the Midwest. In 2006, Mother Earth News writer Lynn Byczynski chose Fairfield, Iowa, as one of "12 Great Places You've Never Heard Of."
Related Tags: iowa, midwest, fairfield, fairfield ia, fairfield iowa
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me