In 1859, Iowa College moved from Davenport, where it had been founded 13 years earlier, to a location about 125 miles west at the crossing of two railroad lines strategically selected by Josiah B. Grinnell.

The town would grow, reaching a population of 2,000 after about two decades, and the name of the College would eventually be changed to honor its new home. This fall we celebrate the 150 years that Grinnell College has been a part of the town of Grinnell, Iowa.

This fall’s “Grinnell in Grinnell” celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the connections between our College and our town. Over the last century and a half, the College’s character has been shaped by its location in Grinnell, and the town itself has been heavily influenced by the presence of the College. “Too often we think of the town as one place and the College as another. They interact all the time; there isn’t that dichotomy that we often think of,” says Grinnell College Archivist Catherine Rod.

The College and city planned a number of events and activities throughout the fall 2009 semester for all members of the Grinnell community . Events include a “Taste of Grinnell” event downtown, music and dance performances by College groups around town, volunteer activities, and a series of talks and discussions about the relationship between the town and College.

In addition to planned activities, the celebration publicizes some already established events. “We want to emphasize connections that already exist between the College and the community like service projects and the community meal,” says Dean Porter ’10, student organizer of the celebration. Porter and Rod work with different groups to promote businesses that have served Grinnell for many years, like the Danish Maid bakery and the Grinnell Herald Register newspaper.

Rod is chair of the event committee that includes Porter, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angela Harrington, Rosenfield Professor in Social Science-Anthropology Jon Andelson ’70, Director of Community Enhancement Monica Chavez-Silva, Director of Alumni Relations Jim Hess, Associate Professor of History Sarah Purcell ’92, and Associate Professor of German Daniel Reynolds. Join the fun and celebrate the lasting bond between our College and town.

—Andrew Walsh ’09