Panama, Iowa

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Panama, Iowa
settlement_type = City
nickname =
motto =

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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Panama, Iowa


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name =
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 =
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Shelby
government_footnotes =
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leader_title =
leader_name =
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unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =

area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 0.7
area_land_km2 = 0.7
area_water_km2 = 0.0
area_total_sq_mi = 0.3
area_land_sq_mi = 0.3
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 212
population_density_km2 = 287.6
population_density_sq_mi = 745.0

timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 386
elevation_ft = 1266
latd = 41 |latm = 43 |lats = 36 |latNS = N
longd = 95 |longm = 28 |longs = 27 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP codes
postal_code = 51562, 51578
area_code = 712
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 19-61275
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0460009
website =
footnotes =

Panama is a city in Shelby County, Iowa, United States. The population was 212 at the 2000 census.

History

Panama began as "Crandall's Station" during the construction of a railway line in 1884. Sir Pears Pauley founder of the railway was noted as the early founder along with Ronald Chamberlain. The two were well known for collaborating railroad efforts with the free trade of cow hides and pig's feet which were a valuable asset at the turn of the century. Panama is rich in history and well known for its farming and nightlife. What was once home to Auggies in the late 90's, Mike and Peg Burg changed the way Panama would be viewed by tourist. This historic night club was created from the reformation of Zimmerman's Grocery Store from the early 1900's. Auggies recently sold the business and now the building is a local bar and restaurant called "Norma Jeans." Panama Tourism peaks during the summer months in which Panama holds the Annual Classic Backroad Bike Ride, The Annual Panama Picnic, Hoo Doo Days and also Don Assmann's Backyard Party. Many visitors have explored and ventured on the "moonraker" an adventurous mobile ride and may be seen in the "jumping balloon" at these festivals. Local businesses flourish as well during the peak tourism summer season and visitors can also be seen at Pauley's Pub, shopping at the upscale Mainstreet Market or even visiting Uptown Looks for a brief makeover. Summer concert series featuring Bob Maeges Band and the Martin Family along with Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band are headliners as well during these sold out festivals. Some other regularly visited sites include Panhead Alley, Byrd's Deck, or Tuffy's. Panama alss features 1 park of Iowa historic status. Whispering Pines Park features over 300 of Iowa's rarest Pine Trees and is viewed to some "The Yosemite of the Mid-west" with it's breathtaking views and extraordinary wild life. Locals of Panama have tradition of "whipping loretta's" a local term used for a maneuver used by cars on a famous street corner. As for minor professional sports locals can catch the Panama Knights Town Team and Basketball team facing local competition. Panama features some of Iowa's larger corporations, Panama Transfer, One Ton Welding, and Shelby County State Bank reside in this community. On July 17,18,and 19th 2009 Panama will celebrate their heritage by hosting a 125th Birthday. Music to be provided by Jodi Wingert and Tracy Kenkel.

Geography

Panama is located at coor dms|41|43|36|N|95|28|27|W|city (41.726691, -95.474235)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.3 square miles (0.7 km²), all of it land.

The community is on Iowa Highway 191, halfway between U.S. Routes 30 and 59

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 212 people, 96 households, and 57 families residing in the city. The population density was 745.0 people per square mile (292.3/km²). There were 105 housing units at an average density of 369.0/sq mi (144.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.11% White, 0.47% African American, and 1.42% from two or more races.

There were 96 households out of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 36.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,917, and the median income for a family was $55,000. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $25,556 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,078. About 3.4% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 14.0% of those sixty five or over.

References

External links

* [http://www.developsource.com/Communities/panama.asp City website]