Allerton’s
charming main street typifies Midwest small town life. Here you can stroll
by buildings constructed a century ago by area craftsmen, some of whose descendents
still live nearby. On the west side of the street is the old American Legion,
open daily for lunch and supper. Also located on the west side is the US
Post Office, Great Western Bank, South 40 Saloon, Anathoth Art Shop, Log
Chain Apiary, Allerton Lumber, and, of course, the Inn of the Six-Toed Cat.
Be
sure to check out the many murals painted on Allerton’s buildings during
the visit by the “Wall Dogs” several years ago. Allerton’s
Public Library is open daily from 2 to 5 p.m., located in the Centennial Building
which also houses the city clerk’s office and a large multi-purpose facility
for banquets, dances, and shows.
Every
September, Allerton hosts the Allertonworld Fair. It’s great fun and includes
a parade, street games, great food and music, as well as fireworks. It’s
a special time when many former residents return for family and class reunions.
The
front porch of the Inn of the Six-Toed Cat is a great starting point for any
of your walking tours or day trips around the area. It’s also a comfortable
resting site at the end of the day or between trips.
Chautauqua
Park is located just south of town. It is the site of the popular Chautauqua
meetings of the early 20th Century all across the Midwest. Allerton was one
of the first Chautauqua sites in Iowa, hosting such dignitaries and William
Jennings Bryon, Billy Sunday, Carry Nation, Booker T. Washington, and Helen
Keller.
There
are murals all over town painted in the early 1990s by the “Wall Dog”
artists who spent several weeks in Allerton.
The
Log Chain Apiary, located next door to the Inn of the Six-Toed Cat, produces
a wonderful assortment of honey products.
