MONOWI, Nebraska-

In the 1930s Monowi, Nebraska was hardly a bustling metropolis, but it was at the height of its population boom. Monowi (Mah·no·y) is a small village located in Boyd County, northern Nebraska, four miles from the Nebraska-South Dakota border. During the peek of its population, Monowi sported a whopping 150 residence.

In contrast to the average size of a city today, 150 is an absolute minuscule amount of residence anywhere. Villages seem to have a different standard, but 150 is still nothing to brag about. These days things have changed a lot in Monowi, there’s really not that much going on there at all. In fact, there are only two places of business left in the entire village, The Monowi Tavern (where people come from up to 80 miles away to visit) and Rudy’s Library. Rudy’s Library was the dying wish of Rudy Eiler, who passed away from Cancer in 2004. Rudy was a farmer and avid book reader and book collector. Rudy’s beloved wife, Elsie, followed through with his dying wish and took his 5,000 books and created Rudy’s Library.

Now, in 2011, you’ll find Elsie Eiler working hard for her small village. In fact, she’s by far the most active resident Monowi has. In addition to running the tavern and library, Elsie Eiler acts as the town clerk, town treasurer, town secretary, and last but not least, town mayor. It would appear as though the 77-year-old Mrs. Eiler is busy beyond her years……one could only wonder how she does it?

The next logical question: Why does Elsie Eiler seemingly do absolutely everything in Monowi, Nebraska? Why don’t any of the other residence step up and help with the town’s duties? Well, the answer is actually quite simple. After Rudy Eiler passed away in 2004, Monowi’s official population was cut in half, going from two to one.

Luckily for Monowi, and it’s lone resident, Elsie Eiler, people come from miles around to visit the Monowi Tavern, pumping cash into the Monowi economy……but it’s not clear in this high tech, digital age, who comes from miles around to check out books from Rudy’s Library. Elsie Eiler says as long as she can take care of herself, she’s staying in Monowi.

The moral of the story: If you love it, there’s no reason to leave it.

Click here to go to Wikipedia and read more specifics about Monowi, Nebraska.

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