Adair, Iowa: Smiley Face Water Tower

Bulbous, bright yellow, grinning municipal water tower "Ol' Smiley" was erected in 1979. It's the happy town ambassador, where the slogan once was "Adair -- It'll make you smile!"

Smiley Face Water Tower

After a long absence, I am proud to announce that the Smiley Face Water Tower bank souvenirs are once again in production. The Casey's store directly off I-80 at Exit 76 will soon be carrying these banks for purchase.

So fret no longer I-80 road warriors, you will again be able to take a small piece of our community home with you!

[Livia Fisher, 10/07/2007]

Smiley Face Water Tower Flag

On a recent stop at Adair I noticed the Budget Inn sign shown in your review no longer displays the smiley faced water tower. I was not able to find the cool tower bank that you show either. Bummed too as I wanted to pick one up for my friend who goes around the country photographing the old riveted "cone" towers but will not take a picture of a Q-tip tower regardless of what is on it. I looked in both gas stations near the Budget Inn, both had a section of Iowa souvenirs but no luck, they never even heard of the thing so either they are no longer available or they must be purchased in town.

I was there too late in the evening so everything was closed. However the loss of the Budget Inn sign can be balanced by the city of Adair flag that fittingly is yellow and boasts the water tower. The picture I attach is of this flag posted on a window downtown. Maybe these are the only smiley faced souvenirs now available in Adair?

[Richard Weiss, 11/23/2006]