In a remote corner of Nebraska, resides Elsie Eiler, a hardworking woman in her 90s who wears multiple hats as the mayor, librarian, postmaster, and sole proprietor of the tiniest town in the United States.
Elsie and her late husband, Rudy, established the Monowi Tavern in 1971 in this sparsely populated area located approximately 90 miles northwest of Norfolk, near the South Dakota border. Initially, business was sluggish, but Elsie persevered after Rudy’s passing in 2004, gradually becoming the sole resident of Monowi as others either passed away or relocated.
Despite the town’s dwindling populace and crumbling infrastructure, Elsie’s tavern stands out as a well-maintained oasis. Monowi’s diminishing population has inadvertently transformed it into a tourist attraction, drawing visitors intrigued by Elsie’s remarkable story and her myriad roles in the community.
As the sole inhabitant, Elsie not only runs the tavern, serving around 50 guests daily and maintaining the establishment impeccably, but also fulfills civic duties as the mayor, librarian, and postmaster. She self-elects as mayor, drafts an annual municipal plan, and manages utility taxes to sustain essential services.
Elsie describes her tavern as a hub for the community, offering a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Regular patrons, including Boyd County Sheriff Chuck Wrede and local farmers like Jeff Uhlir, frequent the tavern for social gatherings and meetings, highlighting its significance as a community center.
Despite her age and the immense responsibilities she shoulders, Elsie shows no signs of slowing down. Her commitment to Monowi remains unwavering, as she renews her licenses yearly and expresses contentment with her chosen way of life, firmly rooted in the town she calls home.