A store owner allegedly overcharged a mailman by 50 cents for a better watermelon, prompting the frustrated customer to jokingly call the owner a “tightwad.” The name stuck and eventually became the official town name
Some accounts say the dispute involved a rooster instead of a watermelon, but the theme is the same — a humorous spat over a small amount of money
- Tightwad saw modest growth in the mid‑1980s, partly due to its close proximity to Harry S Truman Lake.
- The town became known for the Tightwad Bank, which drew national attention simply because of its name. Millions of accounts were opened just for the bank name printed on the checks!
- Population peaked around 69 residents in 2010
- Historically, the community has remained small, rural, and close‑knit.
Tightwad is straight, tight and the most conservative place in the United States. This sleeper community by Truman Lake hasn’t changed in 100 yrs.
Ozarks best with good ole country folks who love God & Country makes this unique. A Sportsman paradise with no crowds and one dollar more city slickers!