Friday, August 22, 2014

More "Y" Musings

     Courtesy of California's Max Moore, BHS-46, the Korner is obtaining an even deeper history of the old Boone "Y." For the benefit of some of our younger viewers we should point out that yes, there was a Boone "Y" prior to the current edition at Seventh and Carroll. The Kornerman recalls "Y" and railroad mentioned in the same "breath" way back when. So, I assume the old "Y" received some type of sponsorship from the Chicago and Northwestern and, in fact, that building, perhaps, was constructed by the railroad. Anyway, the old "Y" was located in the same area currently occupied by O'Reilly's Auto Parts store on the north side of Eighth Street just West of HyVee.
     Here's that earlier history as provided by Max Moore. He wrote, "In the 40's, Bud Watkins managed the "Y." He was a great individual and was very good with youngsters. He had us playing basketball all day long and would play right along with us. He had a remarkable two hand shot. We also played ping pong, checkers, and other games. It was a great place if you could afford the $5.00 membership and it kept us kids from getting into trouble. Most of us had sponsors for the $5.00 fee. Anybody know what happened to Bud? You're doing a super job with your blog. Keep it up Mo, we enjoy and look forward to Wednesday's and Saturday's."
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     From Edwards, WA., Ron Hopkins wrote, "I remember the "Y" just as you described. Several of us from Sacred Heart also spent many hours there during my high school years, 1955-59. In my case, the gym was the main attraction since we had none at Sacred Heart. The cement floor resulted not only in grimy hands and knees but a broken wrist. I also remember enjoying a variation on ping pong with two tables pushed end-to-end, net in the middle for more aggressive swatting."
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     Dick Longworth wrote, "thanks for the memories of the old "Y." It wasn't elegant but it was a lot of fun. Director Al Jaggard was a great guy, very enthusiastic. We didn't care what the place looked like, just so long as we could hang out there. The main draw for me was the ping pong tables. As I recall, they had wooden nets or maybe my memory is confusing them with tables elsewhere. These nets, being unforgiving, were good practice. If you could get a hard topspin shot over those nets, the usual fabric nets were no challenge at all. Also, the paddles in those days  were covered with a variety of sandpaper, not the padded or pimpled paddles that came in later. As a result, our game was mostly power, you couldn't get much spin off a hard sandpaper paddle. As to the pool, again my memory is  playing tricks, but I recall that it was non-existent for much of the time or rather, it existed but was covered over and closed. The story, perhaps a legend, was that someone in previous years had snuck into the "Y" at night to have a swim. Although it was dark, he dived in, not realizing the pool was empty and with predicable results. As a result, the pool was covered over. I have no idea if this is true. Do you?"
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     Ann Coe wrote, "Oh yes, the old "Y" was quite a place and Al Jaggard was a great guy. Don't forget his wife, Anita, who worked with Girl Scouts and Brownies and helped with about everything at the old Lincoln Grade School. We should all remember that it was actually the YWCA that pulled the YMCA out of all the financial difficulties and the current "Y" building was built on old YWCA ground. It's the women who don't write you that forget how chauvinistic Boone guys could be. Glad that's all behind us too. Guess I sound a bit chauvinistic myself. Sorry......it's a generational thing. You sure have a fantastic memory and it's great that you share it with us. Thanks again for your efforts."
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   Regarding the Redeker saga: As we reported earlier, the Boone County Zoning Commission has approved the transfer of 57.7 acres of land in Colfax Township east of town from A-1, Agricultural Conservation, to C-1, Commercial. That is an early required step for Redekers in their attempt to build a new store in that east of town area. Now, the Board of Supervisors will hold a series of public hearings on this matter to give members of the public an opportunity to hear the plans and express opinions or ask questions about the proposed project. The first hearing is set for next Wednesday, followed by a second hearing on September 3 and a third hearing, if needed, on September 10.
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     Boone Area Deaths: Dr. James Fitzgerald, 86, Whittier, CA. Attended Sacred Heart elementary and graduated from BHS. Practiced in Whitter beginning in 1956...........William McHugh, 66, Long Beach, CA. Services to be held in Boone.
     Fast pitch softball followers may remember Ray Nissly of the Dallas Center area. He was an outstanding pitcher and, in fact, joined the roster of Boone teams on occasion, as an additional pitcher, particularly at post state tournament time. He was 85.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.


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