Skateland and Elevators

     After a period of "sleeping in" or, perhaps, with all the recent activities, a lack of sleep was the problem, our viewers have suddenly awoken. Yes, the Kornerman knows awoken does not sound right but I checked with a good friend, Dick Shenary, and he says that's alright.
     Regarding Skateland, classmate Tom Canfield wrote, "if you really want the scoop on Skateland during our "early years" you should talk to Gary Weston (another classmate). I think he spent more time there than in school. He has mentioned Gary Thompson and his wife, Janet, as being big on skating, skate dance competitions and so forth. I don't remember much about the Boone elevators but I do remember the first escalators at Younkers in Des Moines."
     John Kueck added, "I was an ice skater, not a roller skater. I did roller skate on the streets and sidewalks, but never at a Boone or Ames roller rink. However, as I recall, there was a roller rink that was not far from the Boone YMCA on a space that was later replaced by a bowling alley. You also mentioned the Mylenbush's playing the organ. As I recall, Jim Mylenbush played the organ at the Boone Roller Rink. It might have been called Skater's Paradise at one time. As always, the best to you, and your column is always high on my weekly highlights."
     Editor's note: Anybody remember when Swede Carlson was the organist at the Boone rink?
K-----K
     Regarding elevators, one that the Kornerman should have remembered and didn't mention was in the Lippert Building. The elevator was at the back of the building right next to the alley by Cardinal Cleaners. I used that several times when visiting my doctor at the time, Dr. John Wall.
     Several viewers mentioned that "forgotten" elevator. Mike Howard wrote, "you forgot one. And boy did that stir a number of memories for me. There is an elevator boarded up now in the Lippert Building. You had to ring a bell to get an operator. I remember the first guy who operated it was Joe, followed later by Otis. To my recollection, both smoked cigars and both spent many an hour sitting on a chair on the third floor just outside the elevator. Nice old guys who always had a smile and a joke for whoever was riding. My dad's office was on the third floor just off the elevator and Dr. Wall's office was at the end of the hallway. I also remember that "Tom the Barber" was down the steps on the outside of the building where I got some of my first haircuts. Mr. Lauritsen had an office on the second floor and Bowman's Shoe Store was the store on the street."
     Mike included some other great recollections that we will submit in a future edition.
     Tom Peterson wrote, "maybe the lack of conversation about the elevator in the bank is due to a negative experience I had.......riding up to see my dentist, Dr. Tucker, who I believe did not believe in using novacaine. That was a very unpleasant experience for this youngster back in that day. Regardless, the elevator operator there and at Younkers in Des Moines were very skilled at their craft."
K-----K
     Mike Sundall wrote, "I distinctly remember the elevator in the Citizen's Bank Building. In fact, I believe my wife's aunt, Donna Moorman, was one of the elevator operators. We would park our bikes downtown and go ride the elevator."
     P.S. Editor's Note: Many of you know or remember "good guy" Kenny Sundall who was very much involved in our community for a long time. His son, Mike, added, "my dad, Kenneth Sundall, is now residing at the Living Center East, 1220 5th Avenue S.E., Room 113. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403. His friends may not know."
     Now you Korner viewers do know and I, for one, am preparing a card to send to Kenny just to let him know we still remember him and wish him the best. I'm sure he'd love to hear from many of his old Boone friends.
K-----K
     A couple quick notes: Don't forget the reception honoring Duane "Fred" Friedrich, a former math teacher at Boone High. It's tommorrow, Thursday, September 11, at 6 p.m. at the Tic Toc (now Calmer and Company). Former friends, students, teachers are urged to attend.
     Then too, Davi Mondt Lowman reminds Korner viewers that the BHS class of 1969 reunion is coming up September 19-20 at Cedar Pointe.
     Of course, later in the month, the class of 1944 will have a 70th reunion. That is September 26-28.
K-----K
     Boone Area Deaths: John Kelley, Boone. Was Assistant Superintendent of Schools at BHS from 1976 to 2001. John's wife, Annette, is a Boone survivor..........Douglas Blomgren, 55, Ankeny/Boone. Built a seed business in the area. Boone area survivors include wife, Christine of Ankeny, sons, Sean, Josh and James all of Boone, daughters Jennifer Ciha of Ankeny, Sarah of Boone and Stephanie of Illinois. Also surviving is his mother, June Blomgren, his brother Richard and sister Cathy Smith all of Boone.............June Galeazzi, 86, Boone. BHS-47. Was a medical insurance clerk in Davenport and the Boone County Hospital, for Rolfes Co. and Drs. Anderson and Rouse. Later, had her own insurance claim service. Boone area survivors include a son, Greg, and a daughter LuAnn Adams of Boone.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/support........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.