It's A Fact

     For some time there have been rumors but now,...........we can say with absolute certainty that, yes, the old Percival building location on old Highway 30 east of Boone will soon be occupied by a new Event Center.
     In this week's mail, the Korner received notification of an upcoming Open House at TK's Event Center operated by Angie and Toby Kruse. The Open House will be held at the center next Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., and all are invited to consume free drinks and hors d'oeuvres and to survey the facility.
     For those seeking a location for a wedding, banquet, concert or any kind of party requiring a large occupancy, the Event Center offers seating for 400 with a building capacity of 700. There is a complete sound system, two bars and catering service is available. The Korner understands there are already some 18 events scheduled for the center in the coming months.
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     From Washington state, Ron Hopkins, BSH-59, wrote, "this morning's Korner had some interesting comments from Mark Tompkins, BHS-60, regarding the Lincoln Highway. I thought Mark and some others might appreciate knowing of a book I recently read, "American Road" by Pete Davies. This book is the story of a 1919 convoy, known as the First Transcontinental Motor Train, that traveled from East coast to West coast on  the route of the Lincoln Highway before much highway or even roads actually existed. The trip took two months and averaged five miles per hour. One important purpose was to crystallize the need for good roads. Dwight Eisenhower participated as a young officer and is now credited with launching the interstate highway system. I wish the book had more info about building the Lincoln Highway. But, I was fascinated to learn how difficult "highway" travel was only a couple decades before many  of your readers were born. Keep up with the great stories."
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     Greg Moore, BHS-84, wrote, "while I really did laugh while reading the account of the Ames/Boone message on the old stone over/under on old Highway 30, the one I was referring to is actually on the "new" Highway 30 bridge. It is still there. So, I don't know who was behind these messages I have seen, but like any good story, it has several layers. Much like the fabled thumb and glasses stories. My dad, Joe Moore, BHS-51, told me that they went missing around 1949 or 1950. I had one of my customers tell me that the thumb was brought to a class reunion sometime in the 70's and that several people saw it then. Until someone produces the genuine article, these stories will have to be considered "speculative" at best. Also, if you want to see how the Lincoln Highway looked as it passed through Boone many years ago, take a look at this. Search historicalphotos.iowadot.gov then go to the enter button, and there are some videos available. One is a DOT produced film which tries to make the case for building new Highway 30. It is a really nice tour through several communities, Boone being one of them. Neat to see all of the old cars and buildings that have gone away over the years as well as the survivors. It even shows the old railroad line going over Mamie Eisenhower Avenue out by Goeppinger Field. On another note, classmate Bill Courter, BHS-84, was State singles runnerup and CIC tennis champion in our junior and senior years respectively. I guess I never knew that Boone played Ames in sports long ago, but I certainly remember the CIC conference. Thanks for the great reads and keep it up."
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     Boone Connected Deaths: Barbara Jean Delk, 82. Born in Boone. Parents were Mignonne and Forrest Grovier. Grew up in Des Moines...........Billie Dean Parrish, 76, Ankeny. Born in Fraser. Parents were William and Irene Parrish. Ankeny H.S. grad. Postal employee..........Merle Garman, 78, Ames. Lived in Stratford before settling in Ames. Was a teacher/coach at Stratford and then spent 31 years teaching at Ames High School. Among survivors is his wife, Teresa, who is well known in Iowa political circles..........Daryl Fairchild, 66, Boone. Born in Boone, son of Harold and  Helen Fairchild. United Community-66. Worked in construction, for Boone Dairy and Rolfes Company and farmed. Boone area survivor is a brother, David Fairchild..............Virginia Bishop, 74, West Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. Taught at ISU. Worked in Boone real estate and she and her husband, Larry, purchased and renovated several rental properties including the historic Goeppinger building on Story Street which housed Bishop Real Estate. Larry preceded Virginia in death.........Bill Vinson, 60, Boone. Grew up in Des Moines. Service veteran. Worked at Iowa State University. Boone area survivors include his wife, Cynthia, and his parents-in-law, James and Alice Whittlesey all of Boone.
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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/SUPPORT.........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.