A pair of Boone natives and BHS grads made statewide news this week.
Jeff Courter, BHS-80, is one of 21 members of a Presidential Search and Screen committee charged with evaluating candidates to replace State University of Iowa President Sally Mason. Courter is the current President of the University of Iowa Alumni Association and is one of two representatives of that organization on the committee. Jeff lives in the Des Moines Metro area.
Eric Woolson, 56, BHS-76, of West Des Moines has taken a job with Governor Scott Walker's political organization. Walker, the Wisconsin Governor, is a possible contender for the Republican Party's candidate for United States President in 2016.
Woolson is no newcomer to this type of work. He has worked for Christian conservative candidates in the last two presidential election cycles as well as serving in a communications capacity for three other GOP campaigns, for Senator Charles Grassley in 2010; Doug Gross, candidate for Iowa Governor in 2002, and for George W. Bush during his 2000 presidential campaign. In addition, he was a senior adviser for former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty in Pawlenty's 2011 presidential campaign and served in Democrat Joe Biden's presidential campaign of 1988.
Woolson started his career in communications with work at the Boone News Republican in 1976. Later, he worked at the Madrid Register-News, the Guthrie Center Times, the Webster City Daily Freeman Journal, the Keokuk Daily Gate City and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. He became a spokesman for Governor Terry Branstad in 1996.
Since 2011, Woolson has grown organic catnip on a 27-acre farm in southern Iowa and for the last two years, he has run the Des Moines operations of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic charity.
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The Korner brought Betty Koger of Boone and Jerry Manriquez of California together recently and the result is that Jerry has been able to add a 1918 BHS Scroll to his huge collection. Betty told the Korner she had a Scroll she would be willing to donate. We immediately contacted Jerry who, in turn, contacted Betty and the donation has been accepted and completed. Betty told Jerry, "this Scroll belonged to my first husband's (Jim Anderson) aunt, Esther Westberg, who married Mike Olson. They had a daughter, Mary Jo. My maiden name was Bruster and I graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1944."
Meantime, Jerry wrote, "I received an email from Pamela Schwartz, the Executive Director of he Boone County Historical Society. She has been consolidating collections and has a number of duplicates. She has offered me the following yearbooks: 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1920 and 1921. That was very thoughtful of her and greatly appreciated."
Jerry is still looking for the following Scrolls, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1920, 1921, 1931, 1971-79 and all of the ones from the 1980's, 1990's and 2000's.
If you want to reminisce about your school days........
http://boonesacheart.manriquez.net/
If nothing else (and there is a lot more), you can settle an argument about when an individual graduated.
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Welcome to March (almost). Some big events are coming.
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Boone Area Deaths: Ted Doggett, 80, Ogden. Longtime Des Moines area postal employee. Boone area survivor is his wife, Mary of Ogden..........William Rose Sr., 76, Marshalltown. Formerly of Boone. Boone area survivor is his wife, Chris..............Boysel Samuelson, 98, Boone. BHS-34. Was a bookkeeper for L.P. Gas service. Boone area survivors include his sister, Nadine Reeves of Boone, and a niece, Sandra Snedden, of Ogden..........Virginia Baker, 90, Boone............Arline Jensen, 95, Boone. The Jensen's moved to Boone in 1942. Boone area survivor is her husband, Alfred of Boone. A son, Tom, and a daughter, Patricia, live out of state.
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.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Many Tales are Circulating
What a wild week. Rumors galore. One absolute truth, yes, Virginia's Flowers south Story location has closed but there are also rumbles of still another Boone florist soon closing it's door. Whispers would even tell you that one, maybe even two Boone restaurants are teeter-tottering and near fini. Then too, the move of a plumbing operation story remains along with the tale that the old Walmart building has been sold, though that building is still unoccupied. Moves of a water softening business and an insurance firm are still being discussed and seem more likely as time passes. A changing landscape seems inevitable. Here's hoping it develops more for the good than the bad.
K-----K
Recent Korner talk about sledding produced a memory for Doug Miller who wrote, "I remember when my dad towed several of us kids behind the car on the streets of Boone. I almost forgot about doing that until I read some comments from others. We also slid all the time down the hill at hole number four at the Boone Golf and Country Club along Marshall Street."
K-----K
How about some National Guard memories courtesy of Larry Lindmark who wrote, "each February, the Boone National Guard held their Muster Day at the old Armory on Eighth Street. That was when the Guard had an open house and tried to recruit new members. I don't know what year the old Armory was built, but I have seen a postcard dated 1908 showing that Lincoln Armory and the YMCA next door. All of the Guard offices and equipment were eventually moved to the new airport location and the old Armory was torn down in 1972. At the south end of the old Armory were offices overlooking the front door. In the southwest corner were the offices of Col. Olson and my dad, Bob Lindmark, and in the southeast corner was Harold Hagge's office. In dad's office, there was a short wave radio for contacting other Guard units. For Muster Day, Harold would bring stacks of 45 rpm records and it was my job to sit on the balcony overlooking the gym/drill floor and play records all day as background music. Besides that south balcony there were narrow balconies on the west and east sides where spectators could be seated. Other names of full time Guard employees during the 50's and 60's that come to mind are Albers, Atkinson, Hora, Hubby and Perkovich."
Larry added, "in the basement of the old Armory was a shooting range. There was an all dirt floor. During winter and cold stretches, dad had to go to the basement and switch the boiler from gas to oil or vice versa. The north end of the old Armory had vaults for storing guns and ammunition. On the northwest corner of the property was a storage garage for trucks and jeeps. One year, a traveling circus set up in the garage. One of the bleachers holding circus spectators collapsed. Included in the group that landed on their derriere was Rick Houser. It was always a big event when the guard left for summer camp. Family members and curious onlookers would line the streets and watch the convoy head off to Camp Ripley in Minnesota, Camp McCoy in Wisconsin or Camp Guernsey in Wyoming. One year the Boone guard helped find a lost boy in the Guernsey area. Bowling has been a recent blog conversation. The guard even had a team competing in the lanes in the "upper room" on Seventh Street. I remember counting all of the wooden lockers while dad and others were bowling. National Guard recruitment is much different today, but back in the 1960's one weekend in February, the annual Muster Day was a big event in the area."
Editor's note: The Kornerman remembers the old Armory and yes, in fact, I played a game or two of basketball in that building. And, in comparison to the old "Y" where we played most of the basketball in my youth, we thought the Armory arrangement was like a "palace." Heavens, a huge wooden floor and even spectator areas. That was quite a thrill.
K-----K
Our recent talk about the Globetrotter teams coming to Boone prompted some memories from Marilyn Long who wrote, "Ev once had a Minnesota Viking basketball team come here. That was when Karl Kassulke was playing so it was probably between 1966-72. It was probably some local softball players who played them in a basketball game. I know Ed Miller was one of the local players. Another time, about 1972, the Vikings came here to play softball. It became a disaster. Ev was to pay them about $300 to defray their expenses. It was to be played the last week of July and canvas was put up so admission could be charged and the event was well publicized. Sportswriter Ron Maly of the Des Moines Register even came up to interview the Vikings who were about to begin pre-season practices. However, about 7 p.m., a terrible thunderstorm came through. The Vikings hadn't arrived, Maly was here and waiting but there were very few spectators on hand. Game time was 8 p.m. and about 7:55 p.m., Maly decided to leave and at 8 p.m., Fran Tarkenton, the great quarterback, arrived driving a great big RV. He indicated he didn't know when the rest of the Vikings would arrive. They apparently were on motorcycles and got caught in the storm near Ames. They eventually did arrive and played a game but few people came and Ev gave them whatever monies had been collected. One other time, Ev brought the King and his Court to Boone and that was much more successful. Their cost was $2,000 and it was paid. That was about the time an average house could be purchased for $10,000."
K-----K
A pair of quick notes: Just learned my neighbor, Arnie Ahrens, will have his 90th birthday on March 15.
Speaking of softball, the old softball fireballer, Darrell Zunkel, lives in Ames and has had some health issues. In fact, he will be having some surgery in the coming weeks and we certainly wish him well and for a speedy recovery.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Dena Sherrard, 58, Boone. BHS-74. Was a registered nurse. Boone area survivors include sons Shaun and Bryan Sherrard, her brother, Rich Tesdahl, and sister Dawn Molle and her mother Jackie Reeves all of Boone...........Henry Stahr, 83, Ames. Formerly of Ogden. Was a chemist and eventually joined the staff at Iowa State University as a full professor. Boone area survivors include his wife, Irene.........Arlene Hamman, 88, Perry. Worked for several Perry firms. Boone area survivor is her daughter, Sandra Gordon of Boone...........Steven Bushore, 41, Fort Dodge.
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
K-----K
Recent Korner talk about sledding produced a memory for Doug Miller who wrote, "I remember when my dad towed several of us kids behind the car on the streets of Boone. I almost forgot about doing that until I read some comments from others. We also slid all the time down the hill at hole number four at the Boone Golf and Country Club along Marshall Street."
K-----K
How about some National Guard memories courtesy of Larry Lindmark who wrote, "each February, the Boone National Guard held their Muster Day at the old Armory on Eighth Street. That was when the Guard had an open house and tried to recruit new members. I don't know what year the old Armory was built, but I have seen a postcard dated 1908 showing that Lincoln Armory and the YMCA next door. All of the Guard offices and equipment were eventually moved to the new airport location and the old Armory was torn down in 1972. At the south end of the old Armory were offices overlooking the front door. In the southwest corner were the offices of Col. Olson and my dad, Bob Lindmark, and in the southeast corner was Harold Hagge's office. In dad's office, there was a short wave radio for contacting other Guard units. For Muster Day, Harold would bring stacks of 45 rpm records and it was my job to sit on the balcony overlooking the gym/drill floor and play records all day as background music. Besides that south balcony there were narrow balconies on the west and east sides where spectators could be seated. Other names of full time Guard employees during the 50's and 60's that come to mind are Albers, Atkinson, Hora, Hubby and Perkovich."
Larry added, "in the basement of the old Armory was a shooting range. There was an all dirt floor. During winter and cold stretches, dad had to go to the basement and switch the boiler from gas to oil or vice versa. The north end of the old Armory had vaults for storing guns and ammunition. On the northwest corner of the property was a storage garage for trucks and jeeps. One year, a traveling circus set up in the garage. One of the bleachers holding circus spectators collapsed. Included in the group that landed on their derriere was Rick Houser. It was always a big event when the guard left for summer camp. Family members and curious onlookers would line the streets and watch the convoy head off to Camp Ripley in Minnesota, Camp McCoy in Wisconsin or Camp Guernsey in Wyoming. One year the Boone guard helped find a lost boy in the Guernsey area. Bowling has been a recent blog conversation. The guard even had a team competing in the lanes in the "upper room" on Seventh Street. I remember counting all of the wooden lockers while dad and others were bowling. National Guard recruitment is much different today, but back in the 1960's one weekend in February, the annual Muster Day was a big event in the area."
Editor's note: The Kornerman remembers the old Armory and yes, in fact, I played a game or two of basketball in that building. And, in comparison to the old "Y" where we played most of the basketball in my youth, we thought the Armory arrangement was like a "palace." Heavens, a huge wooden floor and even spectator areas. That was quite a thrill.
K-----K
Our recent talk about the Globetrotter teams coming to Boone prompted some memories from Marilyn Long who wrote, "Ev once had a Minnesota Viking basketball team come here. That was when Karl Kassulke was playing so it was probably between 1966-72. It was probably some local softball players who played them in a basketball game. I know Ed Miller was one of the local players. Another time, about 1972, the Vikings came here to play softball. It became a disaster. Ev was to pay them about $300 to defray their expenses. It was to be played the last week of July and canvas was put up so admission could be charged and the event was well publicized. Sportswriter Ron Maly of the Des Moines Register even came up to interview the Vikings who were about to begin pre-season practices. However, about 7 p.m., a terrible thunderstorm came through. The Vikings hadn't arrived, Maly was here and waiting but there were very few spectators on hand. Game time was 8 p.m. and about 7:55 p.m., Maly decided to leave and at 8 p.m., Fran Tarkenton, the great quarterback, arrived driving a great big RV. He indicated he didn't know when the rest of the Vikings would arrive. They apparently were on motorcycles and got caught in the storm near Ames. They eventually did arrive and played a game but few people came and Ev gave them whatever monies had been collected. One other time, Ev brought the King and his Court to Boone and that was much more successful. Their cost was $2,000 and it was paid. That was about the time an average house could be purchased for $10,000."
K-----K
A pair of quick notes: Just learned my neighbor, Arnie Ahrens, will have his 90th birthday on March 15.
Speaking of softball, the old softball fireballer, Darrell Zunkel, lives in Ames and has had some health issues. In fact, he will be having some surgery in the coming weeks and we certainly wish him well and for a speedy recovery.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Dena Sherrard, 58, Boone. BHS-74. Was a registered nurse. Boone area survivors include sons Shaun and Bryan Sherrard, her brother, Rich Tesdahl, and sister Dawn Molle and her mother Jackie Reeves all of Boone...........Henry Stahr, 83, Ames. Formerly of Ogden. Was a chemist and eventually joined the staff at Iowa State University as a full professor. Boone area survivors include his wife, Irene.........Arlene Hamman, 88, Perry. Worked for several Perry firms. Boone area survivor is her daughter, Sandra Gordon of Boone...........Steven Bushore, 41, Fort Dodge.
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
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Bits and Pieces
On most Thursday afternoons, our coffee group has some fun-loving neighbors we banter with. This week, a couple of them were interested in how to obtain the Korner and we, of course, happily provided the information needed.
Almost as if they wanted to "test" the Korner, they indicated they wanted a little publicity for their group so....... "Hello to the, mostly, Pilot Mound area group of ladies but, sometimes, men also, who gather for coffee and good cheer. Just make sure the tales you tell are true and keep the laughter to a "reasonable" roar."
K-----K
Bob Fisher wrote, "your blog on celebrities visiting Boone brought back memories of movie personnel visiting during World War II to sell war bonds." He remembered the beautiful actress, Gene Tierney, selling bonds at Eighth and Story from a flat bed truck and said Alan Mowbray appeared here several times selling the bonds. "I was selling shoes at the time and was privy to the downtown activities," Bob concluded.
K-----K
John Kueck wrote, "Circa 1960, several of us were often sledding behind someone's car (not to be identified) on the streets of Boone. The car was excellent at plowing through all conditions of snow. One of the thrills of the driver was to go through the cemetery where the roads were not plowed. Then, the snow, which was powder like, would fly in the sledder's face and over their body. The driver would enjoy turning us into sliding snowmen. As I recall, there were some girls who also participated in this fun. The mention of sliding in the park reminded me of one day in the summer when several of us decided to ride our bikes down some paths in McHose Park. That is when I learned that going too fast down a path was not a good idea since braking was hopeless. Your momentum drove you faster and faster down the path, because the bike tire just slid over the dirt even if it was locked by the brakes. It is a miracle I didn't break some bones, but I didn't and also did not try that downhill thrill ride again."
K-----K
Some quick hits:
(1) Here's a unique celebration. The classes of 1958 are planning........not their next class reunion.......but a reunion for those members who will be celebrating their 75th birthday AND the celebration will not be in Boone but in Branson.
The event will take place September 23-24, a base hotel has been secured with special rates and the group intends to have some meals and attend some shows together. It's mentioned that this is the time to make a decision and make some calls for reservations etc. At this time, some 25 classmates have indicated they will attend. Jayne, Loren and Karen are the event planners and can provide additional information. The Loren, of course, is Loren Frazier.....loren1frazier@hotmail.com.
(2) There will be a 90th birthday celebration for Deane Eckley tommorrow (Sunday) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Colorado Grill.
(3) A Boone County Freedom Flight committee has been organized and Boone's own Jamie Kelley has again volunteered to assist in the fundraising. He and his band will perform at the BHS auditorium June 20 at 8 p.m.. The flight would, hopefully, occur in the fall or beyond depending on the funding. The Kornerman will, no doubt, have further information in the weeks/months ahead.
P.S. This event is scheduled at the same time as the community celebrates it's 150th birthday.
(4) We mentioned earlier this week that our buddy Willie out in San Diego had undergone a couple serious surgeries recently. Davi Mondt Lowman now reports that, "Willie went home and seems much better. He's voluntarily using a walker and with Willie, you know this is a big thing. The family has been through ...... but once Willie gets back on solid footing, wife Barbara can get her shoulder fixed via surgery."
(5) The Boone Community Theatre had a successful first weekend and there is one last chance,
tonight (sat) or tommorrow (sun), to see the production. A 7:30 p.m. show tonight and a matinee at 2 p.m. tommorrow. These are not dinner theatre productions......just the show, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
(6) Again, our Boone News Republican is in the midst of a sale. Stephens Media has owned the BNR along with the Ames Tribune and a total of eight daily and 65 weekly publications as well as 50 websites.The New Media Investment Group is purchasing the Stephens groups assets.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Ed Tiller, Boone. Worked for Boone Community schools until retirement. Boone area survivor is his wife, Ruth...........Archie Gillespie, 89, Boone. Service veteran. Worked many years in auto sales in Waterloo and then Boone. In 1973, he started a Boone Pontiac dealership and continued until his retirement in 1990. Boone area survivor is his wife, Shari..........Ronald Porter, 78, Boone. Numerous occupations with woodworking number one. Boone Area survivor is his daughter Lisa Porter of Boone........Dean "Skip" McDowell, 80, Perry. Boone area survivor is his daughter Tami Wirtz of Ogden.........Rosalie Stumbo Wiedman, 72, Ogden. Worked in the child care field and later as a CNA. Boone area survivor includes her husband, Jerry Wiedman of Ogden.........
Ronald Carlsen, 71, Des Moines. Boone Area survivor is a daughter, Paula Gallentine of Dayton.
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.
Almost as if they wanted to "test" the Korner, they indicated they wanted a little publicity for their group so....... "Hello to the, mostly, Pilot Mound area group of ladies but, sometimes, men also, who gather for coffee and good cheer. Just make sure the tales you tell are true and keep the laughter to a "reasonable" roar."
K-----K
Bob Fisher wrote, "your blog on celebrities visiting Boone brought back memories of movie personnel visiting during World War II to sell war bonds." He remembered the beautiful actress, Gene Tierney, selling bonds at Eighth and Story from a flat bed truck and said Alan Mowbray appeared here several times selling the bonds. "I was selling shoes at the time and was privy to the downtown activities," Bob concluded.
K-----K
John Kueck wrote, "Circa 1960, several of us were often sledding behind someone's car (not to be identified) on the streets of Boone. The car was excellent at plowing through all conditions of snow. One of the thrills of the driver was to go through the cemetery where the roads were not plowed. Then, the snow, which was powder like, would fly in the sledder's face and over their body. The driver would enjoy turning us into sliding snowmen. As I recall, there were some girls who also participated in this fun. The mention of sliding in the park reminded me of one day in the summer when several of us decided to ride our bikes down some paths in McHose Park. That is when I learned that going too fast down a path was not a good idea since braking was hopeless. Your momentum drove you faster and faster down the path, because the bike tire just slid over the dirt even if it was locked by the brakes. It is a miracle I didn't break some bones, but I didn't and also did not try that downhill thrill ride again."
K-----K
Some quick hits:
(1) Here's a unique celebration. The classes of 1958 are planning........not their next class reunion.......but a reunion for those members who will be celebrating their 75th birthday AND the celebration will not be in Boone but in Branson.
The event will take place September 23-24, a base hotel has been secured with special rates and the group intends to have some meals and attend some shows together. It's mentioned that this is the time to make a decision and make some calls for reservations etc. At this time, some 25 classmates have indicated they will attend. Jayne, Loren and Karen are the event planners and can provide additional information. The Loren, of course, is Loren Frazier.....loren1frazier@hotmail.com.
(2) There will be a 90th birthday celebration for Deane Eckley tommorrow (Sunday) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Colorado Grill.
(3) A Boone County Freedom Flight committee has been organized and Boone's own Jamie Kelley has again volunteered to assist in the fundraising. He and his band will perform at the BHS auditorium June 20 at 8 p.m.. The flight would, hopefully, occur in the fall or beyond depending on the funding. The Kornerman will, no doubt, have further information in the weeks/months ahead.
P.S. This event is scheduled at the same time as the community celebrates it's 150th birthday.
(4) We mentioned earlier this week that our buddy Willie out in San Diego had undergone a couple serious surgeries recently. Davi Mondt Lowman now reports that, "Willie went home and seems much better. He's voluntarily using a walker and with Willie, you know this is a big thing. The family has been through ...... but once Willie gets back on solid footing, wife Barbara can get her shoulder fixed via surgery."
(5) The Boone Community Theatre had a successful first weekend and there is one last chance,
tonight (sat) or tommorrow (sun), to see the production. A 7:30 p.m. show tonight and a matinee at 2 p.m. tommorrow. These are not dinner theatre productions......just the show, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
(6) Again, our Boone News Republican is in the midst of a sale. Stephens Media has owned the BNR along with the Ames Tribune and a total of eight daily and 65 weekly publications as well as 50 websites.The New Media Investment Group is purchasing the Stephens groups assets.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Ed Tiller, Boone. Worked for Boone Community schools until retirement. Boone area survivor is his wife, Ruth...........Archie Gillespie, 89, Boone. Service veteran. Worked many years in auto sales in Waterloo and then Boone. In 1973, he started a Boone Pontiac dealership and continued until his retirement in 1990. Boone area survivor is his wife, Shari..........Ronald Porter, 78, Boone. Numerous occupations with woodworking number one. Boone Area survivor is his daughter Lisa Porter of Boone........Dean "Skip" McDowell, 80, Perry. Boone area survivor is his daughter Tami Wirtz of Ogden.........Rosalie Stumbo Wiedman, 72, Ogden. Worked in the child care field and later as a CNA. Boone area survivor includes her husband, Jerry Wiedman of Ogden.........
Ronald Carlsen, 71, Des Moines. Boone Area survivor is a daughter, Paula Gallentine of Dayton.
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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Added to the List
A very happy birthday to the Kornerman's aunt, Maurine Morris. She celebrates her 90th birthday on this very day.
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Happy to hear from Ken Zanker. He phoned this week to tell the Kornerman about another excellent bowler. Kenny saw our recent column about great Boone area bowlers and wanted to add Clayton Zanker, Kenny's nephew, to that list. He said Clayton obtained some early bowling training from his (Clayton's) dad, Vernon, along with Vince Baldus and Doug Lutjen. Years ago, Clayton went on the old "Let's Go Bowling" show in Des Moines and, according to Ken, Clayton won "everything there was to win." He said Clayton is in the Bowling Hall of Fame.
K-----K
We're going to take a little trip around Boone County courtesy of Mark Tompkins. Korner readers have been talking about Mineral Ridge, Ridgeport etc.recently and now, Mark will add to the discussion. Mark wrote, "some lay claim to "ill spent youth," compliments of local pool halls like Boone's Bide-A-Wee of days gone by, and like the ones warned about by Professor Hill in the Music Man. On the other hand, I had a "well spent youth" exploring Boone County, compliments of Dad's Standard Oil tank-wagon. Later, his '56 Ford allowed more roaming of the county's back roads. So, just riding along with dad as he made deliveries of gasoline, fuel oil, furnace oil, heater oil, diesel and assorted lubricants to farmers throughout the county gave me an exposure to many places that no longer exist, the ghost towns of the county. As an example, dad often referred to the Coal Valley Hill. Back in the 50's, that was a steep, gravel hill just northwest of Moingona. Today, it's a nice paved road. Back in the 50's, dad would have to shift into "granny" (low-low gear) to reach the top. The hill got it's name from the town of Coal Valley that was laid out in 1867 and never amounted to much. Dad delivered gas and diesel fuel to the construction company that was putting the pipeline across the Des Moines River just south of Centerville, a berg that prospered from 1855 for a few years. Had I not ridden along with dad one day, I'd never have known of Centerville. That was quite a ride. It was sloppy with deep mud along the west side of the river. We couldn't drive through it, but the contractor needed the fuels. The simple solution was for them to hook a bulldozer to the truck and pull us in through the deep muck."
Mark added, "Elk Point was on the map for years, just three miles south of Hornbuckles Point that was there from 1862 to just 1868. Well, at least it survived the Civil War. That was on the west side of the Des Moines River, Cass Township I believe. By the way, how many Booneites know where Amaqua Township is? That's where the village of Beaver sits, which is appropriate for Amaqua is an Indian name for beaver. Prairie Hill existed in People's Township for 26 years, 1859-1885. Investigation might show it was dependent on coal, like so many Boone County villages of the day, but it lasted longer than many. A trip to the Ericson Library and the Boone Historical Society could shed light on these ghost towns. Hmmm. Might be an excuse for a road trip!"
Mark concluded, "the year was 1956 and here is a little vignette that connects to the Mineral Ridge area. It was Christmas Day. We'd just sat down to breakfast. My chair was on the west side of the table and gave me a good view of Five Mile Drive and the entry to our driveway. As I reached for the Christmas only (or so it seemed) freshly squozen (Booneite version of squeezed) orange juice I saw a car turn into the new fallen snow, and exclaimed, "hey, someone's turning into our drive." It was a dark purple, maybe blue car, from the late 40's. Dad got up and went to the kitchen door. Looking out it's window, he saw a man get out of the car and walk toward the house. Dad said, "why it's....(a man who farmed near Ridgeport). He opened the door and said, "why, Merry Christmas..." The man said, "Tommy, I've owed you some money too long and I couldn't let Christmas go by without paying you." He handed dad a sack, said, "Merry Christmas," turned, and walked back to his car. Dad sat down and opened the sack. It contained twenty two silver dollars minted in the late 1800's. On April 15, 1988 dad died. A few days later, I found those silver dollars, still in the paper sack, in the bottom of the bureau he used for his business records."
K-----K
Barely in time. Seconds after posting online, the Kornerman received a note that we didn't want to wait until the Saturday edition to report. Mike Sundall wanted us to mention that Deane Eckley will celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday, 2-22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Colorado Grill. Mike is hoping to bring his dad, Kenny, back to Boone for that celebration. He wrote, "the Sundall family had some great times growing with the Eckley's."
K-----K
The Kornerman continues to be amazed at the popularity of this little tidbit in a very wide world. I noted that we received just over 4,000 views in January and our total since we started this gabfest is nearing the 200,000 mark......198,903 this morning to be specific.
And, this talk reminds me that March, a very milestone month, is approaching. More about that later.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Bonnie J. Anderson, 80, Des Moines. Born in Boone..........James Webb, 91, Grand Junction. Jim and his brother moved to the Boone area to continue farming in 1950. He and his wife lived on a farm east of Boone now known as the Iowa State Agronomy Farm until 1960 when they moved back to their original farm. Boone area survivor is his wife of 60 years, Joan Duncan Webb of Grand Junction, a Boone native..............Bill Fitch, 83, Boone. Luther School. Worked over 40 years in the Luther/Madrid area as part of the Boone County road maintenance department. Boone area survivor is his wife, Shirley..........Donald Richard Wright, 57, Boone. Ogden grad...........Gary Tell, 59, Fort Dodge. Dayton schools. Lived in Rippey and eventually worked at Monsanto in Boone until he retired via health issues. Boone area survivors include his mother, Erma, and his aunts, Marilyn Tell and Marge Iles all of Dayton...........Eunice Scott, 94, Maxwell. OHS-38. Was a teacher, a babysitter and a receptionist at Story County Medical Center. Boone area survivor is her daughter, Mary Harringa 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.
K-----K
Happy to hear from Ken Zanker. He phoned this week to tell the Kornerman about another excellent bowler. Kenny saw our recent column about great Boone area bowlers and wanted to add Clayton Zanker, Kenny's nephew, to that list. He said Clayton obtained some early bowling training from his (Clayton's) dad, Vernon, along with Vince Baldus and Doug Lutjen. Years ago, Clayton went on the old "Let's Go Bowling" show in Des Moines and, according to Ken, Clayton won "everything there was to win." He said Clayton is in the Bowling Hall of Fame.
K-----K
We're going to take a little trip around Boone County courtesy of Mark Tompkins. Korner readers have been talking about Mineral Ridge, Ridgeport etc.recently and now, Mark will add to the discussion. Mark wrote, "some lay claim to "ill spent youth," compliments of local pool halls like Boone's Bide-A-Wee of days gone by, and like the ones warned about by Professor Hill in the Music Man. On the other hand, I had a "well spent youth" exploring Boone County, compliments of Dad's Standard Oil tank-wagon. Later, his '56 Ford allowed more roaming of the county's back roads. So, just riding along with dad as he made deliveries of gasoline, fuel oil, furnace oil, heater oil, diesel and assorted lubricants to farmers throughout the county gave me an exposure to many places that no longer exist, the ghost towns of the county. As an example, dad often referred to the Coal Valley Hill. Back in the 50's, that was a steep, gravel hill just northwest of Moingona. Today, it's a nice paved road. Back in the 50's, dad would have to shift into "granny" (low-low gear) to reach the top. The hill got it's name from the town of Coal Valley that was laid out in 1867 and never amounted to much. Dad delivered gas and diesel fuel to the construction company that was putting the pipeline across the Des Moines River just south of Centerville, a berg that prospered from 1855 for a few years. Had I not ridden along with dad one day, I'd never have known of Centerville. That was quite a ride. It was sloppy with deep mud along the west side of the river. We couldn't drive through it, but the contractor needed the fuels. The simple solution was for them to hook a bulldozer to the truck and pull us in through the deep muck."
Mark added, "Elk Point was on the map for years, just three miles south of Hornbuckles Point that was there from 1862 to just 1868. Well, at least it survived the Civil War. That was on the west side of the Des Moines River, Cass Township I believe. By the way, how many Booneites know where Amaqua Township is? That's where the village of Beaver sits, which is appropriate for Amaqua is an Indian name for beaver. Prairie Hill existed in People's Township for 26 years, 1859-1885. Investigation might show it was dependent on coal, like so many Boone County villages of the day, but it lasted longer than many. A trip to the Ericson Library and the Boone Historical Society could shed light on these ghost towns. Hmmm. Might be an excuse for a road trip!"
Mark concluded, "the year was 1956 and here is a little vignette that connects to the Mineral Ridge area. It was Christmas Day. We'd just sat down to breakfast. My chair was on the west side of the table and gave me a good view of Five Mile Drive and the entry to our driveway. As I reached for the Christmas only (or so it seemed) freshly squozen (Booneite version of squeezed) orange juice I saw a car turn into the new fallen snow, and exclaimed, "hey, someone's turning into our drive." It was a dark purple, maybe blue car, from the late 40's. Dad got up and went to the kitchen door. Looking out it's window, he saw a man get out of the car and walk toward the house. Dad said, "why it's....(a man who farmed near Ridgeport). He opened the door and said, "why, Merry Christmas..." The man said, "Tommy, I've owed you some money too long and I couldn't let Christmas go by without paying you." He handed dad a sack, said, "Merry Christmas," turned, and walked back to his car. Dad sat down and opened the sack. It contained twenty two silver dollars minted in the late 1800's. On April 15, 1988 dad died. A few days later, I found those silver dollars, still in the paper sack, in the bottom of the bureau he used for his business records."
K-----K
Barely in time. Seconds after posting online, the Kornerman received a note that we didn't want to wait until the Saturday edition to report. Mike Sundall wanted us to mention that Deane Eckley will celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday, 2-22, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Colorado Grill. Mike is hoping to bring his dad, Kenny, back to Boone for that celebration. He wrote, "the Sundall family had some great times growing with the Eckley's."
K-----K
The Kornerman continues to be amazed at the popularity of this little tidbit in a very wide world. I noted that we received just over 4,000 views in January and our total since we started this gabfest is nearing the 200,000 mark......198,903 this morning to be specific.
And, this talk reminds me that March, a very milestone month, is approaching. More about that later.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Bonnie J. Anderson, 80, Des Moines. Born in Boone..........James Webb, 91, Grand Junction. Jim and his brother moved to the Boone area to continue farming in 1950. He and his wife lived on a farm east of Boone now known as the Iowa State Agronomy Farm until 1960 when they moved back to their original farm. Boone area survivor is his wife of 60 years, Joan Duncan Webb of Grand Junction, a Boone native..............Bill Fitch, 83, Boone. Luther School. Worked over 40 years in the Luther/Madrid area as part of the Boone County road maintenance department. Boone area survivor is his wife, Shirley..........Donald Richard Wright, 57, Boone. Ogden grad...........Gary Tell, 59, Fort Dodge. Dayton schools. Lived in Rippey and eventually worked at Monsanto in Boone until he retired via health issues. Boone area survivors include his mother, Erma, and his aunts, Marilyn Tell and Marge Iles all of Dayton...........Eunice Scott, 94, Maxwell. OHS-38. Was a teacher, a babysitter and a receptionist at Story County Medical Center. Boone area survivor is her daughter, Mary Harringa 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.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Sledding Dare Devils
WARNING: Please prohibit the "younger set" from viewing the following story that is fraught with dangerous ideas.
Vern Modeland, from the Ozarks, is still kickin' but maybe not quite as high. He wrote, "prior to our driving days, we mostly slid down the hill just to the south and west of the hospital when there was a hill. Grabbing the bumper of a car with an A fuel stamp on it's windshield was mandatory for uphill. Richard Longworth, a former school days neighbor down at the end of Boone street, is right in his recollection of the must less-regulated state of sledding whenever it snowed back when. Down at the end of Boone street, we had all of the park to work on. It's roads, too, when it snowed enough to close the park's hilly paths to cars and trucks and such other vehicles. The Donaldson's blue Hudson Bob D would pilot while the rest of us six "BTOs" filled the remaining seats and occasionally pushed after mis-directions. We pulled a hastily built bobsled of sorts, a two-by-12 with a fixed wooden set of skids on the back and one up front bolted on so the one of us, slow enough to be elected to steer, tried his best to do so. The bobsled was also used on Four Mile Drive and South Story street if the weather was just right. Otherwise, city streets were the venue and I don't remember ever being seen or challenged by the police or parents. Likely today, such shenanigans would produce meetings and tickets and lectures and laws. Back in the 40's, however, it just produced a lot of fun and laughter as we tried to recognize the snow-covered ones thrown off the sled after a hard turn or big spot of no snow. Bill Rule was easiest to pick out as we counted snowmen. He was the shortest. Donald Needham and Gene Bergendahl were the tallest and the other three of us sort of made up the middle. Who was the sixth member of the auto-powered bobsled crew in those 1940's? Chuck Anderson, whose lovely and understanding mother, Mary, was working at the very same newspaper you, Mo, did."
Editor's note: Oh yes, Mary Alice.....a walking encyclopedia who was chief proofreader among other BNR duties.
K-----K
John Kueck wrote, "I'm not sure what Marilyn Long meant by "unfortunately, bowling alleys have gone the same direction as swimming pools." In Minnesota, swimming is well and growing. Some swim clubs even have their own pool. School pools and club pools are rented out for parties and swim meets occur several times a week almost year around. My grandson, Austin Kueck, swims both for club and high school. He's a sophomore, but has been swimming on the varsity team since seventh grade. Most children in Minneapolis take swim lessons at an early age. Austin swims the year around at club, high school and summer camps. He also lifeguards at the school pool for open and party swimming. From our 17th floor winter retreat condo here in Coronado, I can see four swimming pools all being actively used. The community pool across the street is a 25 meter competition pool. Almost all public pools have several hours per day dedicated to lap swimming. Unfortunately, I'm a very poor swimmer, perhaps an Iowa trait, but my grandkids are the opposite and love the water and swimming."
Editor's note: It just so happens that our 2015 Iowa High School State Boys Swim Meet is this very day.
K-----K
Marilyn Long returned this week, but on a different subject. She wrote, "Vern is probably going to be after us.( Eds Note: She's referring to our Korner Language Department CEO Vern Modeland.) My grandson, a Sports Information Director, pointed out that I had misspelled Paul Rhoads name last week. And my editor (you, Mo) didn't catch it either. My father, Herbert Miller (Sunstrom-Miller Press), is really disappointed in his daughter. He was really a perfectionist. It was o.k. for newspapers to make mistakes, but not job printers. One of the jobs that I helped with was getting the state high school boys basketball tournament programs ready by the first day of the tournament. They had everything set up for the district semi-finalists so they could pull the information for the teams that actually did qualify. What computers have done for the publication industry. The younger generation tells me that correct spelling isn't valued anymore. I guess with the smart phone you really have to watch what you send because when you do a quick stroke, any word might pop up. Some can be rather funny, or embarassing."
Editor's note: Memories, memories. I believe in 1970 when I started at the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Sunstrom-Miller, across the street, may have still been doing the state tourney program. That was handy. Being Publications Director of the IHSAA, I was right in the midst of all that last minute turmoil. Results of preliminary tournaments would be held just a day or two or three prior to state and those results would provide info as to who had qualified for state, which would began just a day or two later. It seems like 10 to 12,000 programs would have to be printed at that time. I certainly remember it and it was accepted as "part of the job" at the time but I shutter to even think about those gruelling days now.
K-----K
The Kornerman had mentioned last week that Doug (BHS-71) and Shari Miller were in town. Had a chance to visit with Doug. What a job. He is still employed by Golf Digest magazine and his job is to play golf courses all over the country and rate them as part of a team of employees who eventually determine the top 100 courses in the country. Can you imagine........"Well, I have to go to work." and then he proceeds to play 18 or 27 holes on one of the most prestigious and beautiful golf courses in the U.S.. Already knowing the answer, the Kornerman asked, "are you about ready to retire?" As long as he can stand, I'm sure he'll retain this "work."
Meantime, wife Shari also travels the country with her many craft offerings. The Miller's live in Memphis but also spend time in Charlotte (grandkids) and Branson as well as various other destinations.
K-----K
Betty Koger told the Korner this week she has a 1919 BHS Scroll that is available.
The Kornerman immediately contacted Jerry Manriquez who is always on the hunt for such items to add to his vast online collection and he replied that he would soon make contact with Betty.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: John Doyle, 84, BSH-49. Passed away in Colorado. No Boone survivors but three sisters, Jane, Julie and Mary Louise survive..........Thelma Myers, 80, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Worked at State of Iowa Insurance Division and retired from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. No Boone survivors..........Helen Page, 92, Boone. Jordan-41. Worked in the grocery business, at the courthouse and for 26 years at Boone State Bank. No Boone area survivors but has a daughter, Janis Reeves, in Arkansas.........Phyliss Trites, 82, Boone. BHS-50. Was a Boone County social worker for 35 years, retiring in 1990. Boone area survivors include her husband, Ed, and daughter Felicia Gage. Son Henry, who resides in Ohio, also survives.
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.
Vern Modeland, from the Ozarks, is still kickin' but maybe not quite as high. He wrote, "prior to our driving days, we mostly slid down the hill just to the south and west of the hospital when there was a hill. Grabbing the bumper of a car with an A fuel stamp on it's windshield was mandatory for uphill. Richard Longworth, a former school days neighbor down at the end of Boone street, is right in his recollection of the must less-regulated state of sledding whenever it snowed back when. Down at the end of Boone street, we had all of the park to work on. It's roads, too, when it snowed enough to close the park's hilly paths to cars and trucks and such other vehicles. The Donaldson's blue Hudson Bob D would pilot while the rest of us six "BTOs" filled the remaining seats and occasionally pushed after mis-directions. We pulled a hastily built bobsled of sorts, a two-by-12 with a fixed wooden set of skids on the back and one up front bolted on so the one of us, slow enough to be elected to steer, tried his best to do so. The bobsled was also used on Four Mile Drive and South Story street if the weather was just right. Otherwise, city streets were the venue and I don't remember ever being seen or challenged by the police or parents. Likely today, such shenanigans would produce meetings and tickets and lectures and laws. Back in the 40's, however, it just produced a lot of fun and laughter as we tried to recognize the snow-covered ones thrown off the sled after a hard turn or big spot of no snow. Bill Rule was easiest to pick out as we counted snowmen. He was the shortest. Donald Needham and Gene Bergendahl were the tallest and the other three of us sort of made up the middle. Who was the sixth member of the auto-powered bobsled crew in those 1940's? Chuck Anderson, whose lovely and understanding mother, Mary, was working at the very same newspaper you, Mo, did."
Editor's note: Oh yes, Mary Alice.....a walking encyclopedia who was chief proofreader among other BNR duties.
K-----K
John Kueck wrote, "I'm not sure what Marilyn Long meant by "unfortunately, bowling alleys have gone the same direction as swimming pools." In Minnesota, swimming is well and growing. Some swim clubs even have their own pool. School pools and club pools are rented out for parties and swim meets occur several times a week almost year around. My grandson, Austin Kueck, swims both for club and high school. He's a sophomore, but has been swimming on the varsity team since seventh grade. Most children in Minneapolis take swim lessons at an early age. Austin swims the year around at club, high school and summer camps. He also lifeguards at the school pool for open and party swimming. From our 17th floor winter retreat condo here in Coronado, I can see four swimming pools all being actively used. The community pool across the street is a 25 meter competition pool. Almost all public pools have several hours per day dedicated to lap swimming. Unfortunately, I'm a very poor swimmer, perhaps an Iowa trait, but my grandkids are the opposite and love the water and swimming."
Editor's note: It just so happens that our 2015 Iowa High School State Boys Swim Meet is this very day.
K-----K
Marilyn Long returned this week, but on a different subject. She wrote, "Vern is probably going to be after us.( Eds Note: She's referring to our Korner Language Department CEO Vern Modeland.) My grandson, a Sports Information Director, pointed out that I had misspelled Paul Rhoads name last week. And my editor (you, Mo) didn't catch it either. My father, Herbert Miller (Sunstrom-Miller Press), is really disappointed in his daughter. He was really a perfectionist. It was o.k. for newspapers to make mistakes, but not job printers. One of the jobs that I helped with was getting the state high school boys basketball tournament programs ready by the first day of the tournament. They had everything set up for the district semi-finalists so they could pull the information for the teams that actually did qualify. What computers have done for the publication industry. The younger generation tells me that correct spelling isn't valued anymore. I guess with the smart phone you really have to watch what you send because when you do a quick stroke, any word might pop up. Some can be rather funny, or embarassing."
Editor's note: Memories, memories. I believe in 1970 when I started at the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Sunstrom-Miller, across the street, may have still been doing the state tourney program. That was handy. Being Publications Director of the IHSAA, I was right in the midst of all that last minute turmoil. Results of preliminary tournaments would be held just a day or two or three prior to state and those results would provide info as to who had qualified for state, which would began just a day or two later. It seems like 10 to 12,000 programs would have to be printed at that time. I certainly remember it and it was accepted as "part of the job" at the time but I shutter to even think about those gruelling days now.
K-----K
The Kornerman had mentioned last week that Doug (BHS-71) and Shari Miller were in town. Had a chance to visit with Doug. What a job. He is still employed by Golf Digest magazine and his job is to play golf courses all over the country and rate them as part of a team of employees who eventually determine the top 100 courses in the country. Can you imagine........"Well, I have to go to work." and then he proceeds to play 18 or 27 holes on one of the most prestigious and beautiful golf courses in the U.S.. Already knowing the answer, the Kornerman asked, "are you about ready to retire?" As long as he can stand, I'm sure he'll retain this "work."
Meantime, wife Shari also travels the country with her many craft offerings. The Miller's live in Memphis but also spend time in Charlotte (grandkids) and Branson as well as various other destinations.
K-----K
Betty Koger told the Korner this week she has a 1919 BHS Scroll that is available.
The Kornerman immediately contacted Jerry Manriquez who is always on the hunt for such items to add to his vast online collection and he replied that he would soon make contact with Betty.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: John Doyle, 84, BSH-49. Passed away in Colorado. No Boone survivors but three sisters, Jane, Julie and Mary Louise survive..........Thelma Myers, 80, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Worked at State of Iowa Insurance Division and retired from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. No Boone survivors..........Helen Page, 92, Boone. Jordan-41. Worked in the grocery business, at the courthouse and for 26 years at Boone State Bank. No Boone area survivors but has a daughter, Janis Reeves, in Arkansas.........Phyliss Trites, 82, Boone. BHS-50. Was a Boone County social worker for 35 years, retiring in 1990. Boone area survivors include her husband, Ed, and daughter Felicia Gage. Son Henry, who resides in Ohio, also survives.
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Where Do We Sled?
Classmate Richard Longworth wrote, "Boone has been in the national news recently in connection with a growing movement among cities to ban sledding in public areas. It seems there have been a number of expensive lawsuits connected with sledding injuries. The stories cite the awarding by Boone of $12 million in 2011 to a woman who was injured in a sledding accident in 2008. This seems to be, by far, the most expensive settlement yet. I googled on the News Republican and found a story that said the town's only sledding hill has been closed since that accident. I didn't know Boone had a sledding hill. In my day (admittedly in the dark ages before lawyers were invented) we didn't have "official" sledding hills. We just went out, found a hill, rode down it, fell off frequently, sometimes hurt ourselves, and then did it again."
Dick had lots of questions which someone other than me can answer much more correctly. Truthfully, I, the Kornerman, hadn't followed the story that much but Dick wondered where the incident took place and if sledding was legal in Boone these days or is it banned?
K-----K
Some Quick Hits: Julie Mendell Burge wrote, "thanks for doing your blog, really enjoy it !! Made me smile to see Lennie and Harry Bloomquists names. They were neighbors while I was growing up and always good to the Mendell family."
Tom Peterson, the Korner's vast computer department's CEO, was in town the other day and stopped by. We had a nice visit and he was then moving on to see Kelly and Marcie McMullan, Betty Lyness and other Boone friends. Tom is now an official University of Northern Iowa retiree.
The Kornerman's across the street neighbor is Arnie Ahrens and we see that his daughter Cheri and husband Doug Miller are in town for a visit. They reside in Memphis but come around every so often to renew acquaintances.
Jenelle Givens Henry sent a note about something she saw on eBay. It was pictures of the 1914 Toreador football team and the current bid when we looked was $31. Interesting.
Andy Anderson, BHS-62, wrote, "I'm not a Funk and Wagnall's for sports but here's my opinion regarding why basketball players wipe their hands on the bottom of their shoes prior to a free throw. I think it is merely to reduce the moisture in their hands and, thereby, increasing friction! Just remember, for every difficult question, there is a simple solution and generally it is wrong. I may be wrong."
The only thing the Kornerman points out is the fact that this "wiping" occurs all over the court........when coming in the game, going out of the game, just standing around on the court or whatever. It's not just a free throw habit.
P.S. Anyone else heard about a plumbing business being interested in the current Redeker building or, perhaps, they or an Ames church interested in the old Walmart building? Just talk minus any real substance.......at least at this time.
K-----K
Davi Mondt Lowman wants everyone to know about Boone Community Theatre presentations this coming weekend. She wrote, "a bunch of us who started BCT back in 1975 are trying to revive it and bring it back to the level that we enjoyed during the glory days. We are putting six shows, starting with two dinner theatres Friday and Saturday, the 13th and 14th, at the playhouse which is the old Garfield school. Food will be catered by HyVee with dinner at 6 p.m. and the curtain at 7:30 p.m.. Attendees will have their choice of chicken breast or roast beef along with red potatoes, mixed veggies, roll and a brownie. The dinner and show are just $35 per couple or $20 for a single. There will also be two Sunday matinees, the 15th and 22nd, with the curtain at 2 p.m.. The final two evening performances will be held the 20th and 21st with the curtain at 7:30 p.m..Those four shows are just $10 per person. For this theatre to succeed we need lots of community support. Thanks again Mo for all your efforts to keep Boonies all over the country connected."
Another bit of news Davi offered is disconcerting to members of the BHS class of '53 and many others. Her uncle, Willie,,............yes, the Korner's good friend Willie out in San Diego, has been in the hospital. Davi wrote, "he fell at Christmas time but didn't think he was hurt. Several years ago he had brain surgery after going over the handle bars on his bike. Now, he's had a similar problem. He started having weird symptoms and it was determined he had a subdural hemorrhage. As a result, he's had two recent surgeries. He's actually doing pretty good. But, on top of all this, Willie's wife, Barbara, fell right before Thanksgiving and broke her shoulder and elbow. She's had the elbow fixed but due to Willie's problem, she has had to postpone the shoulder surgery."
If you Korner readers would like to send a card.......Willie and Barbara Mondt, 2714 Erie St., San Diego, CA. 92117.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Milton Severson, 86, Story City. Boone area survivor is a brother, Gordon Severson of Luther............Doris Peterson, 86, Boxholm. Dayton-46. Worked at the Dayton Review and she and her husband farmed 55 years near Boxholm before living in Boxholm 10 years. Boone area survivors include her husband, Paul (Shorty) Peterson of Boxholm and son, Tim Peterson, of Boone.........Marilyn Yenger, 79, Stratford. Was a teacher, secretary, bus driver. Boone area survivor is her husband, Frank, of Stratford.
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.
Dick had lots of questions which someone other than me can answer much more correctly. Truthfully, I, the Kornerman, hadn't followed the story that much but Dick wondered where the incident took place and if sledding was legal in Boone these days or is it banned?
K-----K
Some Quick Hits: Julie Mendell Burge wrote, "thanks for doing your blog, really enjoy it !! Made me smile to see Lennie and Harry Bloomquists names. They were neighbors while I was growing up and always good to the Mendell family."
Tom Peterson, the Korner's vast computer department's CEO, was in town the other day and stopped by. We had a nice visit and he was then moving on to see Kelly and Marcie McMullan, Betty Lyness and other Boone friends. Tom is now an official University of Northern Iowa retiree.
The Kornerman's across the street neighbor is Arnie Ahrens and we see that his daughter Cheri and husband Doug Miller are in town for a visit. They reside in Memphis but come around every so often to renew acquaintances.
Jenelle Givens Henry sent a note about something she saw on eBay. It was pictures of the 1914 Toreador football team and the current bid when we looked was $31. Interesting.
Andy Anderson, BHS-62, wrote, "I'm not a Funk and Wagnall's for sports but here's my opinion regarding why basketball players wipe their hands on the bottom of their shoes prior to a free throw. I think it is merely to reduce the moisture in their hands and, thereby, increasing friction! Just remember, for every difficult question, there is a simple solution and generally it is wrong. I may be wrong."
The only thing the Kornerman points out is the fact that this "wiping" occurs all over the court........when coming in the game, going out of the game, just standing around on the court or whatever. It's not just a free throw habit.
P.S. Anyone else heard about a plumbing business being interested in the current Redeker building or, perhaps, they or an Ames church interested in the old Walmart building? Just talk minus any real substance.......at least at this time.
K-----K
Davi Mondt Lowman wants everyone to know about Boone Community Theatre presentations this coming weekend. She wrote, "a bunch of us who started BCT back in 1975 are trying to revive it and bring it back to the level that we enjoyed during the glory days. We are putting six shows, starting with two dinner theatres Friday and Saturday, the 13th and 14th, at the playhouse which is the old Garfield school. Food will be catered by HyVee with dinner at 6 p.m. and the curtain at 7:30 p.m.. Attendees will have their choice of chicken breast or roast beef along with red potatoes, mixed veggies, roll and a brownie. The dinner and show are just $35 per couple or $20 for a single. There will also be two Sunday matinees, the 15th and 22nd, with the curtain at 2 p.m.. The final two evening performances will be held the 20th and 21st with the curtain at 7:30 p.m..Those four shows are just $10 per person. For this theatre to succeed we need lots of community support. Thanks again Mo for all your efforts to keep Boonies all over the country connected."
Another bit of news Davi offered is disconcerting to members of the BHS class of '53 and many others. Her uncle, Willie,,............yes, the Korner's good friend Willie out in San Diego, has been in the hospital. Davi wrote, "he fell at Christmas time but didn't think he was hurt. Several years ago he had brain surgery after going over the handle bars on his bike. Now, he's had a similar problem. He started having weird symptoms and it was determined he had a subdural hemorrhage. As a result, he's had two recent surgeries. He's actually doing pretty good. But, on top of all this, Willie's wife, Barbara, fell right before Thanksgiving and broke her shoulder and elbow. She's had the elbow fixed but due to Willie's problem, she has had to postpone the shoulder surgery."
If you Korner readers would like to send a card.......Willie and Barbara Mondt, 2714 Erie St., San Diego, CA. 92117.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Milton Severson, 86, Story City. Boone area survivor is a brother, Gordon Severson of Luther............Doris Peterson, 86, Boxholm. Dayton-46. Worked at the Dayton Review and she and her husband farmed 55 years near Boxholm before living in Boxholm 10 years. Boone area survivors include her husband, Paul (Shorty) Peterson of Boxholm and son, Tim Peterson, of Boone.........Marilyn Yenger, 79, Stratford. Was a teacher, secretary, bus driver. Boone area survivor is her husband, Frank, of Stratford.
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.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
CELEBRITIES
The Kornerman is still thinking of celebrities who may have graced our community at one time or another. How about Holly Dunn, Ricky Van Shelton and Martina McBride? All are country singers and may (or may not) have appeared at the Boone County Fair?
Speaking of local celebrities, Bruce Jenner, a great U.S. athlete who won the decathlon at an Olympic games so many years ago, was a student at Graceland College in Lamoni in that same era in case you had forgotten. In recent years, he's been in the national news for various "other" reasons. I'm also reminded that Garth Brooks, while a student at Oklahoma State University, was a competitor at the Drake Relays.
This could go on and on.........various celebrities with Iowa connections and many of them are highlighted in the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines, which is something all of you should see if you haven't already. It's more amazing than you could possibly imagine and one trip may not "do" it.
Celebrity talk should also include my classmate, teammate and friend, Willy, who is quite the "man about town" in San Diego. The 1953 BHS grad is a writer, a blogger and his work has found it's way to a Diego publication called Blog Diego.
Willy sent me a copy of one of his latest rants and, as usual, what he has to say/write is very provocative.
K-----K
Marilyn Long wrote, "I have been catching up with your blog this winter. You really do a good job. When I was in high school, about 1948, the P.E. classes would teach us to bowl at the bowling alley on Seventh Street, upstairs over the liquor store. We walked from the high school. I think you mentioned that it was owned by Karl Knodle and Cleo Johnston. Cleo managed it. We set our own pins. That would never happen today! Liability, work laws etc. The teacher assigned us this duty. I don't remember if the teacher was Jan Harken Welin or not. She taught P.E. when I was in school. This was really a great thing. It taught us a lifetime sport and it brought business to the bowling alley. It's too bad Boone will be without a bowling alley. Bowling can be a great family activity. If my knees were having a good day, I could probably still do that. Unfortunately, bowling alleys have gone the same direction as swimming pools. My grandson had his 14th birthday party at Perfect Games in Ames. They had a package deal. Bowling, pizza, a private room, soft drinks and a little money to play the games. Of course, the kids brought some of their own money so they could play more games. By chance, Paul Rhodes, the Iowa State football coach, came in with some recruits and he signed some autographs. It was a great party for the age."
K-----K
It appears to the Kornerman that the NBA (National Basketball Association), college basketball and even high school and grade school etc. basketball all have a major problem........DIRTY FLOORS.
At least, all these athletes are continually using their bare hands to wipe off the bottom of their shoes. I'm sure you've seen it. They come in the game and wipe their shoes, go to the free throw line and wipe their shoes and even while just standing, wipe their shoes. It's seems to be a real problem.
What could be the reason other than dirty floors? Some kind of tradition or a signal of some kind or what? Who can provide the Kornerman with an answer? I've wanted to ask a current player about this but haven't had an opportunity. Maybe you have a basketball grandchild that could provide an answer.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Jane Pepper, 80, Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. BSH-52. Worked a lifetime as a nurse prior to retirement in 1988. Boone area survivors include brothers Bud and Bill of Ames and Gene of Boone and sister Katie Jordan 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.
Speaking of local celebrities, Bruce Jenner, a great U.S. athlete who won the decathlon at an Olympic games so many years ago, was a student at Graceland College in Lamoni in that same era in case you had forgotten. In recent years, he's been in the national news for various "other" reasons. I'm also reminded that Garth Brooks, while a student at Oklahoma State University, was a competitor at the Drake Relays.
This could go on and on.........various celebrities with Iowa connections and many of them are highlighted in the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines, which is something all of you should see if you haven't already. It's more amazing than you could possibly imagine and one trip may not "do" it.
Celebrity talk should also include my classmate, teammate and friend, Willy, who is quite the "man about town" in San Diego. The 1953 BHS grad is a writer, a blogger and his work has found it's way to a Diego publication called Blog Diego.
Willy sent me a copy of one of his latest rants and, as usual, what he has to say/write is very provocative.
K-----K
Marilyn Long wrote, "I have been catching up with your blog this winter. You really do a good job. When I was in high school, about 1948, the P.E. classes would teach us to bowl at the bowling alley on Seventh Street, upstairs over the liquor store. We walked from the high school. I think you mentioned that it was owned by Karl Knodle and Cleo Johnston. Cleo managed it. We set our own pins. That would never happen today! Liability, work laws etc. The teacher assigned us this duty. I don't remember if the teacher was Jan Harken Welin or not. She taught P.E. when I was in school. This was really a great thing. It taught us a lifetime sport and it brought business to the bowling alley. It's too bad Boone will be without a bowling alley. Bowling can be a great family activity. If my knees were having a good day, I could probably still do that. Unfortunately, bowling alleys have gone the same direction as swimming pools. My grandson had his 14th birthday party at Perfect Games in Ames. They had a package deal. Bowling, pizza, a private room, soft drinks and a little money to play the games. Of course, the kids brought some of their own money so they could play more games. By chance, Paul Rhodes, the Iowa State football coach, came in with some recruits and he signed some autographs. It was a great party for the age."
K-----K
It appears to the Kornerman that the NBA (National Basketball Association), college basketball and even high school and grade school etc. basketball all have a major problem........DIRTY FLOORS.
At least, all these athletes are continually using their bare hands to wipe off the bottom of their shoes. I'm sure you've seen it. They come in the game and wipe their shoes, go to the free throw line and wipe their shoes and even while just standing, wipe their shoes. It's seems to be a real problem.
What could be the reason other than dirty floors? Some kind of tradition or a signal of some kind or what? Who can provide the Kornerman with an answer? I've wanted to ask a current player about this but haven't had an opportunity. Maybe you have a basketball grandchild that could provide an answer.
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Jane Pepper, 80, Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. BSH-52. Worked a lifetime as a nurse prior to retirement in 1988. Boone area survivors include brothers Bud and Bill of Ames and Gene of Boone and sister Katie Jordan 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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Another Two Years
Nick Collison, Boone's connection to the National Basketball Association, is in the last year of his latest contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder and friends, and even family members, have wondered about his future plans.
It's settled.
The NBA team announced late Tuesday that Nick's contract has been extended for two more seasons at an estimated $7.5 million. He's 34 years old and has been with the franchise for 11 years. He's the longest-tenured member of the Thunder.
The Thunder General Manager said, "Nick's the type of player that will always be valued and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward." Coach Scott Brooks added, "he's going down as one of the best teammates of all time. Not just for our organization but, from my experience of being on a lot of different teams as a player and a coach. He's right there with the best of them."
Collison, who grew up in Iowa Falls and played collegiately at Kansas, has a strong Boone connection. His parents are Dave and Judy Peterson Collison, both former Toreador athletes and graduates. His grandparents, Clarence "Pete" and Donna Peterson and Arden and Ruth Collison, all now deceased, were longtime Boone residents. And, there are many other family members still in Boone and surrounding area.
K-----K
Viewers must stretch their memory to "catch up" with this story which Mark Tompkins came across while scouring the internet. It goes back to 1947, which is a slight bit before the Kornerman's time here. However, I do remember talk about the incident at various times through the years.
Apparently, the community has an almost forgotten "cold case" with many questions unanswered to this day.
An area resident was apparently murdered, there's a question about the true identity of the victim and "whatever happened to the money that was in the police safe?"
After World War II, Yugoslavian John Zauhar worked in this country to support his family members in his war-torn country. On August 23, 1947, while on a train in central Iowa, Zauhar began acting oddly. He took out a large roll of cash he had earned and gave bills away to strangers. When the train pulled into Boone, rail officials had Zauhar removed from the train, feeling he was not acting in his own interest. He was not arrested, his money was placed in a safe and Zauhar spent the night at the jail.
The next morning, Zauhar left for breakfast but never returned for his money and was not located.
On November 9, 1947, a train crew spotted a man's body by the tracks, four miles west of Boone. There was no identification.
Boone Police Chief Lawrence Paulson ordered an x-ray to confirm the presence of a bullet in the man's skull. An autopsy confirmed that it would have been impossible for the man to have inflicted the wound on himself. Boone County Coroner Garland Hancock stated the unknown man died by "felonious means at the hands of an unknown person or persons and at an unknown time."
The unidentified murder victim was buried at Mineral Ridge Cemetery north of Boone but efforts to locate his grave have been unsuccessful.
The story continued when family members of Zauhar in Yugoslavia asked U.S. sources to investigate his disappearance and make every attempt to determine if the man, found dead near Boone, was, in fact, the husband of Mrs. Zauhar. An insurance company was also anxious to exhume the body of the unknown man before paying a death benefit to Mrs. Zauhar.
Unfortunately, the story abruptly ends right there with many questions remaining. Who murdered the man found by the railroad tracks near Boone? Was the body exhumed? Was the body definitively identified as John Zauhar? Did the insurance company pay benefit's to Zauhar's widow? And, what happened to the money in the police safe?
Whoever the man was, and it's likely he was John Zaubar, he was a homicide victim and his killer has never been charged and convicted.
Much of the material you have just read was taken from an article written by Nancy Bowers in 2011, which is part of Iowa's Unsolved Murders: Historic Cases.
K-----K
Gretchen Otis wrote, "it was so nice to read about the Lindmark's in the Korner. Connie was my Sunday School teacher at Augustana Lutheran Church. Later, I was Larry's teacher and "baby sitter." Connie Arnold Lindmark and her sisters graduated from BHS......Eudora in 1938, Connie in 1940 and Marilyn in 1942. Marilyn survives and lives in Lacy, WA.. The Arnold girls had lovely voices, sang in the church choir and were a noted trio in Boone. All the Arnold's, Orr's and Lindmark's were/are fine people and great assets to Boone, IA. and their respective communities."
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Leah Ober, 66, Stratford, formerly of Boone. BHS-66. She loved her job at Walmart in Boone and also assisted the DNR, spending many years rehabilitating injured wildlife so they could be returned to their natural habitat. Boone area survivors include her son, Randy of Stratford, daughter Samantha Gray of Webster City, step-mother Doris Martin of Boone and step-sisters Darla Grosnickel of Boone and Cheryl Lindholm of Ogden............Grover Phend, 84, Ogden. Formerly of Dubuque. Boone area survivor is a daughter Lonnie Ray of Boone.
The Kornerman was sorry to hear of the death of a former Boone News Republican colleague. Ed Bomberger, 76, Ames, passed away January 29.
Way back, Ed and the Kornerman worked together as news reporters for the Boone News. It may have been Ed's first job out of college and I'm not sure how long he was a Boone resident.
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.
It's settled.
The NBA team announced late Tuesday that Nick's contract has been extended for two more seasons at an estimated $7.5 million. He's 34 years old and has been with the franchise for 11 years. He's the longest-tenured member of the Thunder.
The Thunder General Manager said, "Nick's the type of player that will always be valued and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward." Coach Scott Brooks added, "he's going down as one of the best teammates of all time. Not just for our organization but, from my experience of being on a lot of different teams as a player and a coach. He's right there with the best of them."
Collison, who grew up in Iowa Falls and played collegiately at Kansas, has a strong Boone connection. His parents are Dave and Judy Peterson Collison, both former Toreador athletes and graduates. His grandparents, Clarence "Pete" and Donna Peterson and Arden and Ruth Collison, all now deceased, were longtime Boone residents. And, there are many other family members still in Boone and surrounding area.
K-----K
Viewers must stretch their memory to "catch up" with this story which Mark Tompkins came across while scouring the internet. It goes back to 1947, which is a slight bit before the Kornerman's time here. However, I do remember talk about the incident at various times through the years.
Apparently, the community has an almost forgotten "cold case" with many questions unanswered to this day.
An area resident was apparently murdered, there's a question about the true identity of the victim and "whatever happened to the money that was in the police safe?"
After World War II, Yugoslavian John Zauhar worked in this country to support his family members in his war-torn country. On August 23, 1947, while on a train in central Iowa, Zauhar began acting oddly. He took out a large roll of cash he had earned and gave bills away to strangers. When the train pulled into Boone, rail officials had Zauhar removed from the train, feeling he was not acting in his own interest. He was not arrested, his money was placed in a safe and Zauhar spent the night at the jail.
The next morning, Zauhar left for breakfast but never returned for his money and was not located.
On November 9, 1947, a train crew spotted a man's body by the tracks, four miles west of Boone. There was no identification.
Boone Police Chief Lawrence Paulson ordered an x-ray to confirm the presence of a bullet in the man's skull. An autopsy confirmed that it would have been impossible for the man to have inflicted the wound on himself. Boone County Coroner Garland Hancock stated the unknown man died by "felonious means at the hands of an unknown person or persons and at an unknown time."
The unidentified murder victim was buried at Mineral Ridge Cemetery north of Boone but efforts to locate his grave have been unsuccessful.
The story continued when family members of Zauhar in Yugoslavia asked U.S. sources to investigate his disappearance and make every attempt to determine if the man, found dead near Boone, was, in fact, the husband of Mrs. Zauhar. An insurance company was also anxious to exhume the body of the unknown man before paying a death benefit to Mrs. Zauhar.
Unfortunately, the story abruptly ends right there with many questions remaining. Who murdered the man found by the railroad tracks near Boone? Was the body exhumed? Was the body definitively identified as John Zauhar? Did the insurance company pay benefit's to Zauhar's widow? And, what happened to the money in the police safe?
Whoever the man was, and it's likely he was John Zaubar, he was a homicide victim and his killer has never been charged and convicted.
Much of the material you have just read was taken from an article written by Nancy Bowers in 2011, which is part of Iowa's Unsolved Murders: Historic Cases.
K-----K
Gretchen Otis wrote, "it was so nice to read about the Lindmark's in the Korner. Connie was my Sunday School teacher at Augustana Lutheran Church. Later, I was Larry's teacher and "baby sitter." Connie Arnold Lindmark and her sisters graduated from BHS......Eudora in 1938, Connie in 1940 and Marilyn in 1942. Marilyn survives and lives in Lacy, WA.. The Arnold girls had lovely voices, sang in the church choir and were a noted trio in Boone. All the Arnold's, Orr's and Lindmark's were/are fine people and great assets to Boone, IA. and their respective communities."
K-----K
Boone Area Deaths: Leah Ober, 66, Stratford, formerly of Boone. BHS-66. She loved her job at Walmart in Boone and also assisted the DNR, spending many years rehabilitating injured wildlife so they could be returned to their natural habitat. Boone area survivors include her son, Randy of Stratford, daughter Samantha Gray of Webster City, step-mother Doris Martin of Boone and step-sisters Darla Grosnickel of Boone and Cheryl Lindholm of Ogden............Grover Phend, 84, Ogden. Formerly of Dubuque. Boone area survivor is a daughter Lonnie Ray of Boone.
The Kornerman was sorry to hear of the death of a former Boone News Republican colleague. Ed Bomberger, 76, Ames, passed away January 29.
Way back, Ed and the Kornerman worked together as news reporters for the Boone News. It may have been Ed's first job out of college and I'm not sure how long he was a Boone resident.
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.
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