HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR

     Enjoy these final days of the holidays with friends and family. And, of course, the Kornerman wishes all of you a very rewarding, very happy 2018.
     After enjoying a little time off, the Korner will return, full speed ahead, on Wednesday in the new year, Wednesday, January 3.
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Evelyn Gildea, 82, Boone.........Mildred Chapman, 88, Boone...........Douglas Harris, 55, Ogden.........Bonita Coleman, 56, Ames............Ida Lue Murray, 85, Boone/Dayton. Boone area survivor is a daughter, Betty Jones, of Boone.........Theresa Samuelson, 85, Boone. Married LaVerne Samuelson in 1954. They farmed in Jackson Township, east of Jordan. Suvivors include a daughter, son-in-law and sister. LaVerne is deceased.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

Let's Take a Holiday Break

     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Dick, 80, and Nora, 75, Dearborn, Boone. Husband/wife passed away within 22 hours of each other. Dick, son of Keith and Kathryn Dearborn, attended BHS and DMACC. Air Force vet. Nora, daughter of Elmer and Dorothy Germer. Dick and Nora married in 1959. Nora attended BHS and worked for Donnelly Marketing in Nevada. Boone area survivors are son, Richard Jr., and daughters, Dora and Glenda, all of Boone. Two other sons also survive..........Theresa Samuelson, 85, Boone...........Milton Jones, 73, Boone........Doris Brent, 97, Mount Pleasant. Ogden connection........David Bakley, 75, Plymouth, MI. OHS-60..........Janiet Pepper, 78, Boone. BHS-57. Was the daughter of Cloyd and Muriel Platter. She married Vern Carman in 1960 and the couple established the Boone County Flyer, which later became the Boone Shopping News. They also worked together in the establishment of the Boone Speedway. Vern passed away in 1979. Janiet married Gene Pepper in 1993. She worked at Donnelly Marketing in Nevada until that business closed in 1996. Boone area survivors include her husband, Gene, and a step-son, Dave, both of Boone. Two daughters, a son and a step-daughter also survive.
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

     The Kornerman is so thankful for your friendship and viewership, whether you came to us from the good old U.S.A. or even a location in another country. We sincerely hope you have a very safe and wonderful Christmas with friends and family.
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     Always good to hear from Rick Houser, BHS-63,........yes another Virginian. From Fairfax, he sent a nice holiday card and wrote, "still read the blog."
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     Late business news: (1) the former Legal Limits will reopen under new ownership, hopefully, by February 1. (2) Yes, as we've said earlier, the old Redeker building has been sold. Sometime soon, it will be occupied by two businesses, half and half, who have a similar relationship in other communities but will be completely new to Boone. The Kornerman doesn't feel comfortable reporting who they are at this time.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Jon Barr Applequist, 85, Ames. Moved his family to Ames in 1965 where he became an associate professor at ISU, followed by full professorship and, eventually, professor emeritus status. He retired in 2000. Boone area survivors include his wife, Nancy, of Ames and a daughter, Karen Clement, of Boone.........Janet (Jan) Pepper, 78, Boone.......Dominic Fiorino, 66, Boone.........Christene Fritcher, 90, Boone. Attended school in Ridgeport. Was married to Paul Fritcher in Boone in 1946. They lived on Paul's family farm for 71 years. Christene worked at Bourns in Ames for 25 years. Boone area survivors include her husband, Paul; son, Joe Fritcher; and daughter, Jody Fritcher; brother George Ahrens and sister Mary Conard, all of Boone.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
     
    

Potpourri

     Today, we have a mixture, a collection of items as we clean up the desk a bit prior to the "main events" on the horizon.
     Tony Crandell asks, "who was the gentleman who delivered milk and ice from a horse drawn wagon in West Boone in the mid-1940's?"
     Franklin Clarke, that was his name, and Tony tells us more. "He delivered for Peerless Dairy. On alternate days, he delivered ice, as many folks in the 40's still had "ice boxes." You had a red and green sign to post in your window. Green side signified that you needed ice, red was a "no." Franklin lived on the southeast corner of West Ninth and Marion. He plowed gardens with the same horse that pulled the milk wagon. He was our West Boone naturalist as he could name all the birds and trees and he raised bees. He was also a Methodist supply (substitute) minister. Just an all-around interesting, nice guy. The neighborhood kids loved to follow after him on ice delivery day as he would chip off a chunk of ice for you on a hot summer day."
     One more thing. In the 1950's, if you called a cab and asked for the driver to take you to "Store 30", where would he take you and for what purpose?
     Tony said, "you'd be referring to the State of Iowa Liquor Store #30 which was located on the south side of Seventh Street at the alley just east of what is now the Livery."
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     Hey, we don't hear from Virginia every day. However, there really are quite a few Korner viewers who reside in that state. One is John "Jack" Kelly, BHS-58, who sent a neat Peanuts holiday greeting this week all the way from Locust Grove, VA. His note read, "enjoy your blog very much. Your references to the old diamond at Memorial Park make for many fond memories. I lived close to that park and spent a lot of time there." Thanks for the greeting Jack and special thanks for your support of the Korner. Jack was a good pitcher in those "good old days."
     It was good to hear from the Oxenford's this week also. Lou and Roger just moved back to California from Boone and we miss them but I'm sure they are enjoying their new surroundings, closer to family members.
     Speaking of California, Jerry Manriquez, BSH-57, and his wife, Joanna Lacey Manriquez, BSH-56, were remembering our discussion of Boone's Washington Restaurant. Jerry wrote, "My wife, Joanna, remembers going there with her parents, Mike and Mary. She saved a momento from that restaurant."
     Jerry's email included a picture of the momento which featured, in color, a huge, U.S. flag with all the details of the restaurant........location, phone number etc. etc..
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     Finally, Karen Anderson, a regular viewer, sent us info regarding a "lost" Boone facebook page.
     I'm going to "lay out" my lack of facebook knowledge here. The Kornerman doesn't know what she means by this page being "lost."
     Its very interesting. There are pictures of many Boone businesses of the 50's and 60's.......Boyd's Dairies, the Cookie Jar, the Holst Hotel, Shangri-La, the old D.Q., East End Cafe, Lincoln Restaurant, Ripley's Ice Cream store, George's Bar, the Arctic Circle, Barstad's, Whitts Drive-in and the Tip Top.
     At Whitts, a menu indicates you could have your choice of five hot dogs, five sloppy joe's OR four coneys......for a buck. French fries were 20-cents.
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     How about a few funnies.....(1) we were born naked, wet, and hungry, then things got worse. (2) wouldn't it be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for 10 minutes and come out wrinkle free and three sizes smaller? (3) If you think health care is expense now, wait until you see what it costs when its free. (4) A cartiologist's diet.....if it tastes good, spit it out.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS:  James Murphy, 85, Runnells. Farmed and operated a farm and Christmas tree farm. Boone area survivor is a brother, Dr. John (Jack) Murphy of Boone..........Bert Doran, 93, Boone. Napier HS-43. As a U.S. Marine in WWII, he was permanently blinded when a mortar shell exploded near him. Boone area survivors include his son-in-law, Gary Blomgren, of Waukee and his longtime caretaker, Billie Ellis,of Boone...........Dorothy Crooks, 82, Boone. She served the Boone Community schools as an educator for 35 years. Boone area survivor is a daughter, Devon O'Tool, of Boone........Virginia Knotts, 94, Iowa City. She served several communities, including Boone, during a long career as a nurse administrator.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

Boyd's and Those Boone Hair Care Companies

     The recent talk about dairies in Boone prompted a phone call from LuVerne Anderson, BHS-54, who started working for Boyd's Dairy at age 15 in 1951.
     LaVerne said, "I don't do computers so I thought I'd just call and mention a couple things. When I started at Boyd's, there were over 500 independent dairies in Iowa. By 1972, that number had dropped to just over 100. One more recent one was in the Madrid area and I had an opportunity to pay a visit there. When I went in the plant, they seemed to be using the same type equipment we used to use and, of course, I had to wear a hair net. It was an interesting visit. We used to make 150 gallons of ice cream at a time and then transport it, in 10 gallon cans, to the north side location. Working for Jim and Gene Boyd and then Jim, alone, later, was quite an experience. He (Jim) was one of the smartest individuals  I ever connected with. We'd have hotshot engineers from big companies come in with suggested ideas for product improvement, like new additives for the ice cream mix, and they would be stunned..........Jim had already figured those things out and already had them in operation. He simply couldn't be beat."
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     The last quiz question was, "there were two well known hair care product companies in the 1950's that started in Boone.What were their names and location?
     (1) F.W. Fitch was known throughout the United States for his range of shampoo products during the first half of the 20th century. His dad was a doctor and when the family split up, Mrs. Fitch and her youngest children, including F.W., settled in Boone. In 1890, he became an apprentice to a Boone barber and spent the rest of his life in those environs. F.W., eventually, concocted dandruff remover, hair tonic, toilet waters, perfumes and facial creams. One of his  most famous products was Rose Oil Tonic, which was started in a barn that sat on a portion of ground currently occupied by Goeppinger Field. By 1914, annual sales for his company exceeded a quarter of a million dollars, big money in those days. In 1917, F.W. relocated his plant and offices to Des Moines. The business was sold to a St. Louis company in 1949 and Mr. Fitch died in 1951.
     (2) Trev hair care products were developed by a Boone resident who's last name was Vert. In the early 1950's, his building was across the street from the old Lincoln Armory and next door, west, of the old Salvation Army building, somewhere in the vicinity of the current Boone Hardware. Quiz master Tony Crandell, BHS-59, said, "I remember seeing the name Trev Hair Products on the window and under that was, "Vert Manufacturing Company."" He added that there still is a line of Trev hair products but it is not the same company.
     The Kornerman remembers a Vert in my Boone Junior College days, 1954-55. There was a Betty Vert, BJC-43, and a Marjorie Vert, BJC-55, listed as Boone High graduates. I have a vague memory of an auto mishap that killed two Boone people......I believe a Vert lady and a male companion (husband?). It seems to me it happened west of Ames.......when a car going over them on an overpass went out of control, dropped down and struck their vehicle from above. I recall it as a very peculiar and unfortunate mishap. Do any viewers have knowledge of this or am I "out of control again?"
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     Some late notes on previous Korner entries: (1) John Hinz, BHS-64, wrote, "Jim and Evie Mikesell, were, indeed, Shangri-La Motel owners. Jim was also the brother of Lillie Swain, the mother of Ed, BHS-55; Lyla, BHS-57; Howard, BHS-58; Carol, BHS-61; Linda, BHS-67; and Helen, BHS-71; Swain. Linda Swain is John's wife and the Kornerman thanks them for the neat Christmas card they sent, along with a letter of support detailing the Hinz family comings and goings in 2017. (2) Tom Peterson, BHS-67, wrote, "my dad, Merrill L. Peterson, worked at the Boone News Republican, probably sometime before I was born. Those basketball player heights are pretty tricky, my 5-11 status turned into 6-2 by the time the program was printed. Our team was very short but ran hard for Coach Jim Ranglos. Our run and gun play/attitude gave many teams a "run for the money" at the end of games when we had worn them down. But, we still came up short most of the time. One of our antics was to run wind sprints before the game as part of our warmups. I still vividly remember Athletic Director Howard Stutzman coming into the locker room after a tough overtime loss to Ames telling us that we had, "really left it all on the court and should be proud of our effort." His statements have stayed with me forever. (3) Vern Modeland, BHS-50, wrote regarding the obituary mention that the late Ival Sinn had worked during World War II for the FBI in Washington, D.C. Vern said, "I know of a least one other FBI employee with Boone connections. Everett Hickman's brother was an agent, I believe. I recall visiting with him at Ev's wedding." Ev, BHS-54, is one of four Hickman's listed as BHS grads. There's John, BHS-35; Darrel, BHS-39: and Ray, BHS-44.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Michael Mallas, 55, Ames. BHS-80. Was a teacher/coach in two Iowa schools, East Marshall and Hubbard-Radcliffe. Wife Julie and two daughters survive. Boone area survivors are his mother, Pat Larrew Mallas, and a sister, Launie Sorem, both of Boone. One other sister and two brothers also survive.........Marie Naughton Collum, 88, LaPlata, MO. Formerly of Boone..........Rev. J. David Pepper, 86, New Hampton. Formerly of Boone.........Dean Miller, 96, Ogden. OHS-40. U.S. Coast Guard vet. Worked at Ollie Peterson Garage in Boone and at a cannery in Grimes. He and his wife, the late June Dodd Miller, moved to Arkansas but eventually came back to Ogden and farmed southeast of town. He also worked at Kruck Plumbing/Heating in Boone and established the Miller Plumbing/Heating service in Ogden. Later, he worked at the Boone Golf and Country Club, Spring Lake golf course and the Hill golf course. Boone area survivors include his daughter, Anne Thomas, of Ogden and a son, Jim Miller, of Boone.........Jack Moore, 81, Boone. Ames High grad. Was self employed. No Boone area survivors.........Robert Carter, 81, Boone. Attended Boone schools. U.S. Army vet. Worked at Percival Manufacturing and for the Boone city parks. Then worked at ISU, retiring in 1996. His wife, Thelma Crook Carter, preceded him in death. Boone area survivors include his daughter, Jeanette Thomas, and  a sister-in-law, Lois Crook, both of Boone.........Wilma Barnes Pollard, 91, Boone. BHS-44. Lived in rural Boone with her husband, the late Nelson Pollard, until they moved into Boone. Wilma served as a caretaker for her son, David, for many years after David was involved in an accident. He passed away in 2004.  Survivors include a daughter, Clavonne, and a brother, Kenneth Barnes. Ken is a Boone area survivor.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com

     

What's Our Purpose?

     The Kornerman has often pondered, "with the Korner, what are we attempting to do? What is our real purpose?"
     With the local media situation being what it is.......there are limited opportunities for updates on Boone connected deaths and we, at least twice a week, try to fill in some of those holes, to especially keep those out-of-state viewers informed. That would seem to be a plus.
     But then, this week, we realized what our main purpose really must be.
     It began with a phone call from someone I was not familiar with and evolved into what I think is a great explanation as to what we are "attempting to do."
     Here's the story: Larry Thompson, BHS-71, was calling from Colo, IA. He said, "I grew up in Boone but left town for good in 1978-79. I do read your blog and saw the list of former Boone News Republican employees you had worked with. My dad, George Thompson, worked at the BNR in the 50's and 60's and, perhaps, you two didn't work there at the same time. George Gibson was the shop foreman and I remember Kenny Burke serving as the town Santa Claus for many years. My dad, 93 years old, and I looked over that list together and its safe to say, he experienced lots of memories of those long ago "good old days". We thank you.""
     The Kornerman says, "maybe I'm overstating a bit, I don't know. But, a simple list of familiar names provided some memories, maybe a smile or two for, or maybe even a tear from a 93-year old for a moment or more during what may be some long days. Thinking about it, it came to me that just maybe that's why we do this crazy thing twice a week. An effort to, somehow, make a difference for someone."
     P.S. Son Larry wasn't bashful. He said he's mostly sold cars during his career........with Vogler-Nieman in the early 70's, then Willey-Clemons when they came to town and finally, 38 years with Ron Willey, mostly in Nevada. He added, "I wasn't into sports or anything in school really and I never got into any serious trouble but I imagine the Boone police didn't mind the fact that I had left town."
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     The mention of George Thompson and the BNR got me to thinking of another name to add to the BNR list. I remember a Rusty.......was it Johnson or Thompson.......had light, rust-colored hair? Then too, I thought of another name to add to the KWBG list......Bob Sharp, an always Boone boy, was an announcer there for a time.
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     There's a comedian, Aaron Wilburn, from down south, who claims, "you can say or do anything you want to whether its true or not, nasty or not, and get away with it simply by concluding, "bless his heart, bless her heart or bless their heart." He claims, at least down south, that reprieves almost anything.
     Well, the Kornerman is hoping I will be accorded that "reprieve" for a pair of recent errors pointed out by Larry Adams, BHS-65, and John Hinz, BHS-64, and added to by John Kueck, BHS-61.
     Larry correctly said that the late David Crandell was in the BHS class of 1965, not 1962, and John Hinz didn't think Jerry Converse was a 1964 BHS grad. Correct, he was a 1961 grad.
     Bless my heart.
     Then, we do have a bit of a controversy regarding another item. In our story about the late Jerry Converse, his 6-7 height, was mentioned. Hinz and Kueck both question that.
     Hinz wrote, "in the later class of 64', we had two 6-6 guys, Steve Mathis and Jim Fecht. John Hendricks and Pat Ahlstrom were 6-3 or 6-4. Out secret "inside" weapon in basketball was Mike Bennett who was shorter, but could dunk from anywhere on the floor and once shattered a backboard in a game. The tallest Boone basketball player after our class was 6-7 Brian Larson, BHS-66, who later starred at Grandview College." Kueck added, "Jerry was tall but no taller than my friend Doug Gustafson, BHS-61, who I think was 6-5. I think I know because I was in Jerry's car pool to Iowa State for several years."
     The Kornerman answers, "I would assume the Iowa State University News Service is a viable news organization and I simply reported what they said in their news release as follows: "after graduating from BHS in the spring of 1961, Converse, attended Iowa State. By that time, he had grown quite tall, nearly 6-7, and although he had  never played sports, the ISU basketball team wanted him to join. The coach even made personal visits to the Converse household to try and recruit  him but he resisted."
     Now, let me add this, the release does say, "ISU has been able to memorialize Jerry with the help of and materials from his brother, Alan Converse, of Gilbert, AZ.
     ???
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     Regarding the latest Korner quiz, Mike Loehrer, BHS-64, reported, "one of the hair care companies that started up in Boone was Trev. It was owned by a guy with the name Vert and his building was on Eighth Street across from the old YMCA."
     Tom Canfield, BHS-53, added, "Fitch Shampoo. I can still sing the jingle. Rose's Hair Restorer, conditioner or something like that."
     The question was, "there were two well-known hair care product companies in the 1950's that started up in Boone. What were their names and location?"
     The Kornerman will probably provide the complete answer in the Saturday edition.
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     Congratulations to current Toreador athlete, Mason Hulse. He was recently named the class 3-A First Team All-State Quarterback. He's the first BHS quarterback to receive such an honor since Mike Harris was selected in 1966.
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     The Kornerman is sorry to report the recent death of Michael Byriel, 65, of Grinnell, who passed away December 3. Services were held in Grinnell December 9.
     Michael, BHS-70, opened Michael's Italian Kitchen restaurant in 1988 and, along with his family, had operated  it for 30 years. A U.S. Navy vet, survivors include his wife, Charmaine Fraulini Byriel, BHS-70, of Grinnell as well as a daughter, Cara Kenkel, of Grinnell. Other survivors include his father, Glenn Byriel, and brothers, Brian, BHS-73, and Perry, BHS-81, all of Boone as well as a brother, Rick, BHS-76, of Urbandale. His mother, Donna Byriel, preceded him in death.
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Ival Sellers Sinn, 93, Boone. BHS-42. She worked for the FBI  in Washington, D.C. during World War II. There are no Boone area survivors.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson Street, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is still 515-432-1530 and we still don't answer unless we recognize the name/number. Leave a message and we'll get back to you. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.........kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

     


    
    
     

Wrapping Up the Motel Story

     The story of the Shangri-La is pretty wrapped up with one final addition (we think). Apparently, it was a Mikesell family that LAST owned and operated the motel. They sold that property to the current occupants, the Subway store.
     Another note concerning the motel listings. Our quizmaster Tony Crandell, BHS-59, had told us there were some courts, across, south from the Eastern Star Home and he thought the owners were Phyliss and Melvin Converse. That leads to another story concerning one of the Converse sons, Jerry.
     In June of 1967, during a six-day war between Israel and some Arab nations, the USS Liberty was, caught in between, attacked by Israeli fighter bombers, then by torpedo boats in international waters, the Mediterranea sea. A total of 34 American sailors were killed and 174 injured. One of the victims was Jerry Converse.
     Jerry, BHS-61, earned an Electrical Engineering degree from Iowa State University, 1961-64.
     At Boone High School, he had loved being involved in music and had a special passion for engineering and mechanical programs. After graduation from ISU, he wanted to fly but color blindness and his height, 6-7, worked against his Air Force ambition. Instead, he signed up with the U.S. Navy which, eventually, lead to his death.
     In 2014, Jerry was one of five ISU graduates who were honored on Veterans Day during a Gold Star Hall ceremony in the ISU Memorial Union. Honored there are ISU grads who died in military service in a war zone.
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     Before I forget, I'm sure some of you have enjoyed meals at the Texas Roadhouse but have especially gone ga-ga over the warm bread smothered with a special butter.
     Here's a Korner exclusive.........the recipe for that special butter.
     One stick of unsalted butter, room temperature. 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. 1/4 cup of honey. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whip the room temp butter with whisk for 30 seconds. Add the remaining ingredients and beat until completely combined and very smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and turn up the speed and whip for a minute or two until really light and fluffy.
     The Kornerman is sure you know what to do after that.
     Thanks to Judy Canfield.
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     Think about this. I'm sure you viewers remember the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" TV show and, if needed, the contestant could use a lifeline, a call to someone who, potentially, could help provide them some needed information.
     The question? Who would be your lifeline? The Kornerman assumes it would be someone you have great trust in...........a relative, a friend.......and one you feel may have the wherewithal to aid your case.
     In the Kornerman's case, it might be a viewer. John Kueck, BHS-61, would fill the bill. He's certainly be a constant Korner lifeline AND guess who sent the Korner our very first holiday greeting?  Yup! He wrote, "I thoroughly enjoy your blog. For some of us, it is our only connection to Boone and our era."
     A very nice picture of John and his lovely bride, Susan, was included. Some other good looking family members were pictured as well.
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     Back to another quiz. Two very well known (at the time) hair care product companies actually began in Boonetown in the 50's. Can you name them and their location?
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     You have to be Dick Longworth, BHS-53, to remember when the Boone News Republican phone number was 1 (one). The Kornerman certainly doesn't remember that.
     How about 325 and/or 448. This was prior to the 1960's.......and the 325 was the Boone Fire Department while the 448 was the Boone Police Department.
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     Some sad news from Steve Crandell, BHS-66. Steve called the Kornerman Friday to report the passing of his brother, David, BHS-65. David, 70, had been battling cancer at his Morton, Ill. home.
He had most recently worked for Caterpillar Logistics in Morton, where he also served on the Facility EMT team. His wife, Jolene Anderson Crandell, BHS-65, the daughter of Gunnar and Helen Anderson survives. A son, Richard, also survives.   
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Wayne (Griz) Wilke, 71, CO. Formerly of Boone. BHS-64. Was a 30 year member of the Boilermaker Union 83 of Kansas City. Survivors include five sisters, Cheryl Moorman and Jan Mallas of Boone and three others.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is still 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT........kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

    

Very Late Edition

     No, didn't sleep in. No, health remains steady.
     These "new" devices are great when working.......not so great when not.
     The simple answer for the Kornerman being very late this edition is...........both land line phones and computer were "out of commission." Back at work now (Wed/6 p.m.). However, at this late time, I'm going to "catch up" on deaths only, then get back to a more normal format Saturday.
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Ann Perkovich Harris, 92, Madrid. Family moved to Madrid in 1943. Ann was a faithful farm wife and homemaker. She and her late husband, Gerald, had three  children including Ronald of Madrid..........Harold (Dune) Kost, 83, Missouri, formerly of Boone. BHS-52. His wife, Judy, survives..........Kirby Chance, 62, Des Moines, formerly of Boone. His parents were Raymond and Mary Ann Chance. BHS-73. Worked many years as an EMT and Registered Nurse. Five children, four girls and a boy, survive. Three brothers and two sisters also survive including Doug Chance of Boone.........Ivan Sinn, 93, Boone........Carolyn Cay Munn Herrald, 80, Boone. Her parents were Robert and Helen Munn. BHS-55 where she excelled as a violin player. Cay managed the family business, Riekenberg's, in the 1960's and 70's. A daughter, Ann, and step son Mark Herrald survive. Boone area survivor is a cousin, Meg Manatt, of Boone.........Larry Cox, 77, Boone. BHS-58. His parents were Woodrow and Alice Cox. Larry was a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Boone area survivors include his wife, Linda Bracken Cox, son, Brandon, brother, Doyle, and sister, Bev Huston, and sister-in-law, Nyla Cox, all of Boone. Three other sisters also survive, including Linda Jones of Madrid.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number (when its working) is 515-432-1530. To email (when computer is working) stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

Shangri-La

     Remember?......."your kisses take me to Shangri-La. Each kiss is magic, that makes my little world a Shangri-La."
     Back in "our time," any of those musical groups of four had a recording of that song.......the Lettermen, the Four Freshmen, the Four Lads, the Four Coins and various others.
     The Kornerman isn't sure if the song had anything at all to do with the naming of one of Boone's motels of those days but our mention of hotels/motels from that era in our last edition has brought lots of response.
     The question posed was, "name Boone's five hotels and three motels and their locations circa the late 50's/early 60's."
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     From the Texas Hill Country, Chuck Brainard, BHS-50, wrote, "the Shangri-La motel was on the east side of Story Street between Fourth and Sixth Streets. It was a small, white double row of rooms, built, owned and operated by Glenn and Polly Brooks in the beginning. Glenn was a railroad passenger conductor and they were friends of my family. People said that Glenn bore a strong resemblance to the late actor, Franchot Tone."
     Loren Frazier, BHS-58, wrote, "you were correct on the location of the Shangri-La, north of the telephone company building on the east side of Story Street. The current occupant of that area is the Subway store." Loren even sent a photo of the Shangri-La.
     John McLeod, BHS-58 added, "I recall the Shangri-La's grand opening. It was quite an event. The motel was hailed as "up-scale" and a real benefit to Boone. That Fourth and Story intersection, in those days, was the "cross-roads of the city" for years as Mamie Eisenhower then was Highway 30, the Lincoln Highway. The Shangri-La motel was in a perfect location to capture travelers. The other three corners of the intersection, as you will recall, were occupied by service stations."
     The Kornerman has just one more thought on that subject. Way back in a small corner of my 82-year old mind, I'm getting a "recall." Didn't the late Alex Mahood, the old drummer, and family own and operate the Shangri-La in its later years? Sandy, BHS-64, where are you? Is the Kornerman right, or dreaming.........again?
     If you want to review the other hotels/motels of that time, as listed by our quizmaster, check out our last (Nov.29) edition.
K-----K
     The Kornerman says, "it seems to me there is a real fine line between hotels, motels and just plain "rooms for rent, 50-cents." Loren Frazier had some ideas. He wrote, "there was a motel on the south side of Fourth (Mamie) and east of Boone Street. There was also a large house on the southeast corner of Fourth and Boone Streets that rented rooms to travelers in the years before motels. A motel, name unknown to me, was built in the 50's between the back of that house and the alley. I think that motel building still remains there. There was also a large house across Fourth Street on the northeast corner of Fourth and Boone Streets that rented rooms to travelers. I'm not sure if my memory is correct on this, but I think the motel/cabins across from the Eastern Star Home also had space for travelers who could pull in small camper/trailers or simply slept in the back of station wagons. Regarding the Crary Hotel, that building became the Mondt Hotel sometime in the 50's. It also housed the Herb Jones Barber Shop, with entrances off the lobby of the hotel and also on Seventh Street. The Mondt Cafe, also a part of the building, was adjacent to the barber shop, also with an entrance on Seventh Street."
K-----K
     Another item that drew some attention were questions concerning the northeast corner of that Fourth and Story intersection. For quite some time now, there has been a brick building there occupied first by Northwestern Bell and lately by Century Link. But what was situated on that corner prior to that?
     Roy and Sue Woolsoncroft of Nevada wrote, "we believe there was a nice, brick home on that corner which was eventually moved to provide the location for a new telephone company building. The house was moved to the east side of Linn Street, directly south of Mamie Eisenhower Avenue."
     John McLeod added, "it was a beautiful brick home owned by a family named McBernie, I believe. It was fascinating to me what happened to that home. From my vantage point on the southeast corner of the intersection at Bob Highland's DX station, I watched as the house was jacked up and moved east on Mamie to its current location at 322 Linn Street. The old Johnstone home had occupied the entire southeast corner lot at Linn and Mamie prior to that. The lot was divided to accomodate the McBernie home's arrival. It was quite an experience to see a house get loaded up and literally "rolled" down the street. Tree limbs and overhead wires had to be dealt with. I'm not certain of the date and year but it happened in the early 50's."
 K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Yvonna (Vonnie) Mondt, 92, Boone. BHS-42. Married David Mondt in 1945. Was office manager at Percival Refrigeraton for 20 years. Survived by four daughters, Constance Jean, Carol Annette, Davi Enise and Denice Yvonne.........Marie Bass, 95, Jefferson. Boone area survivors include sons, Ron, Allen and Alvin all of Boone. Three other children survive.........Norman Newcomb, 83, Boone. BHS-52. Navy vet. For 30 years was a Program Planner for the DOT in Ames. Retired in 1996. Boone area survivors include his wife, Helen Carpenter Newcomb, and three children, sons Monte and Andy and daughter, Lori, all of Boone...........Rosella Hasstedt Morgan, 83, Des Moines/Ogden. Born in Boone County. Married Lowell Morgan and they farmed north of Ogden before starting Morgan Farm Equipment. Boone area survivors include her husband, Lowell, daughter-in-law, Lorie Morgan, sister, Rosalie Johnson, and brothers-in-law, Bob Morgan and Roy Coffman. Three children also survive.........Ken Barkwill, 92, Boone. Air Force vet. Married Mary Elizabeth Frederick in 1948 and moved to Boone in 1968. Became Building and Zoning official for the city of Boone in 1974 and retired in 1987. Was very active in the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Boone area survivors include his wife, Mary, son, James, and daughter, Jean, all of Boone. Two other children also survive.........Philip Golding, 92, Clear Lake. Formerly of Boone. Army vet. Moved to Boone in 1963 when Phil took a job at Iowa State University. Retired in 1990. When his wife, Lola, passed away in 2009, he moved to Clear Lake. Survived by three sons and a daughter.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.


     
      

     
     

"Best Chili Ever"

     Stan Moffitt, BHS-52, has taken some interest in the recent Korner talk of the chili Pete and Mary Kokanakis served at their Coney Island Restaurant.
     Stan called this week with this message, "Pete and Mary made the best chili ever. Mary would visit our garage at Sixth and Story on occasion and I would always mention that I'd like that chili recipe. I remember she told me she gave it to Lloyd Courter, BHS-53, and I think, at one time, it was part of the First United Methodist church cookbook. I eventually contacted two of the Kokanakis daughters, Martha, BHS-54, and Nikki, BHS-65, and obtained the recipe. My son Chris, BHS-83, will use a big kettle and make a huge batch and then freeze some of it. He'll use three pounds of ground round and, of course, some beef suet. Maybe we'll get you a bowl some time."
     The Kornerman says, "promises, promises."
     P.S. Pete and Mary had a couple older daughters some of you may remember.......Helen, BHS-44, and Georgia, BHS-49.
K-----K
     Speaking of recipes.......I'm sure there are others who love the bread at Texas Roadhouse smothered in that wonderfully flavored butter that has a cinnamony(sp) taste. The Kornerman has just obtained the recipe for that butter and will share it in a future edition.
K-----K
     About our latest Korner quiz.......courtesy of Tony Crandell, BHS-59.
     He asked you viewers to name Boone's five hotels and three motels and their locations circa the late 50's and early 60's.
     The hotels remembered are the Crary, at the southeast corner of Seventh and Story, the Boone, on north Story across east from the old Northside Cleaners, the Holst, on the northeast corner of Eighth and Arden, the Union News, at the old railroad depot, and the YMCA, on  Eighth Street just east of the old Lincoln Armory.
     The motels are the Topper, on old Highway 30 by the Chick-A-Dine restaurant, the Shangri La, on the southeast corner of Mamie Eisenhower and Boone streets and the Courts (?) (Tony couldn't remember the real name) on old Highway 30 across from the Eastern Star home.
     Trying to be perfect as always (?), the Kornerman thinks the Shangri La was REALLY on the east side of Story Street, mid-block, between Fourth and Fifth. Wasn't there some type of building next door just south of that motel on the corner? There's a brick building there, now occupied by Century Link, but there was something on that corner prior to that becoming a telephone, NW Bell/Century Link, building and I can't come up with the answer at 5 a.m. this morning.
     Also, how about the motel on Mamie Eisenhower Avenue, south side of the street, between Story and Boone Streets? Shouldn't that be on the list?
K-----K
     The Kornerman noticed the big new Boone County Historical Society billboard along Highway 30. That had to be expensive, along with the huge new banners on the Society's building and various other newer items........money that could have been used for what ails the Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace.
K-----K
     In business news, two very reliable sources tell the Kornerman that the old Redeker building on South Story has been sold. No further details at this time.
K-----K
     Eula Scheuermann tells me that Phyliss Hoppe and Carolyn Schroeder were former BNR employees that weren't on our original list. The Kornerman remembers Phyliss but again, I'm not sure I was employed there at the same time they were.
K-----K
     Vern Moorman, BHS-47, reports the death of classmate, Dick Maynard, who passed away Sunday night in Boulder City, NV. More details will follow in a future Korner.
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Denny Sherer, 78, Urbandale. Born in Boone. His parents were Edwin and Edna Menough Sherer...........Carolyn Cay Munn Herrald, 80, BHS-55.........Joan Guy, 86, Boone/Westhaven........Edna Hellekson, 95, Madrid Home........Lonne Tracy, 69, Boone. Boone area survivor is a son, Josh, of Boone. A sister and two brothers also survive.........Edwardo Jose Rosa II, 73, Boone. ISU grad. Was Transportation Logistics Manager for Cedar Rapids Steel Transportation. Later, for 16 years, served as a caretaker for his wife, Judy, until her passing in 2013........Kathleen Nordstrom, 87, Boone. BHS-49. Her parents were Robert and Ruby Reynoldson. Kathleen worked in the Botany lab and as a custodian at ISU until retirement in 1977. Then, worked for Randy's Meats in Boone, the Broiler Restaurant between Boone and Ames and the Boone Walmart until 2007. A daughter and two sons survive. Boone area survivors include two sisters, Helen Mattson and Carolyn Webb, both of Boone and a brother, Roger Reynoldson, of Fraser. Two other sisters and two other brothers also survive.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.


     

    

KWBG Memories

     In the last edition, mention was made of Harlan Weeks, longtime Editor of the Boone News Republican, having a weather station in his yard. The Kornerman can relate.
     At one time, I, the Kornerman, was the local weatherman. A gentleman, who lived at about Third and Greene St., was the weather man for quite some time. I believe his name was Charles May. Anyway, for some reason, he relented and KWBG radio took over the duties.
     Yes, I had the weather station in my back yard. Every day, it was my task to check and write down all the weather facts at certain times of the day. At the end of each month, I was required to send in a report that showed all the local activity, day by day.
     I recall asking how to determine snow depth. The answer? Use a ruler and stick it in a reasonable (average) drift of snow. In these more modern days, wouldn't it be reasonable to expect some kind of highly technological way of determining a more accurate accounting of snow depth? Just curious.
K-----K
     Speaking of radio, for some reason, the Boone Buggy Ride recently came to mind. This was back in the 50's of course. Dale Burge had a show that ran about the time school was out each day and he featured the latest in pop music. Remember now, TV was barely in existence and, of course, there were no smart phones, computers etc.
     I believe the show was called the "Boone Buggy Ride" or something like that and Dale was not the only featured personality. There was Skeeter as well. He was Dale's fictitious partner and provided for a little conversation now and then. Remember Duane Ellet and Floppy? Well, in Boone, at an earlier time, it was Dale and Skeeter.
     The Kornerman hasn't seen Dale for some time but I assume he's still holding court just north of town. Skeeter? I'm not sure about his/her fate.
     P.S. Dale had a late afternoon-evening shift at KWBG and he was courting June, his future wife, at the time. But the Kornerman remembers them having a fry pan and various other cooking instruments available for suppertime dining while "on the job." While Dale was "on the air," June was fixin' up some good eatin'.
     I'm sure he'll correct me if any of this is beyond my recollection.
K-----K
     Let's talk about Boone hotels/motels.
     In the late 50's and early 60's, there were at least five hotels and three motels in town. Let's find out if any viewers can name them and give their location.
     We'll try to answer in the next edition.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Margaret Lash, 95, Boone. Boone area survivors include a daughter, Marlene Camp, of Boone and a son, Larry Mathews, of Stratford. One other son also survives..........Randy Ahrens, 67, Boone. BHS-69. His parents were Herman and Lucille Ahrens. Randy married Judith Zachar in Boone. He was a welder for Percival Scientific for several  years, then worked in maintenance for the Boone schools for 14 years prior to retirement in 2016. Boone area survivors include his wife, Judy, of Boone, son, Bill Ahrens, of Ogden, daughter, Becky Ahrens, of Boone, sisters, LeAnn Freel and Amanda McCullough, of  Boone. One other son and a brother also survive........Wendy Sue Miller, 61, Boone. Her parents were Gary and Janice Mallicoat. BHS-74. Was also a DMACC nursing graduate. She worked for 12 years as a nurse at Ledges Manor and the Madrid Home. Worked 14 years as a Boone County dispatcher and then worked for Universal Pediatrics of Urbandale as an in-home care nurse for Alex Buckles of Boone. Boone area survivors include her husband, Mike, of Luther, daughter, Rebecca Wisecup, of Ames, sister, Ann Reeves, of Madrid and brothers, Scott Mallicoat, of Boone and Mike Mallicoat of Perry.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving

     The Kornerman, in the last edition, made a first attempt at naming everyone I worked with at the Boone News Republican through some 17 years. It was inevitable that some would be missed and I am still seeking help from viewers who could add to the list.
     Bernie Lewiston, Ross Hanson, BHS-74, and Dianna Sutton, UCHS, had some ideas.
     Bernie wrote, "How could you forget Harlan Weeks? Also, there was a fellow named Francis? He had red hair and we both covered meetings. His parents lived in Boone but I can't remember his last name."
     The Kornerman answered.......questioning whether I had ever worked with Harlan and then Bernie answered back, "I thought you were doing double-duty when I was at KWBG from 1966-67 and Harlan was there then. Seems like Francis had a last name like Mohle. I used to give up on covering some of the marathon school board meetings, and would call Harlan the next morning to get filled in as to what happened after 10 p.m.. Sometimes, the meetings went until 1 a.m.. I had a good working relationship with him, and we used to swap stories when I wrote news for KWBG. One of the guys who replaced me when I left in 1967 was Al Johnson, and I think he went over to the BNR after working for KWBG for a time"
     Ross Hanson also kicked in. He wrote, "we had a neighbor who lived behind us on Carroll Street. His name was Harlan Weeks, not sure if he worked with you or not. I remember he had a weather box in his back yard and would check it each morning for the barometer, temperature and humidity figures. He also had a rain gauge"
     The Kornerman says, "hey, Harlan Weeks was a consummate news man of his time. Everybody knew Harlan Weeks. Still, I can't picture directly working with him at the BNR. Maybe I was doing BNR sports then but that's really a late day-into the evening job compared to Harlan's early morning shift so maybe we were there at the BNR at the same time but didn't often cross paths. Regarding the Francis, I'm thinking of Moul but I thought maybe it was like John Moul."
     "Harlan was the phone companies best friend.......constantly on the phone, calling the funeral homes, calling the police, fire and sheriff's office and hospital and covering anything happening newsworthy. He was strictly hands-on.......nothing like much of today's coverage which is obtained by a finger or two on a computer or other similar device. As long as I'm mentioning that, I'll give Jim Turbes, the current KWBG News Director, credit for seeming to be very much like Harlan Weeks, although in a much different era. Jim seems to be everywhere. When does the guy sleep? Oh yah,  the Kornerman remembers those days."
    "Dianna Sutton wanted to mention that her late sister, Skip Larson, worked for R.P. Brown in the BNR circulation department in the early 1950's. Skip is another former employee the Kornerman certainly does remember but, she was a bit ahead of my employment at the newspaper."
K-----K
     The Korner's highly unpaid quizmaster, Tony Crandell, BHS-59, mentioned that, at one time, there were four Boone dairies that processed and bottled milk and three of the four were located within a block of each other. He wondered if our viewers could recall this.
     The Korner received some replies. Jon Wilson, BHS-62, wrote, "Peerless Dairy, which was located on Eighth Street east of the city hall on the alley, Boone Dairy, which was across the street from Peerless, Boyd's Dairy at Fifth and Story (east side) next to Boone Blank Book and Ripley's Dairy at 11th and Story between a gas station and Standley Transfer. Boyds later bought and operated from the Ripley location and also had a store in West Boone, a block east of the courthouse."
     Holden Stradlater, BHS-58, wrote, "seems like Ripley's was on the North Story, Peerless and Boone Dairy on Eighth Street near the city hall and Boyds across from the current police station."
     Tom Matt, BSH-60, gets the prize. The key to the puzzle was Otis Dairy, located at the southeast corner of Eighth and Runyon, across the street and east of Boone Dairy. So, Tom was the only one that mentioned the three within the same block, Peerless, Boone Dairy and Otis Dairy.
 K-----K
     We've got some catching up to do. (1) Thanks to Roger and Lou Oxenford, BHS-45. They sent a beautiful Thanksgiving card and said they are now fully transferred to California and enjoying their much closer relationship to their children and families. They do miss Boone and all but are happily moved. (2) Thanks to Mike Loehrer, BHS-63, for sending a listing of old time radio shows, 50 or more, that are easily obtainable via computer for use on a "rainy, snowy day." You just pick out your favorite old time show, tab it and receive it in total for great listening. (3) Thanks to Kathleen Wheelock who sent a marvelous picture of one of those forest fire scenes that shows lots of destruction but also shows a huge cross, seemingly untouched and towering above the ruins. (4) Thanks to Mark Tompkins, BHS-60, for a couple items. One was an audio of a speech made by famous football coach, Lou Holtz, at a graduation ceremony. Humorous but certainly on point. As Mark said, "everyone should have an opportunity to hear this." Then too, Mark has been visiting his friend and classmate, Tom Grasso, in Arizona. They pulled out a 1979 TV special program that Tom had directed which featured Tennessee Ernie Ford and the late Della Reese, who just passed away the other day. It is a 90-minute special that features good gospel music and they enjoyed watching and listening to it. Mark sent me the ability to watch it later at my leisure. Tom, of course, did lots of TV directing for some of this country's biggest stars, including several specials with Tennessee Ernie.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Inez Sesker, 92, Maxwell. Luther HS-42. Married Nelland Sesker in Boone. Worked at an ordinance plant during World War II. Farmed with her husband for 43 years.........Steven Nugent, 68, rural Boone. Served as a telecommunications engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad until retirement in 2009. Boone area survivors include his wife, Deborah, and a daughter, Darci Newcomb, both of Boone. Two other daughters also survive..........Marjorie Teeters, 94, Boone. Boone area survivors include three daughters including Mary Sealine of Stratford. A daughter-in-law, Veva Teeters, of Ogden also survives.........Dorothe Mae Smith, 88, Stratford, formerly of Boone. Born in Harrison Township. Worked at George Rolfes Company for 30 years. Boone area survivors include two daughters, Dixie McCombs and Sheryl Robinson, a brother, Dean Miller, and two sisters, Mary Jo Duncan, and Barbara Lemke, all of Boone. One other brother and two other sisters also survive.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
   
    
    

Oh, Are We Smart?

     The Korner's quizmaster, Tony Crandell, BHS-59, says, "at one time, there were four dairies that processed and bottled milk in Boone. Three of the four were located within a block of each other. Name the dairies and tell me where they were located."
     The answers will appear in the next edition.
K-----K
     Ya, we Iowans, we Booneites, are a group of "smarty pants." We always knew it but now, that's being acclaimed nationwide.
     A career website, Zippia, for some reason, felt it was high time they determine which cities are smartest in each state. They analyzed the percentage of working-age adults with a college degree, along with the percentage of teens who dropped out of high school. That was the basis for making their determination.
     The Kornerman is completely shocked.............Boone was NOT number one in Iowa. But, we did rank 14th.......ahead of cities like Mason City, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Newton, Des Moines, Waterloo......etc. etc.
     Here were the top 15....Johnston, Iowa City, West Des Moines, North Liberty, Ames, Marion, Pella, Altoona, Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Urbandale, Carroll, Oskaloosa, Boone and Clive.
     Oh, how I, the Kornerman, was hoping we would outdo our eastern neighbor. Well, many of those who work in Ames, go over there from Boonetown and carry all their "smarts" with them.
K-----K
     O.K.  You viewers may recall that some weeks ago, the Kornerman had decided to "rack his very limited brain" in an attempt to recall all the former KWBG employees he may have worked with. With the help of others, our initial list continued to grow and we finished with a pretty lengthy rundown.
     The Kornerman had said, at the time, that maybe we should consider doing a listing of those we can recall working with at the Boone News Republican. So, here goes with our initial offering.
     Jeannie Eycheson, Mary Garvey, Harold Garvey, R.P. Brown, Rollie Petersen, Kenny Burke, Mary Alice Neiderjohn, Peg Hohanshelt, Pauline Uthe, Mary Deering, Buck Huffman, Herman Ninneman, Marv Lestina, Ben Mesenbrink, Gordon Zimmerman, Chuck Hackenmiller, Brenda Williams, Don Garrett, Vivian Wirtz, Dick Lynes, Wayne Shaw, Ed Bomberger, Boyd Van Meter, Wayne Messerly, Roger Dee, Bernard Hohanshelt, A.J. Hohanshelt(Grandpa?), Jon Kemmerer, Tex Anderson, Grace Berl, Virgil Dummett, Eric Carlson, John Deardorf, Bob Schaub, Jeannine Schaub, Claudia Lovin, Sandy Hilsabeck, Tammie? Hougham, Vivian Khan, Barb Cunningham, Eldon Cunningham, Sue Tolan.
     We are now open for additions/corrections/etc. The Kornerman knows there are others we've failed to mention.
     An addendum. (Pretty fancy wording for the Korner huh?")
     How times have changed. The Kornerman can't help but think of that time in 1970 when I left the BNR for a 30 year journey with the Iowa High School Athletic Association. My BNR bosses, Mary and Harold Garvey, told me the $10,000 yearly salary I was receiving was more money than they had ever paid any of their employees except for Advertising Director Rollie Petersen, who finished the year with more salary than that due to a salary/commission agreement. The Kornerman walked away from that $10,000 for an $11,000 yearly salary a couple doors south at the IHSAA. Wow! That upgrade was mighty big to me back in 1970.
K-----K
     A pair of goodies from Will Rogers. (1) "There are folks running our government who shouldn't be allowed to play with matches." (2) "The taxpayers are sending congressmen on expensive trips abroad. It might be worth it, but they keep coming back."
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Dianne Sinn, 69, Papillion, NE. BHS-67. Was a telephone operator at Iowa State and later, a personnel specialist in Maryland. Boone area survivor is her mother, Ival Sinn of Boone.........Janet Gustafson, 90, Boone. BHS-45. She helped her husband, Roy, on the farm and was also a telephone operator, worked at a grocery store and was a cook at United Community school for 23 years. Boone area survivors include her husband, Roy, and three sons, Steve, Dennis and Larry.........Thomas Hohanshelt, 66, Boone. BHS-69. His parents were Jack and Peg Hohanshelt. Tom earned a degree from DMACC and worked as a facilities mechanic for recreational services at Iowa State after several years with Heinrich Envelope Co..Boone area survivors include his wife, Audrey, and son, Jared, both of Boone. Two other sons also survive..........Fran Sadler, 92, Boone. She and her late husband, Merle, were married in Boone. Boone area survivors include her daughter, Sharon Ver Helst, and sons, Dave and Tim, all of Boone. Another daughter and son also survive.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

    
    

Coal and Ice

     Tony Crandell's latest trivia question drew some response this week.
     Tony, BHS-58, asked, "during the heydays of the passenger trains coming and going through Boone and before mechanical air conditioning, Boone was where the trains took on hundreds of pounds of ice to keep the cars cool. Likewise, the refrigerated cars hauling meat and other perishables were loaded at the beginning of the trip but, sometimes, the ice was replenished at Boone. Name Boone's ice plant company and where was it located?"
     Ken Swanson, BHS-59, responded with, "you probably don't remember me Mo but I worked with Gary Grosnickle at Dad and Lad in my senior year, 58-59. The answer to the question is Rocho Brothers Coal and Ice Company. My dad delivered ice for them before World War II and briefly, after the war."
     Loren Frazier, BHS-58, wrote, "Rocho Brothers was located on the southeast corner of Eighth and Runyon Streets. My parents bought coal for the furnace from  them and they shoveled it into our basement through a small door in the foundation to the furnace room inside. I remember it made quite a mess with the coal dust that stirred up when the chunks of coal landed in the basement coal pile. A neighbor bought ice from Rocho's and the driver would, sometimes, give neighbor kids a small piece of ice. Keep up the good work. Its appreciated by all your followers."
     Then there was Holden Stradlater, BHS-58, who wrote, "been thinking about Tony's latest offering. I, like you, recall the golden age of railroads as they impacted Boone. The passenger trains with the exotic names of "City of Denver," "City of Los Angeles" and the Challenger which only woke up the wanderlust in many of us. I recall passengers temporarily disembarking when trains stopped in Boone to unload and load passengers and wondering who they were and where they were going. Well dressed men and women going into the depot or dashing across the street to the Bide-A-Wee for a quick beer. As Tony remembered, these trains, both passenger and freight, took on ice. If I recall correctly, the ice came from Rocho Brothers and I believe the plant was on 10th street west of the depot. I hope the trivia questions have promoted lots of interest and responses. I'm excited to hear about the new hotel and other new construction in Boone. Now, if there was just a daily newspaper. Keepem' coming Mo. The Korner is an institution. Maybe more than you realize and we can't thank you enough."
     Tony himself explained, "I was a depot rat and I loved to hang around the depot and watch the passenger trains come through. On the platform, were a number of yellow and green steel carts with green steel triangle shaped tops. These carts were there to supply ice for the crews and the diner cars. A depot rat could help themselves to a pretty good-sized chunk of ice to suck on while waiting for a train to come and go and move off the penny that had been placed on the track to be flattened by the train.When the passenger trains left, so did the ice carts and eventually Rocho Brothers."
     The Kornerman says, "regarding moving coal into the basement, I recall the fancy way it was done at our house. We had some kind of conveyer apparatus that received the coal and fed it, via the conveyer, from outside right on into the furnace. Wow! Pretty impressive."
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Flossie Wulkow, 95, Lytton/Sac City. Boone area survivor is a son, Rick Wulkow, of Boone........Carol Pestotnik, 75, Twin Falls. Born in Luther. Parents were V.C. and Olive Brundage. United HS-60. Was a teacher, worked as a military entrance test administrator and as a GED test administrator. Her husband, Tom Pestotnik, BHS-58, survives.........Glen Yarger, 106, formerly of Boone. Eight children survive........Bette Lou McCoy, 88, Perry. Formerly of Beaver. Married Dale McCoy (deceased) in Boone. Was a homemaker. Six children including son, Mike, and daughter, Barb Appenzeller, both of Boone survive.........Gerald Westrum, 91, Stratford. Born on a farm in rural Boone County. Married Dorothy Gill (deceased) in Boone. Farmed northeast of Stratford. Three children survive, Norene Powell, Mark and Matthew Westrum, all of Stratford. Another survivor is a sister, Marietta Grabau, of Grand Island, NE., formerly of Boone..........Vernon Cacek, 92, Sutherland IA. His wife, Gladys, survives.........Frances Sadler, 92, Boone.........Ruth Kuhl Sutherland, Loveland,CO...........Dennis Brelsford, 72, rural Perry...........Thomas Bell Jr., 48. Worked at McFarland Clinic in Ames. Boone area survivor is a brother, Steve Bell, of Madrid.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    






     
     
    

Ah, What a Smell, What a Taste

     Recently, the Korner has been involved in some talk about coneys and restaurants that served them in Boone years ago.
     Now, as promised, the Kornerman will provide the official coney/chili recipe used at that time by Mary Kokanakis.  Mary, of course, worked with her co-owner husband, Pete, at the Coney Island restaurant at the southeast corner of Eighth and Keeler. Mary continued the operation for some time after Pete passed away.
     All credit for passage of her recipe to the Korner goes to Betty and John Nelson, BHS-55. They say that Mary disclosed the recipe on KWBG in November of 1982 but they discovered it in a recipe box belonging to Harriett Nelson, John's mother. John said, "best coney's around."
     Mary used all Tone Brand spices. Here goes.....
     Mix together five tablespoons of paprika and five of chili powder, one to 1 1/2 tablespoons of comina, two tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground black pepper, 3 1/2 tablespoons of salt, one tablespoon of hot cayenne pepper and 40 pounds of good ground chuck.
     Put four pounds of beef suet over a slow fire. Dice in two onions. Cook until the onions are brown and the suet melts. Add meat a little at a time. When the meat is done, add the spices. Cook four hours in a stainless steel pan. Put in small containers to freeze. If used as chili, add as many cans of Mrs. Grimes chili beans and water as you like.
     Note: Add a little water to the mix if its used as hot dogs. More water for chili soup.
K-----K
     The Kornerman, of course, was familiar with comedian George Carlin but I was not a Carlin follower. On stage, he seemed a bit too crude for my taste.
     However, Max Moore, BHS-46, sent me some Carlin material, some words he had written in 2008 and I found them very interesting. We don't have the space to use them all but here are a few of his thoughts.
     The paradox of our time is that.....
     (1) We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways but narrower viewpoints, we spend more but have less, we buy more but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences but less time.
     (2) We talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've been all the way to the moon and back but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We've cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. We've learned to rush but not to wait. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes.
     (3) Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and loved ones, but most of all, mean it. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
     The Kornerman says, "yes, I was very surprised and delighted to "see" this "other" side of George Carlin."
     Both George and his wife passed away in 2008.
K-----K
     Speaking of surprise.......did you note that former Boone resident John Haila became the Mayor of Ames via the Tuesday election?
     Mr. Haila,an architect, lived in Boone for quite some time before moving his business to Ames. He eventually sold the business and, in retirement, ran for elective office and was a big winner Tuesday.
K-----K
     Let's catch up on a quiz that Tony Crandell, BHS-59, has presented.
     Tony wrote, "during the heydays of the passenger trains coming and going through Boone and before mechanical air conditioning, Boone was where the trains took on hundreds of pounds of ice to keep the cars cool. Likewise, the refrigerated cars hauling meat and other perishables were loaded at the beginning of the trip but, sometimes, the ice was replenished in Boone."
     "Name Boone's ice plant company and tell us where it was located."
     The Kornerman will offer the answer next time.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Daniel Lee Sellers, 74, Cedar Rapids. Formerly of Boone. His parents were Nienan and Mary Sellers..........Mary Lou Kline, 83, Boone. Was married to Donald Kline in Boone in 1956. Boone area survivors include her husband, Donald, three sons, Ken, Kris and Andy all of Boone. Other survivors include a daughter and a sister.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa  50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

    
    

Grads From the 60's Speak Out

      The mention of the Bide-A-Wee in our last edition was caught by Susan Anderson Mersereau, BHS-67, who wrote, "my grandfather, Orval Jordan, managed the Bide-A-Wee in the 60's. People called him Bud. He had also been the President of the Eagles before that and a member of the Boone Fish and Hunt Club. I would go with him to the Bide-A-Wee on Sunday's to clean. Well, he cleaned and I got all the money I found on the floor! He taught me how to shoot a mean game of pool. He died in 1966 at the age of 62. If any of your readers remember him and have any memories I would love to hear them. My email is........sue@promopower."
     The Kornerman says, "golly Sue, I hate to go there but must tell you, my experience at the Bide-A-Wee was well before the 60's. It was more like the early 50's so I don't recall your grandpa."
K-----K
     Also heard from another viewer from the 60's this week.
     Rick Houser, BHS-63, gave me a call about something he thought was important and might be of interest to some of our viewers, here or out east.
     Actually, as you know, many of our viewers are out-of-area......some are way out-of-area. Many are in the Virginia area that Rick calls home, Fairfax, VA. So, we are relaying his message even though Boone, Iowa is a  long way from Virginia. 
     Rick informs that an American Legion Post #77 is organizing a group of individuals to lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day and he says, "I'll be there." He's wondering if there aren't others who would also like to make that commitment. "Transportation to the cemetery is being provided and even a free meal," Rick said.
     Further information can be obtained by calling......703-273-2250.
     Rick concluded, "It would be great if some of your Korner viewers, even just one or two, from this area or even Boone area visitors at the time would volunteer for this project."
K-----K
     Hey, you Booneites, especially those of you some distance from Boone, Iowa, if you've heard some of the doomsday stories about your hometown, you might want to hear an interesting update. Sure, just like all communities this size, there are some modern problems but how about a bit of the "rest of the story," a more positive story.
     Ground was recently broken for a 40 room Boulder Inn and Suites Hotel which will also feature a 31,230 foot conference center.
     In addition, construction will soon start on Alice Project, a 50-unit apartment complex.
     But that's not all. The Kornerman notes that cement has been poured for a new bank, the United Bank of Iowa, which will be the fifth bank in town, in addition to our credit union.
     Land is being moved on a site that will house a new Ogden Telephone Company building in Boone and two new laundromats are also currently under construction.
     How bout' them apples?
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Michael Craig, Newton. Former Boone area survivor is a sister, Connie Schutte, of Marshalltown, who lived in Boone while her husband, Theron, served as Boone Community School District Superintendent.........Doris Crouch, 83, Boxholm. Born in Stratford and SHS grad. Lived with husband, Roy (Bill) Crouch, in Pilot Mound 11 years before moving to Boxholm in 1967. She was a secretary for Grand Community school in Boxholm for over 30 years. She and Roy owned and operated convenience stores in  Pilot Mound, Boxholm and Paton before retiring in 1997. Boone area survivors include  her husband, Roy, and son, Robin, of Pilot Mound. One other son also survives...........Bob Bakley, 90, Boxholm. Farmed with his wife, Ardis, near Boxholm his entire life before they moved to Ames. Boone area survivors include his wife and brother, Bill, both of Ames. Two daughters and one son also survive. Bob was a military vet...........Raymond Lukawski, 70, Boone. A vet, he served as Plant Manager at Composite Technical in Boone before working at Hach Chemical in Ames. Boone area survivor is his wife, Maria, of Boone........William (Bill) Bielfelt, 87, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-50. Was a National Guardsman for a time and worked over 34 years for Fareway. Boone area survivors  include his wife, Jean Peterson Bielfelt, sisters, Helen (Peg) Bielfelt and Rosie Bielfelt, both of Boone and his wife's sister, Beth Judge of Napier. One daughter also survives.........Pete Michel, 66, Boone. Born in Boone. His parents were Charles and Mildred Michel. Was a vet and worked as a drywaller for over 20 years. Boone area survivors include his wife, Deborah Aspengren Michel, daughter, Christy Gronseth, son, Jason, brothers, Chuck, Floyd and Steve, sisters, Char Braland and Judy Frist, all of Boone. One other sister also survives.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
     
     
    

WHOA! One Minute Please

     Was it Yogi that said, "it ain't over until its over"?
     For many, this Mamie Doud Eisenhower birthplace controversy is far from over. Questions abound.
     When presented with the news release regarding the proposed closing of Mamie's birthplace, the first thing the Kornerman noticed was no mention of the Boone County Historical Society's Board of Directors. The release appeared to be a product of Mara MacKay, the Director of the BCHS. There is a board, a governing body of the Society, isn't there? Seems to me at one time there was a dozen or more members.
      The Kornerman is very capable of missing things but when I perused the Society's website, I couldn't find any word of the Board and who the current members are. Thanks to interested citizen Becky Eckstein, I now have that information.
     There is, apparently, a seven-person board led by President Katie Stines. Donna Cottington, Karen Dannen, Fred French, Jody Fox, Pat Hahn and Janet Tait are the other members.
      Becky wrote,"In 1980, the Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace Museum opened its doors after five years of research, fundraising, restoration, and acquiring  artifacts. Countless hours over the next 37 years have been spent by volunteer tour guides manning the museum, volunteer tradespeople caring for the buildings and volunteer gardeners tending the gardens. Yet, in one meeting of the directors of the Boone County Historical Society, the vote was taken to close the birthplace for two years. No notification was given society members or supporters of the birthplace museum that a discussion or vote to close the Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace Museum would be made."
     The Kornerman says, "that last part of Becky's message resonates with me. History dictates that something this significant, this important, normally is discussed thoroughly after presentation and prior to any decision making. The opposite seems true in this case. First, a decision is made, followed by discussion whenever interested parties hear of it."
     Anyway, Becky added, "if you have questions or concerns regarding this decision, I urge you to contact the Board of Directors of the Boone County Historical Society.......Katie Stines, 233 S. Story  St., Boone, 50036; Donna Cottington, 940 H Avenue, Ogden, 50212; Karen Dannen, 1181 J Avenue, Ogden, 50212; Fred French, 505 S. Marshall, Boone, 50036; Jody Fox, 303 Crawford St., Boone, 50036; Pat Hahn, 1505 S.E. Linn, Boone, 50036: Janet Tait, 315 2nd St. Apt. #7, Boone, 50036."
    There are two logical questions that should provide some clarification regarding this issue. (1) Meeting minutes would show what board member made this proposal for change and what the final board vote was. (2) A look at the Society's finances would disclose how much money is available and how it is distributed. There can always be conflicting views on which direction money should flow.........to secure current assets or ignore some of those and travel down numerous new trails. The latter was, apparently, the final choice.
K-----K
     Holden Stradlater brought it up........wondering what the phone number for the Boone News Republican was before dial phones took over.
     Dick Longworth, BHS-53, answered, "it was 1.That's it. Just one digit, and the first one at that. How's that for clout? In those days (your's and mine actually), the BNR was one of the most important institutions in town, the town crier that brought the news and the chronicle that told us who we were and where we'd been. Now, as you've reported, it's a once-a-week afterthought, with a boring phone number to boot."
    And, Dick had this to add, "Danny's restaurant on North Story wasn't really a coney place. It actually was more of a grill, where Danny Canakes dispensed burgers, fries and an occasional steak (a good one too). The Canakes lived in the house next door, so both Danny and his  wife were always in the restaurant. As Tom Matt said, they always welcomed kids, if only to play the pinball machine by the door. Out of respect for Mr and Mrs. Canakes, we mostly behaved ourselves. Our parents were happy we were there. It was one of those safe places, like Hugh Courter's Bide-A-Wee pool hall, run by good people who made us welcome while keeping us in line."
     The Kornerman says, "where do I start in reply?" I'm probably going to hate I wrote this but......does anyone remember those stringy, sticky things that hung down from the ceiling over the grill. They were fly catchers. Hey, nobody spent any more time in Danny's than I did and I loved the food so.........But, probably sadly, that was a memory that has stuck with me all these years. Then there was the Bide-A-Wee where I, and lots of Boone Junior College students, spent time between classes shooting eight-ball or snooker. Anybody else remember Morg or Parrott or any of the other fulltime occupants there? Talk about the popular TV show "Cheers"........the Bide-A-Wee was the Boone, Iowa version.
     This may be something many Boone folks don't realize. Good buddy and classmate, the late Lloyd Courter, was an NCAA pool champion. Yes, that NCAA......you know, NCAA football, basketball etc. I don't know in what pool category he was the champ but, of course, he had lots of training, spending many, many hours in his dad's pool hall growing up and then competing in the NCAA tourney while a student at the State University of Iowa.
K-----K
     Here's a preview of a coming Korner attraction. Have your note paper and pen handy. John and probably even more so, Betty Nelson, sent us the original recipe for Mary Kokanakis chili and, of course, we're going to share it with you in a future edition.
K-----K
     You can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in 10 years trying to get them interested in you.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Richard Robert Sherrard Sr., 87, Childress, TX. Born in Boone. Parents were William and Agnes Sherrard. Military vet. Worked for the State of Iowa for 24 years. Boone area survivors include his wife, Penny Moorman Sherrard, Robert Jr., David, Christy Roxanne and Sandy Sherrard and Don Ely all of Boone.......Harlan Rasmusson, 83, Nevada...........Anita Clayberg, 76, Boone. Worked at Hallmark, for Doctors Kollbaum and Barker and was a teacher at a pre-school. Boone area survivors include her husband, Dan, two daughters and two brothers..........Melvin Nutt, 77, Ames. Formerly of Boone. His parents were Jesse and Verna Nutt. Born in Boone. Raised on a farm near Luther. UnitedC-58. Degrees from Boone Junior College and ISU. Worked for the DOT in Ames for 39 years as a road design engineer. Boone area survivors include his wife, Beverly, of Ames, daughters, Teresa Erdman of Nevada and Stacey Ross of Ames, and two sisters including Mary Ann Swanson of Ames..........John (Bud) Haase, 87, Boone. Born in Boone. Parents were Paul and Gertrude. Was a 66 year member of the Brotherhood of Brick Layers. Boone area survivors include his son, Doug, of Ogden and one other, and two sisters, Gretchen Leininger and Paula Haase. John's wife, Lois, is deceased........Michael McCombs, 51, West Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. BHS-84. His parents are Kerry and Dixie McCombs. Was a computer programer at Drake University and recently did construction work. Boone area survivors include his mother, Dixie, brother, Kelly, and aunt, Sheryl Robinson, all of Boone, and his maternal grandmother, Dorothe Smith of Stratford.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

It Was a Scary Night in Boone

     BREAKING NEWS......The Kelley's hosted some 30 Halloween costumed kiddies at our new residence Tuesday evening. That compares to about 100 we had at our Aldrich address a year ago. No, that isn't the reason we moved!!
K-----K
     Because of the New York tragedy, let's continue with this "light" beginning.
     Jim Harken, BHS-91, was "moved" by our mention last edition of the California law firm of Payne and Fears. He wrote, "when I worked in Arizona, we always talked about the firm of Dewey, Cheatum and Howe. When I was a little kid, on Bugs Bunny, there was a lawyer named A.Shyster from Walla Walla,Washington. He always said it with a really funny lilt to his voice and, as a youngster, I always repeated it cause it was fun to say. Fast forward 25 years and a really good friend of mine got married in Walla Walla and I was able to spend some time there. I looked for the Shyster firm but none was to be had. Fun memories! Hope all is well in good old Boonetown."
K-----K
     Back to quiz info.
     Tom Matt recalls, "I remember Danny's on North Story Street very well. The older kids at Sacred Heart school would take their sack lunches in there at noon, buy a dime coke and eat in a booth. Mr and Mrs Canakes loved to have the kids in there. Jim Douroumis had a wonderful daughter, Mrs. Frances Stumbo. She came to help her dad in the cafe after her family was raised. Jim was a brother to George and together, in the early 40's, they operated the "Candy Kitchen" on the south side of the interurban tracks right across from the depot and next to Wilson's Tavern. The brothers split up and Jim opened his Coney Island on Ninth Street while George opened the "Washington Tavern" or later,"George's" on old Highway 30 and Delaware Street. George married Margaret Wilson and they had three children, Patricia, Paul and Joellen. Pat is now Mrs Tom Judge, BSH-60."
K-----K
     John Kueck, BHS-61, wrote, "when I think of the Washington Tavern, I think of a place near the old interurban offices on North Story Street, east side. Was there also a Short Stop in Boone? I walked by those northside taverns daily with my paper route and occasionally went inside to sell papers if I had extras. Given that, it is hard to recall their names. Keep up  the great work."
K-----K
     Quizmaster Tony Crandell, BHS-59, says,"there were two well-known hair care product companies in the 1950's that got started in Boone. What were their names and where did they start up?
     Holden Stradlater added, "I guess my quiz offering would be,"what was the phone number for the Boone News Republican before dial phones? Keep up the great work Mo."
K-----K
     Which type of person are you? It is said that there are two types of people.......those who come into  a room and say, "Well, here I am," and those who come in and say, "Ah, there you are."
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Scott Pepper, 67, Boone. His parents were Frank Pepper and Mary Ann Givens. Navy vet. Boone area survivors include his brother, Frank, of Ames and a sister, Sue Loonan, of Gilbert.........Melvin Nutt, 77.............Michael Hasstedt, 61, Boone. His parents were William and the late Doris Hasstedt of Boone. BHS-74. Was a long time Fareway truck driver. Boone area survivors include his wife, Debi Brown Hasstedt, a daughter, Tiffany, step daughters, Carrie and Danielle Walters, his father, William, brothers, Bill and John, and his aunt, Mary Gildea, all of Boone. Another daughter also survives.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson Street, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT........kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
     

     

Those Kokanakis Coneys........Chili Too

     Anybody else noticed that Tony Crandell's quizzes seem to deal with food? Pizza, now Coney's. Well, I think he's pondering an investigation into auto dealer's next.
     Anyway, the question was, "in the 50's there were four places in Boone where you could get a genuine "Coney Island."" Name them.
     Here goes....(1) The Kokanakis Coney Island on the southeast corner of Eighth and Keeler. (2) Jim's Coney Island on Ninth Street, east of Ninth and Story at the alley. (3) George's east on old Highway 30 next door to the East End Cafe. (4) Danny's just north of Northside Cleaners on North Story Street.
    There were questions about some names. The Kornerman thinks he has Kokanakis right. I think Jim and George were Douroumes brothers and Danny was Dan Canakes.
     Tony, BHS-59, wrote, "I can barely remember Danny's place. I am guessing it was in the late 40's or very early 50's that I was in there. I remember having a Coney Island at Danny's and was somewhat surprised as I thought Pete Kokanakis had invented the Coney in Boone. My grandmother lived at 809 1/2 Keeler so I was a very frequent visitor to Pete's Coney Island and when I worked at the Rialto, I was a frequent visitor at Jim's. I remember Jim's daughter worked there and they would argue back and forth in Greek. It always sounded so nasty, but I guess it wasn't. My dad's aunt lived on east old Highway 30 just short of Delaware Street, across from the old service station, so I was at George's occasionally. Then, since dad knew Bill Heitcamp of the East End Cafe, if I was that close, I generally ate there. Harley McCoy was in my class and I remember his brother married one of the Kokanakis girls. I think she was a cheerleader."
     Jerry Manriquez, BSH-57, added to the conversation. He wrote, "Danny Canakes owned the restaurant next to North Side Cleaners. Nine of his children graduated from Boone High School. I only knew Dean Canakes, BHS-54. I had heard that during World War II, Danny would give service men in uniform a free meal. Pete Kokanakis owned the restaurant called the Coney Island on Eighth and Keeler. Three of his children graduated from Boone High. I only knew Martha Kokanakis, BHS-54. My wife's cousin worked for Pete for years but  is now deceased but  her daughter, Ethel Morgan, probably knows some things about Pete's place. Yes, George and Jim Douroumes were brothers. George's bar was actually called the Washington Tavern. I drank lots of beer there but I don't remember eating chili. George married a Wilson and they had three children. I knew Patricia Wilson, BSH-60."
     Perusing all that, the Kornerman can just add this. I do remember that Martha Kokanakis was a cheerleader. Ethel Morgan's mother was Mrs. Vest and I remember the Vest family because they lived on the northside near where I grew up, which was 1710 Crawford. Jerry mentioned the Washington Tavern and there was talk of George's place being located on old 30 at the east edge of town. When I think of the Washington Tavern, I think of a place near the old interurban offices on north Story street, east side.
K-----K
     I don't know that I'd feel comfortable hiring a California law firm of Payne and Fears or the Arkansas firm of Rush, Rush and Delay.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Bruce Richeson, 69, Peoria, AZ. Formerly of Boone. BHS-66. His parents were Lavonne and Perry Richeson. Air Force vet and a banker...........Gaylord Nelson, 85, Marion. Formerly of Webster City and Boone. BHS-51. In Webster, owned and operated Kueen's Mobile Homes/Kueen's Trailer Ranch. Retired in 1996 and moved to Marion........Inez Louise Sesker, 92, Maxwell........James Irving Sr., 82, Stratford.......Julie Robinson, 85, Stratford. Formerly of Boone. Was a teacher at Churdan, Yale, Jamaica, Bagley and the Iowa School for the Deaf. Five children survive.......Elva Johnson, 99, Boone. Resident of Eastern Star Home.......Tom Edson, 67, Polk City, formerly of Boone. BHS-70. Farmed and drove trucks, over the road and for Tom Walters Co. of Boone and Chitty Sanitation of Nevada. His parents were Floyd and Helen Edson. A son and daughter survive. Boone area survivors include his sister, Jean Brown, of Ogden and niece, Brooke Brown, of Madrid.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson Street, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT....kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

We're Quizzing Again

     Tony Crandell, BHS-59, wants to know, "where you could get a genuine "Coney Island" sandwich in Boone in the 1950's? Tony says there were four such places.
     The Kornerman will provide the answers in the Saturday edition.
K-----K
     There was a great Letter to the Editor in the Des Moines Register the other day. A lady from Waverly was "disheartened" to read of the closing of the Mamie Doud Eisenhower birthplace. She indicated that she had taken a group to the home on at least a couple occasions via hosting a bus tour.
     Then too, Cynthia Foder of Channel Eight in Des Moines did a very nice piece on the situation recently. She interviewed interested patrons Helen Barnes and Larry Adams, BHS-65, and also Mara MacKay, the Director of the Boone County Historical Society.
     There was some great photography showing both some outside and inside shots of the facility.
     Diane and Gene Strandberg, BHS-58, wrote, "at a Strandberg family reunion last summer, my sister, Marcia, BHS-62, brought a 1974 clipping from the Boone News Republican. It contained a photo of the dedication of the stone plaque in front of Mamie's birthplace. In the picture are Ike Eisenhower himself, Mamie, Mrs. L.A. Douglas, Mrs Sam Smiley, Mrs Awilda Strandberg (my mother) and Mrs Retta Shaw. I can forward a copy to anyone who might be interested. Phone 941-753-9482 or gsandds@hotmail.com.
K-----K
     The Kornerman can't let this pass. The name Retta Shaw provides such a unique personal memory.
     Back in my youthful, radio, days we did not have downtown studios. All the broadcasting was done at the Ledges Road studios.......field mice and all.
     Being a newcomer, I had my choice of working days and chose Sunday (ha). Rhetta was a storyteller with a love for music and poetry and she had a program on KWBG on Sundays which featured those "loves."
     She wanted to be "close to nature" so yes, the Kornerman would take a table outside and drag a microphone with a long cord (none of this current fancy stuff......not needing a plug-in cord).......to the designated spot. So amidst the birds and sunshine (hopefully), Rhetta would have her program outside.
K-----K
    Vern Modeland, BHS-50, wants the Korner to quit listing Boone area people who "die around the age of 80-something." He wrote, "I and Chuck Brainard, BHS-50, are in that age group and don't need the reminder. Chuck is still climbing his 185-foot tall tower where his ham radio antennas lurk down in lower Texas and I'm just trying to not fall down. We don't need this attention to age."
    The Kornerman recently mentioned Boone native Ev Hickman, BHS-54, and that stirred a memory for Vern who worked at WHO radio with Ev.
     He wrote, "I was the early shift and Ev came in at noon. I was driving back from a day of swimming at a lake near Indianola. As always, the two-way newsroom radio was in my car and I was listening to Ev do a "feed" from the site of a big brick chimney being demolished at Fort Des Moines. News Director Jack Shelley, BHS-29, another Boone native, loved events like this......so dramatic. After much coordination, Ev was on the air counting down with those doing the demolishing. "Five, four, three" and then Ev went off the air. Jack started calling and calling and I was laughing and laughing. I could easily see from Highway 65 that the chimney was still standing. Ev's radio had apparently quit due to the big noise. The chimney didn't even have a little lean. When Shelley finally took a breath, I finally got space to call in. I reported that all appeared okay. I offered to drive over and double check, but Ev apparently found a phone by then. That was before cell phones of course.........the good old days."
K-----K
     Some borrowed thoughts. I started with nothing and still have most of it. But, you can't have everything. Where would you put it? Do you realize when you are charged and go to court, you are putting yourself in the hands of 12 people not smart enough to get out of jury duty? How can cemeteries raise their burial costs and blame it on the "cost of living?"
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Dwight (Mac) McVicker, 94, Story City. Born in Boone. BHS-41. A veteran, he returned to Boone after service, married and settled on the family farm. A son and a daughter survive..........Phillip Pickerill, 82, D.V.M. PhD. Austin, TX. Boone area survivor is a granddaughter, Florence Mass, of Madrid.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.


     
    
    

1957 Class Celebrates 60th Reunion

     Mesquite, NV.? Seems like I've heard of that town before. Oh yes, its been in the news a bit lately as the Vegas shooters hometown. But, let's not dwell on the negative. When I think of Mesquite, I think of highly honored former University of Iowa football coach Hayden Fry who lives in Mesquite in retirement.
     Then too, Boone native Roxanne Aplanalp resides there so that's a plus for the community.
     Roxanne was kind enough to give the Kornerman a rundown on the BHS/BSH 60th class reunion celebration held last weekend in Boonetown. The Kornerman and wife were invited guests to that event and would have thoroughly enjoyed that opportunity but we were enmeshed in our big move and all the collateral activities so we were unable to attend.
     Roxanne wrote that the reunion was held at the Livery "with  28 class members plus 17 spouses/guests in attendance. On Saturday morning, 24 of the group enjoyed breakfast, followed by a tour of the Boone High School facility. Six of the attendees live in Boone, nine in other Iowa towns and 13 from other states. We are going to meet again in three years. We're looking to have it the same weekend as YesterBoone. My sister, LaVonne Shearer, and I visited seven of the YesterBoone events and found it interesting. I catch your blog to keep up on local happenings since I live in Nevada."
     Roxanne sent a complete class list and also a separate listing of those classmates now deceased. There were a total of 60 who have passed out of some 160 in the class.
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     Holden Stradlater appears in the Korner as a contributor on occasion and his latest mention was in regards to the pizza puzzle Tony Crandell, BHS-59, provided. The Kornerman followed up by wondering who this Stradlater guy REALLY is.
     Keith Smith, BHS-56, wrote, "you piqued my interest with your Holden Stradlater puzzle. So, do we have somebody else from the BHS-56 class, besides me, who has an interest in English Literature? In the J.D. Salinger novel, "The Catcher in the Rye," there are the characters Holden and his roommate, Stradlater. Could this be the source of the pseudo-name Holden Stradlater?"
     Keith added, "I did an English Lit minor in college at ISU along the way to my Ph.D in Mathematics. I was inspired to do that minor by one of my favorite BHS teachers, Zoe Stevens, even if she did cost me valedictorian status. I took a year of English from her and liked her a lot, even to the point of having a teenage crush on her. And so, at one point, she wanted me to modify my term paper. I had disagreed with her and did not make the changes, feeling she would understand because I imagined that she liked me too, and would tolerate my opinion. But, in non-romantic reality, she gave me a B+, my only non-A in high school, costing me the valedictorian designation. Today, I have very fond memories of her, and I am grateful to her for inspiring me to do my English Lit minor, with my favorite course being Shakespeare. I scanned pictures from the 60th 1956 class reunion looking for a candidate who might have taken English Lit in college. Now, my first guess is Gerald Smith, mainly because he has been in academia for many years. If its not him, would you give us some clues? Now, I'm heading back to London later this week, until the end of the month, and, of course, will continue reading your Korner while I'm there."
     The Kornerman says, "hey Keith, I do have one guess as to the real Holden Stradlater identity but its strictly a guess with no real clues whatsoever. I also remember Zoe Stevens........seems to me with shiny and beautiful gray hair."
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     The mention of the Mamie Doud Eisenhower birthplace situation reminded John Kueck, BHS-61, that his mother had mentioned to him that their family had a brief Mamie connection.
     John wrote, "details are sketchy but my grandmother was Emily (Emma) Carlson, who immigrated from Sweden. She died from pneumonia when my mother was only two years old. Emma was 24 when Mamie was born in 1896. Mamie's mother was a Carlson too and born of Swedish immigrants. I suspect my grandmother was related to Mamie's mother and that may be the connection, the reason she became Mamie's nanny and settled in Boone as an immigrant. The Doud's were a wealthy family who could afford a nanny. They moved from Boone when Mamie was very young, so I assume my grandmother was Mamie's nanny for a very short period of time."
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     Finally.......which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year? Father's Day. And, did you know that half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace....half. And, the average number of people airborne over the U.S.A. in any given hour? 61,000.
     Now, aren't you glad you viewed the Korner today? Its so educational.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Donald Lewis.........Patricia Crim, 92, Stanhope. Her birth parents were Hugh and Edith Borg Hayes of Boone. Patricia was adopted and raised by Theodore and Ethel Lundquist on a farm near Stratford. Stanhope HS-43. She worked for a time for Look Magazine in Des Moines but then married Halbert Crim and became a farm wife. Survivors include three boys and one girl........Josephine Lois Tilley Bennett, 83, Wautoma, WS., formerly of Boone. Her parents were Joe and Gracia Tilley.........Billie Dean (Bill) Rinehart, 89, Island Park, ID. Formerly of the Boone area. His parents were Loel and Vera Rinehart. Bill and his wife, Joyce Howe, now deceased, graduated from Pilot Mound HS and farmed before moving to Boone. Their family of three boys and a girl were partially raised in Boone. Son Mike is deceased but sons, Kim and Kevin, and daughter, Duanna Long, BHS-65, survive. Bill and Joyce eventually moved to Farmers Branch, TX. Bill also lived in Idaho and Canada before his passing. While in Boone, he was involved in Babe Ruth baseball.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson Street, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.