Chasing the Clouds

     Vern Modeland, BHS-50, has a question for you/us oldtimers. He wrote, "How many survivors are there of the days when, as adventuresome kids, we could climb a mountain in Boone?" Vern went on, "there were two of major size, as I recall. Okay, so they were slag piles of the coal mines we had back then. The one I spent time at was on the west side of Division Street, probably about at the city limits. There was this neat "mountain" of say 100 feet in height. It had a little rail line that went from the vertical opening of the mine shaft to the top of the "mountain." The cart once carried the slag to the top, then tipped it over, to add it to the growing "mountain." For a 10-12 year old, climbing the sides of that was quite an adventure. And, being before do-gooders were everywhere to save us from ourselves - you could prowl at the abandoned mine site, including throwing stuff down the mine shaft and trying to estimate how long it was before it went "splash" in I-know-not-what. The other mine/mountain was north of the railroad right-of-way just west of town. Both were visable for some distance and made quite an observation point if you climbed to the top. What happened to the coal mines? Someone filled the shafts and laterals into the coal vein, right? Old Boone explorers wonder. Anyone younger than 75 or so probably never even knew." He signed out, "Vern, BHS-50, withering away in the Ozarks." The Kornerman says, "golly we hope not Vern. Your mind is certainly still clear and I'm sure we all appreciate the memory of  those "mountains."
     Really, I, the Kornerman, has a similar memory. A relative of mine on my mother's side, Ben Erickson, farmed that first place Vern described and, as a 10-12 year old, I, too, recall climbing the "mountain" that Vern mentioned which was on that property. As Vern indicated, it was quite a thing to do and, obviously, the memory has always stayed with me. Geographically I'm talking about a spot just west off Division Street and north of 198th Road.
     For an update, Jo and I took a drive to the site of those two mountains Vern mentioned. The one that I had successfully climbed has disappeared. At least we could see no sight of it behind the very tall corn stalks. The other one that can be seen south of 198th or north of old Highway 30 in West Boone, still looms high with a U.S. flag perched on top. A good look can be obtained on Coal Road.
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     Here's a Pufferbilly Days "heads up." By the way, the big event this year is September 7-10. Put it on your calendar.
     Anyway, the "heads up" is courtesy of former Boone resident, Ginny Martin Kuzniar, BHS-69. Ginny wrote this week, "I've been an avid reader of Kelley's Korner for years now and I finally have an opportunity to send you something "newsworthy." My sister, Barbara Martin Perry, BHS-65, will be a guest author at the "Book Shoppe" during Pufferbilly Days. She will be available to sign her delightful new book, "A Perfect Puddle," all day Saturday, September 9. The book is about two darling raindrops, Willie and Arnold, who capture young hearts and teach important lessons on science (STEM) at the same time! I will be joining her to help out....besides, isn't that what little sisters do? We are looking forward to reacquainting with old friends and enjoying the Pufferbilly experience."
     Ginny added,"I have lived in the Chicagoland area for the last 45 years and this year, my sister retired and moved closer to me. This has enabled her to see grandchildren more often and, at the same time, reinventing herself as an author of children's books! Mr. Stock's journalism class is finally paying off."
     In conclusion, Ginny said, "it's important to mention that a percentage of the sale of "A Perfect Puddle" will be going to the Ericson Public Library. Barb's book is dedicated to our parents, Mike and Marilyn Martin, who were lifetime residents of Boone. Our father, Mike, was an avid reader and was a wonderful storyteller. He was a local baseball umpire and a Captain of the Boone Fire Department back in his day."
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     That annual Iowa By the Sea Picnic in Southern California at the site of the battleship Iowa is coming August 12 BUT if you plan to attend and want a ticket discount you must purchase by August 1. Adults (13 and over) pay $30 and youth (6-12) $12 but discounts of $5 and $2 respectively are available if you sign up by August 1.
     More info about this event can be obtained at.......iowabythesea@gmail.com.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Mary Welch, 82, Boone. Attended school in Fraser and Boone. Worked at Randall's Foods in Boone for 32 years. After retirement, moved to Brooklyn, IA and lived there 25 years. Boone area survivors include two sons, Jeff and Kevin, both of Boone. Another son and a daughter also survive...........Marion Russell, 99, Ogden. Worked at the Woodward State Hospital prior to retirement........Lars Garton, 85, Ogden. Was a music teacher before becoming a school administrator. Served five schools in that capacity including Ogden High School......... Roger Hoshaw, 81, Webster City, formerly of the Stratford area. He and his wife, Irene, farmed for 79 years in the Stratford area. He also worked at Colonial Heating and Sheet Metal in Fort Dodge. His wife, Irene, of Webster City, is a survivor.  Boone area survivors include a daughter, Shelley Marvin, of Boone and son, Kevin Hoshaw, of Stratford. One other son also survives........Roger Halverson, 68, Slater. Worked at the Iowa DOT for 41 years.........Richard McVey, 57, Woodward. Madrid HS-78. Worked at Progressive Foundry for 15 years and was Plant Manager of Central Iowa Ready Mix for 23 years. Wife Pam of Woodward survives as do a son and three daughters.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.