Some Interesting Material

     Mark Tompkins, BHS-60, has been a very regular contributor to the Korner, always providing interesting material that isn't necessarily timely, but much worth holding for future use.
     So, here we are, with a void in our correspondence this past week. Its a perfect time to "catch up" with some things that Mark has provided but we have kept "on the shelf" for a time like this.
     First, he sent a video that is an easy followup to the recent Fourth of July holiday. In the end, its an actual singing, for the first time, of God Bless America sung by Kate Smith.
     The Kornerman not only enjoyed the singing of the song, I also learned some things I was unaware of concerning this classic, a song that some people think is our "real" National Anthem.
     The year was 1940 and our country's economy was still a mess from the depression. In addition, Germany's Hitler was causing all kinds of problems with his invasion of neighboring countries and threat to the rest of the world.
     Aware of the malaise affecting our country and its citizens, Kate Smith, whom Sinatra, himself, called the "best singer of her time," wanted to find an uplifting, patriotic song to sing. She went to the famous songwriter Irving Berlin who indicated he had written such a song 22 years previous, in 1917, that he thought might fill that bill.
     This was prior to television but on the radio, Kate Smith, a radio super star, eventually introduced God Bless America and it seemed to give the nation a boost in pride that was badly needed at that time.
     Then too, did you know that any money raised by that song was delivered to the Boy Scouts of America and through the years, that organization has continued to receive that benefit?
     To see this.......https://www.youtube.com/embed/TnQDWNMaRsrel=o.
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     Mark also sent a video titled, "Made in Iowa" and it is about the demise of the Electrolux plant in Webster City and the way that community pulled together in an effort to rebound from that disaster.
     The shutdown came in 2011 when the plant was jettisoned to Mexico. At its peak, the Webster City plant employed up to 2,000 people from that community, Boonetown and the entire central Iowa area.
     At the beginning of the video, former employees and other townspeople are interviewed about the dire impact the closing had on families and businesses. One of those interviewed said, "businesses closed, home were foreclosed and people were forced to leave town for other opportunities."
     The gentleman added, "things really hit rock bottom when a big "For Sale" sign appeared on the theatre marquee."
     Some folks were not going to "let go" without a fight. Starting with a facebook plea, a drive to save the theatre was started. The originator of the idea said, "I got 100 "likes" and that pushed me forward." A committee was formed, a business plan set and a money raising drive got underway.
     Fast forward.........the theatre, behind much volunteer work and lots of money contributions awarded, eventually reopened via a huge community celebration.
     Yes, it was just a theatre BUT the entire community got involved, all coming together, to make that happen and show the world that Webster City could overcome the factory closing and lift a lot of spirits as a result.
     Someone said, "we found we're a lot better off with thriving smaller businesses than relying on one big one."
     It was a very interesting video and the Kornerman thanks Mark for "filling in" the Korner this time with a pair of great stories.
     To watch this.......https://squareup.com/dreams/webster-city.
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     Last time, we mentioned Bernie Lewiston's birthday. He repled with thanks, "Evelyn sure surprised me. I had no clue she was going to do that. Regarding Dick Johnson, another KWBG alum, Mark Campbell told me that Dick had passed away in Oklahoma. I enjoyed working for Dick when he was the station manager. You're right, lots of great memories. Keep up the good work."
     P.S. Guess what? The Kornerman delved into this old mind of mine and tried to write down all the former KWBG employees I could remember from my time there......mainly the 1950's.
     I have 33 names on the current list and am stretching for more. Someday, I will release what I have come up with and will ask for additions.........any I might have missed.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Judith Brooks, 73, Des Moines. Boone area survivor is a son, Bret Brooks, of Boone.........Virginia Randolph Carris Cox, 95, Des Moines. Born in Boone in 1922.........Fayetta Faye Springer, Platteville, WI. Formerly of Boone and Ogden........Calvin Stone, 90, Boone. Clinton HS-46. Was a longtime educator. Was an industrial arts teacher in Boone from 1955-88. Also taught adult education classes for 20 years. Army vet. Boone area survivors include his wife, Margaret (Maggie) Doran Stone, and sons, Mark and Matt Stone, all of Boone. Other area survivors include a son, Ben, of Des Moines and daughter, Cara Stone, of Ames.........Del Maurine Stark, 92, Boone. Born in Stratford and farmed with her husband, Leon (Bud) Stark, in the Stratford area. Attended A.I.B. and served as office manager for Stratford Mutual Telephone Company. Boone area survivor is a daughter, Janis Anderson, of Boone........George Steininger, 82, Boone. BHS-54. Navy vet. Worked as a machinist at ISU from 1964-98 when he retired. Boone area survivors include his wife, Carol, and sister, Madonna Smith, both of Boone. Another area survivor is a daughter, Jolene Steininger, of Ames...........Terry Swartz, 74, Boone. Grew up in Webster City. WCHS-60. Worked in banking in Webster City and Boone. Also had a refinishing business and drove a bus for Boone County. Boone area survivors include his wife, Karen, of Boone, two sons and four daughters. Daughter Shelly Harper of Boone is an area survivor.
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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.