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."
K-----K
     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?"
K-----K
     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.
K-----K
     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.
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