WEST BOONE BACK THEN

     According to West Boone alum Tony Crandell, BHS-59, there were "two rites of passage as a kid growing up in West Boone in 1950."
     (1) You had to go completely around the outside of the courthouse on the stone blocks above the first story windows using only your fingers and feet to hold on. It could be done, but your fingers bled when you were done.
     (2) You had to memorize the official West Boone song.
     "Oh, we're the gang from West Boone, we're very hard to beat.
       We hardly wash our neck and ears and never wash our feet.
       We love our whiskey, wine and beer and love our women too.
       Oh, we're the gang from West Boone, who in the ? are you"
     Tony explained, "I have no idea where that song came from but every kid that hung around the courthouse on a summer night in 1950 knew it."
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     The Kornerman is a bit upset that there were few answers to the first five West Boone trivia questions we posed in the last edition. Too tough? I guess so.
      Sue Woolsoncroft, who lives in Nevada IA, did answer what I would consider the easiest question and one of the tougher ones.
      She wrote, "Bob Culver owned the Cookie Jar Drive In which most people thought had the best tenderloin ever. I car hopped there during my high school days in the summers of 1955 and 1956. I do remember the Miner's Hall, which was on the north side of Mamie Eisenhower across from the courthouse."
      The Kornerman replies, "I even remember the Cookie Jar which was located at the southwest corner of the area occupied by the jail these days. Regarding the Miner's Hall, I assume it was kind of a community gathering place and Don Nystrom, BHS-56, who originated this discussion, said it was located on the north side of Mamie between Main Street and State Street above a hardware store and another building just west that is now occupied by the jail."
      Nobody has remembered Lamb's Furniture and who operated the funeral home or the tourist court across from the Eastern Star Home. Here's a hint: the funeral home was operated by a one-time Mayor of Boone.
     We'll be referring to more West Boone trivia in the coming editions.
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     Jerry Manriquez, BSH-57, continues to update his treasure trove of Boone material offered on his web site........http://boonesacheart/manriquez.net.
     If you've got time on your hands during this pandemic or anytime, pull up that offering and spend hours reminiscing.
     Recently, he contacted me seeking a picture of the old Jimmy Archer Field. I knew there was one included in a 1977 Fact Book and Dedicatory Program that I have in my possession. I made copies of the entire book and sent all the pages to him.
     He has received them and has added that material to his web site.
     That book was distributed at the dedication of the current Little League facilities which replaced Archer Field. Lots of interesting material in it......the names of all the various leagues and their rosters, including players and coaches and a history of Little League tournament participation up to that time.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: James Willis (Jim) Curell, 67, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-71. Attended DMACC. Married Kim Franklin in 1975. Worked at Redekers for 40 years. His spare time was spent with family and on the golf course. He became one of Iowa's most dominant amateur golfers, winning numerous championships. Was recognized as Iowa Amateur of the Year in 1979 and Iowa Senior Player of the Year in 2010. Survivors include his wife, Kim, and two sons, Andy of Boone and Ryan, and a brother, Ken Curell of Boone........Jim Trotter, 73, Dayton. Married Sandra Bronn in 1967 and his 42 years of railroading took him all over the midwest including a stop in Ogden. Survivors include his wife, Sandy, and four adult children including Christie McIntyre of Boone. A son-in-law, Michael McIntyre of Boone preceeded him in death.........Janet Reed Thornton, 82, Ames. Survivors include  five adult children, two daughters and three sons, including Bruce Shahan of Boone.........Maxine Faye Rogers Grems, 87, Boone. Grew up on a farm near Kelley. BHS-50, where she was a tall, talented basketball player. Married Richard McNace in 1951 and the couple had six children before divorcing. She married Marvin Grems in 1984. Worked at the Cookie Jar Drive-In, for Northwestern Bell Telephone and for 31 years at Archway. Surviving children include Jeanne McNace, Marcia Miller, Jim McNace and Joan Aspengren all of Boone. Another daughter, a step-daughter and two sisters-in-law also survive........Marie Will, 96, Harcourt. She was the widow of Richard Will who was well known in Central Iowa as a member of the Farmers Four singing quartet and as an outstanding fast pitch softball player.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530 (leave a message). To email your stories/memories/comments.
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.