At a recent meeting of the Boone group that has an annual get-together at the Drake Relays, one of the members, Tim Croxen, BHS-59, made the comment that he had driven on Francis Mason Drive, which produced his question....."Who was Frances Mason?"
I, the Kornerman, had heard that name, on occasion, but could provide no definitive answer.
In such a circumstance, what do you do? It's obvious.....you contact Larry Adams, BHS-65, who reigns tall as Boone's number one historian.
Larry was contacted and within a few days, he had provided, as usual, a complete report on the life and times of Frances Mason. Thank you Larry.
After persuing the materials Larry sent, the Kornerman certainly understands why this community has honored her with this street name designation. Very much deserved.
In fact, her contributions are so vast, it seems the best strategy would be to list her most worthy achievements one-by-one. So here goes....
Born in Boone in 1877. Died in Boone in 1966 at age 89.
Attended Boone schools, including BHS for one year before going to Tilton Seminary to prepare for college.
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley in 1899.
Did some teaching out of state but was called back home to Boone to care for her mother.
Became the first lady to ever serve on the Boone School Board. Two terms, 1918-24.
Was a member of the Boone Park Board, serving as President for many years during the time that the single City Park near the high school was expanded into a system of four parcels, including about 250 acres. Also made the first contribution of $500 to Veterans Memorial Park on Boone's north side. Her mother also contributed $500.
Well known for her interest in beautifying the city, she took charge of the buying and planting of thousands of trees and shrubs in the McHose and Herman Parks. She was known to spend part of each day in the parks, with the workmen, supervising the landscaping.
She assisted in securing and locating the large Theodore Roosevelt statue in McHose Park.
Ms. Mason and Mrs. A.J. Barkley fought to preserve the Ledges State Park south of Boone.
While a member of the Boone Garden Club, she successfully engineered the club's participation in the state tree contest, which was an effort to locate the finest black walnut trees in Iowa.
Was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ericson Public Library for 18 years, 1936-54, with many years served as President. She worked constantly to improve the library facilities and planned a sunken garden, north of the library, with its pink flowering crab trees that attracted many visitors each spring.
For a time, served as a member of the local advisory committee of the National Youth Administration.
Organized the Boone Woman's Club in 1920 and served as its President from 1925-27.
Was instrumental in creating the position of Boone County Nurse.
Was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lowell Study Club and an honorary member of Gamma Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.
AND YOU SAY YOU HAD A BUSY DAY? Really, is just a street name enough?
P.S. I'm sure most viewers know where the so-called Green Space is located......northwest corner of Eighth and Story. That's where Meyer's Clothing was located for so many years prior to a destructive fire in February of 2009.
Actually, the original occupant of that area was the Mason Building. HOWEVER, that Mason had no connection, whatsoever, with Frances Mason.
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A reminder of the graveside services for James (Jim) Henry Kennedy Jr. 96, of Boone. The service will be held at 11 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Moingona, Saturday, May 14. A luncheon will follow the service in Moingona.
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BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS
Julee Ann Willits, 74, Boone. Born in Fort Dodge. Dows HS-66. A homemaker, house cleaner and worked at Behn's Centre of Dance as her kids were growing up. Survivors include a son, Jason Jacobson, of Boone, a daughter, Amanda Ristvedt, of Madrid and a brother. Services are being planned.
Robert (Bugsy) Eugene Malone, 82, Boone. Born and educated in Ironton,OH. Ironton HS-57. Briefly attended Ohio Branch College. Army vet. Later, enlisted in the Navy and then re-enlisted in the Navy. Married Kristy Olerich Anderson in Boone in 1984. Worked for the railroad until retirement in 2006. Survivors include his wife, Kristy, a daughter and two step-sons, Dustin and Tracy Anderson, of Boone. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Eugene Merrill, 87, Boone. BHS-53. Born in Oskaloosa. Joined the Art and Martha Buechler family at age 15 and became a brother to Barb Buechler Fosdick, Mary Page and Mark Buechler. Married Ruth Ann Heaps in Boone in 1957. Korean War vet and National Guardsman. Worked at Firestone for 32 years prior to retirement. Among the survivors are his wife, Ruth, of Boone, two sons, and two daughters. Services in Boone.
Alice Marie Longhenry Westrum, 88, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Boone. Stratford HS-52. Married Lyle Westrum in Webster City in 1952. A farm wife and homemaker, she was a cook at Hidden Acres and for the Trinity Lutheran School's lunch program. Survivors include her daughter, Robyn Weigel, of Ames, a son, Robert Westrum, of Ogden, a daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and two brothers. Services in Boone and Stratford.
Marie Miller, 84, Boone. Survivors include a son, Steve Miller, of Boone and two daughters, including Tracy Graves, of Boone. Services in Boone.
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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/death notices.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
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