Scanning the radio the other night, I discovered a discussion of the 100th birthday (actually the 101st) of the state of Missouri joining the union, August 10, 1821. A rendition of the famed , "Missouri Waltz" even accompanied the conversation.
Ding dong! That sequence got this old head churning, trying to recall the Boone connection to the "Missouri Waltz."
The Eppel name, which I associated with Boone music, popped up first and you have to be old to remember it. I DO REMEMBER. The family dates back to 1898 in Boone but my first true recollection was of a fellow northsider, Paul Eppel, BHS-48.
The story is rather complicated with lots of twists and turns and a non-resident, Frederick Knight Logan, usually gets the most credit for the famous song. HOWEVER, it was Boone's John Valentine Eppel who first heard the melody, arranged it and played it publicly.
The full and true story was told by a former pianist in the John Eppel orchestra, Helen Striker, BHS-1899. She started with the orchestra in 1909 and remained until 1919, when she moved to Ilinois.
According to accounts from Ms. Striker, the song melody was first heard by Eppel during a Missouri orchestra engagement. Returning to Boone, Striker composed and harmonized the two minor themes or melodies used in the waltz. The "newer" version was then played regularly by the Eppel Orchestra and was very favorably received.
John Eppel, grudgingly, eventually, sold the rights for publishing the "Missouri Waltz" to Frederick Knight Logan of Oskaloosa and New York. Eppel was not easily convinced that he had something worthy of publication. It took a train ride from Mr. Logan to Boone for a personal and persuasive encounter with Eppel to stoke the interest. Logan indicated that if he, Eppel, didn't publish the song, someone else "will do so and take the profits to which you are entitled."
Eppel finally consented and Logan put the piece on the market. According to the internet, the song was originally known as "Hush-a-bye, Ma Baby," melody by John V. Eppel, lyrics by J.R. Shannon and arrangement by Frederick Knight Logan. It was first published in 1912 and secured by Forster Publishing in 1914. It's still known as the state song of Missouri.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A little Boone history and I, the Kornerman, just loves it when our little burg here in central Iowa gains state or even national or international recognition for various achievements.
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I, the Kornerman, just got around to reading the latest, June 7, 2022, Boone County Historical Society board meeting minutes and it reminded me of something important.
Sure, its easy to think of "all things" concerning the Society's building at 602 Story Street. However, there are other responsibilities as well. For example, think of the Kate Shelley area and Hickory Grove school site.
I could never "oversell" the recovery job that's been done by a handful of volunteers, including a dedicated board, in getting this important part of our community back to "vital" status. They'd agree there are still things to be done but their hard work in getting the BCHS out of some very desperate straits to a presence of great progress and hope is indeed gratifying.
Currently, there are 332 members but more are continuously sought. And, of course, volunteerism is another ongoing need.
Here are a few other things gleaned from the latest report. Those reading this live in a home that probably needs constant care. The same holds true for the BCHS building. General cleaning of things like the stove and oven is constant and there's a need for some electrical work. Some new ceiling fans have been recommended and a bid for some window and screen replacement outside has been approved. In addition, the Kate Shelley building and Hickory Grove school building need some improvements.
Various activities continue. The Rose Bowl band exhibit is on board the entire month of August and the Saturday with a Scholar presentations have been ongoing. The next one will be a presentation September 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. by George Eckstein, BHS-58, who will discus World War I and World War II weapons.
Anyone interested in joining or volunteering can make contact.....info@bchsiowa.org.......or call 515-432-1907 and leave a message.
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BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS
Rose Mary Myers Stuckey, 75, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-64. Boone JC-66. Married Dennis Stuckey in 1968. Worked for Northwestern Bell, 1968-75, and DMACC, 1995-2000. Had started raising her two sons in 1975. She enjoyed spending some retirement time in Florida. Survivors include her sons, Todd, and Scott Stuckey and their families as well as her brother, Tim Myers and wife, of Boone. Graveside service will be held at Linwood in Boone in early September.
Helen (Joanie) Bennett Coleman, 76, Boone/Eastern Star. No services planned.
Clarence Bass, 73, Ogden.
James Joseph Walker, 63, Boone. Born in Boone. Attended Madrid schools. Was a laborer and had factory jobs until health issues prevented him from working. He enjoyed collecting rocks and painting. Survivors include his mother, Donna Long Walker of Boone, a son and siblings, Danny Walker and Vicky Morgan of Boone. No services are planned at this time.
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