REACTION TO BHS MUSIC HISTORY

     Wouldn't you know? Limited reaction from the recent post, "40 Years of BHS Music." Just a pair of respondents and both are real "old timers," dating back to the 1950's. And yes, I fully understand that even the final years of the post, the late '80's, were nearly 40 years ago. So, I was happy to hear anything from anybody after this passage of time.

     In his comment, Vern Modeland, BHS-50, was brief but thankful for the memories. Then there was my classmate and fellow journalist, Richard Longworth, BHS-53, who, as usual, had some very astute observations about those times.

     Here are some excerpts of Dick's recollections:

      "You're right about Ellsworth Baldwin being "our" band director, and mention should be made of his predecessor, John Greene, very tall (about 6'6") and very popular. Like Baldwin and others, he was part of a generation of music teachers who instilled a knowledge and life-long love of music. I played trombone and remain grateful to this day what they taught us."

       "Konrad Scholl holds a special place in this pantheon. He had a sort of genius for taking raw, small town Iowa kids and turning them into one of the best school orchestras in the country. We did, indeed, travel to two national music educators' conferences, in Fort Wayne and Milwaukee., where we played movements from major symphonies by Franck and Dvorak, reading from the standard scores, not the simplified versions that most high school orchestras used."

       "Konrad, as you say, was a charactor. That baton you talked about got around. Konrad also used it as an instrument of discipline, and would throw it at the trombones or other brass players if we got to chatting when he was concentrating on his first love, the string section. My mother, a pianist, actually used to accompany him in local recitals."

      Some of these band and orchestra members ended up going pro. Most of us didn't become professional musicians but we became professional listeners, able to understand how an orchestra works, how it collaborates to become more than the sum of its parts. I think you can't appreciate how a sports team works unless you've played on one. Ditto with music. So many schools have dropped their music programs that its nice to remember a time when they were a key part of the curriculum. Thanks for giving these teachers the salute they deserve."

K-----K 

      It was nice to hear from Jon Wilson, BHS-62, regarding a Boone reference he noted in a recent Iowa State Alumni Association update.

      The Kornerman has bragged many times about the fact that in the early 1940's, the football quarterbacks from two major Iowa Universities were BOTH captains of their team. Tom Smith at Iowa State and Mike Enich at the University of Iowa guided the Cyclone and Hawkeye teams that fall.

       That is probably a "once in a lifetime" story and Boone was involved. We don't know of another instance in the state of Iowa's college football history that the football captains of two major state university squads came from the same community.

      The alumni story was about Thomas Smith, ISU grad, '1968 and '1972. His uncle, Thomas Smith, the quarterback, was Iowa State's Athlete of the Year for the 1940-41 school year and for years, in the Texas home of the younger Tom Smith there was a trunk containing a large wool cardinal blanket with gold etching containing the year 1941, his uncle's fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and his uncle's name, signifying that he was the captain of the 1940 Cyclone football team.

     Young Mr. Smith commented, "when ISU President Wendy Wintersteen came to visit us, I took the blanket out of the trunk and we had a picture taken. That image opened the door to a reexamination of my uncle's life."

     Quarterback Smith was the son of Alice Hartman and Art Smith Sr. who was associated with the old Kemble-Smith floral company in Boone. Alice was the daughter of Perry W. Hartman, a blacksmith, and Almira Vernon.

     At Boone High School, Tom Smith and Mike Enich were backfield members of the 1937 Toreador football team, Smith at quarterback and Enich at fullback. Strangely, both ended their college careers as captains of their team and as linemen, rather than backfield members.

     Tom Smith was killed during World War II as a result of the crash of a "blimp" at Santa Catalina Island.

K-----K

     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........https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Verle Gene Haglund, 84, Perry. Born in Ogden. School in Audubon, Winterset and Rippey. Iowa Army National Guard vet, 1963-69. Managed Garrett Motors Body Shop but then served the Perry Police Department for 23 years. Also started Haglund's Towing service. Retired from towing in 2001 but found other jobs to work. Was involved in many professional organizations and volunteered with the Masonic Lodge and American Legion. Survived by his wife, Maureen, and three adult children. Services in Perry.         

      Ronald "Butch" Lester, 81, Ogden. Born in Ogden. Lived in Ogden until he was 17, when the family moved to Maryland. Elliott CityHS. U.S. Navy vet. Married Sheryle Stevens in Nebraska in 1968. The couple lived in Rippey and Boone before establishing a home in Ogden. Butch was a Fareway truck driver for over 34 years, prior to retirement in 2017. The couple loved traveling and Butch was a member of American Legion Post #0055 of Ogden. Two daughters survive. Services pending.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jerry Ray Mackie, 86, Boone. Born in Laurens. LHS-57. Attended Dunwoody College of Technology. Married Leritta Larson in Denison in 1962. The couple moved to Deloit, IA in 1974 and to Boone in 1976. During his work years, Jerry served at Iowa Beef Packing in Denison, the Denison Newspaper, was Boone's Agency Manager for the Register and Tribune, put up grain bins for Dakin Ag and was  an animal caretaker for the ISU Vet Clinic. He retired at age 60. Jerry was active, particularly in music activities at his church, enjoyed gardening, yardwork and coaching Little League. As a singer, he performed with the Ames Barbershop Chorus, the Ametones and Barbershop Quartets, including Practicing Musicians, Country Rogues and the four Singing Guys. Survivors include his wife, Leritta, daughter Alison (Jay) Larson, and son Brian (Tonya) Mackie all of Boone. A second daughter, two sisters and a brother also survive. Services in Boone.    

       Sue Helderman Bishop, 82, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Indiana. Grew up in Minnesota. She enjoyed making crafts and baking. Four children survive including Herbie Bishop of Boone. No services.  

       Mildred (Millie) Everson Henriksen, 94, Ogden/Westhaven. Born in Nebraska. Lincoln/Northeast HS-47. Married Raymond Henriksen in Nebraska in 1948. She worked at the Elgin Watch Factory and after being a mother of five, she did painting and staining in the Ogden area. A real music lover and participant, she enjoyed golfing, gardening, bowling, square dancing, attending family sports and music events and traveling. Survivors include four sons and her daughter, Sally (Chuck) Good of Ogden. Services in Ogden.  

       Maria Larson, 59, Boone      

       JoAnn M. Sawyer Leachman, 92, West Des Moines.  Private gathering at a later date.

       LATE REPORT: Karen Sue Wisecup, 74, Ames passed away November 23, 2024. Born in Ames. Married George Raymond White in 1990. When that union split, Karen moved to Boone and worked at L and M Gas and Grocery. She married Gary Clark Wisecup in 1999. Gary passed away in 2019. Karen loved classic Westerns and found joy in simple pleasures. She loved dogs. Services were held in Ames in late December.   

      

FORTY YEARS OF BHS MUSIC MEMORIES

     I, the Kornerman, in a recent visit to my very favorite local bakery, was approached by a group wondering who the Toreador band director was following the Gordon McLean era.

     Instinctively, I mentioned Ellsworth Baldwin. However, that was years before McLean. In fact, he was the band director during MY high school days. So, other than that, I had no clue.

     However, that exchange was just what was needed by an 89-year old with nothing better to do than wait for Spring to arrive in Iowa.

     So, I've put in the time, done the research and can now report on who led the Boone High band program during the 40-year period I was most familiar with. AND, as long as I'm investing, why not take a backward look also at BHS orchestra and vocal music instructors during that same period of time?

     HERE WE GO......BHS BAND DIRECTORS, 1950-1988.

     Yes, it was Ellsworth Baldwin from 1950-53. Raymond Bartholomew then took the reins from 1954-57. McLean was in charge from 1958-64 and in answer to the question asked, Don Jackson was the director from 1965-69. Dave Darnell served from 1970-77 before moving on to Mason City.

     There's a bit of a question in the 77-78 period. A Keith Thomas is mentioned as well as Richard Humeston. I recall Mr Humeston came to BHS from United Community and, actually, spent many years in the band program, primarily serving younger participants. Then too, there were others who devoted time to the music programs. Marilyn Goeldner and Jo Howell come to mind.

     Dave Richardson took the program in 1980 and continued through '88 which concluded my survey. Dave, of course, continued past 1988 for several more years.

     The definite personal memory I have of the band during the years occurred, of course, in 1963, when the proud Toreadors were invited to participate in the annual Rose Bowl parade and did so after raising enough community money to make that long journey.

     BHS ORCHESTRA DIRECTORS, 1950-1988

     Stability reined in this program. There were only three directors in that period of time. Konrad Scholl began his long run in 1950 and 1973 was his final year. James Strang took over from 1974-80. Two directors were listed for 1981, a Miss Mathews and a Miss Betten. Dave Swenson directed the program from 1982-88 and beyond. 

     Personally, I have a memory or two of the BHS orchestra. I can't be more specific but I remember when the very respected Mr. Scholl took the orchestra on at least two out-of-state trips to perform at the invitation of some national music organizations. I recall that one of the trips was to Fort Wayne, Indiana for a band directors or etc. convention.

    Then, I also have a memory of an embarrassing Scholl incident. Konrad Scholl, to this young student, was a towering figure, very straight forward and proud. But, I do remember some type of a gathering in the auditorium when Konrad took the podium. When he started his big "sweeping" motion to start the performance, somehow, he lost his grip on the baton and it went sailing across the crowd. Needless to say, he was very flummoxed by the situation which drew various unwanted reactions from those in attendance.

     BHS VOCAL MUSIC INSTRUCTORS, 1950-1988

     LouCelle Nelson was my vocal music instructor (yes, I was a member of the choir), 1950-52. A Mr. Hess took over in 1953-54 and then it was Sterlng Mische from 1955-60. James Scammon followed from 1961-64, Oswald Bertanoli in 1965-66, Robert Davis 1967-68, Joyce Carman 1969-71, Mahlon Smith from 1972-74 and then came a long run by Steve Carstenson from 1975 until he moved to Ankeny after 1986. At the end of the 80's, Pam Grundstad took charge.

     There you have some memory makers from your school days during the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's.

     I would be remiss if I didn't mention the work of my good friend, Jerry Manriquez, BHS-57, who, through his many years of tireless research work, made possible many of these memories of school and community events. In case you're interested and are unaware. Although he has ceased his operation, much of his material is still available.......simply type in "Jerry Manriquez" and Manriquez World will appear. Tab that and you'll find enough Boone material he has accumulated to pass time on cold winter nights.

K-----K

     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.......https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

     

    

    

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Jack Taylor, 57, Red Wing, MN. Born in Illinois. OgdenHS-85. Attended Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny. Marine Corps vet. Married Shelly Bauer in Des Moines in 2000. Jack was a truck driver, working for Kane Transport and Wayne Transport. Most recently, he worked for Hiawathaland Transit in Red Wing as a city bus driver. He was an Associate Pastor at a Des Moines church and also pastored at a church in Chippewa, Falls, Wisconsin. Survivors include his wife, Shelly, five children and four siblings, including Jill (Mike) Ahrens and Jason (Amanda) Taylor both of Ogden. A COL will be held in Ogden.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Marlowe Alvin (AL) Starner, 84, Lakewood, CO. Raised in West Boone. BHS-58. Army vet. After discharge from service, he moved back to Boone temporarily. Moved to Minneapolis and in 1962, married Janet Normandin. Al joined a National Guard unit, attended Officer Training School and Army fixed wing flight school. Moving to St. Paul, MN, he was employed by the BMC Corporation as a marketing manager and continued that work with several large companies in Lakewood, CO. In 1990, the couple moved to Penrose, CO, farmed their land and Al enjoyed hiking, hunting, rock-hounding and published a novel and many magazine articles about Africa. Janet passed in 2020. Survivors include two daughters.   

       Richard (Dick) Cabot Long, 84, West Dundee, Ill. Born in Atlantic. BHS-58. BA in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and an MA in Business Administration from Northern Illinois. Army vet. Married Kathryn Johnson. Richard lived in Adel, Jefferson, Newton, Boone and Cedar Falls before moving to Elgin, IL in 1966. Began his career in education teaching junior high at Tefft and later at Larkin High School. Became a business administrator for the Elgin School District U-46 until his retirement in 2001. He enjoyed traveling, walking the golf course and having breakfast with the guys. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn, two daughters, a brother and two sisters, including Barbara Shedd of Boone. A COL will be held in Elgin. 

      Roy James Coffman, 94, Boone. Born in Perry. BHS-49. Married Marilyn Rose Hasstedt in 1950 in Ogden. The couple lived in Boone. Roy worked a lifetime as a salesman for several different food brokerages prior to starting a food brokerage business with a partner. Roy was also known for his work with the Boone parks department, particularly at the ice skating pond during wintertime. His dad was the Park Custodian for many years. Survivors include two sons, including Curt Coffman of Boone. Services in Boone and Ogden.

      Victor (Vic) Allan Johnson, 92, San Diego. Born in Logan. Logan HS-50. Married Barbara Jean Abbott of Ames in 1953. A 1955 ISU grad, he was also commissioned as an Army Artillery Officer. Barbara passed away in 2002 and in 2005, Vic married Elaine Bentley Finestead of Ogden. The two couples enjoyed numerous trips stateside as well as many adventures overseas. Vic was known as a devoted family man, proud veteran and he had a great love for baseball, golf and as a storyteller. Survivors include five adult children and four step-children. Services in Boone and Ames.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Robert (Bob) Ahrens, 82, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-60. Worked at Grabau Construction, Condon's Service Station and Bud's Dairy Farm in Boone and later, owned and operated Ahrens Service Station in Ogden until retirement. Married Patricia (Pat) Koenig in 1964 and they made their home in Boone but, eventually, divorced. Bob volunteered for Boone County Civil Defense for many years, was an avid outdoorsman, loved riding his motorcycle and dirt track racing. Survivors include his three children, Lou Ann and Deborah Ahrens of Ames and Mike (Jill) Ahrens of Ogden. A sister, Joyce Myers, of Boone also survives. COL in Ogden.   

     Craig Douglas McDowell, 64, Des Moines. Born in Des Moines. Was employed by EFCO in Des Moines as a shipping clerk for 29 years. He enjoyed model railroading, cruising, watching Western movies and the Kansas City Chiefs. Survivors include a brother, David (Christine) McDowell, of Ogden and a nephew, Garrett (Katie Peterson) McDowell, of Boone. A niece and three aunts also survive. Services in Ogden and Rippey.

     John Irving Riker, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-69. John worked for Hallet Construction and the Union Pacific for a time before retiring from Fareway after 30 years, mainly, driving a truck. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a friend of  Bill W. for 42 years. Survivors include a daughter, Melia Desher, of Boone , a son, John Ethan Riker, and a brother, Stephen Riker, of Boone. Services in Boone.

     Jack Taylor, 57, Red Wing, Minnesota.

     Judith Ann Ellsbury, 80, Perry. Born in Des Moines. DMTechHS-62. Resided in Des Moines until 1966, lived in Boone briefly and settled in Perry in 1967. Services in Des Moines.