More Drug Store Talk

     Now here is some "inside" info regarding the recent drug store conversation in the Korner.
     It was Doug Miller's dad, Frank, BHS-33, and Frank's brother, Fred, BHS-42, who operated the Miller Rexall Drug at the corner of Eighth and Story. Frank is deceased but Fred still lives in Boone.
     Doug, BHS-71, wrote, "for as long as I can remember, they had a soda fountain that served great sandwiches, soups, drinks and ice cream treats. I should definitely remember because I drank way too many cherry cokes and cherry phosphates, along with too many chocolate malts. That, unfortunately, is a habit I still have. According to my older brother, Steve, BHS-60, Deuel Drug must have had a soda fountain also, maybe in the 50's, as he said they had the best root beer around. I believe maybe in the 60's, Deuel Drug, after a remodel, must have done away with the soda fountain since I don't recall it. The other two drug stores in downtown Boone were Herrald Drug and Osco Drug and neither had a soda fountain."
     Talk about luck. Doug was a star golfer when he attended Iowa State University and is still a big Cyclone athletic fan. Home base for he and wife, Chery, BHS-71, is Memphis, TN, right where the Cyclones had their big football bowl victory recently. He commented, "we really enjoyed all the festivities, along with 30,000 other ISU fans. Now I have bragging rights with my friends and neighbors here in Memphis." Memphis, of course, not only hosted the game but was the Cyclone opponent in the bowl game.
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     Keith Parkinson, BHS-57, wrote, "really enjoy Kelley's Korner. As one ages, it is good to reminisce and enjoy reliving our youthful years. Wanda Lingren said cherry coke was her favorite at Thompson's Drug in West Boone. My favorite was lemon lime phosphate, with an extra shot of citric acid. Some of our fondest memories of Boone are the parks. When we visit Boone, we make it a point to visit them, especially McHose Park and the Ledges. When we visit, we also lament the disappearance of buildings that use to be there. Especially miss the old post office and train depot. I remember when Ericson Auto Electric went out of business. My dad took me to the auction. He let me bid on a tap and die set. I think we paid more than a new set would cost. It was my first auction. I enjoy going to auctions, but keep my hands in my pockets to keep from making an inadvertent purchase."
     Keith also gave us a little fodder concerning theatres and auto dealers for future use.
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     Here's our latest quiz......lumber stores. In the late 50's to early 60's there were at least four and you might remember that one burned down. Can you name them and their locations?
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     Some things are hard to explain. Rub-a-Dub-Dub recently came to mind. There was a great instrumental version of that old nursery rhyme.......I thought by the Sauter-Finegan orchestra but, on second thought, it may have been by the Ralph Flanagan band. Sauter-Finegan had some other favorites, Doodletown Fifers and a great version of Midnight Sleighride. Even country's Hank Thompson and the Brazos Valley Boys had a big recording of Rub-a-Dub-Dub.
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     The Kornerman loves to troll you out-of-staters who made the serious mistake of leaving Iowa/Boone.
     WalletHub recently released its annual report ranking the best and worst U.S.states to retire to in 2018 and Iowa, of course, is right there near the top, fourth best to be exact, behind Florida, Colorado and South Dakota. We're really sorry for you folks who live in the worst retirement spots......the final five, Arkansas, Mississippi, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Kentucky.
     This report compares all 50 states via affordability, quality of life and health care. In breaking down the Iowa numbers, we were ninth in health care, 11th in quality of life and 26th in affordability, which gave us the fourth best score overall.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Marie Alden, 94, Boone..........John Joseph Arthur Jr., 81, Marshalltown. Boone area survivor is a grandson, Jason Killam, of Boone.........Esther Lawson, 105, Madrid. Boone area survivor is a son, Dennis Lawson, of Madrid.
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     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.