DETERMINATION WINS OUT

       Anyone remember the song, "Blue Suede Shoes?" "Well, it's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go, cat go. BUT, don't step on my blue suede shoes."

       Carl Perkins wrote the song and Elvis was one of many big stars who performed it back in the mid-50's. 

        Just a warning! Watch out! My wife, Georgia (Jo), isn't shakin' or bakin' anymore (I don't think) or even shooting from the logo like years past BUT she is a proud owner of a pair of Caitlin Clark's new signature blue suede shoes.

       October 1, Nike and Caitlin released them to 5,000 stores nationwide, the largest signature shoe launch in women's history and guess what? They sold out in ALL sizes and venues on that opening day, in less than two hours via reports of various retailers.

        Jo was quick to respond but not quick enough. Every outlet she tried had them BRIEFLY available....but were long gone by then. Connecting with daughter, Jody, in Las Vegas, a new avenue was tried. And, thankfully, Jody quickly contacted Dick's Sporting Goods there and secured the big prize. Just a day or two later, they arrived at 928 South Jackson, Boone. 

        Jo's already worn them a time or two around town with little notice. Surely she's not the only Boone recipient. Next time you see her, take a quick look down and nod or, perhaps, give a thumbs up sign. I'm sure it will attract a nice, big smile.

K-----K

       Boone history is fun.

       For earlier Korner editions we have enjoyed various informative additions from Tom Hokel, BHS-65.

       In his latest, Tom has mentioned that, from 1964-69, he had once worked summers at Percival's in Boone. WHAT?

       Percival's Manufacturing was located in those buildings (now the Event Center?) just east of the Short Stop at the east edge of town.

       The company's name comes directly from its original co-founder, Charles L. Percival, and it has had a rich, 135 year history, transforming from a local butcher-supply shop into a cutting-edge global leader in scientific research.

       Starting in Des Moines in 1886, the company originally sold butcher tools, animal hides, and meat market fixtures. As the meat industry modernized, the need for preservation grew. In 1901, C.L. Percival patented a forced-air and ice-cooled counter refrigerator and the company shifted its focus to commercial refrigeration, manufacturing refrigerated food display cases for grocers and butchers. 

      In the 1950's, the company moved its operations from Des Moines to Boone. Due to a request from Iowa State University, the company engineered the first commercially available plant growth chamber, a controlled environment to study plant biology. This revolutionized agricultural and biological research because scientists could suddenly control variables like light, temperature, and humidity precisely.

      The company rebranded as Percival Scientific and in 2000, moved from Boone to a larger, modern facility in Perry. Today, they manufacture over 150 different models of research chambers and their units are used in all 50 states and over 80 countries by universities,biopharmaceutical companies, and government organizations like NASA. 

      EXTRA - In 90 plus years, many memories are implanted and I, the Kornerman, certainly have my share.

      To this day, I clearly remember a family trip to Colorado when I was going into my senior year at BHS. One of the stops was high up in the Rockies at a rather small convenience store. 

       Just browsing around, I looked at a refrigerated display case and, to my amazement, discovered that, although, many miles from home, the case had been built by Percival Manufacturing of Boone, Iowa.

K-----K

       World wide Korner headquarters are still located in Boone Iowa, 928 South Jackson, 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices......https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.