This is a Blog site created by Bob Reed (in Florida) for folks who live--or used to live--in Marcus, Iowa. Its purpose is to exchange notes, news, remembrances, and thoughts about life in and about Marcus, or news about one's family, friends or acquaintances. Don Peters (in California) and Roger Rae (in New York) have talked about such a site and this is an attempt to allow expatriates and locals to exchange comments.
Word has come that the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has passed a rule that will suspend a high school coach if his team wins by more than 50 points. Evidently this is applicable to any major sport.
The purpose is to protect the egos of student athletes and limit their chances of suffering emotional stress. It’s a “feel-good” rule for our modern society to protect the teenagers’ supposedly “fragile” psyches. It also penalizes those very few coaches who might be tempted to run up the score.
Mercy rules have their place. It’s silly to keep score in toddler T-ball or in some pick up games or even some supervised games when kids are just learning a sport.
But losing by a big score for older kids can be a learning experience. Way back in 1916, the Georgia Tech football team beat little Cumberland University by the score of 220-0. The Bulldogs were coached by a John Heisman.
He went on to have a trophy named after him, and the losing team (which consisted largely of fraternity boys who were hastily recruited for the game) went on to successful careers in government, law, and literature. No one seemed to suffer any irreparable damage.
Closer to home, our Marcus Eagles got beat by Kingsley in my freshman year in 1945 by the score of 69-0. It was so bad that even I got in the game. But it motivated us and in my senior year we finally beat them for the first time in eight years by a score of 13-7. I had the good fortune to score the winning touchdown.
And in later years, in the 1970s, I had the privilege of presenting the Rosburg Award to the best student-athlete at MMC that year. He had starred on an Eagle team that lost to Kingsley by an even larger margin. It didn’t seem to have any adverse effect on him or his teammates. (Does anyone remember the year and score of that debacle?)
I think kids need to learn that life can be unpleasant. Blowouts happen. Sometimes you get walloped. Crushed. Banged. Blistered. Whomped.
But you learn to bounce back. If you can learn to handle a humiliating defeat, you can learn to handle just about anything.
And there is another lesson in it all. Revenge—when it comes—is sweet.
I checked out my 69 Eaglet and the score of that game was 92-0 in K-P's favor. One of my friends had commented on that page that we didn't have the best season, but we still loved our Eagles. Marcia Steffen Pavey
Sorry to inform friends of Lorraine Schroeder Schouten that her beloved husband, Wally, passed away June 30 from emphysema. His memorial service will be held in their Lutheran church in Cupertino on July 7. Lorraine's address is:
371 Lowell Drive, Santa Clara, Ca 95051
Lorraine was graduated with the class of 1946 from MHS.
Bob: As you undoubtedly know, the same thing is happening in a considerable fashion in academe. (Many teachers, educators and some parents on this blog will undoubtedly take issue.)
Schools in our area now print pictures of the "Top 3%" of the high school senior classes in various local high schools. In fact, the group represents the top 20% or higher. They do that by starting with weighted grades. Kids can end up with a GPA of over 4.0 now. So, the schools have decided that anyone with a GPA in excess of that threshold is deemed worthy of being categorized a top 3% qualifier, whether they are, or not. (Makes for a nice note to Grandma and Grandpa, if you are so honored.)
Roosevelt High School in Des Moines started the parade. Its classes run somewhat over 300 kids. They celeberate almost 60 (instead of 9 or 10) kids as being in the top 3%. If you don't know the class size, it's easy for educators and their publicists to dupe the public.
My daughter's recent graduating class in high school - Valley - has over 500 kids in the class. Ten per cent of the class was honored as having a 4.0 avearage or above. Many see that as kids being smarter. I see it as massive grade inflation, followed up with weighted grades which have converted traditional honors into something other than what they used to mean.
When was the last time you knew of "anyone" who graduated from high school, prior to 1970, who had a GPA of 4.0? There were undoubtedly a few, but it was rare. If you were good in math, you might not be as strong in the literary arts. If you were a good writer, you might get a B or lower in gym (P.E.). And so it went. I didn't know kids who graduated with a 4.0. Now, in some quarters, it's 10% of the graduating class.
And no longer do we celebrate a valedictorian in our schools. It's considered unfair to the kids who got close, but didn't make it. So we honor the top 3% or 5% or some other group.
Our school won't hand out relative class standings anymore - considered to be unreflective of the "true overall picture" of a student profile.
Standardized tests are dismissed as being an unfair measure of academic proficiency.
So what are we left with - honors, test results, awards, and standings that are meaningless. When kids send in resumes to our office and I look at them as prospective hires, I ignore (or give little credence) to all the claimed academic achievements. Since I don't know if 3% means 3% at their alma mater, if valedictorian means one person or thirty at their school, or if "graduated with honors" means the top half of the class where they matriculated, I look beyond that.
The education establishment, out of an undue concern for a student's esteem, has tarnished the standards for all. It's very unfortunate.
My mom was a teacher, I served on a school board, my two daughters want to be public school teachers -I care about public education, but many times the system seems adrift and those in it "killing it with kindness". As you note, people grow from adversity. We learn, hopefully, from our mistakes. And it doesn't encourage maturity and accountability when the adults try to insulate kids from life's real exeriences. But, nonetheless, it continues.
So everybody gets a trophy, all are bright, motivated and capable and as Garrison Keillor says, in our part of the world, "All our kids are above average".
As one of my partners - now 80 years old - is fond of saying, "We live in the era of the great unspoken." Translation - most of us know better, but we dare not speak the truth.
Better yet did anyone see where some public school banned TAG from being part of the recess routine.
Poor little Johnny or Bertha might get hurt playing TAG. Now can someone please explain to me how the public school system gets away with this JUNK and r there not enough people left in our country with a backbone to stand up to these idiots running the public schools?
On a brighter note I am currently spending time in Southern- California and just found out that Corona, CA was founded by 4 Iowans. Does anyone know if any former Marcusites played a role in building Corona? Also, it just amazes me how many Iowans left our state and helped make California great. The orange orchards around Corona and Riverside are amazing and needless to say the Dutchmen from the Pella and Sioux County area have made Ontario,CA a gorgeous community.
Jack Clarkson, going to see one of the classic baseball rivalries in all of baseball tomorrow night.......Dodgers and the Giants in OLD DODGER STADIUM. Will be thinking of you as we watch the game. Needless to say I will be pulling for the GIANTS!!!!
Hard to believe today but I understood that Los Angeles was known as "Des Moines-by-the-Sea" prior to WWII. Here is a link to an interesting description of early Iowa migration to California.
P.S. Fred, high schools aren't the only ones with grade inflation. Last year Duke Law School raised its class median from 3.1 to 3.3 because it thought its students were at a competitive disadvantage with its main rival, the University of Virginia Law School, which rarely gives a B-.
The Legends of R. B. Taylor: Stories from the Songer Collection There are great stories and accounts about the man who founded the City of Corona, his third city-building endeavor before the turn of the century. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold, blossom and flourish. He had incredible timing, and in some cases the good fortune to have luck on his side. What follows here are true stories about the many incidences that made him a legend, even in his own time. South American Gold & Near Arrest! (Written by R. B. Taylor)
1898 January I made a trip alone to South America to see what the prospects were for business and to examine some gold mine property. On my return I stopped at Havanna (sic) in Cuba which then belonged to Spain but I had not seen any papers from United States and so knew nothing about the trouble between the United States and Spain. I arrived in Havanna on April 2 and soon found out that it was too hot for Americans. So, on April 4 to save my life I boarded an english ship going to the United States. Three Spanish officers came to the ship to arrest me as a spy but the Captain told them that I was same as on(board), English and refused to allow my arrest - so, I got home by way of New Orleans. Fourteen days later, war was declared on Spain April 18.
Of Wanderlust, Sitting Bull & Lost Millions (R. B. Taylor)
The history of the Taylor families from the Colonial days of 1776 to date shows that they were never satisfied remaining in one place for a life time. But I will only speak of the last generation of my father's Uncle John Taylor spent many years in the Sitting Bull Indian Country of the North as a trapper of fur bearing animals and he was a dead shot with the rifle and revolver and had a few Indian scalps to his credit. Sitting Bull, the Indian Chief, tryed (sic) to get him but failed and he came home to die.
My father's brother when quite a young man went to Australia and lived there many years to his death and never married and left a fortune of value of near two million dollars but father had no notice of his death for nearly four years after his death and the law there provides that estates not claimed within two years -- it goes to the Government.
Paid Three Bucks an Acre and Called a Fool (Account by Frank Rolfe)
In 1882 Mr. Taylor learned through a friend, A. S. Garretson, cashier of the Sioux National Bank, of Sioux City, Iowa, that a new railroad was about to be built on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River, which would pass through Wayne county to Norfolk, Neb., and that a new townsite to be called Wayne was being laid out about six miles west of the county seat, Laport. At this time the settlement of the county -- some 225 population -- was located in and about Laport.
In January, 1882, Mr. Taylor drove a team to Sioux City, crossed the river and continued on to Laport and beyond to the new townsite. After looking over the country he decided that the rich prairies about Wayne must make it a good farming section. He returned to Ida Grove and explained the inducements of this new country to his father and partner. Mr. McHugh, however, decided to remain in Ida Grove. Mr. James Taylor, the father, who had recently lost his wife, decided to join his son, and from that time until his death, in Corona, he remained a member of his son's family.
Returning to Wayne, Mr. R. B. Taylor secured the names and addresses of the land-owners in and about Wayne townsite and succeeded in buying about sixteen hundred acres at an average price of about $3.00 per acre. In March he sent teams with lumber and hardware ahead to the location and followed himself with a good team, spring wagon, two carpenters and a camping outfit and supplies. He arrived at the townsite in a big blizzard, put up a tent for the horses, spread a canvas over the wagons, under which he and his men slept and ate until a building was completed. This was the first house built in Wayne, Nebraska.
At this point in the interview Mr. Taylor related a little incident occurring while he was erecting his office. Late one evening while his carpenters were on the roof and he himself on the ground handing material to the men, two men in a buggy drove up and stopped and inquired, "Who is doing this building?"
"Oh, some fellow from the east," Mr. Taylor replied.
They then wanted to know for what it was intended. When told that the party expected to go into the real estate business and also to start a bank, one of them remarked that the builder was either a big fool, or else he had a lot of nerve to start out in any business where there was only the prospect of a railroad and not another building in sight. At this point Mr. Taylor left them to prepare supper for his carpenters, as it was quitting time.
As the men came down from the roof, the newcomers asked who was the owner of the building. Not knowing of the previous conversation, they answered, "That fellow over there, cooking supper."
The visitors came over, then, to apologize for their remarks. Mr. Taylor told them that what they had said might prove true, and insisted that they should stay in his camp until morning, as a big storm was showing in the northwest. During the evening one of the strangers asked Mr. Taylor if he would sell 160 acres of his Wayne lands. When Mr. Taylor told him that he might have 160 acres about a mile from the townsite for $7.50 an acre, the party answered at once, "I'll take it. Send the deed to my bank at Omaha; I want to buy something from a man who has the nerve to start a town in this lonely spot."
Mr. Taylor advised the new purchaser to hold on to the land for four years and he would probably be able to sell it for $100.00 an acre. The buyer agreed and before the expiration of the four years refused the price named -- an example of the foresight which has been one of Mr. Taylor's best assets.
I was born in Ohio in the small town of Millbrook in Wayne County. My great grandfather fought for seven years for the colonies during the revolution, and my grandfather served in both the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.
I was education in Millbrook and attended college in Granville, Ohio. After school I became a teacher for a short time until I decided to go into the grocery store business. I opened up my first store with my partner, Mr. McHugh. My father, a director for the local railroad, made sure that our grocery store of Taylor and McHugh was well stocked with provisions.
On October 24, 1873, I married Miss Emma Mason. Ours was a long and loving marriage. We were together 67 years. We were the proud parents of three children:
James, better known to everyone was Verne. When he was older, he chose the U. S. Navy for his career and served for 19 years.
Harry, our youngest, died at the tender age of 21.
Lucille, better known as “Ocie”, later became Mrs. Songer; she shared my love of history.
In 1873, soon after my marriage to Emma, I followed my father to Ida Grove, Iowa. There I set up a partnership with a Mr. Weaver and established a general store to meet the needs of the town’s population of 800. Soon after Mr. McHugh followed me to Ida Grove, and we again went into our partnership. I really began to become the entrepreneur then and branched out. I built the first grain elevator for the town, bought up farmland, improved them, and then sold the lots for more money.
I really enjoyed the challenges of creating new business ventures and moving into new territory. In 1882, I learned about a new railroad that was being built in Nebraska. Working in partnership with my father, I again purchased raw, undeveloped land, about 1600 acres, brought in lumber and hardware and began building. I opened a local bank and rented out the rest of the buildings I had built for stores and offices. Again I made money, but I was still restless and again decided to move west into new territory.
My father had recently moved to Anaheim, California, and I decided to follow him there. Soon after my arrival, I discovered that some land was for sale east of the city. I decided to check it out. I was so impressed with the quality of the land, even though it was desert, the availability of water, the location near a proposed railroad route, and a great sale price. I rushed back to Sioux City, Iowa to find some financial backing.
Iowa Governor Merrill, A. S. Garretson, and George L. Joy decided to help me set up the South Riverside Land and Water Company. Because of California law, I had to find a fifth person, and Adolph Rimpau of Anaheim said he would help. We raised $109,800 and purchased 11,510 acres of land.
I became the manager for the company and decided to hire Anaheim civil engineer H. Clay Kellogg. Together we came up with the concept to lay out a design of streets, which included a three mile round Grand Boulevard. This circular route was designed to go around the center of the town. At Sixth and Main Streets, we planned for local businesses, hardware stores, lumber stores, banks, pharmacies, a hotel, and blacksmith shops. To the north of the town along the soon-to-be placed railroad tracks, was room for future packing houses and industries. To the south of the town, we zoned it for the planting of citrus and called it Orange Heights. We named the new town South Riverside hoping that it would be as successful as its neighbor, Riverside. I was always an advocate for education and religious learning, and I made sure that the South Riverside Land and Water Company donated land for the town’s first churches and for the first school. I even paid for the teacher’s salary for the first few months out of my own pocket. But it was worth it!
After a few years, I was pleased with the success of my new town, but I was already getting restless. There was so much to see and do. I purchased an option in a run down narrow gauge railroad between San Bernardino and Colton. I reorganized the company, rebuilt the road to standard gauge, and extended the line to Riverside. This successful piece of business was later sold to the Southern Pacific Company.
Over the next few years, I continued to move around and develop the Los Angeles area, and even traveled and pursued business for a time in South America. But my heart stayed with the town that I had helped develop. When I passed away on August 30, 1940, my family buried me here at the Sunnyslope Cemetery. I am pleased that I am still remembered by the Corona residents as the founder of the Corona colony.
I am belatedly commenting on some of the music views expressed in the past couple months. The Flippers had numerous musicians through the years. Randy Hoyt, originally from Marcus, and later Remsen performed in this group for several years. Connie Mead also played trumpet in the group at one time. I have seen three reunion shows done by the band in the past 10 years. They remain very classy, excellent musicians. For anyone interested--Spectacle, a large showband formed in Remsen in the late 60s will perform this saturday night at the avalon ballroom in remsen. i will be playing sax and keyboards. It is a great show and features music from groups such as tower of power, the mob, the flippers, and chicago. AS to Bob's comments about the pimp song--i frankly could not believe what i was hearing. I know there is great new music being performed and written but it didn't make it to the academy awards show. In some respects the music industry has been kidnapped by tasteless dummies. However....there are many wonderful young musicians doing great things and the listener is ultimately responsible for finding good music to enjoy. For big band fans I highly recommend Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band. This guy writes movie scores(the Incredibles being one). The charts remind me of Henry Mancinis writing. Sorry for the ramble--will probably see many returning marcusites at the fair. Steve Smith.
I had been living in Marcus for 10 months during the years 1997-1998. I come from Germany and it was a great time while living in the United States. Right now, over here in Europe especially in Germany there is a huge party going on, because of the Soccer World Cup, although it was terrible not to win the semi-final against Italy on Tuesday. How is everything in Marcus going? I hope great. I stayed at the Leavitt Family. If someone knows them, please tell them a nice and warm "hello" from me.
Consider comments by - John Taylor Gatto NYC Teacher of the Year - Three Times, New York State Teacher of the Year - 1991
"Our form of schooling has turned us into dependent, emotionally needy, excessively childish people who wait for a teacher to tell them what to do. Our national dilemma is that too many of us are now homeless and mindless in the deepest sense—at the mercy of strangers.The beginning of answers will come only when people force government to return educational choice to everyone. But choice is meaningless without an absolute right to have progress monitored locally, too, not by an agency of the central government. Solzhenitsyn was right. The American founding documents didn’t mention school because the authors foresaw the path school would inevitably set us upon, and rejected it....School can never deal with really important things. Only education can teach us that quests don’t always work, that even worthy lives most often end in tragedy, that money can’t prevent this; that failure is a regular part of the human condition; that you will never understand evil; that serious pursuits are almost always lonely; that you can’t negotiate love; that money can’t buy much that really matters; that happiness is free. A twenty-five-year-old school dropout walked the length of the planet without help, a seventeen-year-old school dropout worked a twenty-six-foot sailboat all by herself around the girdle of the globe. What else does it take to realize the horrifying limitations we have inflicted on our children? School is a liar’s world. Let us be done with it."
A thought about about the school that put an end to playing tag. Just wondering if the impetus to stop the game came from the complaints of a parent. No leadership. No gumption to say No when one whining voice proclaims doom. And I don't think it's just public schools ...
Agree that grade inflation is circling out of control ... everywhere. Especially now that state testing has become the mantra almost everywhere. And the mandate requires that there be better scores every year or state aid will be cut. Now how does that work when the population of students taking the test every year changes?
The comments from the teacher of the year were so very honest ... I still say we're living in Orwell's 1984 ... just a lot cleaner and more colorful than he portrayed it ... and our chocolate is better ... I think ... or am I just as brainwashed as the proles?
An update on the All Holy Name School Reunion Friday and Saturday August 11 & 12th. It is going very well. As of Saturday 7/8/06 we have 265 reservations and about 20 that told me they are going to be there but not yet sent in their reservation. So if you read this please let us know as we need the count on the dinner for Saturday night. All of us on the committe are very excited about the response we have received. So if anyone is thinking about joining us for the Reunion please get in contact with me at:
Phone: 712-376-2511 Email: jfclark@midlands.net
Now for another important issue.
Phil, I hope you enjoyed the game at Dodger Stadium. The Giants won two out of three so far and they play again today. You certainly would not want the Giants to take three out of four sitting in Dodger Stadium on comp tickets would you???? Tommy would not like that......
The organization of the Marcus Historical Society is underway! A committee, chaired by June Dias, has created organization papers and bylaws to establish the Society. The bylaws have been submitted to the State Historical Society for comment and will be filed with the state to create the Marcus Historical Society as a nonprofit, tax exempt organization. The Society plans to have a booth at the Marcus Fair to explain and promote the organization and will mount a membership campaign this fall. All residents and expatriates will be encouraged to join the organization and vote for officers to lead the Society. An offer to purchase the old Danish Lutheran Church to be used as a center and museum for the Society was not accepted by the Faith Lutheran Church. The Society is seeking another building to serve in this capacity.
On a sad note.....Madge Drefke, 95, passed away Saturday July 15th at the Heartland Care Center. Condolences go out to her family. Madge was a wonderful lady and an inspiration to me. She will be missed! Janette Woodall
Hey Karen (Fisher) Northrup / if you read these comments ... my sister gave me your phone number and said she talked to you ... I've promptly (or not so promptly!) LOST the number ...I'm in the process of moving, so maybe I'll find the number ... OR leave a comment here and we'll get in touch! ... Dianne (Wallin) Jones
Dianne--in case Karen Northrop doesn't see your message, I have her address: 367 Christopher Drive, San Francisco CA,94131-1015. e-mail: cmnorthrop@msn.com. I don't have her phone #. Bettye Pallesen, Sky valley, Ca
I've recently found the Marcus website, and started reading the blogs. Wow, am I having a good time remembering who all of you people are! (And feeling mighty old when I don't remember!)
I am very proud to say that I grew up in Marcus (graduated Class of '74). Even though I moved away in '81, I still go back from time to time and I think very fondly of the time I lived there. There are a lot of people in that town that are very special to me, and I send them all my love. If anyone wants to get in touch with me, or wants to know specific information about any of my family members, you can feel free to contact me any time (information below).
Kurt, I found your blog from February, where you listed the address for the website on my brother-in-law, Bill Kirchoff. He married my oldest sister, Judy. To clear things up for some people from Marcus who weren't aware of it, my mother (Jan) was married first to Thayer Tarvin and had four children - Gail, Judy, Terry and Vicki. They divorced and she met and married my father, Merle Mead. They had two more children - Connie and me. So, while living as a family, all of the kids went by the Mead family name, but Dad never officially adopted the three older kids (Gail had died when he was three months old). So in the Kirchoff website, when it says that Bill married Judy Tarvin, that is correct; that was Judy's actual maiden name, but she is, in fact, my half-sister, so she was a "Mead" girl when she was living in Marcus.
Anyway, Marcus is a special place and I'm very proud of that town.
My contact information is:
Beverly E. Mead 766 Bay Ridge Drive Iowa City, IA 52246-6102 beverly-mead@uiowa.edu (319) 356-4373 Work (319) 400-4703 Cell (except during working hours)
Welcome to the BLOG. It is neat to have a new person on the site. A few years ago you-if memory serves me correctly-were gathering email addresses, names, and other contact information of people at the Marcus Fair. Would you be kind enuf to start throwing some names and email addresses on the board and/or ship the information to Thelma Gravenish at the Marcus News and ask her to have it published so we can ALL have access to the information you obtained as I recall it was being obtained for mass distribution and not any particular proprietary reason!!!! Will you be home for the FAIR in a few weeks and if so look forward to seeing you there? Phil Dorr
RAGBRAI started today, leaving from Sergeant Bluff and will end Saturday in Muscatine. We had a son that rode on the second RAGBRAI and a daughter that rode on the eighth. They enjoyed it immensely. Several from Marcus ride on it each year. It has passed through Marcus two or three times. Any RAGBRAI stories that anyone can tell us?
I have stated on here before but for the record I rode on the very first one for the first day "my birthday present" from Sioux City to Storm Lake. I was never so glad to see my brothers Karl and Kurt in Storm Lake. The hills of Sioux City and the Little Sioux River Valley from what seemed like Kingsley to dang near Storm Lake almost killed me on my 2-speed 5000 lb Schwinn bike. There weren't many of us riders that first year or two which you know and the best thing about back then was everybody provided us free baked goods and plenty of watermelon!!!!!
Wonder how crazy Thursday will be with Lance Armstrong riding in the "PARADE ACROSS IOWA?"
Would sure like some information on the Ray Wankum benefit.I receive the Marcus News and haven't seen any mention of Ray until I received my Marcus News today..July 24th .Ray was a good friend growing up in Marcus, in fact I would never have gotten out of town to do anything if Ray and Randy Tentiger hadn't given me a ride..Hope everything is ok. Thanks for this blog site. I love reading about everybody..It's hot out here in az. but I hear that it's hot in Iowa too..Linda Rae
I'll dig out the information I got last time I was in Marcus and will post it soon.
I don't think we'll be able to make it to the Fair this year. I'm directing a show for the Washington Community Theatre that opens in October, so we'll be deep in preparation for that.
'Course, if anyone wants to come down here to see it, we have room for a few guests, and my sister, Vicki, lives in Kalona, so you could see her, too.
By the way, Kurt - what was it that started the blog on Bill? Just curious.
I also saw something on the Flippers. Could I get the information that whoever found so I could get a copy of their 45, "Harlem Shuffle", and any others I can get my hands on? Connie said that, after selling all of their records at dances over the years, he never kept any of his own. So I'm trying to locate them to send to him (he's living in Canada now) when I can.
When did Dick Nielsen die? I hadn't heard that, and I'm very sorry. How are Chuck and the girls doing?
Vicki Dunn (Webber now) and Tyler Artz (both Class of '73) are both working at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics here in Iowa City. Tyler is even in my department. Anybody else in this neck of the woods? I thought it might be fun to have a Marcus Picnic at this end of the state sometime, so would be good to k now who all is down around Iowa City.
Bev: I'm Philip's brother, Fred Dorr. It was my wife who found the Flipper CD. I'll get the address from her and forward it. In fact, I'll post it on the Blog in case there are other "Flipper Fans" out there who also want to send in an order. Regards, Fred
Thanks so much for the information on how to get the Flippers' CD! I'll be getting two of them; one for Connie and one for me! ;>
Remembrances: I remember being in a car accident outside of Remsen in the winter time, icy roads, and I spun out and landed in the ditch. Your sister-in-law, Anne, was behind me and stopped to help. She got in the car with me, after all was said and done, and had me drive home and took me up to the door. If she hadn't been there and made me drive home, I might have been scared off driving for a very long time. Please let Ann know I've never forgotten that, and I love her dearly and send her my best.
Jackson - Remember the white German shepherd we had? Most of the town seemed to be afraid of our dog. Can't understand why; just because he'd have killed anybody who hurt any of "his" family! When Connie had rheumatic fever and Doc Joynt would have to come out to check on him, he'd call first. Remember his big, booming voice? He wouldn't say, "Hi", first or anything. He'd just say, "Mead? I'm comin' out there. Get that God-damned dog tied up!" Then he'd hang up.
Speaking of Connie and his rheumatic fever - He was confined to his bed for six or eight weeks, but his fourth-grade teacher, Martha Truelson, didn't let that keep him from staying up with the class. Every day after school, she'd come to our house and tutor Connie so that, when he got back to school, he was right on track with where he needed to be. Talk about dedication!
Martha has to be one of my favorite memories of school. I was lucky enough to have her when I was in fourth grade, too. That was the year Bud Van Velzen's meat locker blew up. When Julie (who was in our class) came back to school after everything was settled back down, Miss Truelson (Mrs. Hueser now) had all of the kids sit on the floor inside the door and wait till she came in, and then roll candy and fruit to her, to welcome her back. What a neat idea!
I have lots of other great memories, but I'll share them on another blog.
I had the pleasure of having lunch with Bob & Max and family yesterday at the Pizza Ranch in Marcus. Other Marcusites who joined us were Nancy Hier, Thelma Gravenish & Gerald Pallesen. We enjoyed the buffet, shared stories from the past (okay, so that was mostly the old-timers since I'm much too young to remember 'the good ol days' *wink*), and talked about hopes for the future.
I finally got to meet Bob Reed and Baritone Bob!!! Thanks for stopping in at the Drugstore while you were in Marcus this week. It was great getting to meet both of you and your family. Gina Rassel
Hello! My name is Vangie Cowen, we purchased Paula Cronin's home on Elm Street in May. I wanted to let everyone know how much we like Marcus. I'm a home based Travel Agent with a full service agency. I have had 10 years experience in the travel world and I have a degree in travel and tourism. I'm open for business! You can call me at 712-376-2272 or email me at vangietravel@yahoo.com. I will answer your question promply. You will soon start seeing my cards around town. Let me help you plan your next vacation or business trip! I'd love to hear from all of you!
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LIFE’S LESSONS
Word has come that the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has passed a rule that will suspend a high school coach if his team wins by more than 50 points. Evidently this is applicable to any major sport.
The purpose is to protect the egos of student athletes and limit their chances of suffering emotional stress. It’s a “feel-good” rule for our modern society to protect the teenagers’ supposedly “fragile” psyches. It also penalizes those very few coaches who might be tempted to run up the score.
Mercy rules have their place. It’s silly to keep score in toddler T-ball or in some pick up games or even some supervised games when kids are just learning a sport.
But losing by a big score for older kids can be a learning experience. Way back in 1916, the Georgia Tech football team beat little Cumberland University by the score of 220-0. The Bulldogs were coached by a John Heisman.
He went on to have a trophy named after him, and the losing team (which consisted largely of fraternity boys who were hastily recruited for the game) went on to successful careers in government, law, and literature. No one seemed to suffer any irreparable damage.
Closer to home, our Marcus Eagles got beat by Kingsley in my freshman year in 1945 by the score of 69-0. It was so bad that even I got in the game. But it motivated us and in my senior year we finally beat them for the first time in eight years by a score of 13-7. I had the good fortune to score the winning touchdown.
And in later years, in the 1970s, I had the privilege of presenting the Rosburg Award to the best student-athlete at MMC that year. He had starred on an Eagle team that lost to Kingsley by an even larger margin. It didn’t seem to have any adverse effect on him or his teammates. (Does anyone remember the year and score of that debacle?)
I think kids need to learn that life can be unpleasant. Blowouts happen. Sometimes you get walloped. Crushed. Banged. Blistered. Whomped.
But you learn to bounce back. If you can learn to handle a humiliating defeat, you can learn to handle just about anything.
And there is another lesson in it all. Revenge—when it comes—is sweet.
Bob Reed
I checked out my 69 Eaglet and the score of that game was 92-0 in K-P's favor. One of my friends had commented on that page that we didn't have the best season, but we still loved our Eagles. Marcia Steffen Pavey
Sorry to inform friends of Lorraine Schroeder Schouten that her beloved husband, Wally, passed away June 30 from emphysema. His memorial service will be held in their Lutheran church in Cupertino on July 7. Lorraine's address is:
371 Lowell Drive, Santa Clara, Ca 95051
Lorraine was graduated with the class of 1946 from MHS.
Bonnie Morgenthaler
Bob: As you undoubtedly know, the same thing is happening in a considerable fashion in academe. (Many teachers, educators and some parents on this blog will undoubtedly take issue.)
Schools in our area now print pictures of the "Top 3%" of the high school senior classes in various local high schools. In fact, the group represents the top 20% or higher. They do that by starting with weighted grades. Kids can end up with a GPA of over 4.0 now. So, the schools have decided that anyone with a GPA in excess of that threshold is deemed worthy of being categorized a top 3% qualifier, whether they are, or not. (Makes for a nice note to Grandma and Grandpa, if you are so honored.)
Roosevelt High School in Des Moines started the parade. Its classes run somewhat over 300 kids. They celeberate almost 60 (instead of 9 or 10) kids as being in the top 3%. If you don't know the class size, it's easy for educators and their publicists to dupe the public.
My daughter's recent graduating class in high school - Valley - has over 500 kids in the class. Ten per cent of the class was honored as having a 4.0 avearage or above. Many see that as kids being smarter. I see it as massive grade inflation, followed up with weighted grades which have converted traditional honors into something other than what they used to mean.
When was the last time you knew of "anyone" who graduated from high school, prior to 1970, who had a GPA of 4.0? There were undoubtedly a few, but it was rare. If you were good in math, you might not be as strong in the literary arts. If you were a good writer, you might get a B or lower in gym (P.E.). And so it went. I didn't know kids who graduated with a 4.0. Now, in some quarters, it's 10% of the graduating class.
And no longer do we celebrate a valedictorian in our schools. It's considered unfair to the kids who got close, but didn't make it. So we honor the top 3% or 5% or some other group.
Our school won't hand out relative class standings anymore - considered to be unreflective of the "true overall picture" of a student profile.
Standardized tests are dismissed as being an unfair measure of academic proficiency.
So what are we left with - honors, test results, awards, and standings that are meaningless. When kids send in resumes to our office and I look at them as prospective hires, I ignore (or give little credence) to all the claimed academic achievements. Since I don't know if 3% means 3% at their alma mater, if valedictorian means one person or thirty at their school, or if "graduated with honors" means the top half of the class where they matriculated, I look beyond that.
The education establishment, out of an undue concern for a student's esteem, has tarnished the standards for all. It's very unfortunate.
My mom was a teacher, I served on a school board, my two daughters want to be public school teachers -I care about public education, but many times the system seems adrift and those in it "killing it with kindness". As you note, people grow from adversity. We learn, hopefully, from our mistakes. And it doesn't encourage maturity and accountability when the adults try to insulate kids from life's real exeriences. But, nonetheless, it continues.
So everybody gets a trophy, all are bright, motivated and capable and as Garrison Keillor says, in our part of the world, "All our kids are above average".
As one of my partners - now 80 years old - is fond of saying, "We live in the era of the great unspoken." Translation - most of us know better, but we dare not speak the truth.
Fred
Bob and Fred:
Better yet did anyone see where some public school banned TAG from being part of the recess routine.
Poor little Johnny or Bertha might get hurt playing TAG. Now can someone please explain to me how the public school system gets away with this JUNK and r there not enough people left in our country with a backbone to stand up to these idiots running the public schools?
On a brighter note I am currently spending time in Southern- California and just found out that Corona, CA was founded by 4 Iowans. Does anyone know if any former Marcusites played a role in building Corona? Also, it just amazes me how many Iowans left our state and helped make California great. The orange orchards around Corona and Riverside are amazing and needless to say the Dutchmen from the Pella and Sioux County area have made Ontario,CA a gorgeous community.
Jack Clarkson, going to see one of the classic baseball rivalries in all of baseball tomorrow night.......Dodgers and the Giants in OLD DODGER STADIUM. Will be thinking of you as we watch the game. Needless to say I will be pulling for the GIANTS!!!!
Philip Dorr
Hard to believe today but I understood that Los Angeles was known as "Des Moines-by-the-Sea" prior to WWII. Here is a link to an interesting description of early Iowa migration to California.
http://alumnus.caltech.edu/
~rbell/IowansToCalifornia.html
Kyle Drefke
P.S. Fred, high schools aren't the only ones with grade inflation. Last year Duke Law School raised its class median from 3.1 to 3.3 because it thought its students were at a competitive disadvantage with its main rival, the University of Virginia Law School, which rarely gives a B-.
The Legends of R. B. Taylor:
Stories from the Songer Collection
There are great stories and accounts about the man who founded the City of Corona, his third city-building endeavor before the turn of the century. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold, blossom and flourish. He had incredible timing, and in some cases the good fortune to have luck on his side. What follows here are true stories about the many incidences that made him a legend, even in his own time. South American Gold & Near Arrest! (Written by R. B. Taylor)
1898 January I made a trip alone to South America to see what the prospects were for business and to examine some gold mine property. On my return I stopped at Havanna (sic) in Cuba which then belonged to Spain but I had not seen any papers from United States and so knew nothing about the trouble between the United States and Spain. I arrived in Havanna on April 2 and soon found out that it was too hot for Americans. So, on April 4 to save my life I boarded an english ship going to the United States. Three Spanish officers came to the ship to arrest me as a spy but the Captain told them that I was same as on(board), English and refused to allow my arrest - so, I got home by way of New Orleans. Fourteen days later, war was declared on Spain April 18.
Of Wanderlust, Sitting Bull & Lost Millions (R. B. Taylor)
The history of the Taylor families from the Colonial days of 1776 to date shows that they were never satisfied remaining in one place for a life time. But I will only speak of the last generation of my father's Uncle John Taylor spent many years in the Sitting Bull Indian Country of the North as a trapper of fur bearing animals and he was a dead shot with the rifle and revolver and had a few Indian scalps to his credit. Sitting Bull, the Indian Chief, tryed (sic) to get him but failed and he came home to die.
My father's brother when quite a young man went to Australia and lived there many years to his death and never married and left a fortune of value of near two million dollars but father had no notice of his death for nearly four years after his death and the law there provides that estates not claimed within two years -- it goes to the Government.
Paid Three Bucks an Acre and Called a Fool (Account by Frank Rolfe)
In 1882 Mr. Taylor learned through a friend, A. S. Garretson, cashier of the Sioux National Bank, of Sioux City, Iowa, that a new railroad was about to be built on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River, which would pass through Wayne county to Norfolk, Neb., and that a new townsite to be called Wayne was being laid out about six miles west of the county seat, Laport. At this time the settlement of the county -- some 225 population -- was located in and about Laport.
In January, 1882, Mr. Taylor drove a team to Sioux City, crossed the river and continued on to Laport and beyond to the new townsite. After looking over the country he decided that the rich prairies about Wayne must make it a good farming section. He returned to Ida Grove and explained the inducements of this new country to his father and partner. Mr. McHugh, however, decided to remain in Ida Grove. Mr. James Taylor, the father, who had recently lost his wife, decided to join his son, and from that time until his death, in Corona, he remained a member of his son's family.
Returning to Wayne, Mr. R. B. Taylor secured the names and addresses of the land-owners in and about Wayne townsite and succeeded in buying about sixteen hundred acres at an average price of about $3.00 per acre. In March he sent teams with lumber and hardware ahead to the location and followed himself with a good team, spring wagon, two carpenters and a camping outfit and supplies. He arrived at the townsite in a big blizzard, put up a tent for the horses, spread a canvas over the wagons, under which he and his men slept and ate until a building was completed. This was the first house built in Wayne, Nebraska.
At this point in the interview Mr. Taylor related a little incident occurring while he was erecting his office. Late one evening while his carpenters were on the roof and he himself on the ground handing material to the men, two men in a buggy drove up and stopped and inquired, "Who is doing this building?"
"Oh, some fellow from the east," Mr. Taylor replied.
They then wanted to know for what it was intended. When told that the party expected to go into the real estate business and also to start a bank, one of them remarked that the builder was either a big fool, or else he had a lot of nerve to start out in any business where there was only the prospect of a railroad and not another building in sight. At this point Mr. Taylor left them to prepare supper for his carpenters, as it was quitting time.
As the men came down from the roof, the newcomers asked who was the owner of the building. Not knowing of the previous conversation, they answered, "That fellow over there, cooking supper."
The visitors came over, then, to apologize for their remarks. Mr. Taylor told them that what they had said might prove true, and insisted that they should stay in his camp until morning, as a big storm was showing in the northwest. During the evening one of the strangers asked Mr. Taylor if he would sell 160 acres of his Wayne lands. When Mr. Taylor told him that he might have 160 acres about a mile from the townsite for $7.50 an acre, the party answered at once, "I'll take it. Send the deed to my bank at Omaha; I want to buy something from a man who has the nerve to start a town in this lonely spot."
Mr. Taylor advised the new purchaser to hold on to the land for four years and he would probably be able to sell it for $100.00 an acre. The buyer agreed and before the expiration of the four years refused the price named -- an example of the foresight which has been one of Mr. Taylor's best assets.
Robert B. Taylor
More Sunnyslope Cemetery Stories
I was born in Ohio in the small town of Millbrook in Wayne County. My great grandfather fought for seven years for the colonies during the revolution, and my grandfather served in both the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.
I was education in Millbrook and attended college in Granville, Ohio. After school I became a teacher for a short time until I decided to go into the grocery store business. I opened up my first store with my partner, Mr. McHugh. My father, a director for the local railroad, made sure that our grocery store of Taylor and McHugh was well stocked with provisions.
On October 24, 1873, I married Miss Emma Mason. Ours was a long and loving marriage. We were together 67 years. We were the proud parents of three children:
James, better known to everyone was Verne. When he was older, he chose the U. S. Navy for his career and served for 19 years.
Harry, our youngest, died at the tender age of 21.
Lucille, better known as “Ocie”, later became Mrs. Songer; she shared my love of history.
In 1873, soon after my marriage to Emma, I followed my father to Ida Grove, Iowa. There I set up a partnership with a Mr. Weaver and established a general store to meet the needs of the town’s population of 800. Soon after Mr. McHugh followed me to Ida Grove, and we again went into our partnership. I really began to become the entrepreneur then and branched out. I built the first grain elevator for the town, bought up farmland, improved them, and then sold the lots for more money.
I really enjoyed the challenges of creating new business ventures and moving into new territory. In 1882, I learned about a new railroad that was being built in Nebraska. Working in partnership with my father, I again purchased raw, undeveloped land, about 1600 acres, brought in lumber and hardware and began building. I opened a local bank and rented out the rest of the buildings I had built for stores and offices. Again I made money, but I was still restless and again decided to move west into new territory.
My father had recently moved to Anaheim, California, and I decided to follow him there. Soon after my arrival, I discovered that some land was for sale east of the city. I decided to check it out. I was so impressed with the quality of the land, even though it was desert, the availability of water, the location near a proposed railroad route, and a great sale price. I rushed back to Sioux City, Iowa to find some financial backing.
Iowa Governor Merrill, A. S. Garretson, and George L. Joy decided to help me set up the South Riverside Land and Water Company. Because of California law, I had to find a fifth person, and Adolph Rimpau of Anaheim said he would help. We raised $109,800 and purchased 11,510 acres of land.
I became the manager for the company and decided to hire Anaheim civil engineer H. Clay Kellogg. Together we came up with the concept to lay out a design of streets, which included a three mile round Grand Boulevard. This circular route was designed to go around the center of the town. At Sixth and Main Streets, we planned for local businesses, hardware stores, lumber stores, banks, pharmacies, a hotel, and blacksmith shops. To the north of the town along the soon-to-be placed railroad tracks, was room for future packing houses and industries. To the south of the town, we zoned it for the planting of citrus and called it Orange Heights. We named the new town South Riverside hoping that it would be as successful as its neighbor, Riverside. I was always an advocate for education and religious learning, and I made sure that the South Riverside Land and Water Company donated land for the town’s first churches and for the first school. I even paid for the teacher’s salary for the first few months out of my own pocket. But it was worth it!
After a few years, I was pleased with the success of my new town, but I was already getting restless. There was so much to see and do. I purchased an option in a run down narrow gauge railroad between San Bernardino and Colton. I reorganized the company, rebuilt the road to standard gauge, and extended the line to Riverside. This successful piece of business was later sold to the Southern Pacific Company.
Over the next few years, I continued to move around and develop the Los Angeles area, and even traveled and pursued business for a time in South America. But my heart stayed with the town that I had helped develop. When I passed away on August 30, 1940, my family buried me here at the Sunnyslope Cemetery. I am pleased that I am still remembered by the Corona residents as the founder of the Corona colony.
I am belatedly commenting on some of the music views expressed in the past couple months. The Flippers had numerous musicians through the years. Randy Hoyt, originally from Marcus, and
later Remsen performed in this group for several years. Connie Mead also played trumpet in the group at one time. I have seen three reunion shows done by the band in the past 10 years. They remain very classy, excellent musicians. For anyone interested--Spectacle, a large showband formed in Remsen in the late 60s will perform this saturday night at the avalon ballroom in remsen. i will be playing sax and keyboards. It is a great show and features music from groups such as tower of power, the mob, the flippers, and chicago. AS to Bob's comments about the pimp song--i frankly could not believe what i was hearing. I know there is great new music being performed and written but it didn't make it to the academy awards show. In some respects the music industry has been kidnapped by tasteless dummies. However....there are many wonderful young musicians doing great things and the listener is ultimately responsible for finding good music to enjoy. For big band fans I highly recommend Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band. This guy writes movie scores(the Incredibles being one). The charts remind me of Henry Mancinis writing. Sorry for the ramble--will probably see many returning marcusites at the fair. Steve Smith.
Faith Lutheran Church will be holding the dedication of their building addition during a special worship service on Sunday August 6 at 10:15am.
There will also be an open house held on Sunday August 13 (Fair weekend) from 1:00 - 2:30pm. Everyone is welcome!
Hello,
I had been living in Marcus for 10 months during the years 1997-1998.
I come from Germany and it was a great time while living in the United States. Right now, over here in Europe especially in Germany there is a huge party going on, because of the Soccer World Cup, although it was terrible not to win the semi-final against Italy on Tuesday.
How is everything in Marcus going? I hope great. I stayed at the Leavitt Family. If someone knows them, please tell them a nice and warm "hello" from me.
Many greetings from Germany!
Björn Koch
Re: Fred D.'s comments on grade inflation -
Consider comments by -
John Taylor Gatto
NYC Teacher of the Year - Three Times, New York State Teacher of the Year - 1991
"Our form of schooling has turned us into dependent, emotionally needy, excessively childish people who wait for a teacher to tell them what to do. Our national dilemma is that too many of us are now homeless and mindless in the deepest sense—at the mercy of strangers.The beginning of answers will come only when people force government to return educational choice to everyone. But choice is meaningless without an absolute right to have progress monitored locally, too, not by an agency of the central government. Solzhenitsyn was right. The American founding documents didn’t mention school because the authors foresaw the path school would inevitably set us upon, and rejected it....School can never deal with really important things. Only education can teach us that quests don’t always work, that even worthy lives most often end in tragedy, that money can’t prevent this; that failure is a regular part of the human condition; that you will never understand evil; that serious pursuits are almost always lonely; that you can’t negotiate love; that money can’t buy much that really matters; that happiness is free. A twenty-five-year-old school dropout walked the length of the planet without help, a seventeen-year-old school dropout worked a twenty-six-foot sailboat all by herself around the girdle of the globe. What else does it take to realize the horrifying limitations we have inflicted on our children? School is a liar’s world. Let us be done with it."
Now back to pleasant things about Marcus.
A thought about about the school that put an end to playing tag. Just wondering if the impetus to stop the game came from the complaints of a parent. No leadership. No gumption to say No when one whining voice proclaims doom. And I don't think it's just public schools ...
Agree that grade inflation is circling out of control ... everywhere. Especially now that state testing has become the mantra almost everywhere. And the mandate requires that there be better scores every year or state aid will be cut. Now how does that work when the population of students taking the test every year changes?
The comments from the teacher of the year were so very honest ...
I still say we're living in Orwell's 1984 ... just a lot cleaner and more colorful than he portrayed it ... and our chocolate is better ... I think ... or am I just as brainwashed as the proles?
An update on the All Holy Name School Reunion Friday and Saturday August 11 & 12th. It is going very well. As of Saturday 7/8/06 we have 265 reservations and about 20 that told me they are going to be there but not yet sent in their reservation. So if you read this please let us know as we need the count on the dinner for Saturday night. All of us on the committe are very excited about the response we have received. So if anyone is thinking about joining us for the Reunion please get in contact with me at:
Phone: 712-376-2511
Email: jfclark@midlands.net
Now for another important issue.
Phil, I hope you enjoyed the game at Dodger Stadium. The Giants won two out of three so far and they play again today. You certainly would not want the Giants to take three out of four sitting in Dodger Stadium on comp tickets would you???? Tommy would not like that......
Jack Clarkson
Dodger Fan
The 2006 Marcus Fair Schedule is now available online at:
http://www.marcusiowa.com/fair_schedule.htm
Kara Spieler
MARCUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The organization of the Marcus Historical Society is underway! A committee, chaired by June Dias, has created organization papers and bylaws to establish the Society. The bylaws have been submitted to the State Historical Society for comment and will be filed with the state to create the Marcus Historical Society as a nonprofit, tax exempt organization.
The Society plans to have a booth at the Marcus Fair to explain and promote the organization and will mount a membership campaign this fall. All residents and expatriates will be encouraged to join the organization and vote for officers to lead the Society.
An offer to purchase the old Danish Lutheran Church to be used as a center and museum for the Society was not accepted by the Faith Lutheran Church. The Society is seeking another building to serve in this capacity.
On a sad note.....Madge Drefke, 95, passed away Saturday July 15th at the Heartland Care Center. Condolences go out to her family. Madge was a wonderful lady and an inspiration to me. She will be missed!
Janette Woodall
Hey Karen (Fisher) Northrup / if you read these comments ... my sister gave me your phone number and said she talked to you ... I've promptly (or not so promptly!) LOST the number ...I'm in the process of moving, so maybe I'll find the number ... OR leave a comment here and we'll get in touch! ... Dianne (Wallin) Jones
Dianne--in case Karen Northrop doesn't see your message, I have her address: 367 Christopher Drive, San Francisco CA,94131-1015.
e-mail: cmnorthrop@msn.com. I don't have her phone #. Bettye Pallesen, Sky valley, Ca
Bettye - THANK YOU! I'll send the email ... usually works out as the best communication. / Dianne
I've recently found the Marcus website, and started reading the blogs. Wow, am I having a good time remembering who all of you people are! (And feeling mighty old when I don't remember!)
I am very proud to say that I grew up in Marcus (graduated Class of '74). Even though I moved away in '81, I still go back from time to time and I think very fondly of the time I lived there. There are a lot of people in that town that are very special to me, and I send them all my love. If anyone wants to get in touch with me, or wants to know specific information about any of my family members, you can feel free to contact me any time (information below).
Kurt, I found your blog from February, where you listed the address for the website on my brother-in-law, Bill Kirchoff. He married my oldest sister, Judy. To clear things up for some people from Marcus who weren't aware of it, my mother (Jan) was married first to Thayer Tarvin and had four children - Gail, Judy, Terry and Vicki. They divorced and she met and married my father, Merle Mead. They had two more children - Connie and me. So, while living as a family, all of the kids went by the Mead family name, but Dad never officially adopted the three older kids (Gail had died when he was three months old). So in the Kirchoff website, when it says that Bill married Judy Tarvin, that is correct; that was Judy's actual maiden name, but she is, in fact, my half-sister, so she was a "Mead" girl when she was living in Marcus.
Anyway, Marcus is a special place and I'm very proud of that town.
My contact information is:
Beverly E. Mead
766 Bay Ridge Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246-6102
beverly-mead@uiowa.edu
(319) 356-4373 Work
(319) 400-4703 Cell (except during working hours)
Bev:
Welcome to the BLOG. It is neat to have a new person on the site.
A few years ago you-if memory serves me correctly-were gathering email addresses, names, and other contact information of people at the Marcus Fair. Would you be kind enuf to start throwing some names and email addresses on the board and/or ship the information to Thelma Gravenish at the Marcus News and ask her to have it published so we can ALL have access to the information you obtained as I recall it was being obtained for mass distribution and not any particular proprietary reason!!!!
Will you be home for the FAIR in a few weeks and if so look forward to seeing you there?
Phil Dorr
RAGBRAI started today, leaving from Sergeant Bluff and will end Saturday in Muscatine. We had a son that rode on the second RAGBRAI and a daughter that rode on the eighth. They enjoyed it immensely. Several from Marcus ride on it each year. It has passed through Marcus two or three times. Any RAGBRAI stories that anyone can tell us?
Pat Ducommun
Pat:
I have stated on here before but for the record I rode on the very first one for the first day "my birthday present" from Sioux City to Storm Lake. I was never so glad to see my brothers Karl and Kurt in Storm Lake. The hills of Sioux City and the Little Sioux River Valley from what seemed like Kingsley to dang near Storm Lake almost killed me on my 2-speed 5000 lb Schwinn bike. There weren't many of us riders that first year or two which you know and the best thing about back then was everybody provided us free baked goods and plenty of watermelon!!!!!
Wonder how crazy Thursday will be with Lance Armstrong riding in the "PARADE ACROSS IOWA?"
Would sure like some information on the Ray Wankum benefit.I receive the Marcus News and haven't seen any mention of Ray until I received my Marcus News today..July 24th .Ray was a good friend growing up in Marcus, in fact I would never have gotten out of town to do anything if Ray and Randy Tentiger hadn't given me a ride..Hope everything is ok. Thanks for this blog site. I love reading about everybody..It's hot out here in az. but I hear that it's hot in Iowa too..Linda Rae
Phil:
I'll dig out the information I got last time I was in Marcus and will post it soon.
I don't think we'll be able to make it to the Fair this year. I'm directing a show for the Washington Community Theatre that opens in October, so we'll be deep in preparation for that.
'Course, if anyone wants to come down here to see it, we have room for a few guests, and my sister, Vicki, lives in Kalona, so you could see her, too.
By the way, Kurt - what was it that started the blog on Bill? Just curious.
I also saw something on the Flippers. Could I get the information that whoever found so I could get a copy of their 45, "Harlem Shuffle", and any others I can get my hands on? Connie said that, after selling all of their records at dances over the years, he never kept any of his own. So I'm trying to locate them to send to him (he's living in Canada now) when I can.
When did Dick Nielsen die? I hadn't heard that, and I'm very sorry. How are Chuck and the girls doing?
Vicki Dunn (Webber now) and Tyler Artz (both Class of '73) are both working at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics here in Iowa City. Tyler is even in my department. Anybody else in this neck of the woods? I thought it might be fun to have a Marcus Picnic at this end of the state sometime, so would be good to k now who all is down around Iowa City.
Later, gang!
Beverly
Bev: I'm Philip's brother, Fred Dorr. It was my wife who found the Flipper CD. I'll get the address from her and forward it. In fact, I'll post it on the Blog in case there are other "Flipper Fans" out there who also want to send in an order. Regards, Fred
To order the CD "The Fabulous Flippers - Then and Now" send $25 plus $4 for shipping and handling to:
Flipper Productions
223 West 6th
Larned, Kansas 67550
Check or money order should be payable to "Flipper Productions".
The CD includes "Harlem Shuffle".
Good luck. Fred
Fred:
Thanks so much for the information on how to get the Flippers' CD! I'll be getting two of them; one for Connie and one for me! ;>
Remembrances: I remember being in a car accident outside of Remsen in the winter time, icy roads, and I spun out and landed in the ditch. Your sister-in-law, Anne, was behind me and stopped to help. She got in the car with me, after all was said and done, and had me drive home and took me up to the door. If she hadn't been there and made me drive home, I might have been scared off driving for a very long time. Please let Ann know I've never forgotten that, and I love her dearly and send her my best.
Jackson - Remember the white German shepherd we had? Most of the town seemed to be afraid of our dog. Can't understand why; just because he'd have killed anybody who hurt any of "his" family! When Connie had rheumatic fever and Doc Joynt would have to come out to check on him, he'd call first. Remember his big, booming voice? He wouldn't say, "Hi", first or anything. He'd just say, "Mead? I'm comin' out there. Get that God-damned dog tied up!" Then he'd hang up.
Speaking of Connie and his rheumatic fever - He was confined to his bed for six or eight weeks, but his fourth-grade teacher, Martha Truelson, didn't let that keep him from staying up with the class. Every day after school, she'd come to our house and tutor Connie so that, when he got back to school, he was right on track with where he needed to be. Talk about dedication!
Martha has to be one of my favorite memories of school. I was lucky enough to have her when I was in fourth grade, too. That was the year Bud Van Velzen's meat locker blew up. When Julie (who was in our class) came back to school after everything was settled back down, Miss Truelson (Mrs. Hueser now) had all of the kids sit on the floor inside the door and wait till she came in, and then roll candy and fruit to her, to welcome her back. What a neat idea!
I have lots of other great memories, but I'll share them on another blog.
Later, Marcus!
Beverly
I had the pleasure of having lunch with Bob & Max and family yesterday at the Pizza Ranch in Marcus. Other Marcusites who joined us were Nancy Hier, Thelma Gravenish & Gerald Pallesen. We enjoyed the buffet, shared stories from the past (okay, so that was mostly the old-timers since I'm much too young to remember 'the good ol days' *wink*), and talked about hopes for the future.
And a good time was had by all!
I finally got to meet Bob Reed and Baritone Bob!!! Thanks for stopping in at the Drugstore while you were in Marcus this week. It was great getting to meet both of you and your family.
Gina Rassel
Hello! My name is Vangie Cowen, we purchased Paula Cronin's home on Elm Street in May. I wanted to let everyone know how much we like Marcus. I'm a home based Travel Agent with a full service agency. I have had 10 years experience in the travel world and I have a degree in travel and tourism. I'm open for business! You can call me at 712-376-2272 or email me at vangietravel@yahoo.com. I will answer your question promply. You will soon start seeing my cards around town. Let me help you plan your next vacation or business trip!
I'd love to hear from all of you!
Vangie
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