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.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
April 2007 Discussion
Continue the conversation by clicking on the links in the current thread.
I would like to thank all the ladies who took care of my mother,Ruby Berger, since my fathers death in 2003..Your kindness to my family will always be a blessing...I remember Marcus as a place of my better years in life.. the school system is the best..I am planning to return to my childhood town in 2008 for my Class reunion.. God bless each and everyone raising a family and living in such a wonderful place as Marcus..Sincerely Diana Berger
Another way to help the historical society is to find out if the company you work for matches any $$ that you give to nonprofit organizations (or any nonprofit in Marcus). Then, if you join the historical society as a member or give a donation, your company will match (a portion or 100%) of your donation. Just find out what their limits/rules are.
One of Margaret Dorr's recent columns. Glad to see she's back!
#3 Renaissance for Rural America
I recently met a realtor and his wife from Waverly, IA. It is a college town, not a whole lot larger than Cherokee, located in the scenic northeast corner of the state. As we visited, the man began telling me about his most famous client, the operatic bass-baritone, Simon Estes.
I hadn’t realized that Estes now lives in Waverly. It seems he has been an instructor and artist-in-residence at Wartburg College, since 2002. The realtor had sold Simon and Ovida Estes their home in Waverly at that time. Then, more recently, he has helped them find a beautiful rural acreage, on which they plan to build their retirement home. He is also in the process of finding a buyer for their present place.
Simon Estes was born in Centerville, IA -- his parents, a coal miner and the daughter of slaves. He first studied voice at the University of Iowa before being admitted to Julliard, where he was trained and later taught.
His operatic career, which began in Europe, included ground-breaking roles for an African-American. He sang in the Berlin Opera and was the first American to sing a title role in Bayreuth, where his “Flying Dutchman” was highly acclaimed. By the mid-eighties he was singing at New York’s Met. He sang Porgy in their first production of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” And a highlight of his career came when he sang the role opposite Leontyne Price’s “Aida,” for the famed black soprano’s farewell performance there.
Estes may soon be known as much for his philanthropy as for his singing. (I found information on-line verifying this.) The Simon Estes Music High School and Choir near Cape Town, S. Africa; the multi-racial Simon Estes Foundation in Tulsa, OK and a similar Foundation in Iowa, are but a few examples.
For some years, the Estes have made Switzerland their primary home. But now they have sold that property, choosing to live out their years in Iowa. To me, that really ‘says it all’ for our beloved state !
On a lighter note, the realtor told me that Simon and Ovida were their closest neighbors, “Both of our houses face the golf course – actually there’s just the width of one of the greens between us. I often remind him to leave his bathroom window open so I can hear him singing in the shower – you know, ‘Ol’ Man River’ to start my day.”
It is gratifying to learn of the esteem in which Iowa is held by this famous gentleman and his wife, but I hear it is happening with ordinary folks, as well.
Locally, there are several examples. People who grew up here and then went off to make their way in the wider world, are returning. After succeeding in distant cities, they are tiring of the pressures and congestion and want to come back to a simpler, quieter lifestyle. Too young to retire, they are establishing businesses which are, in part, made possible by recent developments in electronic communications.
Indeed, we are living in changing and interesting times. I hope I’m not being too optimistic when I view all of this as a Renaissance for Rural America!
I just wanted to let everyone know that we really love this town and things are going awesome now. We love the community and hope to get out more and see people. We have an 8 month old son, so we hope to get out and do alot as a family since the weather is now acting like its SPRING!!!! Marcus people are just so friendly and nice, and wonderful to talk to. I was not very fond of moving to a small town because I have heard nothing but bad about living in small towns, but, we moved here because of the school and since my husband went to that school when he was in 4th grade. I couldn't ask for a better house and location. But, since I am living in a relativly small town, its kinda nice. It's never noisy (except when kids are playing) and even then, I look outside and smile, because this is a safe town, and I know that when my son grows up he will be able to play outside, and I wouldn't have to worry as much as if I were living in a big city. I love children, I worked at day cares since I was 16 and I wouldn't mind watching more now. I don't want to work outside the home and since children are my passion I would love to take up babysitting, or day care again someday soon. I really hope we get to know some people soon, it is kind of boring sitting at home on days like today with nobody to talk to. Don't get me wrong, I love sitting at home with my son and dogs, just kinda lonely I think. Well, not really too sure what to say now, I just wanted to introduce myself, I didn't want to come off as snobby because I am anything but that. But when new things come up again, I am sure I will be seeing you soon.
I loved growing up in small town Iowa. When I think of all the things and adventures I did as a kid and how my kids won't get to experience the same sort of things, makes me a bit sad.
There's new stuff to see at the Marcus Historical Society website. Come check it out at: Marcus Historical Society, then click on "What's New" in the left-hand menu.
I offer the following short poem because it is beautiful and it is Poetry Month ... enjoy!
Flying at Night
Above us, stars. Beneath us, constellations. Five billion miles away, a galaxy dies like a snowflake falling on water. Below us, some farmer, feeling the chill of that distant death, snaps on his yard light, drawing his sheds and barn back into the little system of his care. All night, the cities, like shimmering novas, tug with bright streets at lonely lights like his.
Just a note: The GoodSearch button has been removed from the Historical Society's website. I've been able to locate a different charity-funding search engine, called Prodege, that donates three times the funds that GoodSearch does. Prodege is also powered by Yahoo! so you should get the same excellent search results. Prodege's terms require us to use their search engine exclusively as a fundraising revenue search. Therefore, the removal of the GoodSearch button from the site.
It could take up to three business days for Prodege to approve our agreement with them. In the meantime, the GoodSearch engine will still work, you just can't access it from the Society's website.
I'll post here again when Prodege is up and running. Thanks!
Is there anybody in Marcus who removes tree branches? If so, I need someone to remove the tree branches we have at our home. My husband has asthma so he can't help me, and there are too many for me to do by myself. I would appreciate it so much if you could give me a call and let me know. my phone number is 376-2180, if nobody answers please leave a message. Thank You.
I would like to thank all the ladies who took care of my mother,Ruby Berger, since my fathers death in 2003..Your kindness to my family will always be a blessing...I remember Marcus as a place of my better years in life.. the school system is the best..I am planning to return to my childhood town in 2008 for my Class reunion.. God bless each and everyone raising a family and living in such a wonderful place as Marcus..Sincerely Diana Berger
ReplyDeleteAnother way to help the historical society is to find out if the company you work for matches any $$ that you give to nonprofit organizations (or any nonprofit in Marcus). Then, if you join the historical society as a member or give a donation, your company will match (a portion or 100%) of your donation. Just find out what their limits/rules are.
ReplyDeleteOne of Margaret Dorr's recent columns. Glad to see she's back!
ReplyDelete#3 Renaissance for Rural America
I recently met a realtor and his wife from Waverly, IA. It is a college town, not a whole lot larger than Cherokee, located in the scenic northeast corner of the state. As we visited, the man began telling me about his most famous client, the operatic bass-baritone, Simon Estes.
I hadn’t realized that Estes now lives in Waverly. It seems he has been an instructor and artist-in-residence at Wartburg College, since 2002. The realtor had sold Simon and Ovida Estes their home in Waverly at that time. Then, more recently, he has helped them find a beautiful rural acreage, on which they plan to build their retirement home. He is also in the process of finding a buyer for their present place.
Simon Estes was born in Centerville, IA -- his parents, a coal miner and the daughter of slaves. He first studied voice at the University of Iowa before being admitted to Julliard, where he was trained and later taught.
His operatic career, which began in Europe, included ground-breaking roles for an African-American. He sang in the Berlin Opera and was the first American to sing a title role in Bayreuth, where his “Flying Dutchman” was highly acclaimed. By the mid-eighties he was singing at New York’s Met. He sang Porgy in their first production of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” And a highlight of his career came when he sang the role opposite Leontyne Price’s “Aida,” for the famed black soprano’s farewell performance there.
Estes may soon be known as much for his philanthropy as for his singing. (I found information on-line verifying this.) The Simon Estes Music High School and Choir near Cape Town, S. Africa; the multi-racial Simon Estes Foundation in Tulsa, OK and a similar Foundation in Iowa, are but a few examples.
For some years, the Estes have made Switzerland their primary home. But now they have sold that property, choosing to live out their years in Iowa. To me, that really ‘says it all’ for our beloved state !
On a lighter note, the realtor told me that Simon and Ovida were their closest neighbors, “Both of our houses face the golf course – actually there’s just the width of one of the greens between us. I often remind him to leave his bathroom window open so I can hear him singing in the shower – you know, ‘Ol’ Man River’ to start my day.”
It is gratifying to learn of the esteem in which Iowa is held by this famous gentleman and his wife, but I hear it is happening with ordinary folks, as well.
Locally, there are several examples. People who grew up here and then went off to make their way in the wider world, are returning. After succeeding in distant cities, they are tiring of the pressures and congestion and want to come back to a simpler, quieter lifestyle. Too young to retire, they are establishing businesses which are, in part, made possible by recent developments in electronic communications.
Indeed, we are living in changing and interesting times. I hope I’m not being too optimistic when I view all of this as a Renaissance for Rural America!
I just wanted to let everyone know that we really love this town and things are going awesome now. We love the community and hope to get out more and see people. We have an 8 month old son, so we hope to get out and do alot as a family since the weather is now acting like its SPRING!!!! Marcus people are just so friendly and nice, and wonderful to talk to. I was not very fond of moving to a small town because I have heard nothing but bad about living in small towns, but, we moved here because of the school and since my husband went to that school when he was in 4th grade. I couldn't ask for a better house and location. But, since I am living in a relativly small town, its kinda nice. It's never noisy (except when kids are playing) and even then, I look outside and smile, because this is a safe town, and I know that when my son grows up he will be able to play outside, and I wouldn't have to worry as much as if I were living in a big city. I love children, I worked at day cares since I was 16 and I wouldn't mind watching more now. I don't want to work outside the home and since children are my passion I would love to take up babysitting, or day care again someday soon. I really hope we get to know some people soon, it is kind of boring sitting at home on days like today with nobody to talk to. Don't get me wrong, I love sitting at home with my son and dogs, just kinda lonely I think. Well, not really too sure what to say now, I just wanted to introduce myself, I didn't want to come off as snobby because I am anything but that. But when new things come up again, I am sure I will be seeing you soon.
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeletewhat a nice posting! Everyone wishes you a safe, happy and wonderful time in Marcus!
Max and Bob Reed
I loved growing up in small town Iowa. When I think of all the things and adventures I did as a kid and how my kids won't get to experience the same sort of things, makes me a bit sad.
ReplyDeleteKurt Dorr
There's new stuff to see at the Marcus Historical Society website. Come check it out at: Marcus Historical Society, then click on "What's New" in the left-hand menu.
ReplyDeleteI offer the following short poem because it is beautiful and it is Poetry Month ... enjoy!
ReplyDeleteFlying at Night
Above us, stars. Beneath us, constellations.
Five billion miles away, a galaxy dies
like a snowflake falling on water. Below us,
some farmer, feeling the chill of that distant death,
snaps on his yard light, drawing his sheds and barn
back into the little system of his care.
All night, the cities, like shimmering novas,
tug with bright streets at lonely lights like his.
Ted Kooser
Published in "Flying at Night "
Just a note: The GoodSearch button has been removed from the Historical Society's website. I've been able to locate a different charity-funding search engine, called Prodege, that donates three times the funds that GoodSearch does. Prodege is also powered by Yahoo! so you should get the same excellent search results. Prodege's terms require us to use their search engine exclusively as a fundraising revenue search. Therefore, the removal of the GoodSearch button from the site.
ReplyDeleteIt could take up to three business days for Prodege to approve our agreement with them. In the meantime, the GoodSearch engine will still work, you just can't access it from the Society's website.
I'll post here again when Prodege is up and running. Thanks!
Is there anybody in Marcus who removes tree branches? If so, I need someone to remove the tree branches we have at our home. My husband has asthma so he can't help me, and there are too many for me to do by myself. I would appreciate it so much if you could give me a call and let me know. my phone number is 376-2180, if nobody answers please leave a message. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteThe Dempsters