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.
Thought this might spark some discussion since many of you are familiar with these various cities... any reactions (positive/negative) to the lists?
Fourth Annual Farmers Insurance Study Ranks Most Secure U.S. Places to Live Health, prosperity, safety, and security are all desirable aspects when it comes to seeking a place to live, work, or raise a family. According to the fourth annual “Most Secure U.S. Places to Live” rankings from Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, the city that best meets those qualifications is Corvallis, Ore.
The rankings, compiled by database experts at www.bestplaces.net, took into consideration crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, environmental hazards, terrorism threats, air quality, life expectancy, and job loss numbers in 379 U.S. municipalities. The study divided the communities into three groups: large metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, and small towns.
Corvallis is the fourth different city in four years to earn top honors in the Farmers study. The leading communities in the three previous studies were: the Provo-Orem, Utah, area in 2004; the Richland-Kennewick-Pasco area of southeast Washington in 2005; and St. George, Utah, in 2006.
"The Farmers ‘Most Secure Places to Live’ survey tells a lot about families and local government today," says Ron Coble, senior vice president of legislation, regulation, and media relations for Farmers Insurance Group. "Whether you are single or have a large family, knowing that you are secure in your home and workplace takes a higher priority today than ever before."
Top-ranked Corvallis, whose population of 81,105 places it among the small towns, is nestled in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley and is home to Oregon State University. In 2006, Corvallis was honored as only the third U.S. city at that time to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's challenge to become a Green Power Community. Corvallis' low crime rate and negligible threats of extreme weather, environmental hazards, and terrorist threats led to its No. 1 ranking in the 2007 Farmers study.
The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area in northern California's Silicon Valley tops all large metropolitan areas – population of 500,000 or greater – scoring particularly well in the extreme weather and terrorist threats categories. The area is considered one of the leading research and development centers of the world; in 2005, San Jose and Sunnyvale ranked first and second in the number of utility patents filed in the United States.
Olympia, Wash., is the most secure mid-sized city – population between 150,000 and 500,000. The state capital has become a hub for artists and musicians. The extremely clean air and the long life expectancy of Olympia's residents aided its lofty ranking.
Here are the Farmers Insurance Group's Most Secure U.S. Places to Live for 2007:
Most Secure Places to Live - Large Metro Areas (500,000 or more residents)
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. Boise City-Nampa, Idaho Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, Md. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, Calif. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks- Ventura, Calif. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn. Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. New Haven-Milford, Conn. Lake County, Ill./Kenosha County, Wis. Honolulu, Hawaii Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine Cambridge-Newton-Framingham, Mass. Edison, N.J. Portland-Beaverton, Ore./Vancouver, Wash. Santa Ana-Anaheim, Calif. Madison, Wis. Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash. Rochester, N.Y. Syracuse, N.Y. Essex County, Mass. Most Secure Places to Live - Mid-Size Cities (150,000 - 500,000 residents)
Olympia, Wash. Rockingham County-Strafford County, N.H. San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif. Sioux Falls, S.D. Bellingham, Wash. Fargo, N.D. Naples-Marco Island, Fla. Las Cruces, N.M. Lancaster, Pa. Bremerton-Silverdale, Wash. Binghamton, N.Y. Lynchburg, Va. Burlington-South Burlington, Vt. Rochester, Minn. Santa Barbara-Santa Maria, Calif. Charlottesville, Va. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, Calif. Salinas, Calif. St. Cloud, Minn. Medford, Ore. Most Secure Places to Live - Small Towns (Fewer than 150,000 residents)
Corvallis, Ore. Harrisonburg, Va. Ithaca, N.Y. State College, Pa. Logan, Utah Lewiston, Idaho Bismarck, N.D. St. George, Utah Napa, Calif. Bend, Ore. Wenatchee, Wash. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Wash. Ames, Iowa Morgantown, W. Va. Wausau, Wis. Iowa City, Iowa Winchester, Va. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Glens Falls, N.Y. Grand Forks, N.D. Source: Farmers Group Inc.
That beautiful holy day on which we commemorate the birth of Christ is almost upon us. As it approaches I have been noticing several things that set this season apart from those of recent years. Here in Iowa, at least, we are so inundated with politics that many Christmas matters have been crowded aside. Commercial promotions, of course, are not among them. Retailers are pulling out all the stops to make the most of the season. On the other hand, I haven’t seen or heard a single one of the unpleasant put-downs of group Christmas letters that have been so plentiful the last few years. They have been crowded out by all of the political blurbs, which may be the only good thing to be said about the latter. You may remember my defense of those messages a year ago. Well, they are again starting to arrive in my mailbox and I am thoroughly enjoying every single one of them.
Hopefully we are all trying hard to keep Christ in Christmas. Last year’s advice of a well-known TV minister is worth repeating. At that time he told us that a good starting point was to choose our Yuletide Cards with a Christ-centered theme. After all, it is His birthday. Wryly, he suggested that if it were your birthday and your name was Charlie you wouldn’t appreciate getting a card addressed to Joe. You see the point –- so many of what should be Christ’s birthday cards speak to Santa or Rudolph or whomever.
If you are physically able, do try to celebrate Sabbath and Advent Services in His house. If you have children or grand-children around, it’s particularly important to schedule your shopping for some time other than Sunday so it doesn’t interfere with church attendance. Setting a good example by having your own priorities in order, is the best way to teach them.
I am planning to travel to be with family for Christmas, so I’m trusting that all will go well. I request a wheel chair anymore so that eases the stress in making airport connections. We planned things so I would be back in plenty of time to go to my caucus of choice. However, when I realized that attending the caucus will mean a trip out of town at night, I began losing a bit of my enthusiasm. Much as I would love to participate, it may not work out. Still, that doesn’t keep me from urging all of you, who are able, to take part in this golden opportunity to influence the selection of our next president.
Now, you see how easy it is. In spite of my best intentions to stay focused on Christmas I have segued into political action. Enough is enough ! I will stop right now and extend to all of you my Best Wishes for a Merry, Christ-Centered, Christmas and a Blessed New Year !
I sent that last post without mentioning that it is Margaret Dorr's Gray Matters column.
How about some apolitical comments on what it's like in Iowanna-caucus-land in these waning hours before the big night for those of us who haven't seen ANY candidates up close and personal yet (and probably won't).
Hi everyone ! I was on here before talking to Margaret and Phillip Dorr about my mom, Jean Fetsch (Alesch). I think you may remember I have three brothers, Steve, Stuart, and Shawn. I also shared Christmas with my cousin Tim, which is my Aunt Jan's oldest. He keeps in touch with some of my Uncle Jim's kids. Anyway, I brought it up that I had talked to you on this site and Steve and Tim remembered you clearly !! It was so much fun. I hadn't seen Tim in years but he just moved back to Indiana about 20 minutes from us.It will be a great summer. I'm glad everyone here keeps in touch. My mom likes me to tell her about what's said here. Thanks everyone
It would be awesome if the Indiana "ALESCH" gang could come out for the Marcus Fair this year and we could all catch up with one another! The 2nd FULL weekend of August is when the fair is held every year. BTW, where do you guys all live in Indiana? I get to Indy on business once in a while and it would be fun to cross paths if you guys are in that area! Phil Dorr
Anybody want to share a story about their coldest every MARCUS winter? It has been stupid cold in Chicago for about 10 days and I am more than ready for SPRING!
MEANT "EVER" and not "EVERY".....my mom is gonna kill me for not checking my writing over before being submitted!
That makes me think of my 7th and 8th grade English teacher....I believe her name was Mrs. Drogmiller or such. Does anyone have any information re her and her family history as to kids and such? She was pretty hard core but then again WE ALL loved it when Donna Dorr substituted. She added a breath of fresh air to our English class life. Thankfully!!!!
BTW, did anybody see the highlights of my "BAYLOR'S" 5 O.T. win agaisnt the AGGIES of Texas A&M in Big 12 Men's Basketball. Amazing and I know Mike Knudsen "LOCAL BARBER" is mad at me as we beat Iowa State a weeks prior to this.
Sandy Alesch......our new head coach for the men's program at Baylor is an Indiana boy and a good Lutheran boy from Valopraiso University at that!
I want to congratulate the communities of Marcus, Meriden, and Cleghorn and the teachers and students in its school system for being named to U.S. News & World Report's Best Schools list in the bronze category. Someone will always pooh-pooh this type of assessment, this kind of listing, the scoring. However, it makes a statement about srural schools and what it takes to keep quality education at the center of pedagogy at all costs. You should be commended for your long-standing reputation -- especially in a day and age where education continues to take a back seat socially, politically, and economically. Check out the results at www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/
SPRING IN IOWA I was reminded by Fred Dorr’s comments that it’s hard to think of spring in the midst of what is probably 20 degree weather back in our state between the rivers. But an article in the Iowan magazine about the landscape artist Fred Easker, got me anticipating the coming event. His paintings of the land around Cedar Rapids don’t depict much out of the ordinary for those of us in—and of—our beloved state. There’s one of a pasture next to a meandering brook. There’s another of a curve in a country road and still another of a plowed hillside in the spring. Pretty common sights. But they have a familiarity that is probably uncommon. For we often take for granted the things that are closest, the things that surround us. When I was a boy in the 30’s in Marcus, the long, cold, winters made me long for the coming season. Snowball fights had their place and sledding was o.k. But the hassle of bundling up over the long underwear and buckling up the big rubber overshoes was a drag. And getting the cold stuff on your wrists and the wet stuff off later was a chore. Not as much as the hard work of chores that my buddies had to do in the frosty late afternoons or early mornings on the farm. I had it easy. I was a town kid. Sure, the winter had its charm. Snow, drifting and blowing across the silent fields had a certain beauty. But the peacefulness of the landscape harbored an energy that would only be realized with the coming of spring and the planting of next year’s crop. I always thought that people were infinitely more interesting than nature. You had to have someone in the photo of Niagara Falls to assure the viewer that in a way “Kilroy Was Here”. I didn’t realize until recently an appreciation of just the beauty and subtle textures of the land. Of Iowa and its black earth. My wife and I were driving from Marcus to Sheldon on a late afternoon in the late spring. The corn was just coming along and the sun was setting in a red hue over the recently planted, coal-dark fields. It was a spring sight so beautiful that I had to stop the car. It took this townie back to a childhood of sailing little homemade boats in the melting gutters of the streets. And the sound of a robin and the budding of the trees. Back to spring and nature and all its promises. If you too would like to be reminded of what’s coming soon and the changing hues and moods of your surroundings—or just renew some nature memories of our little corner of the world --log on to “Iowa Artists” and Fred Easker. You will be rewarded.
Hi Philip and Fred Dorr! Sorry--I was responding to Phil's comment about winter--and spring. As my brother once wrote in his column in the "Marcus New", people get confused sometimes, because in Marcus, there are more doors than windows. My bad! ARRGH! Bob Reed
This time of year always makes me think of Jerry Martin and Keith Benton and their GREAT Marcus Girls basketball teams. Who was the best Marcus girl basketball player of that era and who was the best of all time to come out of Marcus? That era had Marcia Steffen and Jane Bird for starters but then Debbie Bork wasn't tooooo bad either on the court if memory serves me correctly.
All time great list would have to include the Schmillen girl and of course the Dreckman girl was probably the best ever but then again Jane and Marcia would possibly have something to say about that.
There was some amazing women's basketball in Marcus under Jerry Martin and Keith Benton!
THOTS?
BTW, still curious regarding Mrs. Drogmiller (SP) and what ever became of her and did she have family? She was an interesting teacher!
I guess the court system will take care of that ... sad and painful for all if it's true. But it shouldn't color the school district or the student body or the work done or the honor received.
julie, oh yes it could taint the leadership but no one wanted to act on it when they first heard of the accusations a few years ago. You are a teacher correct? If so remember kids don't lie about this kind of stuff and it was all over town. Remember the dirtball music instructor from the early 70's. A parent in the community got that guy out of town in less than 12 hours and didn't wait for the SYSTEM to do their job.
Great Iowa education system just let him teach for 10 or so more years in another part of the state. Where were the educators then to see that that guy never taught or was around kids ever again? That is the real tragedy.
Okay, I have several things to comment on in this entry.
Congratulations to MMC for being among the best school districts in the United States! I'm proud to say I began my career at Marcus, and graduated in the Class of '74. Go Eagles!
Winter memories - I have several, but I'm only going to list one here right now, because it goes to show yet again how wonderful it was (and still is) to live in Marcus, and to claim Marcus as my home. My oldest sister, Judy, was married to Bill Kirchoff, who was killed in Viet Nam.
When his body was brought back for the funeral, Marcus saw one of the worst blizzards in history. All of the streets were blocked, there was no electricity, and we had a two-week-old baby in the house (my brother, Terry's, daughter).
The City plowed out the street to our house and our entire circular driveway, and made sure there was electricity at our house in record time. They also made sure there was plenty of parking, and then got to work plowing the way to the funeral home, the church and the cemetary - the one out in the country, which was drifted shut so badly they would normally have left it for a few days.
The town became one big family, rallied around us and helped keep us strong and allowed us to grieve, but also let us know that we weren't alone in our grief. From the people who came to baby-sit, to those who washed dishes, brought food, helped with laundry, drove family members to and from the funeral - whatever needed to be done, it was just done. No questions asked, nothing asked for in return.
Marcus is a humble place, and humbling at the same time. There is quiet pride, joy and beauty. There is love, compassion and kindness. Yes, hurtful things happen, but people rally around and make it better, even if they can't make it right.
Thank you, Marcus, from the bottom of my heart, for being a place where I feel comforted and welcomed and loved, and for being the place I still call "home", even after all these years.
Okay, enough of the sappiness! ;>
The last couple of entries on this post comment on a couple of teachers - one current, one from back in the '70s. Bring me up-to-date on the current situation (I don't get the paper anymore; my bad; I need to renew my subscription), and remind me who the perp was back in the '70s, if anyone feels comfortable stating names. (You can always sign in as "anonymous", like everybody else does.)
In the meantime, all the best to all of you for a Happy, Prosperous, Fun-Filled, Adventurous and Joyous New Year!
After a lengthy investigation, it was determined that Brian M. Williams 30, Le Mars, a school teacher and coach in the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn School District, has allegedly been having inappropriate contact with a female high school student. As a result of the investigation, the Marcus Police Department arrested Williams on Dec. 10, and charged him with Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, a Class D felony. The Marcus Police Department was assisted by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. Williams was jailed.
Thank you Phil Dorr for the kind words about our bb ability! Your comment sent me on a trip down memory lane and then to my yearbooks and scrapbook of those years. Don't forget Pat Hirschman who was the third starting foward on our great team of 69-70. She was deadly from the free throw line. The guard court on that 23-5 team was Teresa Brady, Marlene Waller and Barb McIntosh. We played a lot of games that year, but there is one that stands out for me. We were playing Hinton at Hinton to decide which team would stay atop the conference standings as we were both undefeated. Our post guard fouled out and Hinton had some tall girls. Coach Martin switched me back to the guard court, where I had played as a freshman and a sophomore. His final words to me were, "DON'T SHOOT THE BALL!" We won by one point.
Our 68-69 season was a rebuilding year, but we stayed above 500. Most memorable about that season was the bad weather. We had games canceled and rescheduled many times, some of them never played. The boys and girls teams often practiced together to have enough players to practice. Most of the country kids were too snowed in to get to town. And the gym roof leaked, so we had to practice around the buckets! Thanks for sending me down that memory lane. I'd love to do it all over again! Marcia Steffen Pavey
I watched from the sidelines but there was lots of good basketball players in early 70s too: Rhonda Hanson, Ruth Willems, Laurie Hoefling, Kathy Knudson, Becky Schmillen, Jolene Powell. I can remember the gym packed to the rafters and the thunder of the cheering could be heard blocks away. Watching them play in Sioux City was always fun too.
My brother Mike was on the boys' team that went to state ... and my one disappointment was that I had moved away by then and didn't get a chance to see them play in Des Moines.
Hallelujah! Great to see the Blogspot going great guns. Thanks to Bob for never losing faith. It's such a good idea it would have been a tragedy to let it lapse! We're in a bit of a deep freeze her in Marcus right now, but you know how tough we are. Like the Blog, we'll survive ! Margaret Dorr
U know if you had married a PEAVEY everyone would have remembered how to spell your married name! There might have been good basketball before your time, during my time, and even after my time but your group of ladies were the ones that I remember as a little rug rat watching from the bleachers and you GALS were pretty "VERY" talented. I forgot about the guard court on that 23-5 team and it should go without saying Teresa Brady had some talent as most of that family did!I comletely forgot about Pat Hirschman but I will always have Jane Bird and you right at the top as the All-Time greats of Marcus high school women basketball players along with the Schmillen Girl and of course Ms. Dreckmann.
BTW, did you gals practice in the old Holy Name Gym? It was fun as a kid growing up next to the gym having all of the activity over there in the glow of the cold-winter Marcus nights reassuring me that I would get to watch some GREAT basketball on Tuesday night or the upcoming Friday night.
LAST THOT......re the men's basketball teams......Rocky Bork and Craig Strub could sure stroke it and man they were fun to watch play. They were to men's high school basketball that Gary Sanow was to Marcus High track........gifted athletes in their day!
Phil: I don't recall ever practicing basketball at the Holy Name gym. Did go to some dances there from time to time. I do have great memories of practicing in the gym in the oldest building. We traded off with the boys every other week. One week in the high school gym for practice, the next week in the older gym. At the time I didn't realize what a luxury that was. The community we live in only had one gym that was useable for bb practice when my kids were in school. So boys and girls teams had to alternate between early and late practice. One at 3:30 and one at 5:30. Meal time was interesting when we had a child playing on each team. And the middle school kids practiced at 7 am. My folks said there was a huge water disaster in the MMC gym over the holidays. That would be hard to deal with in the middle of the season. Marcia Steffen Pavey
Hurray! Marcus now has 2 places for visitors to stay! Yogi & Margaret Rohwer have the Cozy Cottage and Jerry & Barb Martin have the Martin House. I think it's wonderful that locals take the opportunity to make guests feel welcome and at home!
Pass it on to those who may need a place to stay when visiting Marcus!
Each Dorr that has contributed to this blog has submitted intelligent, interesting comments that have contributed to my interests and knowledge. Keep it up Dorrs.
The Cozy Cottage is great. I've had friends use it during hunting season and Yogi and Margaret are absolutely great host. It's a very very nice place to stay.
Haven't had the chance to use the Martin house but knowing Jerry and Barb I bet it's wonderful too.
Two items of interest to some of us that I learned recently. George Meylor of Seal Beach, Ca who was in the Class of 1944 has informed me that he has beginner's alzheimers disease. George is as bright and alert as always but said he had fallen twice and that is one of the first symptoms. He still has his classic sense of humor and kindness.
Word was received of the death of Frank Hogan, husband of Rosemary Nacke Hogan. This occured last summer. I have no details. They lived in Hacienda Heights, Ca.
Haven't been on the board in quite some time. Reading about high school hoops and the cold weather, I thought I better give a brief update. Weather has been nice this week, in the mid-to-upper 70's in Phoenix, unfortunatley I spend most of my time in my office indoors. Regarding HS basketball, I wrote about a year ago about my daughter Kaitlin. She is a sophomore this year and starts at guard for Mountain View High School in Mesa. The team is ranked No. 1 in the power rankings in Class 5A (largest class in AZ)and begins region play this week and state playoffs next week. Last year the team went 31-3 and lost in the state championship game. As a proud father, I had to brag a bit :)
I'm off to New York today, where tomorrow the Harlem Globetrotters will retired the No. 22 jersey of Curly Neal at Madison Square Garden.
Is Curly Neal a Chicago guy and if not who is the Globetrotter that is from Chicago? About 5'10" or so and probably plays the point for you guys? Also, you guys now have a former Baylor Bear playing for you if memory serves me correctly....refresh my memory as to who he is? I saw on a Baylor chat board the fans talking him up....when you see him just tell him a fellow BEAR from Marcus, IA says, "Sic 'Em Bears."
Re the guy from Chicago I use to play ball with him quite often in his off season at the East Bank Club downtown Chicago.....very good guy and fun to watch him work out........he could do magic with the ROCK! Phil Dorr
I think you are thinking of Curly "Boo" Johnson who originally hails from Peoria and now lives in Chicago. He went to college at Loras. "Boo" retired after 17 seasons last year. Curly Neal is the bald-headed dribbler who played with Meadowlark Lemon and was featured in the 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series. The Baylor player you are thinking of is Aundre Branch.
I recently heard it rumored that some local women were starting a Garden Club. Just a short while before that I had been bemoaning the fact that such delightful organizations seemed to be things of the past. Happily, as I followed up on the rumor, I found it to be a fact. Under the leadership of Julie Sand, Diane Klassen, and others, this group has been formed. Diane, by the way, is the daughter of Hazel Rupp, a long-time member of that great Marcus Garden Club of the past. In my mind that’s great evidence that the green-thumb gene is passed along in one’s DNA. Don’t you agree?
I hope to follow the progress of this enthusiastic group and report on it periodically. Of course, there are men in all of our communities who are also remarkable gardeners. One such fellow has agreed to share some of his observations with us when spring nears.
Meanwhile, remembering that earlier Marcus Garden Club of which I believe Hazel Rupp, Imelda Roethler and Dorothy Petersen may be the only surviving members, I find myself singling out Rose Lage and Dora Shefstad as two of the great gardeners many of us fondly recall.
Save for a tiny front lawn, Wilbur and Dora Shefstad’s entire lot was devoted to an amazing variety of splendid flowers. She grew roses that seemed to stretch out over a longer season than anyone else’s, in those long-ago pre-hybrid days. It was then, too, that none of the glorious perfume had been bred out of them. I also remember tall stalks of fragrant waxy tuberoses nearby and, in the fall, many glorious asters, my favorite late-bloomers, as well as a striking bed of flaming orange diabolo cosmos.
Like all great gardeners, Dora was generous in sharing her treasures. A few years ago I was forced, by stiffening fingers and reluctant knees, to turn my flower beds back to sod and low-maintenance landscaping. The only plants I kept were my lovely coral bells, all of which had come from a single root that she had given me long ago.
Rose Lage, and husband, Herman, ran Lage’s Café, that time-honored eatery and gathering place of which everyone in Marcus, over a certain age, has a favorite story to tell. I’m not sure when she found time for all the nurturing and cultivating during those busy years. But later, when she was in her mid-eighties, long after they had retired and Herman had passed away, she was still actively maintaining her big beautiful garden. In addition to raising a wide variety of gorgeous blooms, she would cut and arrange them in containers from her extensive collection. Can anyone count the number of bridal or baby showers, receptions and other such occasions that were graced by her artistic offerings? She was as generous as Dora in sharing roots and cuttings, and any and all of her “tricks of the trade.”
I often thought the secret of Rose’s mastery lay in her belief in these beautiful words etched in a small stone plaque at the edge of her yard:
“The kiss of the sun for pardon The song of the birds for mirth One is nearer God’s heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth."
Thought this might spark some discussion since many of you are familiar with these various cities... any reactions (positive/negative) to the lists?
ReplyDeleteFourth Annual Farmers Insurance Study Ranks Most Secure U.S. Places to Live
Health, prosperity, safety, and security are all desirable aspects when it comes to seeking a place to live, work, or raise a family. According to the fourth annual “Most Secure U.S. Places to Live” rankings from Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, the city that best meets those qualifications is Corvallis, Ore.
The rankings, compiled by database experts at www.bestplaces.net, took into consideration crime statistics, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, environmental hazards, terrorism threats, air quality, life expectancy, and job loss numbers in 379 U.S. municipalities. The study divided the communities into three groups: large metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, and small towns.
Corvallis is the fourth different city in four years to earn top honors in the Farmers study. The leading communities in the three previous studies were: the Provo-Orem, Utah, area in 2004; the Richland-Kennewick-Pasco area of southeast Washington in 2005; and St. George, Utah, in 2006.
"The Farmers ‘Most Secure Places to Live’ survey tells a lot about families and local government today," says Ron Coble, senior vice president of legislation, regulation, and media relations for Farmers Insurance Group. "Whether you are single or have a large family, knowing that you are secure in your home and workplace takes a higher priority today than ever before."
Top-ranked Corvallis, whose population of 81,105 places it among the small towns, is nestled in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley and is home to Oregon State University. In 2006, Corvallis was honored as only the third U.S. city at that time to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's challenge to become a Green Power Community. Corvallis' low crime rate and negligible threats of extreme weather, environmental hazards, and terrorist threats led to its No. 1 ranking in the 2007 Farmers study.
The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area in northern California's Silicon Valley tops all large metropolitan areas – population of 500,000 or greater – scoring particularly well in the extreme weather and terrorist threats categories. The area is considered one of the leading research and development centers of the world; in 2005, San Jose and Sunnyvale ranked first and second in the number of utility patents filed in the United States.
Olympia, Wash., is the most secure mid-sized city – population between 150,000 and 500,000. The state capital has become a hub for artists and musicians. The extremely clean air and the long life expectancy of Olympia's residents aided its lofty ranking.
Here are the Farmers Insurance Group's Most Secure U.S. Places to Live for 2007:
Most Secure Places to Live - Large Metro Areas (500,000 or more residents)
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.
Boise City-Nampa, Idaho
Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, Md.
San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, Calif.
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks- Ventura, Calif.
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn.
Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y.
New Haven-Milford, Conn.
Lake County, Ill./Kenosha County, Wis.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine
Cambridge-Newton-Framingham, Mass.
Edison, N.J.
Portland-Beaverton, Ore./Vancouver, Wash.
Santa Ana-Anaheim, Calif.
Madison, Wis.
Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash.
Rochester, N.Y.
Syracuse, N.Y.
Essex County, Mass.
Most Secure Places to Live - Mid-Size Cities (150,000 - 500,000 residents)
Olympia, Wash.
Rockingham County-Strafford County, N.H.
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif.
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Bellingham, Wash.
Fargo, N.D.
Naples-Marco Island, Fla.
Las Cruces, N.M.
Lancaster, Pa.
Bremerton-Silverdale, Wash.
Binghamton, N.Y.
Lynchburg, Va.
Burlington-South Burlington, Vt.
Rochester, Minn.
Santa Barbara-Santa Maria, Calif.
Charlottesville, Va.
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, Calif.
Salinas, Calif.
St. Cloud, Minn.
Medford, Ore.
Most Secure Places to Live - Small Towns (Fewer than 150,000 residents)
Corvallis, Ore.
Harrisonburg, Va.
Ithaca, N.Y.
State College, Pa.
Logan, Utah
Lewiston, Idaho
Bismarck, N.D.
St. George, Utah
Napa, Calif.
Bend, Ore.
Wenatchee, Wash.
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Wash.
Ames, Iowa
Morgantown, W. Va.
Wausau, Wis.
Iowa City, Iowa
Winchester, Va.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Glens Falls, N.Y.
Grand Forks, N.D.
Source: Farmers Group Inc.
Merry Christmas !
ReplyDeleteThat beautiful holy day on which we commemorate the birth of Christ is almost upon us. As it approaches I have been noticing several things that set this season apart from those of recent years. Here in Iowa, at least, we are so inundated with politics that many Christmas matters have been crowded aside. Commercial promotions, of course, are not among them. Retailers are pulling out all the stops to make the most of the season. On the other hand, I haven’t seen or heard a single one of the unpleasant put-downs of group Christmas letters that have been so plentiful the last few years. They have been crowded out by all of the political blurbs, which may be the only good thing to be said about the latter. You may remember my defense of those messages a year ago. Well, they are again starting to arrive in my mailbox and I am thoroughly enjoying every single one of them.
Hopefully we are all trying hard to keep Christ in Christmas. Last year’s advice of a well-known TV minister is worth repeating. At that time he told us that a good starting point was to choose our Yuletide Cards with a Christ-centered theme. After all, it is His birthday. Wryly, he suggested that if it were your birthday and your name was Charlie you wouldn’t appreciate getting a card addressed to Joe. You see the point –- so many of what should be Christ’s birthday cards speak to Santa or Rudolph or whomever.
If you are physically able, do try to celebrate Sabbath and Advent Services in His house. If you have children or grand-children around, it’s particularly important to schedule your shopping for some time other than Sunday so it doesn’t interfere with church attendance. Setting a good example by having your own priorities in order, is the best way to teach them.
I am planning to travel to be with family for Christmas, so I’m trusting that all will go well. I request a wheel chair anymore so that eases the stress in making airport connections. We planned things so I would be back in plenty of time to go to my caucus of choice. However, when I realized that attending the caucus will mean a trip out of town at night, I began losing a bit of my enthusiasm. Much as I would love to participate, it may not work out. Still, that doesn’t keep me from urging all of you, who are able, to take part in this golden opportunity to influence the selection of our next president.
Now, you see how easy it is. In spite of my best intentions to stay focused on Christmas I have segued into political action. Enough is enough ! I will stop right now and extend to all of you my Best Wishes for a Merry, Christ-Centered, Christmas and a Blessed New Year !
I sent that last post without mentioning that it is Margaret Dorr's Gray Matters column.
ReplyDeleteHow about some apolitical comments on what it's like in Iowanna-caucus-land in these waning hours before the big night for those of us who haven't seen ANY candidates up close and personal yet (and probably won't).
Interesting article on the Midwest from this past Sunday's (Jan. 6th, 2008)Chicago Tribune.
ReplyDeleteCan the Midwest regain its economic clout?
KDorr
Hi everyone ! I was on here before talking to Margaret and Phillip Dorr about my mom, Jean Fetsch (Alesch). I think you may remember I have three brothers, Steve, Stuart, and Shawn. I also shared Christmas with my cousin Tim, which is my Aunt Jan's oldest. He keeps in touch with some of my Uncle Jim's kids. Anyway, I brought it up that I had talked to you on this site and Steve and Tim remembered you clearly !! It was so much fun. I hadn't seen Tim in years but he just moved back to Indiana about 20 minutes from us.It will be a great summer. I'm glad everyone here keeps in touch. My mom likes me to tell her about what's said here. Thanks everyone
ReplyDeleteSandy:
ReplyDeleteIt would be awesome if the Indiana "ALESCH" gang could come out for the Marcus Fair this year and we could all catch up with one another! The 2nd FULL weekend of August is when the fair is held every year.
BTW, where do you guys all live in Indiana? I get to Indy on business once in a while and it would be fun to cross paths if you guys are in that area!
Phil Dorr
Anybody want to share a story about their coldest every MARCUS winter? It has been stupid cold in Chicago for about 10 days and I am more than ready for SPRING!
ReplyDeleteMEANT "EVER" and not "EVERY".....my mom is gonna kill me for not checking my writing over before being submitted!
ReplyDeleteThat makes me think of my 7th and 8th grade English teacher....I believe her name was Mrs. Drogmiller or such. Does anyone have any information re her and her family history as to kids and such? She was pretty hard core but then again WE ALL loved it when Donna Dorr substituted. She added a breath of fresh air to our English class life. Thankfully!!!!
Phil Dorr
Should have stayed with EVERY....my bad...:)
ReplyDeletePhil
BTW, did anybody see the highlights of my "BAYLOR'S" 5 O.T. win agaisnt the AGGIES of Texas A&M in Big 12 Men's Basketball. Amazing and I know Mike Knudsen "LOCAL BARBER" is mad at me as we beat Iowa State a weeks prior to this.
Sandy Alesch......our new head coach for the men's program at Baylor is an Indiana boy and a good Lutheran boy from Valopraiso University at that!
I want to congratulate the communities of Marcus, Meriden, and Cleghorn and the teachers and students in its school system for being named to U.S. News & World Report's Best Schools list in the bronze category. Someone will always pooh-pooh this type of assessment, this kind of listing, the scoring. However, it makes a statement about srural schools and what it takes to keep quality education at the center of pedagogy at all costs. You should be commended for your long-standing reputation -- especially in a day and age where education continues to take a back seat socially, politically, and economically.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the results at www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/
SPRING IN IOWA
ReplyDeleteI was reminded by Fred Dorr’s comments that it’s hard to think of spring in the midst of what is probably 20 degree weather back in our state between the rivers. But an article in the Iowan magazine about the landscape artist Fred Easker, got me anticipating the coming event.
His paintings of the land around Cedar Rapids don’t depict much out of the ordinary for those of us in—and of—our beloved state. There’s one of a pasture next to a meandering brook. There’s another of a curve in a country road and still another of a plowed hillside in the spring.
Pretty common sights. But they have a familiarity that is probably uncommon.
For we often take for granted the things that are closest, the things that surround us.
When I was a boy in the 30’s in Marcus, the long, cold, winters made me long for the coming season. Snowball fights had their place and sledding was o.k. But the hassle of bundling up over the long underwear and buckling up the big rubber overshoes was a drag. And getting the cold stuff on your wrists and the wet stuff off later was a chore.
Not as much as the hard work of chores that my buddies had to do in the frosty late afternoons or early mornings on the farm. I had it easy. I was a town kid.
Sure, the winter had its charm. Snow, drifting and blowing across the silent fields had a certain beauty. But the peacefulness of the landscape harbored an energy that would only be realized with the coming of spring and the planting of next year’s crop.
I always thought that people were infinitely more interesting than nature. You had to have someone in the photo of Niagara Falls to assure the viewer that in a way “Kilroy Was Here”.
I didn’t realize until recently an appreciation of just the beauty and subtle textures of the land. Of Iowa and its black earth.
My wife and I were driving from Marcus to Sheldon on a late afternoon in the late spring. The corn was just coming along and the sun was setting in a red hue over the recently planted, coal-dark fields. It was a spring sight so beautiful that I had to stop the car.
It took this townie back to a childhood of sailing little homemade boats in the melting gutters of the streets. And the sound of a robin and the budding of the trees. Back to spring and nature and all its promises.
If you too would like to be reminded of what’s coming soon and the changing hues and moods of your surroundings—or just renew some nature memories of our little corner of the world --log on to “Iowa Artists” and Fred Easker. You will be rewarded.
Bob Reed
Hi Philip and Fred Dorr!
ReplyDeleteSorry--I was responding to Phil's comment about winter--and spring. As my brother once wrote in his column in the "Marcus New", people get confused sometimes, because in Marcus, there are more doors than windows. My bad! ARRGH!
Bob Reed
This time of year always makes me think of Jerry Martin and Keith Benton and their GREAT Marcus Girls basketball teams. Who was the best Marcus girl basketball player of that era and who was the best of all time to come out of Marcus?
ReplyDeleteThat era had Marcia Steffen and Jane Bird for starters but then Debbie Bork wasn't tooooo bad either on the court if memory serves me correctly.
All time great list would have to include the Schmillen girl and of course the Dreckman girl was probably the best ever but then again Jane and Marcia would possibly have something to say about that.
There was some amazing women's basketball in Marcus under Jerry Martin and Keith Benton!
THOTS?
BTW, still curious regarding Mrs. Drogmiller (SP) and what ever became of her and did she have family? She was an interesting teacher!
Phil Dorr
Interesting on that MMC school award.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that was before or after that teacher was arrested for sexual exploitation of a student.
Any more word on that? I heard abit about it in Dec but haven't heard anything yet on trial or anything.
I guess the court system will take care of that ... sad and painful for all if it's true. But it shouldn't color the school district or the student body or the work done or the honor received.
ReplyDeletejulie, oh yes it could taint the leadership but no one wanted to act on it when they first heard of the accusations a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteYou are a teacher correct? If so remember kids don't lie about this kind of stuff and it was all over town. Remember the dirtball music instructor from the early 70's. A parent in the community got that guy out of town in less than 12 hours and didn't wait for the SYSTEM to do their job.
Great Iowa education system just let him teach for 10 or so more years in another part of the state. Where were the educators then to see that that guy never taught or was around kids ever again? That is the real tragedy.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I have several things to comment on in this entry.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to MMC for being among the best school districts in the United States! I'm proud to say I began my career at Marcus, and graduated in the Class of '74. Go Eagles!
Winter memories - I have several, but I'm only going to list one here right now, because it goes to show yet again how wonderful it was (and still is) to live in Marcus, and to claim Marcus as my home. My oldest sister, Judy, was married to Bill Kirchoff, who was killed in Viet Nam.
When his body was brought back for the funeral, Marcus saw one of the worst blizzards in history. All of the streets were blocked, there was no electricity, and we had a two-week-old baby in the house (my brother, Terry's, daughter).
The City plowed out the street to our house and our entire circular driveway, and made sure there was electricity at our house in record time. They also made sure there was plenty of parking, and then got to work plowing the way to the funeral home, the church and the cemetary - the one out in the country, which was drifted shut so badly they would normally have left it for a few days.
The town became one big family, rallied around us and helped keep us strong and allowed us to grieve, but also let us know that we weren't alone in our grief. From the people who came to baby-sit, to those who washed dishes, brought food, helped with laundry, drove family members to and from the funeral - whatever needed to be done, it was just done. No questions asked, nothing asked for in return.
Marcus is a humble place, and humbling at the same time. There is quiet pride, joy and beauty. There is love, compassion and kindness. Yes, hurtful things happen, but people rally around and make it better, even if they can't make it right.
Thank you, Marcus, from the bottom of my heart, for being a place where I feel comforted and welcomed and loved, and for being the place I still call "home", even after all these years.
Okay, enough of the sappiness! ;>
The last couple of entries on this post comment on a couple of teachers - one current, one from back in the '70s. Bring me up-to-date on the current situation (I don't get the paper anymore; my bad; I need to renew my subscription), and remind me who the perp was back in the '70s, if anyone feels comfortable stating names. (You can always sign in as "anonymous", like everybody else does.)
In the meantime, all the best to all of you for a Happy, Prosperous, Fun-Filled, Adventurous and Joyous New Year!
Beverly
If you sign on as "Anonymous," PLEASE sign your comment! It's the right thing to do. Max Reed
ReplyDeleteCherokee Chronicle
ReplyDeleteMMC teacher arrested
Monday, December 17, 2007
After a lengthy investigation, it was determined that Brian M. Williams 30, Le Mars, a school teacher and coach in the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn School District, has allegedly been having inappropriate contact with a female high school student.
As a result of the investigation, the Marcus Police Department arrested Williams on Dec. 10, and charged him with Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, a Class D felony. The Marcus Police Department was assisted by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. Williams was jailed.
Thank you Phil Dorr for the kind words about our bb ability! Your comment sent me on a trip down memory lane and then to my yearbooks and scrapbook of those years. Don't forget Pat Hirschman who was the third starting foward on our great team of 69-70. She was deadly from the free throw line. The guard court on that 23-5 team was Teresa Brady, Marlene Waller and Barb McIntosh. We played a lot of games that year, but there is one that stands out for me. We were playing Hinton at Hinton to decide which team would stay atop the conference standings as we were both undefeated. Our post guard fouled out and Hinton had some tall girls. Coach Martin switched me back to the guard court, where I had played as a freshman and a sophomore. His final words to me were, "DON'T SHOOT THE BALL!" We won by one point.
ReplyDeleteOur 68-69 season was a rebuilding year, but we stayed above 500. Most memorable about that season was the bad weather. We had games canceled and rescheduled many times, some of them never played. The boys and girls teams often practiced together to have enough players to practice. Most of the country kids were too snowed in to get to town. And the gym roof leaked, so we had to practice around the buckets! Thanks for sending me down that memory lane. I'd love to do it all over again! Marcia Steffen Pavey
I watched from the sidelines but there was lots of good basketball players in early 70s too: Rhonda Hanson, Ruth Willems, Laurie Hoefling, Kathy Knudson, Becky Schmillen, Jolene Powell. I can remember the gym packed to the rafters and the thunder of the cheering could be heard blocks away. Watching them play in Sioux City was always fun too.
ReplyDeleteMy brother Mike was on the boys' team that went to state ... and my one disappointment was that I had moved away by then and didn't get a chance to see them play in Des Moines.
A loyal fan ...
Hallelujah! Great to see the Blogspot going great guns. Thanks to Bob for never losing faith. It's such a good idea it would have been a tragedy to let it lapse! We're in a bit of a deep freeze her in Marcus right now, but you know how tough we are. Like the Blog, we'll survive !
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dorr
Marcia Pavey:
ReplyDeleteU know if you had married a PEAVEY everyone would have remembered how to spell your married name!
There might have been good basketball before your time, during my time, and even after my time but your group of ladies were the ones that I remember as a little rug rat watching from the bleachers and you GALS were pretty "VERY" talented. I forgot about the guard court on that 23-5 team and it should go without saying Teresa Brady had some talent as most of that family did!I comletely forgot about Pat Hirschman but I will always have Jane Bird and you right at the top as the All-Time greats of Marcus high school women basketball players along with the Schmillen Girl and of course Ms. Dreckmann.
BTW, did you gals practice in the old Holy Name Gym? It was fun as a kid growing up next to the gym having all of the activity over there in the glow of the cold-winter Marcus nights reassuring me that I would get to watch some GREAT basketball on Tuesday night or the upcoming Friday night.
LAST THOT......re the men's basketball teams......Rocky Bork and Craig Strub could sure stroke it and man they were fun to watch play. They were to men's high school basketball that Gary Sanow was to Marcus High track........gifted athletes in their day!
Phil Dorr
Phil: I don't recall ever practicing basketball at the Holy Name gym. Did go to some dances there from time to time. I do have great memories of practicing in the gym in the oldest building. We traded off with the boys every other week. One week in the high school gym for practice, the next week in the older gym. At the time I didn't realize what a luxury that was. The community we live in only had one gym that was useable for bb practice when my kids were in school. So boys and girls teams had to alternate between early and late practice. One at 3:30 and one at 5:30. Meal time was interesting when we had a child playing on each team. And the middle school kids practiced at 7 am. My folks said there was a huge water disaster in the MMC gym over the holidays. That would be hard to deal with in the middle of the season.
ReplyDeleteMarcia Steffen Pavey
I'm sure they don't all ring true, but some are hilarious ... yes an old neighbor from Marcus forwarded this to me (see the last entry)
ReplyDeleteYOU GREW UP IN RURAL IOWA IF……
You know how to polka but never tried it sober....
You know what knee-high by the Fourth of July means.
You know it is traditional for the bride and groom
to go bar hopping between the wedding and the reception.
You know the difference between 'Green' and 'Red'
farm machinery, and would fight with your friends on the
playground over which was better!
You buy Christmas presents at Farm & Fleet or Tractor Supply.
You spent more on beer and liquor than you did on food at your
wedding.
You have ever tried to get your city cousins to pee on the electric
fence.
You or someone you know was a 'Bean/Sugar Queen' at the county
fair.
You know that 'combine' is a noun.
You let your older siblings talk you into putting your
tongue on a steel post in the middle of winter.
You think Lutheran and Catholic are THE major religions.
You know that 'creek' rhymes with 'pick'.
Football schedules, hunting season and harvest are all taken into
consideration before wedding dates are set.
A Friday night date is getting a six-pack and taking your
girl friend shining for deer.
There was at least one kid in your class who had to help
milk cows in the morning... phew.
You have driven your car on a lake.
You can make sense of 'upnort' and 'batree'.
At every wedding reception you have ever been to the hokey pokey and
the chicken dance have been played.
Your definition of a small town is one that only has one bar.
The local gas station sells live bait.
At least twice a year some part of your home doubles
as a meat processing plant.
You think that the start of deer season is a national holiday.
Pop is the only name for soda.
You actually understand these jokes and will forward
them to all your Iowa friends!!!!!
Hurray! Marcus now has 2 places for visitors to stay! Yogi & Margaret Rohwer have the Cozy Cottage and Jerry & Barb Martin have the Martin House. I think it's wonderful that locals take the opportunity to make guests feel welcome and at home!
ReplyDeletePass it on to those who may need a place to stay when visiting Marcus!
Whoever said there were more dorrs than windows in Marcus was correct. Perhaps we should keep them shut and keep the hot air in the house.
ReplyDeleteEach Dorr that has contributed to this blog has submitted intelligent, interesting comments that have contributed to my interests and knowledge. Keep it up Dorrs.
ReplyDeleteThanks anonymous, appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteKurt Dorr
The Cozy Cottage is great. I've had friends use it during hunting season and Yogi and Margaret are absolutely great host. It's a very very nice place to stay.
ReplyDeleteHaven't had the chance to use the Martin house but knowing Jerry and Barb I bet it's wonderful too.
Kurt Dorr
Just thought I'd let you know Kurt that I also enjoy all the posts done by the Dorr family.
ReplyDeleteMarcia Steffen Pavey
Me too. Everyone has a chance to offer memories and perspectives at this site on their one and only favorite hometown.
ReplyDeleteTwo items of interest to some of us that I learned recently. George Meylor of Seal Beach, Ca who was in the Class of 1944 has informed me that he has beginner's alzheimers disease. George is as bright and alert as always but said he had fallen twice and that is one of the first symptoms. He still has his classic sense of humor and kindness.
ReplyDeleteWord was received of the death of Frank Hogan, husband of Rosemary Nacke Hogan. This occured last summer. I have no details. They lived in Hacienda Heights, Ca.
Bonnie Morgenthaler
Haven't been on the board in quite some time. Reading about high school hoops and the cold weather, I thought I better give a brief update.
ReplyDeleteWeather has been nice this week, in the mid-to-upper 70's in Phoenix, unfortunatley I spend most of my time in my office indoors.
Regarding HS basketball, I wrote about a year ago about my daughter Kaitlin. She is a sophomore this year and starts at guard for Mountain View High School in Mesa. The team is ranked No. 1 in the power rankings in Class 5A (largest class in AZ)and begins region play this week and state playoffs next week. Last year the team went 31-3 and lost in the state championship game. As a proud father, I had to brag a bit :)
I'm off to New York today, where tomorrow the Harlem Globetrotters will retired the No. 22 jersey of Curly Neal at Madison Square Garden.
Stay warm in Iowa!
Brett Meister
Brett:
ReplyDeleteIs Curly Neal a Chicago guy and if not who is the Globetrotter that is from Chicago? About 5'10" or so and probably plays the point for you guys? Also, you guys now have a former Baylor Bear playing for you if memory serves me correctly....refresh my memory as to who he is? I saw on a Baylor chat board the fans talking him up....when you see him just tell him a fellow BEAR from Marcus, IA says, "Sic 'Em Bears."
Re the guy from Chicago I use to play ball with him quite often in his off season at the East Bank Club downtown Chicago.....very good guy and fun to watch him work out........he could do magic with the ROCK!
Phil Dorr
I think you are thinking of Curly "Boo" Johnson who originally hails from Peoria and now lives in Chicago. He went to college at Loras. "Boo" retired after 17 seasons last year. Curly Neal is the bald-headed dribbler who played with Meadowlark Lemon and was featured in the 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series. The Baylor player you are thinking of is Aundre Branch.
ReplyDeleteGray Matters # 6
ReplyDeleteWarm Thoughts In Mid-Winter
I recently heard it rumored that some local women were starting a Garden Club. Just a short while before that I had been bemoaning the fact that such delightful organizations seemed to be things of the past. Happily, as I followed up on the rumor, I found it to be a fact. Under the leadership of Julie Sand, Diane Klassen, and others, this group has been formed. Diane, by the way, is the daughter of Hazel Rupp, a long-time member of that great Marcus Garden Club of the past. In my mind that’s great evidence that the green-thumb gene is passed along in one’s DNA. Don’t you agree?
I hope to follow the progress of this enthusiastic group and report on it periodically. Of course, there are men in all of our communities who are also remarkable gardeners. One such fellow has agreed to share some of his observations with us when spring nears.
Meanwhile, remembering that earlier Marcus Garden Club of which I believe Hazel Rupp, Imelda Roethler and Dorothy Petersen may be the only surviving members, I find myself singling out Rose Lage and Dora Shefstad as two of the great gardeners many of us fondly recall.
Save for a tiny front lawn, Wilbur and Dora Shefstad’s entire lot was devoted to an amazing variety of splendid flowers. She grew roses that seemed to stretch out over a longer season than anyone else’s, in those long-ago pre-hybrid days. It was then, too, that none of the glorious perfume had been bred out of them. I also remember tall stalks of fragrant waxy tuberoses nearby and, in the fall, many glorious asters, my favorite late-bloomers, as well as a striking bed of flaming orange diabolo cosmos.
Like all great gardeners, Dora was generous in sharing her treasures. A few years ago I was forced, by stiffening fingers and reluctant knees, to turn my flower beds back to sod and low-maintenance landscaping. The only plants I kept were my lovely coral bells, all of which had come from a single root that she had given me long ago.
Rose Lage, and husband, Herman, ran Lage’s Café, that time-honored eatery and gathering place of which everyone in Marcus, over a certain age, has a favorite story to tell. I’m not sure when she found time for all the nurturing and cultivating during those busy years. But later, when she was in her mid-eighties, long after they had retired and Herman had passed away, she was still actively maintaining her big beautiful garden. In addition to raising a wide variety of gorgeous blooms, she would cut and arrange them in containers from her extensive collection. Can anyone count the number of bridal or baby showers, receptions and other such occasions that were graced by her artistic offerings? She was as generous as Dora in sharing roots and cuttings, and any and all of her “tricks of the trade.”
I often thought the secret of Rose’s mastery lay in her belief in these beautiful words etched in a small stone plaque at the edge of her yard:
“The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth."