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.
Kristi Ames said... MarcEtte's Tour of Homes Nov. 16th Time 1:00 to 4:30 Snow date Nov. 23rd
Tickets on Sale Now!! Tickets are $12 in Advance $15 day Of Tour
Your can get Tickets from The following MarcEtte's Kristi Ames, Stacy Ruba, Sheila Guntren,Heather Dunn, Darcy Dreckman,Breeann Erickson,Shelly Pick, Sherri Peck, Denise Phillips
You can also get tickets at Jeff's Foods, Grandma's Garden,Farmers State Bank & Marcus Vet Clinic (ask for Stacy)
MarcEtte's will also be Kicking off a Fundraiser to Help buy School supplies for Needy Family's. This fundraiser is throught Pampered Chef and will be at the starting point for the Tour Of Homes.
Come and help support the MarcEtte's through this special event. Hope to see you on the Tour Of Homes.
I've been an avid reader since the site was created, but never posted a comment until now. After seeing the picture I had to respond; it is the campanile at ISU. I always preferred the beautiful fall colors throughout central campus over the ice and snow between Beardshear and Curtiss Halls.
A few weeks ago I went back home to the farm, and we drove to Ames to see the Kent State football game. The next day we toured all around campus and I couldn’t believe the new construction and changes over the past few years.
Thanks for the site – it’s great to hear about friends and family in and from Marcus. Kenny Drefke ISU Class of 1997
I didn't get back to campus this year, but I was on campus last fall for a football game. ISU lost and the weather was lousy but it was still fun!
I, too, was surprised by how much is changing, but it still is one of the prettiest campuses in the country (not just my opinion, it was rated in some hotsy-totsy architecture magazine).
Yes, it was a long haul from the Towers to the journalism building for an 8 a.m. though, especially in winter!
My old dorm, Knapp-Storms, was blasted to smithereens a few years ago.
Speaking of the school, has anyone seen these rankings of the Iowa school district's 4th and 8th grade proficiency test scores? The private group IowaLive, of Cedar Rapids takes the total of the Iowa Dept. of Education Biennium (2005-06 & 2006-07) 4th & 8th grade reading and math test scores and ranks them for all districts. Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn came in 9th out of 341 ranked Iowa school districts.
See here. http://www.iowalive.net/rankings%2005-07.htm
I hope the grammar mistakes in the previous post were intentional, or else you have just answered your own question. I have discovered, in my short adult life, that MMC gave me, and presumably others, a very strong educational foundation. Thank you.
I wonder how many others have had the opportunity to play the bells on that Campanile at Iowa State? I did it once as a music major. It was obviously fun and something you don't forget. Isu is having a typical football season. They lose a lot. It builds character for us fans. Steve Smith
I think you would find that Iowa's education system ranks among the best in the nation. I will look for a link that supports that. Hey, no need to blast the typos! You can't go back and edit mistakes here, so it's not fair!
How cool to ring those bells, Steve! Now I wish I would have thought to do a story on that for the Iowa State Daily so that I could have gotten up there and tried it myself.
There are lots of statistics on how well Iowa students do on tests taken by students across the nation: SATs, ACTs, AP exams. All results show Iowa students do better than average on all three.
Newsweek also has an article on the top-performing schools in the nation, with four noted in Iowa.
Of course, it's hard to find exact comparisons, and there are lots of ways to play the numbers, but across the board, Iowa schools show performance levels above average. So, the fact that Marcus has 4th and 8th graders performing at such high levels is something the whole town of Marcus should celebrate.
Teaching is by no means an easy field these days. The fact that you have a strong education system is just one of the many reasons Marcus is thriving.
Congratulations ... and say thanks to your Marcus teachers today ... continue to support them!
AND thank parents and local businesses and citizens who support local schools ... continue to support them!
AND thank kids who respect their teachers and want to learn ... always support them!
I'd like to thank Margaret Dorr for taking the time to interview my father for the Veteran's Day article that was published in the Cherokee newspaper. It was obvious that he gave you the facts about where he was during WWII, but he didn't give you much of the details. Over the years, I was able to drag some of the stories out of him. Some were funny, some were horrible, and all could have been put in a book, or made into a movie. He probably didn't bother to mention his Bronze Star, did he? He was very proud to be part of the first U.S. troops to enter Rome on June 5th, 1944. He also had some stories about living the winter of 1943-44 in the mountains and how the Po Valley in Italy looked so much like Iowa. Thanks again for the article. I appreciate it very much.
Gray Matters: Another Veteran to Remember and Honor Margaret Dorr Thursday, November 13, 2008
With the approach of Nov. 11, we are again reminded of those among us who have served our country, particularly those WW II veterans whose ranks are thinning. A friend recently told me of one of these men, Ray Flanagan, who happens to be my neighbor. This friend said that while most of the infantrymen serving in Italy were either wounded or deceased within weeks, Flanagan survived that horror for 13 months-- April 1944 until May 1945.
I contacted Ray and we sat down for a visit. He told me that after high school he had worked as a farm hand until his draft number came up in May of 1942. His group of recruits joined others from around the country at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, for Mobilization Training where they became the tight-knit 3rd Batallion, 338th Infantry Regiment. In mid-summer of 1943 they went to Camp Pilot Knob, CA, near Yuma AZ, for desert training. Early in Oct. the whole Division was abruptly ordered to Fort Dix, NJ to prepare for duty overseas. In mid-Dec. they entrained for Camp Patrick Henry near Newport News, VA. From there they embarked (destination unknown) on Dec. 27, 1943, Ray's 22nd birthday. What a birthday present!
The first two days, between choppy seas and the zig-zag anti-submarine maneuvers of the ship, most of the men experienced severe sea sickness. By the third day the weather cleared and turned warmer so the remainder of the trip was much more comfortable. On Jan.7 the ship steamed into the harbor at Casablanca, Morocco. Upon landing, they were taken by truck to a bleak camp nearby. Ray said it was there they were first introduced to the infamous C-Rations, which he disparagingly called 'dog biscuits.'
First they endured rigorous mountain training and next, even more strenuous amphibious training. Finally, on Mar. 22, 1944, their troop transport departed in a convoy from Port Oran, Algeria, hugging the coast of North Africa until they headed due north for Italy. In the distance, as they approached the Port of Naples, they could see both Mt. Vesuvius, erupting for the first time in years, and the famed Isle of Capri. To go ashore at Naples they literally walked on the hulks of damaged ships. In the city, which had been demolished by Nazi forces, they got their first view of war's total destruction.
By April they were headed into combat. Actual engagement began in the mountains about 20 miles north of Naples. Flanagan was in a Heavy Weapons Company, fighting with mortars rather than hand weaponry. The Nazis were entrenched in high fortifications with slits through which they could sight the troops approaching below. In Ray's words, "We were sitting ducks." Having mortars helped a bit as they lobbed missiles at a higher angle, enabling them to be more effective. His description of their circumstances as they proceeded north toward Rome was chilling. The treacherous terrain was said to be difficult even for the sure-footed mule trains carrying supplies.
At this point my account falters. Like so many others with combat experiences that boggle the mind, Ray was not very talkative about it all. In the end, these troops succeeded in reaching Rome, an accomplishment at which even Hannibal had once failed. As Rome had been declared an Open City it had escaped destructive bombing. Seeing its splendors provided unforgettable memories for those infantrymen. From there they soon continued on northward pursuing the retreating Nazis.
In May of 1945, when the war in Europe was officially over, things eased only a bit, for they knew they'd soon be sent to fight the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. One can only imagine the relief that came when final victory was declared following the deployment of those bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
History relentlessly continues on its course, leaving heroes in its wake--heroes whom we must acknowledge and honor while they are still with us, no matter how reluctant they may be to accept that designation.
Kevin, I'd like to hear how your father won that Bronze Star. If he doesn't mind you telling us.
To think I had Leonard Nelson (a veteran of Pearl Harbor)right across the alley from me and your father, Ray, two houses down, it is pretty remarkable the contribution our little town made during WWII.
I know there were many more in Marcus that contributed too. I only wish we could have gathered all those veterans together somehow 20 years ago and eavesdropped while they discussed among themselves their experiences! Of course I would have loved to videotape it too!
Kevin--Of course your father didn't mention the bronze star. He is too modest for that. As I said he wasn't too forthcoming about his experiences, but I could sense they were pretty nasty. It was Roger Leavitt who told me about Ray's service in Italy or I would never have known about it. Margaret Dorr
"Where In Iowa Is Jeff"--what a wonderful example of the creative nuttiness of the human spirit! It's imaginative, crazy, inventive and simply delightful. The photography/angles are imaginative. It's well shot and beautifully edited. And it goes a long way to show off the variety of places in our beloved state. The Iowa Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism people should glom onto this to counter the idea that we are a flat land filled with corn. YOU GO JEFF! Bob Reed
I am looking for anyone with the family name of "Kloth" I am trying to find a home for a bunch of old photos. One of the old baby photos is labeled Lyle Kloth and the photographer that took the photo was Johnson photography in Marcus Iowa. Any help would be appreciated.
Rueter completes basic training Monday, November 24, 2008
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Wesley P. Rueter has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Chelle Rueter of W. Henry, Freeman, S.D., and grandson of Nina Dorr of Cleghorn.
Rueter is a 2008 graduate of Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn High School.
Thanks all, for the kind words about my "Where in Iowa is Jeff?" videos. I'll take as much help in getting YouTube views as I can get!
I saw Kurt's comments about the first video earlier this year and I seriously considered dancing in Marcus during one of my NW Iowa trips. But alas, our stop in Cherokee took more time than I expected (that planetarium was really cool!), and we still had several stops to make farther south, so unfortunately, I didn't get to visit Marcus.
And just to let you know, the Iowa Tourism Office was in contact with me for virtually all of this year's travels. They made tons of suggestions and arranged for me to dance inside the cooler with the butter cow. I have suggested a couple of related projects to them which would help promote Iowa tourism, but I don't know if they will grow wings.
Although I am far from famous, I was featured in the Cedar Rapids Gazette just yesterday (if you are interested, check out http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081124/NEWS/711249994/1006 ). I am certainly not looking for fame, although my dancing technique should get me a shot on "Dancing with the Stars" (ha). My motives are purely selfish, as I am just trying to see all of Iowa for my own enjoyment - the dancing is purely secondary. My intention for the video is just to remind Iowans, both current and past, that there is plenty right here in the Hawkeye State to experience. Nobody has seen it all, but there is something for everybody.
Anyway, thanks again and I will certainly visit Marcus some day. I can't promise I'll dance while I'm there, but you never know.
Marcus could invite him to perform at the Marcus Fair as part of a visit Iowa routine. His idea to work for the tourism council is a great idea! Marcus also might check out what the tourism council is sending out and get the Marcus Fair on their annual schedule of events as a great example of a small town fair?
Article published: Nov 24, 2008 Rasdal: YouTube dancing badly video promotes Iowa
Last year, Jeff Hoskinson of Anamosa danced badly around Iowa — from slippery rocks at Dunning Springs Falls in Decorah to a hot cornfield at the Field of Dreams.
Now he's back. As wild, as crazy, as adventurous as ever.
"Where in Iowa is Jeff? ... The Sequel" has been posted on www.youtube.com to join "Where in Iowa is Jeff?"
Watch Jeff rock a dock on the Mississippi River at Lansing, nearly awaken the Cardiff Giant replica in Fort Dodge and flop around on the ground as if he can't get up in Gravity.
It's all an effort to put Iowa on the Internet video map. To give Jeff an excuse to travel the state. To have some fun.
If you like Iowa, you don't want to miss either video. As Jeff basically jogs in place while flailing his arms, you're sure to recognize a few places, to be enticed to visit others.
In the first video, seven minutes long, Jeff dances at 68 recognizable locations. In the sequel, eight minutes long, he dances at more than 100.
"Since February," Jeff says, "the tally is 9,850 miles driven, about 300 total dancing clips shot, 107 clips in the video, thousands of strange looks, five 'discussions' with either police or security personnel, one blown engine 250 miles from home, two twisted ankles, one speeding ticket and more awesome Iowa meals than I can shake a fork at.
"I am also happy to say that between the 2007 and the 2008 video trips, I visited all 99 Iowa counties," he adds. "And to my knowledge, I'm not banned in any of them yet."
Modeled after Matt Harding's wildly successful videos of him dancing badly at recognizable sites around the world, Jeff is pleased and amazed at his modest success.
Harding, a Seattle video game designer, parlayed his dancing badly idea into sponsorship by Stride gum. His videos have received 30 million youtube.com hits.
"Where in Iowa is Jeff?" is approaching 80,000 hits since being posted a year ago. The sequel, posted Nov. 8, has more than 1,200 at last count. Jeff has no sponsor.
"I have far exceeded my original goal to see things in Iowa that I'd wanted to for years," says Jeff, 46. "I've discovered so many things that I had no idea were out there.
"And I have been treated to the incredible hospitality of Iowans all over the state. There have been no disappointments and no regrets."
But, after natural disasters hit Iowa this summer, Jeff almost abandoned the project.
"I wasn't sure that with all the losses that Iowans had suffered, people would appreciate my dancing all over Iowa for laughs and to draw lighthearted attention to our battered state," he says.
But since so many people had been so gracious and since Jeff had invested so much time, he pressed on. He dedicated the sequel to all areas affected by floods and tornadoes, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Vinton, Palo and Parkersburg.
"What a ride this is!" Jeff said as he kept me up-to-date on his exploits by e-mail.
"So far this year," he said, "I've upset the security guards at Meskwaki Casino in Tama, ate a 1.25-pound Gunderburger in Gunder and set off a symphony of car horns in front of the Anderson-Erickson Dairy in Des Moines. I've danced in the snow, the rain and the 90-degree heat. I've danced with teenagers and been dissed by a horse."
His first version, he says, has been referenced on dozens of blogs around the country, "sometimes to praise it, other times to poke fun at it."
The sequel, accompanied by a pair of Joe Satriani songs, promises as much attention. Especially when you see Jeff dodge a hot-air balloon in Indianola, strike the Heisman Trophy pose at Iowa State University, whip his horse on a carousel ride in Story City and take a bow on the Elkader Opera House stage.
Yep. This probably will be it, except for putting together a clip or two of out takes.
"I'm 99 percent sure there will be no WIJ3 (Where is Jeff? 3)," he says, "as it has been an expensive endeavor in terms of both time and money — although the adventure has been worth every minute and dollar spent."
My guess is Ash facing south from Amherst. I have seen these pictures before and I think based on the style of houses, that it is Ash. Just a personal observation, I am no expert.
Some of us remember picnicking by a little stream about four miles northeast of town—an area called Mill Creek. It was a bit of a hike to get through a farmer’s field to the meandering brook running over many small rocks.
Still, it was the only nearby flowing creek bordered by shady trees. It was a tributary of the Little Sioux River and offered a calm respite from hot summers with cooling waters that you could wade in.
In the 1940s our Boy Scout Troop 113 hiked and camped out there and my buddy—Chuck Rosburg—and I, with our dogs, biked to a spot for some rainy overnights. Later (when we discovered girls) we engineered afternoon picnics with Marcus maidens. So did some other Marcusites.
We had only a vague understanding that the area was the site of a prehistoric people dating from A.D. 1100-1200. But I was an Indian buff and had interest in the civilizations that occupied the terrain that became known to archeologists as the Mill Creek Culture—a part of the larger Woodland Culture of the Midwest. Those ancient folks occupied villages along the stream, made up of lodges of heavy supporting timbers with walls of interwoven sticks, twigs, and grass plastered with mud.
They fished in the creek, worked hides, produced weapons to bring down big game, ground corn into meal, and cooked their food in pots. They left behind the bones of the animals they ate, bits of shell-tempered pottery with decorative designs—and most intriguing of all, flint tools and arrowheads.
These prehistoric aborigines burned their shelters and abandoned the area, giving way later to the Oneonta and Sioux tribes, who also built villages along the gently flowing stream. In our day, we made some attempts to unearth artifacts from all of those civilizations—with no success.
Professionals in the ’20s and ’30s, however, did find fossils, flint chips and pottery shards of the early peoples who occupied those lands. They were aided by farmers whose plows turned over fascinating objects. A little exhibition and history of those ancient cultures can be seen in Cherokee at the lower level of the Sanford Museum and Planetarium. Check it out.
And come sweet spring, when you sit by the little rippling creek nursing a cool one, ponder the thought that your buns may be resting on the very spot once occupied by somebody else a millennium ago.
Was it that close to town? We lived four miles north, one mile east and a scoot north again. There was a pond and a trickle on the Dorr farm right south, but I don't think that was Mill Creek, was it? I remember seeing the exhibit at the closer to Larabee. Does anyone know? I'm just curious ...
Reminds me of the Knife River Indian Villages near Medora, North Dakota. The Mandan tribes lived there and all that you see now are dozens of symetrical indentations in the grass on a rise along the river, where their villages were once located. I was part of a teachers' group visiting the park and the state park attendants allowed us to visit a sealed vault in the the ground where they keep all the relics.
I'll never forget a perfect pair on intricately beaded bleached leather baby mocassins about the size of an adult thumb.
Bob: I love your story, but Julia is right, the Mill Creek site is over northwest of Cherokee. That's where everyone in the Cleghorn area who had ice houses weht to cut ice and take it home to store for summer use, long before anyone knew of its pre-historic significance. Someone who is better than I at things like this should be able to identify the exact location. But keep your stories coming, Bob. Margaret Dorr
I think we are all right. It depends on where one accesses (or accessed) the stream. I believe Mill Creek ran--flowed-- wandered-- from the Little Sioux river in down town Cherokee through the Cherokee county area--perhaps beyond. The site I remember--and went to---was a spot about four miles east of Marcus and one or two miles north of Cleghorn,but the brook wound--meandered-- its way through a lot of territory. Any spot on the edge of the little stream could have been used as a location for a village in rehistoric times or later by the American Indians. Does anyone still picnic on its banks at any location? Bob Reed
I wasn't being picky. I was just curious. It seems I learn things about places AFTER I move away. Which leads to a great question that hasn't been asked yet...
What were/are your favorite fishing places within a short drive from Marcus? Any good fishing stories?
Reminder: The Firemans chili and soup feed will be Friday evening, December 12th,in conjuntion with the Hometown Christmas Festivities. Serving from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, or until the food is gone.
Heartland Care Center will also have a bake sale at this same time in the fire station.
Please take the time to check out the new ambulance while your there.
The creek just EAST of Marcus that is immediately to the west of the Schwarz family farm was a great place to fish as a kid. You could go north or south of the highway and fish all you wanted.
Still go out that way and enjoy that stream. Take it a mile or two south of highway 3 and enjoy. Such a natural beauty and fun to watch the fish swim in. Spring time is the best re the water running through it and even loved to take inner tubes and rafts down that creek!
Gray Matters: A Couple of Fine Young Men Margaret Dorr Monday, November 24, 2008
I live adjacent to a vacant lot which was once part of the Holy Name School playground and then served that purpose for the neighborhood kids for years after the school was taken down.
I have missed the activity out there in more recent years, so was more than pleased when youngsters started gathering there this fall. Quite a few show up after school to play their version of football--running, throwing, tackling and, mostly, it seems to me, just falling down in a heap. But they are having fun, exercising in open air, and best of all, they're not glued to some sort of sedentary electronic activity. The thing that pleases me most is that a dad whose work day ends at just the right time, drives up to their home across the street most every afternoon. Though he has put in a long day on the job, he jumps from his trucks and joins the youngsters, seeming to have every bit as much fun as they do. I have been told this neighbor was a successful college football player and I know he does some coaching in the local middle school. So here he is doing exactly what a good father should, using his skills to benefit his son and all of the other boys in this part of town. Our whole neighborhood is proud of this special young man and grateful for his restoring some of the values that often seem to be slipping away. I want to tell you, too, of another young man of whom many of you may have heard. His name is Mike Singletary, the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He was born in Houston to a black minister and his wife, the youngest of their ten children. From birth, he was afflicted with a rare disease that kept him a near invalid for years. When he did improve, his pious father would not allow him to participate in much activity. In addition to health issues the dad also objected to what he considered the violence of contact sports. When young Mike was ten, his "pious" parent took off with another woman, abandoning his wife and family. The one bright aspect of this dismal situation, perhaps in reaction to it, the youngster started playing football, using all of his determination and strength to improve his skills from day to day. Young Singletary went on to graduate from a stellar high school program and was offered a scholarship at Baylor University where he led the Bears to their greatest heights. From there he reached legendary status with the Chicago Bears. Now, in his first professional head-coaching position, it is revealing to watch Coach Singletary. His attitude toward his players is a pleasure to see. A smile, an arm around a shoulder, a pat on the back and apparent words of encouragement were evident throughout an entire recently televised game. In other words, he seems to be taking all of the misfortunes and deprivations of his childhood, reversing them and using their exact opposites to successfully motivate the team. All that his father failed to give him, he is giving to these young athletes. What an example of turning bad into good! I am so pleased to be able to brighten your day with two such up-beat stories. Enjoy!
Bob - your Mill Creek tribute reminded me of a couple of the better experiences I had as a high school kid. For two summers in a row several of my friends (Clark Rainboth, Bob Garvin, John Fry, Dan Ohlendorf and Brian Sand) and I camped out on the Little Sioux River.
The first summer was at Martin's Access, near Larrabee. A couple of sets of parents dropped us off and arranged to pick us up two nights and three days later. We had no cars, no cell phones and no other means of getting immediate help if we needed it, other than to walk to a nearby farmhouse.
We fished, rode logs in the river, built great bonfires at night, lobbed fire crackers near some girl scouts who were camping nearby, and talked about where we thought we would end up after high school. (We didn't drink, smoke dope, etc. as that wasn't our style. All of us were athletes, and in those days jocks didn't do that stuff.) On that occasion, while we were out exploring in the timber one evening, Bob Garvin fell into a ravine. He was in a lot of pain in the morning, so we walked to a nearby farmhouse where he called his parents. It turned out that he had broken his arm.
The next summer we did the same thing. We added Jimmy Irwin and Rocky Bork to the mix, as I recall, this time at Ranney Knob near Washta - still on the Little Sioux.
I remember the great food we cooked out, how the stars looked so close to the ground at night, and again exploring the river during the day. I think we rather imagined ourselves to be the last people on earth, and what it would feel like to be the planet's sole inhabitants. There were no injuries that time. It was exhilarating to be completely on our own, and dependent only on ourselves.
I look back on those experiences and guess that parents now would likely never allow their kids to go off on such adventures by themselves.
What I remember most is how grown up and independent it made us all feel, and how it built confidence in us.
The Little Sioux was my "Mill Creek". I grew up a lot during both of those brief summer stays on that river.
My Uncle Stan Meylor is a retired English teacher and lives in California. Of late, he has been writing memories that I've enjoyed reading. Surprisingly enough, this one takes place on Mill Creek, which was not far from where they lived then, right east of town. I suppose the timeframe is the late 1930s/early 40s.
Dec 11, 2008 RED FOX ON THE RIVERBANK
“Ice skating? Hum..., well, I guess, ...sure,” I replied.
Actually, my older siblings and I didn’t do much one-on-one, so when asked by second oldest brother, Jerry, to do something with him, alone, it was a big deal, so I said, “Sure,” as you already know.
But ice skating? How I hated the cold. None of the hand-me-down coats and sweaters that we had multi-layered around us fit, our gloves were thin, and since our skates were clamp-ons, we’d have to take off our overshoes and stand in our uninsulated farm work hi-tops that just came up to our ankles. Oh, the clamp-ons would hold well enough, and since we’d use pieces of hay bailing string to close off the pant leg bottoms, the snow would be kept away from the lower legs but not out of the shoes. In an hour: soggy frozen shoes.
But the cold; one could, at twenty degrees below freezing, see the skate steel turn colors, hear the crackling of the rigid stubble under the snow on the way to the creek, feel the rocking motion of the now dull grey blades as they bumped over the wind ridges of the water frozen in motion.
We would skate mostly in the creek’s center, Mill Creek, hoping to avoid those fast water spots where the ice was thin or kept “warm” by an overlayer of bank snow. One shoe full of water meant a long skate home, sometimes howling in pain and, later, having nightmare visions about blackened feet falling off: trenchfoot nightmares.
But wait; this story is not about our cold or even the skating, but about the red fox, the cold red fox reclining on the river bank.
Jerry saw the fox first and warned me into a crouched position even while we were skating forward toward it. But the fox didn’t move; didn’t even raise it’s head to take note of us.
We were farm boys, dirt farmers, pig and chicken farmers for all our lifetimes, so we knew that if the fox was o.k., that fox knew we were coming, most likely knew we were coming from the moment we decided to go skating back at the house. So we dropped our sly tactics.
Finally, we arrived at the Red Fox and were not surprised that she was stone frozen. We were surprised at her posture, sitting as she was like the Egyptian Sphinx, even with her eyes wide open. I especially remember her eyes because when I stood right in front of her only two feet away, my eyes were at the same height as hers. I remember how both Jerry and I tried, first the one and then the other, to place our heads close to hers, looking out in the same direction the fox was looking, trying to see what she had been seeing.
Jerry and I talked about burying the fox, but we decided the freeze was too great. Besides she was looking out over her home.
How’d she die? There was a 22 caliber bullet hole right between her eyes. After the bullet arrived, she still had a choice and she chose to sit at the river bank.
We discussed the particulars of her death as we stood there freezing, and we agreed: The Red Fox had been out scouting a nearby farm yard just after first light and decided to communicate with a farmer’s chickens. She heard a click and squared her head toward the sound just when the twenty-two bullet hit her skull. Jerry and I agreed on the size of the bullet after some discussion: A twenty-two “long rifle” would have killed her instantly at a house-to-chicken house range, and a “22- hollow-point” would have been messier. (Later, we argued our theories with other farm boys at the local Lage’s Café in Marcus.) We agreed that a “22-short-rifle” bullet would have given her time to amble down to the bend in the creek and recline in the regal position. Perhaps she had heard of that Sphinx thing. Perhaps not.
Oh, how’d we know the Red Fox was a she? That was easy; farm boys, remember? Her fur coat was a bright red, clean, orderly, like she had just been to a fancy beauty parlor; queenly.
The afternoon cold was creeping into us. We had a long skate against a hurrying northwest wind and our numbing toes were whispering from our now frozen shoes. We looked back several times to wonder out loud what a fox sees or thinks about when it is dying.
We used to picnic and fish at Martin's Access quite a bit, especially when our cousins were visiting. What a great place to hike around and get lost in. It would have been cool to camp there. I remember my grandfather had all of us kids searching for geodes down in the creek beds branching off the river. It was also nice to watch the sun set from the picnic area way at the top of the hill. Thanks for reminding me of that, Fred!
Anyone ever ice skate on the creek just 1 mile plus north of town that runs through the old Regina McClaughin or sister farm on the east side of the road? Use to ice skate on the east side as well as the west side through the Ruden farm. Lots of fun and close to town!
Looking for a neat creek to ice skate on now take 143 north to C-16 and go WEST 3 miles and look for the creek about 1/8 of a mile up the gravel road. Runs all the way back through the section toward the Peters acreage. Great workout and when the ice is smooth it is a blast skating through the section uninterrupted without fences!
"Thank-You" to all those that attended our annual chili/soup feed during the Marcus Hometown Christmas. We served eleven roasters of various kinds chili and soup, and the Heartland Auxillary sold out of baked goods. Your support is much appreciated. 'Yours in Service' Marcus Fire Department
What a great turn out at Hometown Christmas last weekend. The Fire Dept. put on a great chili/soup feed. It was great seeing so many people in town. The Live Nativity seen was great. There are so many volunteers that do such a great job and getting that organized has to be a task. Great job Marcus!!!! Kristi Ames
I just stumbled across a great Christmas present for anyone who grew up in Iowa (especially if on a farm) in the 30's and 40's - "Little Heathens:Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish.
It has been out for a bit - was recognized by the New York Times as one of the 10 best books of 2007.
It will take you back to home remedies for ailments; farm food - where it came from and how it was prepared; holidays with extended families; chores for Little Kids, Big Kids and Adults; outhouses; life with kerosene lanterns and no electricity; harvest time - including the use of horses, hay lifts, big barns and hay mows; church going; penny candy; the efforts, system and joys of laundry dried outdoors; how things were used and reused and passed down; and on and on.
Merry Christmas to all. Always love this time of year and seeing our home town bustling with people getting ready for the holiday and seeing everyone come back home.
This is the last post on the October blog:
ReplyDeleteKristi Ames said...
MarcEtte's Tour of Homes
Nov. 16th Time 1:00 to 4:30
Snow date Nov. 23rd
Tickets on Sale Now!!
Tickets are $12 in Advance
$15 day Of Tour
Your can get Tickets from The following MarcEtte's
Kristi Ames, Stacy Ruba, Sheila Guntren,Heather Dunn, Darcy Dreckman,Breeann Erickson,Shelly Pick, Sherri Peck, Denise Phillips
You can also get tickets at
Jeff's Foods, Grandma's Garden,Farmers State Bank & Marcus Vet Clinic (ask for Stacy)
MarcEtte's will also be Kicking off a Fundraiser to Help buy School supplies for Needy Family's. This fundraiser is throught Pampered Chef and will be at the starting point for the Tour Of Homes.
Come and help support the MarcEtte's through this special event.
Hope to see you on the Tour Of Homes.
Kristi Ames & Stacy Ruba
MarcEtte Committee
October 29, 2008
I've been an avid reader since the site was created, but never posted a comment until now. After seeing the picture I had to respond; it is the campanile at ISU. I always preferred the beautiful fall colors throughout central campus over the ice and snow between Beardshear and Curtiss Halls.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago I went back home to the farm, and we drove to Ames to see the Kent State football game. The next day we toured all around campus and I couldn’t believe the new construction and changes over the past few years.
Thanks for the site – it’s great to hear about friends and family in and from Marcus.
Kenny Drefke
ISU Class of 1997
Love that photo too!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't get back to campus this year, but I was on campus last fall for a football game. ISU lost and the weather was lousy but it was still fun!
I, too, was surprised by how much is changing, but it still is one of the prettiest campuses in the country (not just my opinion, it was rated in some hotsy-totsy architecture magazine).
Yes, it was a long haul from the Towers to the journalism building for an 8 a.m. though, especially in winter!
My old dorm, Knapp-Storms, was blasted to smithereens a few years ago.
I would like to know what is taking so long to make the new weight room accessible to the public.
ReplyDeleteI would simply call the school and ask. If you are a taxpayer, you have the right to do that.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the school, has anyone seen these rankings of the Iowa school district's 4th and 8th grade proficiency test scores? The private group IowaLive, of Cedar Rapids takes the total of the Iowa Dept. of Education Biennium (2005-06 & 2006-07) 4th & 8th grade reading and math test scores and ranks them for all districts. Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn came in 9th out of 341 ranked Iowa school districts.
ReplyDeleteSee here.
http://www.iowalive.net/rankings%2005-07.htm
so can someone tel me how our state
ReplyDeleterank agianst other states so we could tell if this be good or bad?
I hope the grammar mistakes in the previous post were intentional, or else you have just answered your own question. I have discovered, in my short adult life, that MMC gave me, and presumably others, a very strong educational foundation. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many others have had the opportunity to play the bells on that Campanile at Iowa State? I did it once as a music major. It was obviously fun and something you don't forget. Isu is having a typical football season. They lose a lot. It builds character for us fans. Steve Smith
ReplyDeleteI think you would find that Iowa's education system ranks among the best in the nation. I will look for a link that supports that. Hey, no need to blast the typos! You can't go back and edit mistakes here, so it's not fair!
ReplyDeleteHow cool to ring those bells, Steve! Now I wish I would have thought to do a story on that for the Iowa State Daily so that I could have gotten up there and tried it myself.
PlS. I did get "Campaniled." Does that count? :)
ReplyDeleteFix typo: P.S.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of statistics on how well Iowa students do on tests taken by students across the nation: SATs, ACTs, AP exams. All results show Iowa students do better than average on all three.
ReplyDeleteNewsweek also has an article on the top-performing schools in the nation, with four noted in Iowa.
Of course, it's hard to find exact comparisons, and there are lots of ways to play the numbers, but across the board, Iowa schools show performance levels above average. So, the fact that Marcus has 4th and 8th graders performing at such high levels is something the whole town of Marcus should celebrate.
Teaching is by no means an easy field these days. The fact that you have a strong education system is just one of the many reasons Marcus is thriving.
Congratulations ... and say thanks to your Marcus teachers today ... continue to support them!
AND thank parents and local businesses and citizens who support local schools ... continue to support them!
AND thank kids who respect their teachers and want to learn ... always support them!
Check out:
http://www.iowa.gov/educate/
I'd like to thank Margaret Dorr for taking the time to interview my father for the Veteran's Day article that was published in the Cherokee newspaper.
ReplyDeleteIt was obvious that he gave you the facts about where he was during WWII, but he didn't give you much of the details. Over the years, I was able to drag some of the stories out of him. Some were funny, some were horrible, and all could have been put in a book, or made into a movie. He probably didn't bother to mention his Bronze Star, did he? He was very proud to be part of the first U.S. troops to enter Rome on June 5th, 1944. He also had some stories about living the winter of 1943-44 in the mountains and how the Po Valley in Italy looked so much like Iowa.
Thanks again for the article. I appreciate it very much.
Gray Matters: Another Veteran to Remember and Honor
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dorr
Thursday, November 13, 2008
With the approach of Nov. 11, we are again reminded of those among us who have served our country, particularly those WW II veterans whose ranks are thinning.
A friend recently told me of one of these men, Ray Flanagan, who happens to be my neighbor. This friend said that while most of the infantrymen serving in Italy were either wounded or deceased within weeks, Flanagan survived that horror for 13 months-- April 1944 until May 1945.
I contacted Ray and we sat down for a visit. He told me that after high school he had worked as a farm hand until his draft number came up in May of 1942. His group of recruits joined others from around the country at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, for Mobilization Training where they became the tight-knit 3rd Batallion, 338th Infantry Regiment. In mid-summer of 1943 they went to Camp Pilot Knob, CA, near Yuma AZ, for desert training. Early in Oct. the whole Division was abruptly ordered to Fort Dix, NJ to prepare for duty overseas. In mid-Dec. they entrained for Camp Patrick Henry near Newport News, VA. From there they embarked (destination unknown) on Dec. 27, 1943, Ray's 22nd birthday. What a birthday present!
The first two days, between choppy seas and the zig-zag anti-submarine maneuvers of the ship, most of the men experienced severe sea sickness. By the third day the weather cleared and turned warmer so the remainder of the trip was much more comfortable. On Jan.7 the ship steamed into the harbor at Casablanca, Morocco. Upon landing, they were taken by truck to a bleak camp nearby. Ray said it was there they were first introduced to the infamous C-Rations, which he disparagingly called 'dog biscuits.'
First they endured rigorous mountain training and next, even more strenuous amphibious training. Finally, on Mar. 22, 1944, their troop transport departed in a convoy from Port Oran, Algeria, hugging the coast of North Africa until they headed due north for Italy. In the distance, as they approached the Port of Naples, they could see both Mt. Vesuvius, erupting for the first time in years, and the famed Isle of Capri. To go ashore at Naples they literally walked on the hulks of damaged ships. In the city, which had been demolished by Nazi forces, they got their first view of war's total destruction.
By April they were headed into combat. Actual engagement began in the mountains about 20 miles north of Naples. Flanagan was in a Heavy Weapons Company, fighting with mortars rather than hand weaponry. The Nazis were entrenched in high fortifications with slits through which they could sight the troops approaching below. In Ray's words, "We were sitting ducks." Having mortars helped a bit as they lobbed missiles at a higher angle, enabling them to be more effective. His description of their circumstances as they proceeded north toward Rome was chilling. The treacherous terrain was said to be difficult even for the sure-footed mule trains carrying supplies.
At this point my account falters. Like so many others with combat experiences that boggle the mind, Ray was not very talkative about it all. In the end, these troops succeeded in reaching Rome, an accomplishment at which even Hannibal had once failed. As Rome had been declared an Open City it had escaped destructive bombing. Seeing its splendors provided unforgettable memories for those infantrymen. From there they soon continued on northward pursuing the retreating Nazis.
In May of 1945, when the war in Europe was officially over, things eased only a bit, for they knew they'd soon be sent to fight the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. One can only imagine the relief that came when final victory was declared following the deployment of those bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
History relentlessly continues on its course, leaving heroes in its wake--heroes whom we must acknowledge and honor while they are still with us, no matter how reluctant they may be to accept that designation.
Kevin, I'd like to hear how your father won that Bronze Star. If he doesn't mind you telling us.
ReplyDeleteTo think I had Leonard Nelson (a veteran of Pearl Harbor)right across the alley from me and your father, Ray, two houses down, it is pretty remarkable the contribution our little town made during WWII.
I know there were many more in Marcus that contributed too. I only wish we could have gathered all those veterans together somehow 20 years ago and eavesdropped while they discussed among themselves their experiences! Of course I would have loved to videotape it too!
Kurt Dorr
Awhile back I posted a link to "Where in Iowa is Jeff." In case you missed it, Jeff is becoming famous in Iowa. Here he is on WHO TV in Des Moines.
ReplyDeleteWhere in Iowa is Jeff on WHO TV
Kurt Dorr
Turns out Jeff has been working on a sequel for this Fall. Here is a preview.
ReplyDeletePreview of Where in Iowa is Jeff - the Sequel
Kurt
And here is the Sequel to "Where in Iowa is Jeff!"
ReplyDeleteThe Sequel
Kurt
Kevin--Of course your father didn't mention the bronze star. He is too modest for that. As I said he wasn't too forthcoming about his experiences, but I could sense they were pretty nasty. It was Roger Leavitt who told me about Ray's service in Italy or I would never have known about it.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dorr
How do we get Jeff to come to Marcus?
ReplyDeleteKurt,
ReplyDeleteWondering if you can tell me the musical artist from the first 'Where in Iowa is Jeff'?
Thanks, Paul Wilkens
Paul, the artist is Joe Satriani and the song name is "If I Could Fly". Great song isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI missed it at first too but if you watch all his videos he list the artist name and song at the very end of his videos.
Kurt
"Where In Iowa Is Jeff"--what a wonderful example of the creative nuttiness of the human spirit! It's imaginative, crazy, inventive and simply delightful.
ReplyDeleteThe photography/angles are imaginative. It's well shot and beautifully edited.
And it goes a long way to show off the variety of places in our beloved state. The Iowa Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism people should glom onto this to counter the idea that we are a flat land filled with corn.
YOU GO JEFF!
Bob Reed
Bob,
ReplyDeleteYour latest post says it all.
I love your spirit and way with
words.
Phil Dorr
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I concur with my brother Phil. Happy Thanksgiving Bob and I hope your health is improving.
ReplyDeleteKurt
I am looking for anyone with the family name of "Kloth" I am trying to find a home for a bunch of old photos. One of the old baby photos is labeled Lyle Kloth and the photographer that took the photo was Johnson photography in Marcus Iowa. Any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Rueter completes basic training
ReplyDeleteMonday, November 24, 2008
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Wesley P. Rueter has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Chelle Rueter of W. Henry, Freeman, S.D., and grandson of Nina Dorr of Cleghorn.
Rueter is a 2008 graduate of Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn High School.
Rueter? Reuter?
ReplyDeleteThanks all, for the kind words about my "Where in Iowa is Jeff?" videos. I'll take as much help in getting YouTube views as I can get!
ReplyDeleteI saw Kurt's comments about the first video earlier this year and I seriously considered dancing in Marcus during one of my NW Iowa trips. But alas, our stop in Cherokee took more time than I expected (that planetarium was really cool!), and we still had several stops to make farther south, so unfortunately, I didn't get to visit Marcus.
And just to let you know, the Iowa Tourism Office was in contact with me for virtually all of this year's travels. They made tons of suggestions and arranged for me to dance inside the cooler with the butter cow. I have suggested a couple of related projects to them which would help promote Iowa tourism, but I don't know if they will grow wings.
Although I am far from famous, I was featured in the Cedar Rapids Gazette just yesterday (if you are interested, check out http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081124/NEWS/711249994/1006 ). I am certainly not looking for fame, although my dancing technique should get me a shot on "Dancing with the Stars" (ha). My motives are purely selfish, as I am just trying to see all of Iowa for my own enjoyment - the dancing is purely secondary. My intention for the video is just to remind Iowans, both current and past, that there is plenty right here in the Hawkeye State to experience. Nobody has seen it all, but there is something for everybody.
Anyway, thanks again and I will certainly visit Marcus some day. I can't promise I'll dance while I'm there, but you never know.
Best regards,
Jeff Hoskinson
Anamosa
Marcus could invite him to perform at the Marcus Fair as part of a visit Iowa routine. His idea to work for the tourism council is a great idea! Marcus also might check out what the tourism council is sending out and get the Marcus Fair on their annual schedule of events as a great example of a small town fair?
ReplyDeleteArticle published: Nov 24, 2008
ReplyDeleteRasdal: YouTube dancing badly video promotes Iowa
Last year, Jeff Hoskinson of Anamosa danced badly around Iowa — from slippery rocks at Dunning Springs Falls in Decorah to a hot cornfield at the Field of Dreams.
Now he's back. As wild, as crazy, as adventurous as ever.
"Where in Iowa is Jeff? ... The Sequel" has been posted on www.youtube.com to join "Where in Iowa is Jeff?"
Watch Jeff rock a dock on the Mississippi River at Lansing, nearly awaken the Cardiff Giant replica in Fort Dodge and flop around on the ground as if he can't get up in Gravity.
It's all an effort to put Iowa on the Internet video map. To give Jeff an excuse to travel the state. To have some fun.
If you like Iowa, you don't want to miss either video. As Jeff basically jogs in place while flailing his arms, you're sure to recognize a few places, to be enticed to visit others.
In the first video, seven minutes long, Jeff dances at 68 recognizable locations. In the sequel, eight minutes long, he dances at more than 100.
"Since February," Jeff says, "the tally is 9,850 miles driven, about 300 total dancing clips shot, 107 clips in the video, thousands of strange looks, five 'discussions' with either police or security personnel, one blown engine 250 miles from home, two twisted ankles, one speeding ticket and more awesome Iowa meals than I can shake a fork at.
"I am also happy to say that between the 2007 and the 2008 video trips, I visited all 99 Iowa counties," he adds. "And to my knowledge, I'm not banned in any of them yet."
Modeled after Matt Harding's wildly successful videos of him dancing badly at recognizable sites around the world, Jeff is pleased and amazed at his modest success.
Harding, a Seattle video game designer, parlayed his dancing badly idea into sponsorship by Stride gum. His videos have received 30 million youtube.com hits.
"Where in Iowa is Jeff?" is approaching 80,000 hits since being posted a year ago. The sequel, posted Nov. 8, has more than 1,200 at last count. Jeff has no sponsor.
"I have far exceeded my original goal to see things in Iowa that I'd wanted to for years," says Jeff, 46. "I've discovered so many things that I had no idea were out there.
"And I have been treated to the incredible hospitality of Iowans all over the state. There have been no disappointments and no regrets."
But, after natural disasters hit Iowa this summer, Jeff almost abandoned the project.
"I wasn't sure that with all the losses that Iowans had suffered, people would appreciate my dancing all over Iowa for laughs and to draw lighthearted attention to our battered state," he says.
But since so many people had been so gracious and since Jeff had invested so much time, he pressed on. He dedicated the sequel to all areas affected by floods and tornadoes, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Vinton, Palo and Parkersburg.
"What a ride this is!" Jeff said as he kept me up-to-date on his exploits by e-mail.
"So far this year," he said, "I've upset the security guards at Meskwaki Casino in Tama, ate a 1.25-pound Gunderburger in Gunder and set off a symphony of car horns in front of the Anderson-Erickson Dairy in Des Moines. I've danced in the snow, the rain and the 90-degree heat. I've danced with teenagers and been dissed by a horse."
His first version, he says, has been referenced on dozens of blogs around the country, "sometimes to praise it, other times to poke fun at it."
The sequel, accompanied by a pair of Joe Satriani songs, promises as much attention. Especially when you see Jeff dodge a hot-air balloon in Indianola, strike the Heisman Trophy pose at Iowa State University, whip his horse on a carousel ride in Story City and take a bow on the Elkader Opera House stage.
Yep. This probably will be it, except for putting together a clip or two of out takes.
"I'm 99 percent sure there will be no WIJ3 (Where is Jeff? 3)," he says, "as it has been an expensive endeavor in terms of both time and money — although the adventure has been worth every minute and dollar spent."
Kurt Dorr
Can anyone identify what streets these homes were on?
ReplyDeleteKurt
Marcus Iowa 1919
My guess is Ash facing south from Amherst. I have seen these pictures before and I think based on the style of houses, that it is Ash. Just a personal observation, I am no expert.
ReplyDeleteMILL CREEK
ReplyDeleteSome of us remember picnicking by a little stream about four miles northeast of town—an area called Mill Creek. It was a bit of a hike to get through a farmer’s field to the meandering brook running over many small rocks.
Still, it was the only nearby flowing creek bordered by shady trees. It was a tributary of the Little Sioux River and offered a calm respite from hot summers with cooling waters that you could wade in.
In the 1940s our Boy Scout Troop 113 hiked and camped out there and my buddy—Chuck Rosburg—and I, with our dogs, biked to a spot for some rainy overnights. Later (when we discovered girls) we engineered afternoon picnics with Marcus maidens. So did some other Marcusites.
We had only a vague understanding that the area was the site of a prehistoric people dating from A.D. 1100-1200. But I was an Indian buff and had interest in the civilizations that occupied the terrain that became known to archeologists as the Mill Creek Culture—a part of the larger Woodland Culture of the Midwest. Those ancient folks occupied villages along the stream, made up of lodges of heavy supporting timbers with walls of interwoven sticks, twigs, and grass plastered with mud.
They fished in the creek, worked hides, produced weapons to bring down big game, ground corn into meal, and cooked their food in pots. They left behind the bones of the animals they ate, bits of shell-tempered pottery with decorative designs—and most intriguing of all, flint tools and arrowheads.
These prehistoric aborigines burned their shelters and abandoned the area, giving way later to the Oneonta and Sioux tribes, who also built villages along the gently flowing stream. In our day, we made some attempts to unearth artifacts from all of those civilizations—with no success.
Professionals in the ’20s and ’30s, however, did find fossils, flint chips and pottery shards of the early peoples who occupied those lands. They were aided by farmers whose plows turned over fascinating objects. A little exhibition and history of those ancient cultures can be seen in Cherokee at the lower level of the Sanford Museum and Planetarium. Check it out.
And come sweet spring, when you sit by the little rippling creek nursing a cool one, ponder the thought that your buns may be resting on the very spot once occupied by somebody else a millennium ago.
Bob Reed
Was it that close to town? We lived four miles north, one mile east and a scoot north again. There was a pond and a trickle on the Dorr farm right south, but I don't think that was Mill Creek, was it? I remember seeing the exhibit at the closer to Larabee. Does anyone know? I'm just curious ...
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the Knife River Indian Villages near Medora, North Dakota. The Mandan tribes lived there and all that you see now are dozens of symetrical indentations in the grass on a rise along the river, where their villages were once located. I was part of a teachers' group visiting the park and the state park attendants allowed us to visit a sealed vault in the the ground where they keep all the relics.
I'll never forget a perfect pair on intricately beaded bleached leather baby mocassins about the size of an adult thumb.
Bob: I love your story, but Julia is right, the Mill Creek site is over northwest of Cherokee. That's where everyone in the Cleghorn area who had ice houses weht to cut ice and take it home to store for summer use, long before anyone knew of its pre-historic significance. Someone who is better than I at things like this should be able to identify the exact location. But keep your stories coming, Bob.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dorr
Mill Creek would be 2.5 miles north of Marcus to C16 and then 8.5miles east on C16. It is half a mile east of the new Oakdale Church.
ReplyDeletePat Ducommun
I think we are all right. It depends on where one accesses (or accessed) the stream. I believe Mill Creek ran--flowed-- wandered-- from the Little Sioux river in down town Cherokee through the Cherokee county area--perhaps beyond. The site I remember--and went to---was a spot about four miles east of Marcus and one or two miles north of Cleghorn,but the brook wound--meandered-- its way through a lot of territory. Any spot on the edge of the little stream could have been used as a location for a village in rehistoric times or later by the American Indians. Does anyone still picnic on its banks at any location?
ReplyDeleteBob Reed
I wasn't being picky. I was just curious. It seems I learn things about places AFTER I move away. Which leads to a great question that hasn't been asked yet...
ReplyDeleteWhat were/are your favorite fishing places within a short drive from Marcus? Any good fishing stories?
Reminder:
ReplyDeleteThe Firemans chili and soup feed will be Friday evening, December 12th,in conjuntion with the Hometown Christmas Festivities. Serving from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, or until the food is gone.
Heartland Care Center will also have a bake sale at this same time in the fire station.
Please take the time to check out the new ambulance while your there.
The creek just EAST of Marcus that is immediately to the west of the Schwarz family farm was a great place to fish as a kid. You could go north or south of the highway and fish all you wanted.
ReplyDeleteStill go out that way and enjoy that stream. Take it a mile or two south of highway 3 and enjoy. Such a natural beauty and fun to watch the fish swim in. Spring time is the best re the water running through it and even loved to take inner tubes and rafts down that creek!
I meant immediately to the EAST of the Schwarz farm as to the west puts you on the ethanol highway!
ReplyDeleteGray Matters: A Couple of Fine Young Men
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dorr
Monday, November 24, 2008
I live adjacent to a vacant lot which was once part of the Holy Name School playground and then served that purpose for the neighborhood kids for years after the school was taken down.
I have missed the activity out there in more recent years, so was more than pleased when youngsters started gathering there this fall. Quite a few show up after school to play their version of football--running, throwing, tackling and, mostly, it seems to me, just falling down in a heap.
But they are having fun, exercising in open air, and best of all, they're not glued to some sort of sedentary electronic activity. The thing that pleases me most is that a dad whose work day ends at just the right time, drives up to their home across the street most every afternoon.
Though he has put in a long day on the job, he jumps from his trucks and joins the youngsters, seeming to have every bit as much fun as they do. I have been told this neighbor was a successful college football player and I know he does some coaching in the local middle school.
So here he is doing exactly what a good father should, using his skills to benefit his son and all of the other boys in this part of town. Our whole neighborhood is proud of this special young man and grateful for his restoring some of the values that often seem to be slipping away.
I want to tell you, too, of another young man of whom many of you may have heard. His name is Mike Singletary, the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He was born in Houston to a black minister and his wife, the youngest of their ten children.
From birth, he was afflicted with a rare disease that kept him a near invalid for years. When he did improve, his pious father would not allow him to participate in much activity. In addition to health issues the dad also objected to what he considered the violence of contact sports. When young Mike was ten, his "pious" parent took off with another woman, abandoning his wife and family.
The one bright aspect of this dismal situation, perhaps in reaction to it, the youngster started playing football, using all of his determination and strength to improve his skills from day to day. Young Singletary went on to graduate from a stellar high school program and was offered a scholarship at Baylor University where he led the Bears to their greatest heights. From there he reached legendary status with the Chicago Bears.
Now, in his first professional head-coaching position, it is revealing to watch Coach Singletary. His attitude toward his players is a pleasure to see. A smile, an arm around a shoulder, a pat on the back and apparent words of encouragement were evident throughout an entire recently televised game. In other words, he seems to be taking all of the misfortunes and deprivations of his childhood, reversing them and using their exact opposites to successfully motivate the team. All that his father failed to give him, he is giving to these young athletes. What an example of turning bad into good!
I am so pleased to be able to brighten your day with two such up-beat stories. Enjoy!
Bob - your Mill Creek tribute reminded me of a couple of the better experiences I had as a high school kid. For two summers in a row several of my friends (Clark Rainboth, Bob Garvin, John Fry, Dan Ohlendorf and Brian Sand) and I camped out on the Little Sioux River.
ReplyDeleteThe first summer was at Martin's Access, near Larrabee. A couple of sets of parents dropped us off and arranged to pick us up two nights and three days later. We had no cars, no cell phones and no other means of getting immediate help if we needed it, other than to walk to a nearby farmhouse.
We fished, rode logs in the river, built great bonfires at night, lobbed fire crackers near some girl scouts who were camping nearby, and talked about where we thought we would end up after high school. (We didn't drink, smoke dope, etc. as that wasn't our style. All of us were athletes, and in those days jocks didn't do that stuff.) On that occasion, while we were out exploring in the timber one evening, Bob Garvin fell into a ravine. He was in a lot of pain in the morning, so we walked to a nearby farmhouse where he called his parents. It turned out that he had broken his arm.
The next summer we did the same thing. We added Jimmy Irwin and Rocky Bork to the mix, as I recall, this time at Ranney Knob near Washta - still on the Little Sioux.
I remember the great food we cooked out, how the stars looked so close to the ground at night, and again exploring the river during the day. I think we rather imagined ourselves to be the last people on earth, and what it would feel like to be the planet's sole inhabitants. There were no injuries that time. It was exhilarating to be completely on our own, and dependent only on ourselves.
I look back on those experiences and guess that parents now would likely never allow their kids to go off on such adventures by themselves.
What I remember most is how grown up and independent it made us all feel, and how it built confidence in us.
The Little Sioux was my "Mill Creek". I grew up a lot during both of those brief summer stays on that river.
Fred
Yes Fred! Great reminescence! It resembles my experiences. What a great way for young guys to grow up!
ReplyDeleteBob Reed
My Uncle Stan Meylor is a retired English teacher and lives in California. Of late, he has been writing memories that I've enjoyed reading. Surprisingly enough, this one takes place on Mill Creek, which was not far from where they lived then, right east of town. I suppose the timeframe is the late 1930s/early 40s.
ReplyDeleteDec 11, 2008
RED FOX ON THE RIVERBANK
“Ice skating? Hum..., well, I guess, ...sure,” I replied.
Actually, my older siblings and I didn’t do much one-on-one, so when asked by second oldest brother, Jerry, to do something with him, alone, it was a big deal, so I said, “Sure,” as you already know.
But ice skating? How I hated the cold. None of the hand-me-down coats and sweaters that we had multi-layered around us fit, our gloves were thin, and since our skates were clamp-ons, we’d have to take off our overshoes and stand in our uninsulated farm work hi-tops that just came up to our ankles. Oh, the clamp-ons would hold well enough, and since we’d use pieces of hay bailing string to close off the pant leg bottoms, the snow would be kept away from the lower legs but not out of the shoes. In an hour: soggy frozen shoes.
But the cold; one could, at twenty degrees below freezing, see the skate steel turn colors, hear the crackling of the rigid stubble under the snow on the way to the creek, feel the rocking motion of the now dull grey blades as they bumped over the wind ridges of the water frozen in motion.
We would skate mostly in the creek’s center, Mill Creek, hoping to avoid those fast water spots where the ice was thin or kept “warm” by an overlayer of bank snow. One shoe full of water meant a long skate home, sometimes howling in pain and, later, having nightmare visions about blackened feet falling off: trenchfoot nightmares.
But wait; this story is not about our cold or even the skating, but about the red fox, the cold red fox reclining on the river bank.
Jerry saw the fox first and warned me into a crouched position even while we were skating forward toward it. But the fox didn’t move; didn’t even raise it’s head to take note of us.
We were farm boys, dirt farmers, pig and chicken farmers for all our lifetimes, so we knew that if the fox was o.k., that fox knew we were coming, most likely knew we were coming from the moment we decided to go skating back at the house. So we dropped our sly tactics.
Finally, we arrived at the Red Fox and were not surprised that she was stone frozen. We were surprised at her posture, sitting as she was like the Egyptian Sphinx, even with her eyes wide open. I especially remember her eyes because when I stood right in front of her only two feet away, my eyes were at the same height as hers. I remember how both Jerry and I tried, first the one and then the other, to place our heads close to hers, looking out in the same direction the fox was looking, trying to see what she had been seeing.
Jerry and I talked about burying the fox, but we decided the freeze was too great. Besides she was looking out over her home.
How’d she die? There was a 22 caliber bullet hole right between her eyes. After the bullet arrived, she still had a choice and she chose to sit at the river bank.
We discussed the particulars of her death as we stood there freezing, and we agreed: The Red Fox had been out scouting a nearby farm yard just after first light and decided to communicate with a farmer’s chickens. She heard a click and squared her head toward the sound just when the twenty-two bullet hit her skull. Jerry and I agreed on the size of the bullet after some discussion: A twenty-two “long rifle” would have killed her instantly at a house-to-chicken house range, and a “22- hollow-point” would have been messier. (Later, we argued our theories with other farm boys at the local Lage’s Café in Marcus.) We agreed that a “22-short-rifle” bullet would have given her time to amble down to the bend in the creek and recline in the regal position. Perhaps she had heard of that Sphinx thing. Perhaps not.
Oh, how’d we know the Red Fox was a she? That was easy; farm boys, remember? Her fur coat was a bright red, clean, orderly, like she had just been to a fancy beauty parlor; queenly.
The afternoon cold was creeping into us. We had a long skate against a hurrying northwest wind and our numbing toes were whispering from our now frozen shoes. We looked back several times to wonder out loud what a fox sees or thinks about when it is dying.
Winter days, not forgotten.
We used to picnic and fish at Martin's Access quite a bit, especially when our cousins were visiting. What a great place to hike around and get lost in. It would have been cool to camp there. I remember my grandfather had all of us kids searching for geodes down in the creek beds branching off the river. It was also nice to watch the sun set from the picnic area way at the top of the hill. Thanks for reminding me of that, Fred!
ReplyDeleteAnyone ever ice skate on the creek just 1 mile plus north of town that runs through the old Regina McClaughin or sister farm on the east side of the road? Use to ice skate on the east side as well as the west side through the Ruden farm. Lots of fun and close to town!
ReplyDeleteLooking for a neat creek to ice skate on now take 143 north to C-16 and go WEST 3 miles and look for the creek about 1/8 of a mile up the gravel road. Runs all the way back through the section toward the Peters acreage. Great workout and when the ice is smooth it is a blast skating through the section uninterrupted without fences!
"Thank-You" to all those that attended our annual chili/soup feed during the Marcus Hometown Christmas. We served eleven roasters of various kinds chili and soup, and the Heartland Auxillary sold out of baked goods.
ReplyDeleteYour support is much appreciated.
'Yours in Service'
Marcus Fire Department
What a great turn out at Hometown Christmas last weekend. The Fire Dept. put on a great chili/soup feed. It was great seeing so many people in town. The Live Nativity seen was great. There are so many volunteers that do such a great job and getting that organized has to be a task. Great job Marcus!!!!
ReplyDeleteKristi Ames
How about some good chili recipes?
ReplyDeleteI see "Pretty lady" Dorothy Mulvaney passed away.
ReplyDeleteDorothy and Pat, didn't get any better than those two.
ReplyDeleteKindest people you could ever know and now they are both together again in Heaven.
I just stumbled across a great Christmas present for anyone who grew up in Iowa (especially if on a farm) in the 30's and 40's - "Little Heathens:Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish.
ReplyDeleteIt has been out for a bit - was recognized by the New York Times as one of the 10 best books of 2007.
It will take you back to home remedies for ailments; farm food - where it came from and how it was prepared; holidays with extended families; chores for Little Kids, Big Kids and Adults; outhouses; life with kerosene lanterns and no electricity; harvest time - including the use of horses, hay lifts, big barns and hay mows; church going; penny candy; the efforts, system and joys of laundry dried outdoors; how things were used and reused and passed down; and on and on.
If you lived it, you will love it.
It is now available in paperback, too.
Fred
Merry Christmas to all.
ReplyDeleteAlways love this time of year and seeing our home town bustling with people getting ready for the holiday and seeing everyone come back home.