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.
Exciting things are happening in our small town. Until now I have only been hearing of new businesses starting up, of new houses being built and old ones renovated, but suddenly the activity has arrived right next door.
A house is being built on the lot next to mine. Enormous trucks and earth moving machinery lumbered in. The most imposing rig boasts a sign indicating it is of oriental manufacture. How about that – “global marketing” right outside my window.
It may be high tech stuff, but most of it still looks like pre-historic dinosaurs to me. The precision with which the operators manipulate these monsters is amazing.
This all reminds me of the building surge right after WW II when we first moved here. At that time everything was pasture across the street from us. A big older home stood at the north end of the block and a garage being used as a temporary residence was at the south end. So we watched the construction of all the houses in between.
Those basements, dug with scrapers and wheel barrows, took forever. Today’s crew, with its foreign-born behemoth, got the job done in less than two days. Local carpenters in past times would then take over. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that was even before the ready-mix trucks, so the cement for basements and foundations was all mixed on site. Now, I can’t really tell you what’s going on. With what looks like styrofoam forms and cement pumped by another prehistoric monster, even bigger than the first, the basement is all but finished in these few days.
I won’t even hazard a guess as to what happens next. Long ago they would frame up the house, and that took quite a while. With their modern magic I wouldn’t be surprised if the guys I’m “supervising” from the window beside my desk might just wave a wand to put a house in place. How times have changed !
As I think back over the years, I almost regret the way modernization has deprived the children. Those earlier methods provided the neighborhood with endless evenings of clod-throwing battles and games of King of the Hill. Then, when the houses were framed up, it was time for the dare-devil climbing we mothers dreaded. Happily, there were no casualties. That is no longer possible. Sites are surrounded with dire yellow caution tape. All sorts of safety precautions and, I expect, the threats of law suits seem to keep today’s kids inside playing video games, unless they are engaged in an adult-supervised activity. Maybe our modern innovations aren’t entirely for the best, after all !
Well, I’ll try not to dwell on that, or the fact that my lovely view of Holy Name Church is going to be limited. I’m sure I will still be able to see the steeples and hear the lovely bells. It’s a small price to pay for the progress we’re enjoying, particularly when we stop to consider the fate of less fortunate small towns that are fading into oblivion.
What a great article! I wish I were home to see the progress being made in our beloved town. It comes with the price of more innocent times gone by, but its wonderful to hear about! Bob Reed
Hey Kurt! What great pics! They belong on the playing cards or the calendar that the Marcus Historical Society is developing as fund raisers. The idea is sponsor such pics on the cards or the calendar and the Socitey will sell the items to raise money for the Society. For details, contact June Dias, President at saidenu@midlands.net Bob Reed
Ms. Margaret - FYI... I loved Gray Matters #7. You've a keen wit and a lovely way with words. I often ask myself at what price do we pay for progress. No matter how high the stakes, we do progress. In many ways that is both a blessing and a curse.
Nonetheless, you keep up the good work! Your words paint a verbal picture, which lets me see exactly what you see. Thanks!
Sorry, missed a few ... another Gray Matters column by Margaret Dorr
#5 Marcus Historical Society
It is good to hear of the “new” alternative energy projects and other “new” businesses being proposed in Cherokee County. There are “new” community gathering places and a “new” aquatic center, as well. But it is also good to hear of a special effort to preserve the “old,” for it’s said that a healthy culture does not forgets its origins. Many communities are already engaged in historic preservation, so I am pleased to tell you of one more enthusiastic group.
Folks interested in the formation of an historical society in Marcus first met less than a year ago. These meetings were prompted by suggestions from Bob Reed, of Orlando, FL, one of the town’s greatest boosters and most faithful expatriates. The movement grew so rapidly that by mid-July Articles of Incorporation had been approved by the Office of the Secretary of State. The Marcus Historical Society became a reality in time to enter a vintage truck in the Marcus Fair Parade and to sponsor a prize-winning booth in the Varied Industries Building where many members were enrolled. The growing membership now goes far beyond the local area. Enthusiasts literally blanket the nation, from Rhode Island to California and from Florida to Minnesota!
Thelma Gravenish, Marcus writer who keeps the community informed, reports that the Society has purchased the former Danish Lutheran Church, at 208 W. Cedar St. from Faith Lutheran Church which had used it for Sunday School rooms before their recent remodeling. Renovation of the historic 1904 building will soon be underway. Funding for the purchase and part of the renovation was provided by Robert and Maxine Reed of Orlando, FL, and it is to be named The Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society, in memory of Robert “Bob’s” parents Carl A. and Hazel A. Reed.
Carl came to Marcus in 1930 and served as the IC Railroad station agent until his retirement in 1949. During those years he was a member of the Legion, Masons, and volunteer fire department. His wife, Hazel, belonged to OES, PEO, Tourist Club and Garden Club. Both were very active in the Methodist Church. Hazel, an accomplished pianist, sometimes accompanied the choir in which Carl always sang bass, and she was also a faithful Ladies Aid member. In view of all of their community activities, it’s appropriate to have the Center named in their honor.
As there are other area locations where generic historical objects are on display, it is the Society’s intention for it’s collection to be quite Marcus-specific. An impartial curator and an acquisitions committee will carefully consider all materials with that in mind. It will be well publicized when the renovations are complete and the Society is ready to accept objects, either as gifts or on loan. That should not be too long, judging from the enthusiasm that is running high, for example, many MMC art students are participating in a contest to design a logo for the Society’s use. The winner will be awarded a $100 scholarship. Meanwhile, several fundraising projects are being planned by the society members.
With so much tumult and disaster around us, don’t you agree that it is gratifying to watch the “new” taking shape, and the “old” being preserved here in Cherokee County, our very special corner of the world.
In last week’s Gray Matter, I told you of the enthusiasm created in western Cherokee county, and elsewhere, by the Marcus Historical Society. Due to that enthusiasm, several recent conversations have turned to things and people from the past. I thought you might enjoy one of those “people” stories. It is about Martha Ament, a remarkable, multi-talented lady whom many may remember.
First, Martha was a farm-wife. She and husband, Bill, raised their two children, son Dick and daughter Phyllis, on a farm just outside of town. Canning the garden produce and meat was one of the tasks of most farm women, but I think Martha may have turned it up a notch. She once told that she came within four quarts of her goal of 1,000 jars in one season, and several other years she wasn’t far from that mark !
In spite of all her work, she belonged to the Farm Bureau Women, serving a term as county president. She was a local 4-H leader and chaired the County 4-H Council for a time. Martha was a volunteer in the Republican party and also held a state office in the Heart Association. Meanwhile she wrote for both the Marcus News and the Cherokee Times, parent of this publication. Ament worked for Mid-Sioux Opportunities for five years, the only paying job we can recall her holding, with the exception of the incredible catering she did from her home.
As she was too busy to keep records of that activity, we have to depend on notes kept by a friend who reported that, during the few short years she kept track, she recorded that Martha had prepared more than 300 meals for at least 100 guests each. The largest was a wedding dinner for 350 guests, complete with individual frozen salads, each served at just the right temperature!
Toward the end of her catering career, Mrs. Ament was employed by Westmar College, then in its heyday. During the school year she prepared refreshments for at least three major receptions. Each involved at least 1000 cookies, usually of perhaps ten different types, and a like number of dainty sandwiches, probably of six or more kinds.
I loved the story she once told of driving home, following one of those evening receptions, in a cold, dark, downpour. Not realizing that a car was following her until she reached her own driveway, she stepped from her garage to see who it was. Quickly rolling down his window, Harry Kalas, then the college president, called, “It’s just me. I wanted to be sure you got home safely.” Backing out, with a wave, he headed back to Le Mars. That college executive knew a good thing when he had one, and so did many others who cherish memories of the masterful meals she prepared and served for their special times!
Martha Ament is just one of the wonderful people the memory of whose lives and times the Marcus Historical Society is intent on preserving!
Please take a minute to check out the Marcus Historical Society's various fundraising efforts by visiting Marcus Historical Society and then clicking on "*FUNDRAISERS*" in the left-hand menu.
Thanks! June Dias Marcus Historical Society President
Maybe someone can answere this question about the 1911 Marcus fire picture. Is the white house, which appears undamaged, the former Victor Straub home? Just trying to orient myself. Irv Deichmann
I'm new to this blog. I'm doing research on my family names and many members lived in Marcus. The surnames involved are Hanham, Cave, Bryant and Hobbs. I have met a few great people via phone and e-mail at the Marcus Historical Society. I was wondering if anyone has any blacksmith items that might have been marked or stamped by my GGGGrandfater, John Hanham. He bought the Olson blacksmith shop there starting about 1896 to maybe 1920?
Wouldn't it be a good idea for all expatriates to indicate on the Blogspot if they plan on coming home for the Marcus Fair? It would also be nice for those having class reunions to tell us here. This would just give us "hometowners" a heads-up on who to be looking for. Margaret Dorr
I'm in Marcus right now and while driving around I noticed how many Ash trees are around town. I hope everyone is preparing for the Emerald Ash Borer because it is coming and it will wipe out all the Ash trees in town. It's in Chicago now and heading West. Don't know when it will get here but I'd start planting other trees any where near an Ash tree so you aren't left without shade one day.
About 10 years or so ago I planted a Dutch Elm disease resistant variety of true American Elm on my parents property. The variety is called the "Liberty Elm". I also planted some around Marcus High School. Turns out they aren't as resistant as purported. Many have died.
In doing more research I have found a better variety called the "Valley Forge Elm" and the "New Harmony Elm". I'd love to see the City of Marcus plant a few of them around town to replace or fill in spots where needed. Of course you wouldn't want to plant only the Elms, hopefully we learned our lesson. But they are fast growing trees and look great when fully grown.
To find and order them simply google Valley Forge Elm.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE SIGN-UP & SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY!
The sole purpose of the Siouxland Community Blood Bank is to provide a safe and dependable supply of voluntarily donated blood to patients in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. SCBB is the sole supplier of blood and blood components to thirty-six area hospitals, including Cherokee Regional Medical Center.
We are currently experiencing urgent needs for many blood types, especially O-; so I am asking for your help. Please stop by your local SCBB Community Blood Drives and donate!
Upcoming Community Blood Drive in Marcus: Tuesday, July 10th from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at Holy Name Church
Please spread the word to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Our goal is to collect 40 units, so please encourage everyone to sign-up online at www.donorsaves.org or by calling 1-800-798-4208.
Thanks so much!
Nikki Dotson, Recruiter Siouxland Community Blood Bank
Please contact me if you have any questions! Office: 877-224-6208, ext. 263 Cell: 712-253-9623 E-Mail: ndotson@siouxlandbloodbank.org
Wonderful storytelling from Margaret Dorr's column ... Sorry, I have a few others that haven't been posted yet.
#14 The Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is fast approaching. There will be many local and area observances to enjoy. Patriotic music and spectacular fireworks are TV staples for that special day. This means we will frequently hear John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” as it is now our official National March.
Some time ago, in a discussion on my favorite public radio station, one speaker wisely suggested that bands play that march sparingly to keep its sparkling freshness alive. They then exuberantly praised the splendid, surging trombone trio which concludes the piece. Now let me explain why those words piqued my memory and sent chills down my spine.
Early in their marriage, my parents lived in rural Nebraska just down the road from a family of motherless boys. It seems those kids took a fancy to Mom and Dad and spent a lot of time with them. One of the lads grew up to be an exceptional trombonist.
During WW I, he became a member of the U.S. Marine Band, which both Sousa and his father before him, had directed. I grew up with the folks’ stories of this young fellow, home on leave, playing his trombone for their community and in their home. “Stars and Stripes” was always a part of those tales.
Around that time, Sousa was touring with his own band, and my parents were privileged to attend one of his concerts. Due to all this, my father held that piece in highest esteem. Whenever it was played on the radio, we listened reverently in hushed silence, and Dad always had tears in his eyes when they swung into those stirring concluding measures.
In a few years my father succumbed to kidney cancer. Lying on his deathbed, he candidly confided that his idea of heaven was a place where you got to do the things you had wanted to do in life, but never had the chance. (Not profound theology, perhaps, but typical of his thinking.) He then asked, “Do you know what I’ll be doing, if that’s the case? I’ll be playing that trombone part in ‘Stars and Stripes’ the first day I get there.” He died a short time later.
Not long after that, a movie came out titled, “The Sousa Story.” We went to see it in Cherokee. Except for the music, it was a rather unremarkable film until the finale. I didn’t know it at the time, but have since learned that at the end of Sousa’s career, when he was no longer directing, he often filled in as a trombonist in other bands. It was during one of those sessions that he collapsed and died. So, appropriately, the final scene portrayed a band in splendid regalia, marching UP through wonderful fleecy clouds to the strains of Dad’s favorite.
I burst into tears as I struggled to see the tall trombonist at the right of the screen. My understanding husband offered me his handkerchief and consoled me as best he could.
As the lights came up everyone must have stared curiously, for it was not that emotional a movie. For me, though, it had truly touched a tender chord. So you see why I am eagerly anticipating the coming of the Fourth of July with its many opportunities to hear our incredible National March, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Marcus and ethanol were part of today's article The Craze for Maize in "The Economist."
ReplyDeleteGray Matters#7: Welcoming progress
ReplyDeleteby Margaret Dorr
Exciting things are happening in our small town. Until now I have only been hearing of new businesses starting up, of new houses being built and old ones renovated, but suddenly the activity has arrived right next door.
A house is being built on the lot next to mine. Enormous trucks and earth moving machinery lumbered in. The most imposing rig boasts a sign indicating it is of oriental manufacture. How about that – “global marketing” right outside my window.
It may be high tech stuff, but most of it still looks like pre-historic dinosaurs to me. The precision with which the operators manipulate these monsters is amazing.
This all reminds me of the building surge right after WW II when we first moved here. At that time everything was pasture across the street from us. A big older home stood at the north end of the block and a garage being used as a temporary residence was at the south end. So we watched the construction of all the houses in between.
Those basements, dug with scrapers and wheel barrows, took forever. Today’s crew, with its foreign-born behemoth, got the job done in less than two days. Local carpenters in past times would then take over. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that was even before the ready-mix trucks, so the cement for basements and foundations was all mixed on site. Now, I can’t really tell you what’s going on. With what looks like styrofoam forms and cement pumped by another prehistoric monster, even bigger than the first, the basement is all but finished in these few days.
I won’t even hazard a guess as to what happens next. Long ago they would frame up the house, and that took quite a while. With their modern magic I wouldn’t be surprised if the guys I’m “supervising” from the window beside my desk might just wave a wand to put a house in place. How times have changed !
As I think back over the years, I almost regret the way modernization has deprived the children. Those earlier methods provided the neighborhood with endless evenings of clod-throwing battles and games of King of the Hill. Then, when the houses were framed up, it was time for the dare-devil climbing we mothers dreaded. Happily, there were no casualties. That is no longer possible. Sites are surrounded with dire yellow caution tape. All sorts of safety precautions and, I expect, the threats of law suits seem to keep today’s kids inside playing video games, unless they are engaged in an adult-supervised activity. Maybe our modern innovations aren’t entirely for the best, after all !
Well, I’ll try not to dwell on that, or the fact that my lovely view of Holy Name Church is going to be limited. I’m sure I will still be able to see the steeples and hear the lovely bells. It’s a small price to pay for the progress we’re enjoying, particularly when we stop to consider the fate of less fortunate small towns that are fading into oblivion.
What a great article! I wish I were home to see the progress being made in our beloved town. It comes with the price of more innocent times gone by, but its wonderful to hear about!
ReplyDeleteBob Reed
New Years Day Marcus Fire 1911. Anyone know anything about this fire?
ReplyDeleteMarcus Fire 1911
Kurt Dorr
Another fun Marcus Picture
ReplyDeleteBarnes Bank
Kurt Dorr
Hey Kurt!
ReplyDeleteWhat great pics! They belong on the playing cards or the calendar that the Marcus Historical Society is developing as fund raisers. The idea is sponsor such pics on the cards or the calendar and the Socitey will sell the items to raise money for the Society. For details, contact June Dias, President at saidenu@midlands.net
Bob Reed
Ms. Margaret - FYI... I loved Gray Matters #7. You've a keen wit and a lovely way with words. I often ask myself at what price do we pay for progress. No matter how high the stakes, we do progress. In many ways that is both a blessing and a curse.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, you keep up the good work! Your words paint a verbal picture, which lets me see exactly what you see. Thanks!
Sorry, missed a few ... another Gray Matters column by Margaret Dorr
ReplyDelete#5 Marcus Historical Society
It is good to hear of the “new” alternative energy projects and other “new” businesses being proposed in Cherokee County. There are “new” community gathering places and a “new” aquatic center, as well. But it is also good to hear of a special effort to preserve the “old,” for it’s said that a healthy culture does not forgets its origins. Many communities are already engaged in historic preservation, so I am pleased to tell you of one more enthusiastic group.
Folks interested in the formation of an historical society in Marcus first met less than a year ago. These meetings were prompted by suggestions from Bob Reed, of Orlando, FL, one of the town’s greatest boosters and most faithful expatriates. The movement grew so rapidly that by mid-July Articles of Incorporation had been approved by the Office of the Secretary of State. The Marcus Historical Society became a reality in time to enter a vintage truck in the Marcus Fair Parade and to sponsor a prize-winning booth in the Varied Industries Building where many members were enrolled. The growing membership now goes far beyond the local area. Enthusiasts literally blanket the nation, from Rhode Island to California and from Florida to Minnesota!
Thelma Gravenish, Marcus writer who keeps the community informed, reports that the Society has purchased the former Danish Lutheran Church, at 208 W. Cedar St. from Faith Lutheran Church which had used it for Sunday School rooms before their recent remodeling. Renovation of the historic 1904 building will soon be underway. Funding for the purchase and part of the renovation was provided by Robert and Maxine Reed of Orlando, FL, and it is to be named The Reed Center of the Marcus Historical Society, in memory of Robert “Bob’s” parents Carl A. and Hazel A. Reed.
Carl came to Marcus in 1930 and served as the IC Railroad station agent until his retirement in 1949. During those years he was a member of the Legion, Masons, and volunteer fire department. His wife, Hazel, belonged to OES, PEO, Tourist Club and Garden Club. Both were very active in the Methodist Church. Hazel, an accomplished pianist, sometimes accompanied the choir in which Carl always sang bass, and she was also a faithful Ladies Aid member. In view of all of their community activities, it’s appropriate to have the Center named in their honor.
As there are other area locations where generic historical objects are on display, it is the Society’s intention for it’s collection to be quite Marcus-specific. An impartial curator and an acquisitions committee will carefully consider all materials with that in mind. It will be well publicized when the renovations are complete and the Society is ready to accept objects, either as gifts or on loan. That should not be too long, judging from the enthusiasm that is running high, for example, many MMC art students are participating in a contest to design a logo for the Society’s use. The winner will be awarded a $100 scholarship. Meanwhile, several fundraising projects are being planned by the society members.
With so much tumult and disaster around us, don’t you agree that it is gratifying to watch the “new” taking shape, and the “old” being preserved here in Cherokee County, our very special corner of the world.
#6 A special woman remembered
ReplyDeleteby Margaret Dorr
In last week’s Gray Matter, I told you of the enthusiasm created in western Cherokee county, and elsewhere, by the Marcus Historical Society. Due to that enthusiasm, several recent conversations have turned to things and people from the past. I thought you might enjoy one of those “people” stories. It is about Martha Ament, a remarkable, multi-talented lady whom many may remember.
First, Martha was a farm-wife. She and husband, Bill, raised their two children, son Dick and daughter Phyllis, on a farm just outside of town. Canning the garden produce and meat was one of the tasks of most farm women, but I think Martha may have turned it up a notch. She once told that she came within four quarts of her goal of 1,000 jars in one season, and several other years she wasn’t far from that mark !
In spite of all her work, she belonged to the Farm Bureau Women, serving a term as county president. She was a local 4-H leader and chaired the County 4-H Council for a time. Martha was a volunteer in the Republican party and also held a state office in the Heart Association. Meanwhile she wrote for both the Marcus News and the Cherokee Times, parent of this publication. Ament worked for Mid-Sioux Opportunities for five years, the only paying job we can recall her holding, with the exception of the incredible catering she did from her home.
As she was too busy to keep records of that activity, we have to depend on notes kept by a friend who reported that, during the few short years she kept track, she recorded that Martha had prepared more than 300 meals for at least 100 guests each. The largest was a wedding dinner for 350 guests, complete with individual frozen salads, each served at just the right temperature!
Toward the end of her catering career, Mrs. Ament was employed by Westmar College, then in its heyday. During the school year she prepared refreshments for at least three major receptions. Each involved at least 1000 cookies, usually of perhaps ten different types, and a like number of dainty sandwiches, probably of six or more kinds.
I loved the story she once told of driving home, following one of those evening receptions, in a cold, dark, downpour. Not realizing that a car was following her until she reached her own driveway, she stepped from her garage to see who it was. Quickly rolling down his window, Harry Kalas, then the college president, called, “It’s just me. I wanted to be sure you got home safely.” Backing out, with a wave, he headed back to Le Mars. That college executive knew a good thing when he had one, and so did many others who cherish memories of the masterful meals she prepared and served for their special times!
Martha Ament is just one of the wonderful people the memory of whose lives and times the Marcus Historical Society is intent on preserving!
A nice story in Sunday's Sioux City Journal about Marcus' Don Agostine. The link follows:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/05/20/news/top/84507476fe3f9c66862572df0066a7ac.txt
Please take a minute to check out the Marcus Historical Society's various fundraising efforts by visiting Marcus Historical Society and then clicking on "*FUNDRAISERS*" in the left-hand menu.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
June Dias
Marcus Historical Society President
Maybe someone can answere this question about the 1911 Marcus fire picture. Is the white house, which appears undamaged, the former Victor Straub home? Just trying to orient myself. Irv Deichmann
ReplyDeleteAvenue of Flags at the Marcus-Amherst Cemetery
ReplyDeletephoto taken 5/28/07 by June (Pallesen) Dias
Beautiful picture of the Avenue of Flags, June. Thanks. Bonnie Morgenthaler
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm new to this blog. I'm doing research on my family names and many members lived in Marcus. The surnames involved are Hanham, Cave, Bryant and Hobbs. I have met a few great people via phone and e-mail at the Marcus Historical Society. I was wondering if anyone has any blacksmith items that might have been marked or stamped by my GGGGrandfater, John Hanham. He bought the Olson blacksmith shop there starting about 1896 to maybe 1920?
Thanks for any help.
Wouldn't it be a good idea for all expatriates to indicate on the Blogspot if they plan on coming home for the Marcus Fair? It would also be nice for those having class reunions to tell us here. This would just give us "hometowners" a heads-up on who to be looking for.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Dorr
I'm in Marcus right now and while driving around I noticed how many Ash trees are around town. I hope everyone is preparing for the Emerald Ash Borer because it is coming and it will wipe out all the Ash trees in town. It's in Chicago now and heading West. Don't know when it will get here but I'd start planting other trees any where near an Ash tree so you aren't left without shade one day.
ReplyDeleteAbout 10 years or so ago I planted a Dutch Elm disease resistant variety of true American Elm on my parents property. The variety is called the "Liberty Elm". I also planted some around Marcus High School. Turns out they aren't as resistant as purported. Many have died.
In doing more research I have found a better variety called the "Valley Forge Elm" and the "New Harmony Elm". I'd love to see the City of Marcus plant a few of them around town to replace or fill in spots where needed. Of course you wouldn't want to plant only the Elms, hopefully we learned our lesson. But they are fast growing trees and look great when fully grown.
To find and order them simply google Valley Forge Elm.
K Dorr
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE SIGN-UP & SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BLOOD SUPPLY!
ReplyDeleteThe sole purpose of the Siouxland Community Blood Bank is to provide a safe and dependable supply of voluntarily donated blood to patients in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. SCBB is the sole supplier of blood and blood components to thirty-six area hospitals, including Cherokee Regional Medical Center.
We are currently experiencing urgent needs for many blood types, especially O-; so I am asking for your help. Please stop by your local SCBB Community Blood Drives and donate!
Upcoming Community Blood Drive in Marcus:
Tuesday, July 10th from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at Holy Name Church
Please spread the word to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Our goal is to collect 40 units, so please encourage everyone to sign-up online at www.donorsaves.org or by calling 1-800-798-4208.
Thanks so much!
Nikki Dotson, Recruiter
Siouxland Community Blood Bank
Please contact me if you have any questions!
Office: 877-224-6208, ext. 263
Cell: 712-253-9623
E-Mail: ndotson@siouxlandbloodbank.org
Wonderful storytelling from Margaret Dorr's column ... Sorry, I have a few others that haven't been posted yet.
ReplyDelete#14
The Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is fast approaching. There will be many local and area observances to enjoy. Patriotic music and spectacular fireworks are TV staples for that special day. This means we will frequently hear John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” as it is now our official National March.
Some time ago, in a discussion on my favorite public radio station, one speaker wisely suggested that bands play that march sparingly to keep its sparkling freshness alive. They then exuberantly praised the splendid, surging trombone trio which concludes the piece. Now let me explain why those words piqued my memory and sent chills down my spine.
Early in their marriage, my parents lived in rural Nebraska just down the road from a family of motherless boys. It seems those kids took a fancy to Mom and Dad and spent a lot of time with them. One of the lads grew up to be an exceptional trombonist.
During WW I, he became a member of the U.S. Marine Band, which both Sousa and his father before him, had directed. I grew up with the folks’ stories of this young fellow, home on leave, playing his trombone for their community and in their home. “Stars and Stripes” was always a part of those tales.
Around that time, Sousa was touring with his own band, and my parents were privileged to attend one of his concerts. Due to all this, my father held that piece in highest esteem. Whenever it was played on the radio, we listened reverently in hushed silence, and Dad always had tears in his eyes when they swung into those stirring concluding measures.
In a few years my father succumbed to kidney cancer. Lying on his deathbed, he candidly confided that his idea of heaven was a place where you got to do the things you had wanted to do in life, but never had the chance. (Not profound theology, perhaps, but typical of his thinking.) He then asked, “Do you know what I’ll be doing, if that’s the case? I’ll be playing that trombone part in ‘Stars and Stripes’ the first day I get there.” He died a short time later.
Not long after that, a movie came out titled, “The Sousa Story.” We went to see it in Cherokee. Except for the music, it was a rather unremarkable film until the finale. I didn’t know it at the time, but have since learned that at the end of Sousa’s career, when he was no longer directing, he often filled in as a trombonist in other bands. It was during one of those sessions that he collapsed and died. So, appropriately, the final scene portrayed a band in splendid regalia, marching UP through wonderful fleecy clouds to the strains of Dad’s favorite.
I burst into tears as I struggled to see the tall trombonist at the right of the screen. My understanding husband offered me his handkerchief and consoled me as best he could.
As the lights came up everyone must have stared curiously, for it was not that emotional a movie. For me, though, it had truly touched a tender chord. So you see why I am eagerly anticipating the coming of the Fourth of July with its many opportunities to hear our incredible National March, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
What an absolute gem! Magaret did herself proud with a remarkable remberance! Yea!
ReplyDeleteBob Reed