Remember When 10-7-2020

(Above) Clear Lake Fire Department, 1970 - In 1970, 21 men of the Clear Lake Fire Department were on call day and night to protect the town.  Seated front (L-R): Ken Friest, Joe Scott, Denny Davis, H. Knutson, Burt Dowden, Floyd (Nibbs) Nesbit, Dick Scott and Bob Buck.  Standing (L-R): Fire Chief Pat Stork, Jim Dyre, Don Huey, Dick West, Marshall Friest, Larry Halsne, Myron Hagen, Crosby Ingersoll, Bud Meyers, Ernie Roth, Joe Jensen and Russell Young.  John Simpson was not available for the photo.

by Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

October 1995

The early results are in from a Chamber of Commerce sponsored survey about community issues.  The Chamber had hoped to gauge community support for projects ranging from a public swimming pool to the All Veterans Social Center.  Early tabulations show a bike trail and swimming pool to be priorities.

Friday night country music legend Waylon Jennings returned to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake for the first time since 1959.  A packed house helped Jennings through an emotional return and shared a night of great music.  Jennings played the same night as Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Ritchie Valens on the night of their final concert.

The Clear Lake Seawall Project Group will meet this week.  The group was formed to study information concerning the possible extension of the Seawall north along Lakeview Drive.

The United States Navy Band Commodores, from Washington D.C., have announced they will present a free concert at the E.B. Stillman Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

A one-time preaching opportunity resulted in a full-time position at the Clear Lake Regular Baptist Church for Pastor Steven Cox who will officially be installed on Sunday, Oct. 15.

The Clear Lake Board of Realtors has elected new officers.  Julie McQuaid, associate vice president of the Iowa Association of Realtors and a local realtor installed the officers.  The are: Darrel Morehouse, president; Sandy Hejlik, vice president; LuAnn Morris, secretary; Larry Day, treasurer; and directors, Ellen Oberbroeckling, Dean Molinsky and Don Jackson.

Gilby’s Classic Tans and More recently opened in Clear Lake.  Gilby’s is a family owned tanning and hair care business, located at 800 N. 8th St. Doc and Pat Gilbert serve as general managers.

The hungry Clear Lake Lions handed Hampton-Dumont a huge 49-0 shut-out loss.  Senior quarterback Jeff Lewis went 3.5 for 47-yards, including a 38-yard pass to Joe Kennedy.  J.J. Sanchez led the ground game with 0-yards on 21 carries.  Tom Rauk had two blocked punts.  Jon Murray had a couple of sacks.

The Ventura Lady Vikes tried to extend their winning streak to three, but fell to SCMT.  Danielle Hughes led the attack for the Lady Vikes with seven kills.  Ellie Pueggel was successful on the serving line, going 11.13 with one ace.

Seven young athletes will have the opportunity to advance to the State Run, Punt, and Pass Competition.  Those advancing include Michael Oimoen, Jimmy Stuart, Brian Berquest, Tim Molencamp, Scott Floy, Joe Scribbins and Ryan Molencamp.

50 Years Ago

September, 1970

New Yorkers have nothing on Clear Lake residents as far as “black-outs” are concerned.  This city became New York on a small scale Saturday night when an area which covered all of northern Clear Lake and parts of the south area were without electrical power.  The “Black-out” lasted a little over an hour.  It was caused by a high voltage wire coming down behind the Interstate Power office, 101 N. 8th St.

SP/5 Rick Olson has returned from a one year tour of duty in Vietnam.

Randy Dennis was named Lineman of the Week for the Clear Lake Lions Football team, while Bill Larson was named Back of the Week.

“Faith, Fashion and Frappe” was the theme of the special centennial meeting of the Congregational Women’s Fellowship Wednesday afternoon.

Playing at the Lake Theatre is, “A Fistful of Dollars,” starring Clint Eastwood.  Playing for the children is “Snow White and Rose Red” and “The Big Bad Wolf.”

65 Years Ago

October 1955

Announcement has been made by Mrs. W.H. Ward that the Ward Funeral Home and the Ward Furniture Store will continue under its same polices as it has this past 39 years being operated by Richard L. Van Slyke and Arthur L. Burkhardt.  Mr. Burkhardt having been associated with the firm for the past 17 years and Mr. Van Slyke for the past eight years.

Jerry E. Davis, seaman apprentice, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clair G. Davis, of 913 N. Shore Dr., is attending the Naval Radioman School at Norfolk, Va.

100 Years Ago

August 1920

We’re having a good bit of talk around Clear Lake these days about what will come to pass now that the women have the right to vote.

Owing to the crowded condition of our schools, the school board is now scouring the city for a suitable room to house 20-30 children for the winter at least.

The domestic science class at the high school is canning fruits and vegetables and making jelly.  The sewing class is making aprons.

Miss Jessie Lambertson will offer for sale the Lambertson livery stable, lot and other articles on Saturday.

Clear Lake has a population of 2,804.  Cerro Gordo county has shown an increase in the past five years of 38 percent.