Remember When 12-19-2018

(Above) Coming to town in style  - It was a busy day for Santa in 1968.  The man in red arrived in downtown Clear Lake via the city fire truck, which was driven by Joe Scott.  Santa’s reindeer and sleigh were reported to be parked on the north edge of town.  Kids eagerly awaited Santa, who handed out treats and received Christmas gift requests at his home (a Winnebago trailer) parked at the corner of 3rd and Main.

By Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

December 1993

Gary Frerichs, 2203 S. 3rd St., Clear Lake, was named the winner of the first annual Dickens of a Christmas Lightings Contest, sponsored by Main Street Clear Lake and four local businesses.  For his extensive outdoor holiday lighting effort, Frerichs was awarded $150 in Clear Lake Bucks.  Jim Blanchard, 1506 36th Pl. N.E. (just west of the Mason City Airport on Highway 18) was awarded second place and $120 in Clear Lake Bucks.  Third place went to Janelle Harrington, 5 Venetian Dr.  Her prize was $100 in Clear Lake Bucks.

What began as a good relationship between three police officers and a small number of students has blossomed into a great idea involving 18 officers and Clear Lake students in three grades and special education.  Three years ago Clear Lake elementary teachers Donna Dull and Barb Olson developed a program knowns as “Adopt-A-Officer.”  Friday, the program marked its third year with adoption ceremonies held in the morning and afternoon for 18 area law enforcement officials.

Jan Fynskov, of Clear Lake, was the winner of the wall clock valued at $525 given by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee during its Christmas Promotion.  Fynskov registered at Cheshire Cat Bookstore.

Mabel Roberts, a resident of Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, was presented with her 50-year pin for 50-years f membership in Rebekah Lodge #105, Clear Lake.  She has been a Clear Lake resident more than 55 years.

Clear Lake and Ventura Girl Scouts are invited to a roller skating party at Clearview Roller Rink on Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 1-3 p.m.  All girls are asked to bring one canned good item for the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank as the Scouts service project.

The Lakeside FFA Chapter competed this year in several livestock judging contests.  The members went to evaluate cattle, sheep and hogs. The members on the team included: Rob Cash, Aaron Coe, Ryan Cash and Wade Humphrey.

The Clear Lake wrestling team improved their dual meet mark to 2-0 with a 49-12 drubbing of Eagle Grove.  The Eagles, rated third in the initial Class 1A rankings on the strength of three top individuals, didn’t have the top-to-bottom strength to stay with the Lions and their frenzied crowd.  Clear Lake won the first 10 matches.

The Clear Lake girls basketball team took a big step toward their first win of the season, but stubbed their toe in two tight conference losses.  The Lions led at halftime against Webster City and Iowa Falls, but second half breakdowns left them still searching for a win.  Jennifer Simmer led the team against Iowa Falls with 13-points.  Annalisa Hopper was right behind her with 12-points.  Hopper led the team against Webster City with 16-points.  Jodi Grabinski, Simmer and Deb Ryg finished with eight points apiece.

The Ventura boys basketball team defeated Woden-Crystal Lake, 58-38, for its first win of the season.  Ventura got a big game from Wade Humphrey who put down 24-points and eight rebounds.

Specials for the week in the Easter Foods Liquor Department include: Gallo Wine, 1.5 liter, $3.99; Andre Champagne, 750 ml., 2/$7; Arrow Schnapps, 750 ml., $4.99; Paramount Amaretto, 750 ml., $4.99; Bartles and James Coolers, 4 pack, 2/$5; Hawkeye Vodka, 1.75 liter, $9.69; and Black Velvet Whiskey, 750 ml., $7.99.

50 Years Ago

December 1968

Liz Hampel, 17, is Clear Lake’s “Miss Merry Christmas” of 1968.  A Chamber committee selected Miss Hampel as Christmas Princess from among 12 candidates.

Community National Bank of Clear Lake is now processing its checks through a computer system.  The bank recently installed a new Burroughs P-900 proof encoder.  It is a desk-size, single pocket machine which replaces an NCR proof machine and dual posting unit.

The United Methodist Church of Clear Lake announced that a layman and its pastor have been selected to serve as an evangelistic team in Panama during the latter half of February.  Robert Tanner, lay leader, and Rev. Worthie K. Usher, pastor, received an invitation for the trip.

Clear Lake outlasted the Iowa Falls Cadets, 63-57, on Friday night to chalk up their fourth straight win.  Steve Grabinski led the scoring with 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.  Doug Ward, who is battling Bill Wistey for a starting forward spot, poured in 13 points and cleared seven rebounds.

70 Years Ago

December 1948

Fire dropped his tragic brand into a Clear Lake home to dampen the Christmas spirit of the Caryle Nielson family when their home was destroyed by fire.  Their home on the camp ground was destroyed with all the contents.

There are 14 pupils in the Baker School with the measles.  The school was unable to have its Christmas party.

DuWayne Jensen purchased the Brown Meatmarket in the A & P Store.

E.L. Secory was elected by the city council to replace Carl Johannessen who died last week.

Allan Yeager, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Yeager, returned home after spending two days in a Mason City hospital following an accident Sunday while tobogganing in front of his home.

Charmaine Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Peterson, sang in the annual Stephens Christmas concert before an audience of over 2,500.

94 Years Ago

December 1924

During the year 1924, 8,000 autos were licensed in Cerro Gordo County.  This is 800 more auto licenses than 1923.

Five boys were rabbit hunting a few days ago and ran across a still.  They brought it to town and turned it over to the mayor, but surprisingly enough, no one has claimed it yet.

Mrs. Nellie Hall-Daniels has started a grocery store in the building on South Fourth St., just north of the office of Drs. Phillips and Phillips.

Arthur Wallace was thrown from a horse with the result that his arm was badly injured.

Our checkered wagon will call for and deliver your cleaning, pressing and laundry.  Neal the Cleaner.

The Ladies Aid will hold a bazaar and supper with chicken pie, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, gravy, cabbage salad, bread and butter pickles, white cake, tea and coffee, all for 40¢.

If you are tired after eating, it is often a sign of gas and undigested matter in your stomach and bowels.  Adlerika is the answer at Etzels Drug, it works in one hour and never gripes.