Remember When 2-3-2016

(Above) Poodle skirts and pompadours were popular again in 1991 at the Surf Ballroom for the annual Winter Dance Party.  The crowd danced to the tunes of Carl Perkins, Wanda Jackson, Jack Scott, the D.C. Drifters and the Sun Rhythm Section entertained the crowd.

25 Years Ago

January 1991

The City of Clear Lake will make an application for a REAP (Resources Enhancement and Protection) program grant to help curb erosion in the Sea Wall area.  Erosion has been an ongoing problem in the Sea Wall area, as the lake water has washed away the earth base of the wall.  Due to the low level of the lake, now is an appropriate time to get the work done.

The Clear Lake Winter Dance Party will be held Feb. 1 and 2, at the Surf Ballroom.  Friday night will be Back to the 50’s Sock Hop.  Featured performers for the Feb. 2 event will be Carl Perkins, Wanda Jackson, Jack Scott, D.C. Drifters and the Sun Rhythm Section.

An objection has been voiced about the planned razing of the Ventura Post Office and Library, but Mayor Bob Wolfram says the Council is still 100 percent behind replacing the city’s aging structure with a new building.  Sharon Kaster, of Ventura, approached the council for a second time asking the council to consider preserving the 97-year old structure because of its unusual architecture.

The State Board of Education has approved a new program in the area of business education for the Ventura School District.  According to school Superintendent Gary Schichtl, the new curriculum will be a model office arrangement which stresses job placement skills for students following graduation.

Kirk Severtson, 14, won the High School Division of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony Young Artists Auditions.  Severtson will play the first movement of Concerto No. 20 in d minor by Mozart.  He is the son of John and Jana Severtson, of Clear Lake.

Clear Lake volunteers aided the American Cancer Society by holding Jail and Bail.  The volunteers doubled the goal for the event by raising approximately $12,522.  The top fundraisers were George and Edna Klaasen, who raised edges of $2,484.  Roma Sedars raised $1,200 and Barb Dwyer raised  $1,045.

The Clear Lake boys basketball team is 6-0 in NCC action.  The team romped Webster City, 85-46.  The Lynx didn’t score for the first five minutes of the fourth quarter.  Matt Freesemann led offensively with 27-points.  The Clear Lake wrestlers placed fifth in the rugged North Central Conference Tournament.  Chad Whitecotton picked up his 75th win of his career by claiming the 119-pound championship.  Shawn Zimmerman won the 130-pound bout.   

50 Years Ago

January 1966

The Clear Lake City Council wants to test the sentiment of he business community before it proceeds with a government-financed study for possible urban renewal assistance.  The council also discussed the Iowa Highway Commission plans for failing a four-lane highway from Mason City to Clear Lake.  The Mayor B.C. Myhr said he was advised by District Engineer Robert Tutton that long-range plans call for Highway 18 to be routed south of Clear Lake.

Clear Lake will host the areas first annual Snowmobile Rally.  The snowmobiles are equipped with motor, runners, and a fiberglass body.  The races, or rally will be Saturday and Sunday.

Bob Olson was the top scorer for Ventura with 18-points.  The Vikings fell to Woden-Crystal Lake, 80-49.  The girls’ team also fell to W-C, 66-53.  Shirley Eden led Ventura with 26-points.

75 Years Ago

January 1941

All business places will close Friday during the funeral services of the late Oluf T. Hansen, who died after a three year illness at the age of 69.

It seems probable there will be no skating on the lake this winter.  The lake froze over very rough and then it snowed which left the surface in a worse condition.

Justices of the Peace for Grant Township are Burton Prescott and Howard Cash.  Constables are Hans Hendrickson and Eli Mack.

The city pump was used to flood a place for skating last week.  A large crowd gathered to enjoy the sport.

85 Years Ago

January 1931

O.T. Hansen has installed an all electric clock in the dry goods department of his store.  It is large enough that the time can be seen plainly and is said to be an absolute correct time keeper.  Stop in and check it out.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Kennedy departed by auto for a several weeks trip through the south.

The Jay Decker $30,000 home on the north lake shore, which has been under construction several months, is nearing completion and will be occupied by the Decker family in the near future.  The location on the shore of beautiful Clear Lake is ideal for a home.