Remember When 4-13-2022

(Above) Fishing at the grade, 1972 - It was one of spring’s first warm days in 1972, and a lot of boys’ thoughts turned to fishing.  The grade at Ventura was lined with young’uns trying their luck.  Three Clear Lake boys (L-R): Francis Simmer, Bob Thompson and Dale Simmer rode their bikes to the grade for an afternoon of fun.  They might not have had much luck, but they reported having a lot of fun.

by Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

April 1997

Dean Snyder Construction Co., of Clear Lake, was awarded the bid to construct a six classroom addition, expanded music facility and ICN classroom at Clear Lake Junior High School.  The School Board accepted Snyders low bid of $1,086,000.

Clear Lake property owners will likely face another increase in sewer rates.  Sanitary District Trustees are considering their third rate hike in four years to help cover costs of district improvements.  The proposed increase would send the base rate from $10.79 to $11.26.

The Surf Ballroom will be host to one of country music’s top performers this summer.  Tracy Lawrence will present a Friday, June 27 concert.  It was also announced that the classic rock band, REO Speedwagon had been booked for July 11.  Tickets for Tracy Lawrence are $20.

Clubs announcing news in the “Club News” section include: Xi Theta Kappa, Mothers of Multiples, Swaledale Federated Garden Club, Chapter NW P.E.O., V.F.W. Auxiliary, North Iowa Golden Wedding Jubilee Club, La Leche League and Chapter AQ T.T.T.

Horizons, located at the intersection of Highway 18 and Interstate 35, will soon house a Denny’s Restaurant, Subway and Taco John’s.

Easter Foods, 20 S. 4th St., Clear Lake, has announced the hiring of a new assistant manager and new produce manager.  Todd Charlson has been named the assistant manager and Joe Hull is the new produce manager.

James M. Stanton, of Clear Lake, has been appointed by Governor Terry Branstad to serve as a work group member on the Governor’s Commission for Educational Excellence.

“What’s New Pussycat?”  Tom Jones will perform at the Crystal Cabaret on April 18 at the Surf Ballroom.

The Clear Lake Lions boys golf team began their season with a triangular meet against Newman and St. Edmond.  The Lions won the meet with a team score of 156, seven strokes ahead of their nearest competitor.  Jeff Scudder shot a 37 to lead the team.  Shad Muth and Joe Fandel both carded 39’s.

The Clear Lake wrestling team was recognized by the Iowa High School Athletic Association for sportsmanship performance.  Coaches, athletes and spectators are all valued on a scale from 1 to 3 by officials. With one being the highest.  The team received an overall mark of 1.22, putting them above the average rank of 1.29.  The spectators were slightly below average with a rating of 1.39.  The coaches were far above state average with a score of 1.34.

Playing at the Lake Theatre is “Jungle 2 Jungle.”  Coming soon is “The English Patient.”

ReMax Realty has a unit at 2110-14th Ave. N. #206 for sale.  The 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit with two decks and a master suite is listed for $75,000.  First Northern Realty has an acreage for sale at 14742 Hickory Ave. for $69,900.  Naomi’s Realty has a lakeshore home with a walk-out sandy beach and 66-feet of lakeshore for sale.  The house features a large master suite with entertainment size great room.  Make it yours for $295,000.

50 Years Ago

April 1972

Further action on the straightening of N. 8th St. between Main Ave. and 1st Ave. S. was taken at Monday night’s meeting of the Clear Lake City Council.  An option due June 1 to buy the Fareway property to the east of the street was signed.

Gerald (Crowbar) Stevens has purchased the Half Moon Inn, 701 2nd Place N., from Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Moon of Decorah.  Stevens hopes to open April 15 after remodeling is completed.  Remodeling will include new kitchen equipment, a new bar, new carpeting and interior and exterior painting.

The count of youngsters registering during kindergarten roundup at the two elementary schools shows 104 youngsters ready for school in the fall.

Spec./5 Edward Kotz Jr., has received his discharge from the U.S. Army.  He spent one year in Vietnam with an air calvary troop and one year in Germany with a supply battalion.  He is a 1966 graduate of CLHS.  He now plans to operate the Barrel Drive-In in West Union.

75 Years Ago

April 1947

The largest aerial training maneuver of heavy bombers ever staged in the United States will be flown during Army Week saluting the major cities of the Midwest.  Lakers will be able to observe the huge craft maneuvers as they approach Minneapolis on a simulated attack.

Forty-four have been arrested and fined in Clear Lake for violation of the parking ordinance.  Regulations for overtime parking are being rigidly enforced in front of business houses and such.

Tom’s Taxi has free taxi service every Sunday for those who have no transportation to get to the church of their choice.

Wednesday the ice was half in and half out on the lake.  There was plenty of open water along the front of the seawall.  Verne Petersen says there have been more ducks on the lake than last fall.

99 Years Ago

March 1923

April 2 is the day set for our new system of “cash sales only” in town.  All book accounts must be settled now!  Knutson Hardware, Co., McGowan and Sheridan, O.T. Hansen & Co., and Sondrol Co. will all participate.  With your help, we can make Clear Lake the best trading town in northern Iowa.

March 15 saw temperatures dip down to 19 below zero, after a week of mild, sunny weather, a blizzard also developed.

The style show staged by Sondrol Company, at their department store and the Wentworth Hat Shop was well attended. An Edison phonograph furnished sweet music.  Beautiful suits, wraps, dresses and millinery were on display,  Children’s garments were also charmingly modeled.

The Lions Club entertained their wives at Watkins private cafe.  A fun game was played with the women passing a lemon and the gentleman an onion until a buzzer sounded.  A prize of a stick of candy was given.  The program provided much merriment.