Remember When 5-12-2021

(Above) Petersen’s Bathhouse, circa 1900 - Toboggan slide at Petersen’s Bathhouse, circa 1900.  This was the first bathhouse constructed by George Petersen, a Danish immigrant – carpenter and contractor.  The 20 x 30 ft. bathhouse included 35 conveniently arranged dressing rooms.

Photo Credit: Betty Richardson (From the Pictorial History of Clear Lake book) 

 by Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

May 1996

Thanks to the quick actions of staff members a juvenile prank which could have easily turned tragic was averted Thursday night.  Approximately 15-minutes before closing, a children’s room staff member at the Clear Lake Public Library noticed smoke and another employee quickly called 9-1-1.  A fire in the library’s book drop was extinguished by police, but not before the drop box was damaged and smoke filled the library.  The staff members said the fire, which charred the box, could have easily set the shelves on fire, had it not been noticed immediately.  Three juveniles were detained in connection with the incident.

The Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Board agreed to proceed with gathering information about a community recreation center with a plan to present their findings to the City Council in the near future.

The statewide automobile tour entitled, “MotorIoway 1000,” will make Clear Lake the third destination in its trip to celebrate the motor vehicle and the Iowa Sesquicentennial.  The tour will stop over in Clear Lake on Monday, Oct. 7, with events to be planned at the Surf Ballroom.

Twenty-six Ventura High School seniors will receive their diplomas Saturday night at commencement ceremonies. This will be the 77th Ventura graduating class.

Jonathan Swenson, an associate pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, has been cast in the title role of this summer’s Mason City Community Theatre production of Meredith Willson, “The Music Man.”  Swenson will portray Harold Hill, the rascally band instrument salesman.

The Rev. Tom Healey has begun his new duties as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Clear Lake.  He and his wife, Karen, have three daughters, Jessica, Heather and Erin.

Clear Lake Bank and Trust is offering a special card that allows customers to make purchased with funds from their checking account, without writing a check.  The Check Mate card works like a checkbook even though it looks like a credit card.

It was a cold and misty day at All Vest Golf Course on Friday as the Clear Lake boys golf team matched their skills up against some of the best in the state to earn a berth in the District tournament. The Lions took the crown by seven strokes, defeating three teams who had defeated them earlier in the season.  Sophomore Shad Muth and freshman Jon Anderson each posted 77s to lead the Lions. Another freshman, Joe Fandel carded a 78 and Mike Spratt came in with a 79.

The Clear Lake boys tennis team had big aspirations going into the District meet, but they narrowly missed a berth in sub-state tennis.

The Clear Lake girls track team qualified six events for the State meet.  Senior Krista Fritz qualified in the long jump.  Liz Jaben qualified in the 200 meter dash, while Cathy Brookins qualified in the 400 meter hurdles.  The Lions also qualified three relay teams: the shuttle hurdle team of Brookins, Kristy Echelberger, Brandi Halsne and Jaben; the sprint medley team of Fritz, Echelberger, Angie Doebel and Laura Maring; and the 4x100 team of Fritz, Echelberger, Halsne and Jaben.

50 Years Ago

May 1971

Mike Schwichtenberg, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Schwichtenberg, Thornton, and Ted Schuler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schuler, both juniors in Clear Lake High School, were chosen to attend Boy’s State at Camp Dodge.  They are sponsored by Stafford Post 22 American Legion.

Clear Lake’s two mile relay team of Richard Chapman, John Maring, Jeff Dwyer and Terry French, took first place at the Bison Relays with a time of 8:52.

Mr. David Okerlund, speech and English teacher at Clear Lake High School, is completing his career at Clear Lake.  His plans include graduate studies of Rhetoric and Public Address at the University of Iowa.

Ventura boys did it gain.  This time Ventura’s victory was over CAL in a dual meet, 71-69.  In the field event category, Gene Toppin took first in the long jump.  The winning jump was 16’1.5”.  Tom Boeshart took first in the pole vault.  Ventura took three out of five relays.

75 Years Ago 

April 1946

Lawrence Frederickson, recently discharged from the service, will operate his father’s blacksmith shop.

Double bill at the Lake Theatre is “Snafu” with Robert Benchley, Vera Vague, Nanette Parks and Conrad Janis.  You’ll blush through 90 minutes of solid howling.

David Anderson, the small son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Anderson, is in the Mercy Hospital for quinsy and gland trouble.

Last Wednesday the city of Clear Lake was honored by being presented the award for the safest Iowa city in the 2,400 to 4,000 population group at special ceremonies at the Lions Club dinner at the I.O.O.F. Hall.

The Ventura population is 280 and still growing.

100 Years Ago

April 1921

The Lions Club met Friday night at the Rogers Hotel with practically all charter members present.

The best and most economical stain remover is cornmeal dampened with vinegar.

Supt. C.H. Ream has been elected for another year as superintendent of the public schools.  How should all the pupils be cared for next year is one problem facing the school board .  The public rest room has been used this year, but is unavailable for next year.  A new school building is inevitable.

Friday night there will be a band benefit dance at the White Pier for the purpose of raising money to buy new, up to date music for the band.

The American Legion has purchased grave markers for every boy buried here.  It is a flat metallic marker about eight inches in diameter with “American Legion Post No. 222” on it.