Remember When 11-30-2016

(Above) Christmas finery, 1966 - Clear Lake’s Main Avenue took on a festive look in 1966.  Merchants mounted and decorated Christmas trees in front of their businesses.

25 Years Ago

November 1991

Clear Lake leaders say they need a competitive edge to help the city recover from the blow of losing a major employer.  And they are banking on PHH Fantus, a Chicago, Ill. based consulting firm, to help them get the edge they need.  Representatives from PHH Fantus were in Clear Lake last week to discuss their services with local leaders.  The City Council voted unanimously to pursue the firm’s involvement in finding a replacement for the Unisys Corp, which will shut its Clear Lake plant by March 1992.

Santa Claus will arrive in Clear Lake on Friday, Nov. 29.  His sleigh is scheduled to reach Main Ave. at approximately 1 p.m.  Children of all ages are encouraged to greet him on the “sleigh route” and then join him at his house in City Park, where he will be available until 4 p.m.  The entire family will enjoy free sleigh rides.

There’s a little bit of Europe on Third Street these days.  The relaxing charm of an English tea shop where town folk and tourists gather for a “spot of tea” and conversation, the aroma of a French confectionery with handmade chocolates, delectable snacks from Italian pizza to Austrian wagers all blend in the new Third Street Station.  The new restaurant, owned by Gregg Bacon, also offers local crafts and homemade chocolates.

Kirk Severtson, a junior at Clear Lake High School, won the large school division at Wartburg College’s ninth annual Computer Programing Contest for high school students.  Severtson, the only one man team, solved all 12 computer programming problems in about five and one-half hours to win the contest.  He was the only one of the 18 teams competing to solve every problem.

Caroline and Randy Schnoebelen, of Clear Lake, announce the birth of their new son, Matthew James.  Born Oct. 27, 1991.  He has two sisters, Sarah, 5 and Mary, 1 1/2.

The Clear Lake United Methodist Church will be offering a holiday day camp during the school break for youth in kindergarten through sixth grade.  The cost of the camp is $10 per day or $60 for the entire camp period and includes lunch and morning and afternoon snacks.

Deals this week at Ben Franklin include: Monopoly and Clue board games, $9.97 each; Trouble and Aggravation games, $7.97 each; touch lamps with etched amber panels and brass base, $24.99; oil lamps, $7.97; Christmas wrapping paper, 150 sq. ft., $3.96 and Fischer Peanuts, can, $1.99.

Clear Lake High School basketball cheerleaders for the 1991-92 season include Abby Callahan, Elize Den Hartog, Daphne Copas, Carrie Monahan and Amy Williamson.

The Iowa Newspaper Association and Des Moines Sunday Register All-State Football Teams have been announced.  Three Clear Lake players were selected to both teams.  Marty Fredericks was named First Team All-State by both INA and the Register.  Mark Moeller was named to both Second Teams and Jeff Lester was named to the Register Third Team.  Ventura’s Travis Trca was selected the Register Class A Second Team.

50 Years Ago

November 1966

“Crystal Ball” is the theme selected by members of Chapter AQ and EH of the TTT Society as they make ready for their annual charity ball on Dec. 3.  The decorations for the ninth annual ball will be completed this week and will include a giant ball decorated and hung from the stage.  Dancing will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  A buffet will be served from 10 p.m. to midnight.

The Lions were edged by Webster City, 45-43, but came back to pound Charles City, 66-47.  Clear Lake Coach Gary Boeyink was not pleased with the play of his team in either game.  He said they need to get more aggressive.

So far in the season, three Clear Lake wrestlers are undefeated: Rick Schuler, at 95 pounds, Paul Miller, at 103 pounds, and Duane Schlichting at heavyweight.

Playing at the Lake Theater is Jerry Lewis in, “Way…Way Out.”  Also starring Connie Stevens, Anita Iceberg, Dick Shawn, Robert Morley and Brian Keith.

75 Years Ago

November 1941

Mayor A.B. Phillips has placed his stamp of approval on the sale of Christmas Seals conducted by the Cerro Gordo County Tuberculosis Assoc. $500 is the goal set for Clear Lake.

Many electric street bulbs have been broken by throwing stones.  Boys and girls should remember not to destroy property.  Learn to be law abiding citizens and thus save yourself much trouble and disgrace.

Prices of haircuts in Des Moines have just been raised 50¢ to 60¢.  Apparently no end to the rise in prices.  We wonder when it will hit here.

The platform for ice harvest has been erected at the foot of State Street.  The lake has not yet frozen over this year, so it will be some time before the ice harvest begins.

The Red Cross announced that they need sewers and knitters at once to complete their quota of 35 children’s romper suits and sweaters.

100 Years Ago

November 1916

The snow storm Sunday caught a number of birds on their way to the southland, also some farmers in the midst of corn husking off guard.

It pays to advertise in the Reporter.  Last week an auto chain was lost and within an hour of the ad coming out, the chain was claimed.

D.C. Branson has sold his Electric Theatre and will give possession to C.C. Carragher as the new owner.

C.C. Dawson has sold his milk delivery business to Alice Gentry.

Damon McGoon and Chas. Ritz have purchased the billiard and pool tables in the R.S. Young building next to the Park Pharmacy.

A basket social will be held at the Methodist Church, Lincoln Township.  Victrola music will be played and the group will sing, “Tipperary.”  Ladies are to bring full baskets, please.