Remember When 6-6-2018

(Above) Ventura School BBQ, 1993 - Ventura students enjoyed a barbecue on the school’s front lawn at their last day of school celebration in 1993.  Serving up hotdogs was teacher Paul Hartwell and student Wade Humphrey.  School cooks rounded out the picnic with watermelon, baked beans, coleslaw and more.  Other special activities during the week included field trips and games with teachers and students.

25 Years Ago

June 1993

When Clear Lake Bank and Trust’s 27,000 square-foot building expansion and remodeling project is completed sometime in 1994, it will feature a new concept in banking convenience for North Iowans.  The bank will house a new customer service area, with extended hours and new services.  President Ray Hewitt unveiled a model which shows a red brick and Iowa limestone exterior which bank officials and planners say will enhance Clear Lake’s historic Main Street.

A critical component in bringing two new industries to the community was secured Monday.  Midwest Engineering, Inc. and Metal Fabricators, Inc., two Minnesota companies planning to relocate in the former Unisys building in Clear Lake, were awarded Economic Development Set-Aside grants totaling $612,000.

The level of Clear Lake was measured at +9.36” above the weir.  That represents a 2.52” increase in the past week.  The water has now been continually flowing over the weir since Oct. 25, 1991.

Efforts to retain a junior high school band instructor received a reprieve Monday night by the Clear Lake School Board. Some 60 parents and supporters of the local instrumental music program forced the board to move its meeting to the gymnasium so they could be heard.  After more than an hour of comments and suggestions for keeping the half-time position, or even increasing it to full-time, the board voted unanimously to advertise for a half-time instructor.

In keeping with the theme of the 110th Clear Lake 4th of July Celebration, “America’s Entertainment on Parade,” a person with natural ties to performance and entertaining has been chosen as this year’s parade grand marshal.  Led Wangberg, of Clear Lake, was chosen as the grand marshal.

Angie Rasmus, who presented Ventura High School as band queen in the North Iowa Band Festival, was named one of five finalists to the band queen title.  The Ventura band also placed second in Class A marching competition.  The Clear Lake band was awarded second place in Class 3A marching.

Dr. Richard Calhoun, local retired dentist, was recently part of a group of six dentists who began two weeks of service and fellowship with the people of La Poterie on the West Indies island of Grenada.  The group was accompanied by a support staff of 18.

The Clear Lake baseball team ran their record to 2-1 with a 4-1 victory over Garner-Hayfield.  Paul Bruns handcuffed the Cardinals, allowing only one hit, while his team backed him up with error-free defense.  The Lions got two runs off the bat of catcher Mike Mastre.

Scott Stauffacher, of Clear Lake, will run in the Boston Marathon on June 14.  Stauffacher qualified with his 3:23.08 clocking at the Drake Relays Marathon on April 25.  He had to beat 3:25.00 to make the cut in the 40-44 age group for Boston.

The Legendary Surf Ballroom will present Paul Waters Band, music of the 50’s and 60’s on Saturday, June 12.  The Whitesidewalls will play Friday, June 11.  Party with the F-100 Club.

Listed for sale by First Northern Realty is 1500 Southfield Place, the 4 bedroom, 2 and one-half bath home features a master suite with whirlpool tub, triple car garage, vaulted entry and oak staircase all for $174,900.

50 Years Ago

May 1968

An event the size of the Iowa Lions Convention will create a favorable impact on Clear Lake’s economy when it comes to town June 2.  Over 1,000 Lions and Lionesses are expected in town and will spend three days here. About 1,000 youngsters are expected for the Lions parade scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.  The parade includes 15 marching bands, eight antique cars; one antique bus and one antique fire truck and fire wagon.

The Clear Lake High School graduating class of 1968, featured 119 students.  Commencement exercises were held Tuesday night in the high school gymnasium.

Army First Lieutenant James W. Brown Jr., 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown, Clear Lake, received the Bronze Star Medal, in Vietnam.

Class officers and members of the student council were elected for the 1968-69 school year.  Ray Schwichtenberg was elected senior class president.  Other officers include: Rick Schuler, vice president; Connie Juhl, secretary and Becky Nelson, treasurer.

75 Years Ago

May 1943

The Civic League earned $55 at their recent rummage sale.

Roy Hoit’s pet dog, “Queenie,” was poisoned with strychnine Friday.  Dr. Thomas, a veterinarian, saved her life with serum.

Herb Garlock, ship’s cook 3rd class, is now stationed at Port Hueneme, Calif.

On Saturday night, dogs got into the sheep yards at George Sheridan’s and killed 13 sheep and seriously injured 27.  The county will remunerate Mr. Sheridan in part for his loss.

Fishing reports are the best they have been in years.  Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Carr caught a nice string from their dock.  Claytus Melcher also reported a good catch of bass, pike, and bullheads.

94 Years Ago

June 1924

The city workmen clean the business streets every morning.  Some of the business men sweep papers and various litter into the gutter, thus making the streets appear unsightly during the entire day. Business men please cooperate.

Memorial Day was a beautiful one.  Hanford MacNider delivered the address at the cemetery.

Last Sunday some fishermen went out late in the day on the south shore and came in with over 300 fine fish.  One string consisted of 30 pike.

Johnnie, the three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Miles, had his front finger caught in the cogs of a cream separator, inflicting a lot of pain to the poor tyke.

The Arawana boat caught fire Saturday.  George Kabrick had just filled it with 50 gallons of gas when there was an explosion.  The fire company quickly controlled with about $200 damage resulting.

Mrs. Ned O’Neill has opened up an up-to-date marcel shop in her home, she will specialize in marceling, shampooing, hair bobbing, trimming and manicuring.

The Clear Lake Creamery made 4,600 pounds of butter last Tuesday which set a new record.