KOSSUTH COUNTY AND THE SPANISH FLU EPIDEMIC OF 1918 - PART 2

On October 6, 1918, Surgeon General Blue sent telegrams across the nation suggesting the discontinuation of public meetings and the closure of schools and places of public amusement.  No such steps had been taken in Kossuth County to that time.  Early in October the town of Wesley was the first to institute a health-related restriction.  The City Council passed a resolution in accordance with instructions from the State Board of Health that funerals for persons deceased from influenza or bronchial pneumonia could no longer be held in any church or public place.  Funerals began to be held in the home, in the front lawn or at graveside.

The County Red Cross was seeking more workers as they again received an urgent call from Fort Des Moines for five thousand flu masks and surgical dressings.  In addition to fulfilling that need, they also made available gauze masks and pneumonia jackets to area residents for free.  Caretakers were encouraged to pick up whatever supplies they needed for themselves or their patients.

LOSS OF MORE SERVICEMEN

Bad news continued to come in regarding our brave young men serving in the armed forces.  Cornelius Wolf of Wesley was serving on the battleship Arizona when he suffered at attack of the Spanish flu.  When he developed pneumonia, he was taken to the Brooklyn Naval Hospital where he succumbed to the illness on October 5^th.  Again the citizens of Wesley met a train bearing the remains of a brave serviceman and followed his family in a solemn procession to the cemetery where he was interred.  A large crowd attended the funeral services which were held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church after burial.

The community was saddened when word was received of the death of Chris Kain, a popular young pharmacist from Algona.  Stationed at Camp Hancock, Georgia, he died October 12^th, a victim of the epidemic.  In compliance with the order from the State Board of Health, his casket was taken directly from the train station to Calvary Cemetery in Algona where a graveside service was performed.

QUARANTINE BEGINS

The local health board began instituting quarantines around the 10^th of October closing schools, churches, lodges and amusement places.  By that time numerous cases were already being reported, many of them serious.  Doctors were kept busy day and night making house calls. 

Headline from Upper Des Moines - Republican, 10/23/1918

FIRST LOCAL CASUALTIES OF SPANISH FLU

The first victim in the county claimed by the disease was Jacob Cline of Bancroft on October 13th.  A farmer just 23 years of age, he had been sick only a few days but ran a very high fever which caused him to become irrational and confused at times before settling into pneumonia.  His death was followed three days later by Emma Johnson of Algona.  A widow with three young children aged 9 and under, she had moved to Algona following the death of her husband in May of 1917 to care for her invalid mother.

In the next 10 days, seven more Bancroft area residents would die, including little Viola Odell who was not quite three years old, and her father, Fred.  The others were Harley Howe, Joseph Stebritz, Clara Bolster, Melzar Johnson, and Herbert Sandschulte.  Two funerals were held Saturday, October 19^th, two on Sunday and three on Wednesday leaving the community numb. 

Headline from Bancroft Register, 10/24/1918

From Fenton came the news of the passing of an intermediate teacher in their public school.  She had not been feeling well for several days before the school closed, but did not give up and remained at her post.  Joy Whiteis Gross died a few days later on October 17, 1918, leaving students and her husband of just a few weeks to mourn her passing.

DEATHS AT CAMP DODGE

Three more servicemen died while stationed at Camp Dodge.  Chris Sloth had operated Algona Wood Works prior to his enlistment.  He died of pneumonia on October 14^th.  Private Fred Link of Swea City became the next serviceman to pass on October 17th.  After contracting the measles, he was easy prey for influenza followed by pneumonia.  His body was interred without delay in Harrison Township cemetery upon its arrival in Swea City.  

When it was learned that Alfred Hanson of Algona was seriously ill with the disease, his mother and step-father immediately went to Camp Dodge.  They returned home after he appeared to be recovering.  Just a day or two later, they again rushed to his side after receiving a message that he was not expected to survive the night.  He passed away on October 18^th shortly after theIr arrival.

NUMBERS CONTINUE TO GROW

Cases in the area continued to multiply rapidly.  Many had almost no sign of illness while others would quickly go from showing mild symptoms to perishing from the disease in three to four days.  The October 24^th edition of the Bancroft Register reported that it was said that there was between 200 and 500 cases of influenza in the town of Algona, but that was not confirmed.  The same issue reported that it was an utter impossibility to attempt to chronicle the number of cases in the Bancroft area at that time.  Physicians were supposed to report cases to the mayors of the towns who in turn were to report them to the State Department of Health.  The sheer magnitude of the problem made that almost impossible as doctors could barely keep up with their patient load, let alone file reports.  Deaths were sometimes not officially reported until days after the person had died.  Some were never formally reported at all – especially if there was no doctor in attendance.

Patients remained in their homes cared for by relatives.  If a victim was alone or if all family members became stricken at the same time, the Red Cross would arrange for someone to provide the necessary care.  Trained nurses were in great demand and doctors were on call 24 hours a day.  Drs. Cretzmeyer and Fellows, local physicians, became ill and were unable to treat patients for several weeks.  Other area doctors would suffer from the disease in the weeks ahead.

As the end of October approached more sad news came to the county.  On October 26^th, Gus Swanson became a victim of the epidemic.  He was one of the owners of Malloy & Swanson, a harness making firm in Algona.  Born in Sweden, he came to America in 1894.  His wife and a stepson survived.  Ida Olson Sorenson, the wife of local businessman Lars Sorenson, died October 27^th after having been ill only a week.  Her son, Arthur, was serving overseas and did not learn of his mother’s passing for some time.  And the demise of Mattie Rochleau on the 28^th was the first influenza/pneumonia death recorded in Irvington Township.  Her husband, Alton, was in the Army serving in France making notification of her death impossible.  Hugh Jennett, a young farmer from near Sexton, died October 30^th at the age of 31 leaving a wife and young family, all of whom were too ill to accompany his body back to his old home in Illinois for burial.  And a soldier who had been living in Titonka prior to his enlistment died at Camp Gordon, Georgia.  John Fulsang was 28.

The Red Cross continued to assist both the military and local citizens in any way it could.  One innovation was the formation of the Red Cross Motor Corps.  Mrs. Frank Mann put out a call to all ladies who drove their own cars to join.  Members of the motor corps agreed to supply cars and drivers for all emergencies.  They could be called upon to transport goods around the county.  For example, when a request for supplies such as masks came in, the corps would deliver the patterns and materials to the volunteers and then pick up the finished products thereby speeding up the whole process by 24 to 48 hours.

QUARANTINE LIFTED

The local board of health met during the last few days of October and decided that since almost everyone in the community had already been afflicted with the flu it was safe to once again open the schools beginning November 4^th.  All other meeting restrictions were also lifted – with the exception of dances – allowing public meetings and church services to once again take place.  The article praised the board’s handling of the recent crisis and stated that it was gratifying to know that the community had passed the danger stage from this dreaded disease.

Was it over?  Or had it just begun?  Time would soon tell.

Kossuth County Deaths from Influenza/Pneumonia October 1918
Name	Location of Death	Age	D/O/D	Record*
Jacob Cline	Bancroft	23Y 6M 22D	10/13/1918	KCDR
Emma Johnson	Algona	31Y 1M 24D	10/16/1918	KCDR
Joy Gross	Fenton	25Y 5M 25D	10/17/1918	KCDR
Herbert Sandschulte	Bancroft	17Y 2M 5D	10/18/1918	Obit/NA
Viola Odell	Bancroft	2Y	10/18/1918	KCDR
Harley Howe	Bancroft	28Y 10M 17D	10/19/1918	KCDR
Melzar Johnson	Ramsey Twp.	19Y 4M 29D	10/22/1918	KCDR
Joseph Stebritz	Bancroft	30Y 14D	10/22/1918	KCDR
Clara Bolster	Bancroft	29Y 2M 19D	10/25/1918	KCDR
Gust Swanson	Algona	38Y 10M 2D	10/26/1918	Obit/NA
Fred Odell	Bancroft	43Y 2M 4D	10/27/1918	KCDR
Ida Sorenson	Algona	45Y 1M 8D	10/27/1918	KCDR
Mattie Rochleau	Irvington	17Y 7M 19D	10/28/1918	Obit/NA
Hugh Jennett	Wesley	30Y 2M 29D	10/30/1918	KCDR
*KCDR=Kossuth County Death Records  -  Obit/NA=Obituary/News Article

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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KOSSUTH COUNTY AND THE SPANISH FLU EPIDEMIC OF 1918 - PART 1

In 1918 a new influenza virus emerged.  Commonly referred to as “Spanish flu,” it was a strain of H1N1 influenza which spread rapidly through personal contact.  The global troop movement and overcrowding conditions brought about by World War I helped the virus to quickly move worldwide.  Lack of vaccines and treatments exacerbated the problem.

From article in Whittemore Champion, 10/17/1918

In a statement to the citizens of the United States, Surgeon General Rupert Blue stated, “The disease is characterized by sudden onset.  People are stricken on the streets.  First there is a chill, then fever with temperature from 101° to 103°, and aches all over the body and general prostration.  Persons so attacked should get to bed and call a physician.” 

CAUGHT UNAWARE

Kossuth County newspapers gave very little coverage to the topic.  On September 23^rd, a one sentence article appeared in the Burt Monitor stating that outbreaks had occurred in several eastern and southern cities.  The epidemic still seemed so distant – but that would change almost instantly.

Just three days later, Dennis “Dan” Studer of Wesley became the first Kossuth County soldier to succumb to the dreaded disease.  He had enlisted on August 5, 1918 and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago at the time of his death.  When his body arrived in Wesley for burial, the train was met by his family along with almost every resident of Wesley.  A silent and reverent procession accompanied the casket to the family home headed by Mayor Thomas Turgerson carrying an American flag.

Matthew McCarthy, the son of Dennis and Hannah McCarthy who had just recently moved to Ledyard, died at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, the same day that Dan Studer passed.  His funeral and burial were in Fort Dodge, the former home of the family and his hometown.

On the date that Dan and Matthew died, Mr. and Mrs. William Knoll who farmed southwest of Burt received a telegram that their son, George, was seriously ill with pneumonia following an attack of influenza.  They left immediately for Camp Devens which was near Boston.  Arriving there, the Knolls were compelled to wear gauze masks during their stay due to the widespread disease at the camp.  George was barely alive and unable to speak when they reached him, but his parents did feel that he recognized them.  They were at his side when he died a few hours later on September 29th.

Charles Junkermeier of Ledyard was the next Kossuth County soldier who passed from this illness in late September.  He had enlisted in May of 1918 at the age of 34 and was stationed at Fort Adams, Rhode Island at the time of his death.  His body was brought back to Ledyard where his mother lived and he was buried at Highland Home cemetery.

A shock wave rocked Bancroft and the flag was lowered to half mast when word was received that two hometown boys had passed in two days.  It was first learned that Frank Nemmers had died at Camp Gordon in Georgia on October 1^st from bronchial pneumonia after contracting influenza.  Just 25, Frank had joined his father in the hardware business prior to joining the army in July and had been an avid baseball player and fan.  An overflow crowd attended the funeral of this well-known local boy at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Notification of the death of Mort Wilson, a young soldier stationed at Camp Morrison, Virginia, was received shortly after the news of Nemmers’ passing was received.  Wilson had died September 30^th of pneumonia related to influenza.  Adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John McCowein after his mother died when he was 3, he had grown up in Bancroft.  When he realized that he would not survive his illness, he asked that his remains be shipped back to Bancroft for burial.

MEDICAL ADVICE

Headline from Bancroft Register, 10/3/1918

Area newspapers began to take more interest in the spreading epidemic after losing six of our finest in six days.  On October 3^rd the Bancroft Register printed an article on how Army, Navy, State and City physicians were preparing to fight as they predicted that in all probability half of the population of the United States would be affected.  To prevent catching influenza they recommended:

·         Avoid contact with people as far as possible, especially crowds indoors and on street cars.

·         Avoid persons suffering from “colds,” sore throats, and coughs.

·         Avoid chilling the body or living in rooms of temperature below 65 degrees or above 72.

·         Sleep and work in clean fresh air.

·         Keep your hands clean and out of your mouth.

·         Avoid expectorating in public places and see that others do likewise.

·         Avoid visiting the sick.

·         Eat plain, nourishing food and avoid alcoholic stimulants.

·         Cover your nose with your handkerchief when you sneeze, your mouth when you cough and change handkerchiefs often.

·         Don’t worry and keep your feet warm.

What to do if symptoms appear? 

·         Go to bed in a well-ventilated room and keep warm.

·         Keep away from other people.  Do not kiss anyone. Use individual basins, soap, towels, dinnerware and handkerchiefs.

·         If symptoms persist, stay in bed under the care of a physician.  The patient is advised to stay in bed at least three days after fever had disappeared to be sure that they are well and to avoid the possibility of pneumonia.

CLOSE TO HOME

The same edition of the Bancroft Register included an article stating that not a single case of influenza had yet been found at Camp Dodge which housed thousands of soldiers near Des Moines.  They had instituted careful screening of troops from other camps who arrived there to prevent exposure.  

Only one week later over 500 cases were reported there with three fatalities.  Medical supplies and bedding were woefully short.  An emergency call was received by the Kossuth County Red Cross for 150 sheets and pillowcases for use by patients at the camp.  Chairman Al Falkenhainer immediately reached out and Red Cross women from Algona, Burt, Titonka, Wesley and LuVerne responded.  That day 40 Algona members made 78 sets and the members of the other towns made an additional 18 sets which were shipped to Camp Dodge that evening.

Headline from Kossuth County Advance, 10/9/1918

With no quarantine orders in place, large gatherings continued in early October.  Church services were being held and schools were in session across the county.  The musical comedy, “The Kossuth County Fair,” produced by and starring local residents drew huge crowds to the Call Opera House.  The Kossuth County Historical Society held a well-attended annual meeting.  Algona Council 952 of the Knights of Columbus initiated 50 new members into their organization while honoring Dan Studer and Francis Nemmers with gold stars on their service flag. 

 
FIRST CASES DOCUMENTED

Several area people began experiencing symptoms around October 1^st.  Some of the first cases reported in Kossuth County came from the Bancroft area.  Among them was Roy Kline, who farmed south of town, sick with pneumonia after an attack of influenza.  His mother who lived in Plum Creek Township also became infected with the flu.  Algona began to see cases as well.  Mrs. Anton Anderson was recovering from the disease which she believed she may have contracted from a letter she had received from her son, Lyman, who had written it while a patient at an army hospital in Camp Upton, New York.

The dreaded virus had arrived.  What would the future hold?

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

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WILLIAM SHIRLEY, KOSSUTH COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

This winter I have been working on a project for the Kossuth County Genealogical Society organizing all of the information the society has on country schools.  Kossuth County used to be dotted with country schools that were located every two miles or so and quite often we receive inquiries about locations of schools, teachers who taught at them, and students who attended them.  It was time to get all of the information that we have organized into one location.

As a part of that project, I kept running across the name of William Shirley who served as County School Superintendent from 1912 to 1940.  I thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at his life to both share with you and to include with the country school information.

SHIRLEY COMES TO SWEA CITY

Shirley first came to Kossuth County in 1906 to serve as superintendent of the new Swea City High School which had been built in 1903.  Born near Springfield, Illinois, Shirley had moved with his family to Minburn, Iowa, when he was 14 and he completed his high school education there.  After teaching for a year, he sought a civil engineering degree at the college in Ames.  He then taught for four years before accepting a position as principal at Waukee where he served until taking the job in Swea City.

Shirley was popular with the area citizens and well-suited for the position.  During the next six years, he worked tirelessly for the students under his care, always striving to increase the scholastic standards to provide a top-notch education.  In 1912 when then-serving Superintendent Sid Backus announced that he would not seek reelection, William Shirley decided to run for the position of Kossuth County School Superintendent.

William Shirley
Campaign Postcard

Handwritten message on each postcard

THE CAMPAIGN AND ELECTION

Both Shirley and Frank Sarchet, a teacher, announced their intention to run on the Republican ticket, necessitating a primary runoff.  Mr. Shirley hit the ground running and was often seen riding a motorcycle while campaigning.  He had the advantage of being the “candidate of north Kossuth” where he was well known.  His political advertising boldly stated that he represented a part of the county that was entitled to a county office.  He pointed out that the county attorney was from Whittemore, the Clerk resided in LuVerne, Wesley was the home of the Treasurer, the current superintendent was from Bancroft, and the auditor, recorder and sheriff lived in Algona.  Using print ads, letters, and postcards, Shirley outspent his opponent 2 to 1.  The spending paid off as he defeated Sarchet quite soundly – 1300 votes to 649.

Upper Des Moines-Republican, June 5, 1912

The Democratic candidate for the election was a teacher from the Fenton area, Margaret Dorweiler.  Shirley kept a steady pace of canvassing the county throughout the summer while Miss Dorweiler was on a European trip.  Once she returned in September, she conducted a remarkable campaign while still teaching full time.  The election results were actually closer than expected.  Shirley received 2207 to Dorweiler’s 1994 – a difference of 213 votes.  Keep in mind that in 1912 women did not have the right to vote so Margaret could not cast a vote in her own favor.  However, given the support received, she obviously was able to convince the Democratic male voters in the county that she was worthy of the position.

Portion of 1912 ballot showing
Candidates Shirley and Dorweiler 

THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT

The county superintendent’s office was located in a cramped office in the Kossuth County Courthouse.  The new superintendent settled quickly into his office and began his duties.  One of the first things he did was purchase a Kodak camera with which to take photos of every school building and yard in Kossuth County with the intention of leaving his successor a pictorial record of the conditions of the schools when Shirley took office.  What a prize that would be to have today!

He also hired a deputy superintendent who just happened to be his wife, Grace (Barger) Shirley.  The two had married in 1900 and had three children – Hale, Pearl and John.  Grace became an integral part of the superintendent’s office.  Her husband was often out of the office inspecting schools, conducting examinations and attending meetings leaving her to deal with much of the paperwork as well as unexpected callers who had business to conduct with the superintendent.  She managed the office with a pleasant and cheerful attitude.

Although he was quite loyal to the north part of the county it became apparent very quickly after the election that it would be necessary to move to Algona.  The family purchased a home on South Dodge Street and took possession April 1, 1913.  They would soon become active in many community activities and the Methodist Church.  Mr. Shirley served on many local committees including the one formed to assist with the placement of orphan train children who arrived in 1916.

CONDUCTING BUSINESS

Superintendent Shirley made it a policy to regularly visit the schools under his charge.  With over 150 schools in the county, that was quite an undertaking.  He was also in charge of hiring and monitoring all teachers, administering teacher and eighth grade student exams, and conducting graduation ceremonies and spelling bees, among many other duties.

Mr. Shirley was an imaginative educator.  One of the first things he did when he took office was order seeds from Washington, D.C. which he distributed to students to raise their own gardens.  When the war years arrived, the Superintendent organized a bean growing club to help raise navy beans for the troops.  He sent out postcards to every boy in the county asking them to commit to raising a certain number of acres.  He assisted them by providing the seed. 

The influenza outbreak of 1918 brought some challenges.  Approximately half of the schools in the county were closed due to the epidemic.  In November he contracted influenza and was absent for some time.  When he returned, he found that he was short ten teachers.  Some had left to find other employment and others were gone due to illness or death – Ethel Bailey, who taught in the Fenton area, died of influenza on December 11, 1918.  The teacher shortage continued throughout the war.

Every year the Kossuth County Teachers Association hosted an institute which the Shirleys helped to organize.  Teachers from across the county attended and were encouraged to socialize at the reception held as part of the event.  Local well-known educators such as Minnie Coate and J.F. Overmyer guided participants in workshops for each level – primary, elementary and high school – and speakers on various aspects of child development and educational methods made it an important event each year.

Plum Creek School #7
Located in Section 34, Plum Creek Township

Visiting schools was one of Shirley’s favorite duties.  He was often accompanied by a district director and would drop by a school to observe the teacher and students as they went through their day.  He took a personal interest in the children at each school and would often take some time to talk with them or quiz them on spelling words or arithmetic problems.

THE PASSING OF AN ERA

Outside of school, Shirley enjoyed hunting with friends, especially in Eagle Township near Swea City where he first settled in the county.  He and Grace also enjoyed traveling to visit their children.  Their oldest, Hale, became a doctor and settled in California; daughter Pearl married and lived near Washington, D.C.; and youngest son, John, was employed as an instructor at Michigan State University. 

Grace and William Shirley in 1938
Pictured on steps of
Kossuth County Courthouse

On the evening of Sunday, May 18, 1940, William Shirley sat down in his favorite chair and turned on the radio to listen to the news.  A massive heart attack took his life moments later.  His death sent a shock wave through the county where he had served over 27 years.  It was a double blow to his wife who not only lost her husband but also her job as deputy superintendent.

During his tenure many changes took place in education which included the superintendent position going from an elected position to one appointed by the supervisors and saw the consolidation of school districts.  William Shirley took them all in stride and did his best to provide Kossuth County children with the best education possible.

CAN YOU HELP?

If any of you have photos of any of the country schools that once stood in Kossuth County, the genealogy society would be most grateful to have a copy to add to its collection.  A digital copy can be emailed to kossgensoc@gmail.com.  We would be happy to scan and return any photo if you are unable to scan them yourself.  It would also be wonderful to obtain copies of other materials concerning students or teachers at country schools such as report cards, attendance records, lesson plans, or other data that you may be willing to share.  All materials will be returned to you after copying/scanning unless you wish to donate them.  Please feel free to contact us at the above noted email address if you have any information to share.

Until next time,

Jean

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THE ROLLER RINK REMEMBERED

Roller skating rinks have a long history in Algona.  There were two competing facilities as early as 1883.  Often featuring live music from the Algona Cornet Band or the Algona Harp Orchestra, they were all the rage.  Exclusive sessions were held for children, women, singles and couples.  Special events such as costume parties and skating contests complete with prizes and awards were often held.  Although the early rinks were popular, ownership and management changed often making them short-lived.

Some area clergy found them to be demoralizing institutions.  In 1906, a sermon by Rev. O.H. Holmes of the Congregational Church in Algona entitled “St. Samson, the Patron Saint of the Bowling Alley, Billiard Hall and Skating Rink” was advertised in advance.  The service was well attended—including by a local news man.  In the news article reporting on the sermon, it was said that Rev. Holmes spoke to the young people of Algona “exhorting them to not throw their lives away, to beware of reaching that point where nothing at home fireside pleases and where nothing but the billiard hall, the skating rink and the bowling alley will do.”  Guess they weren’t considered family entertainment.

Although I was never very good at it, I enjoyed spending time roller skating with friends when I was growing up in Algona.  My oldest brother and older sister were the “star” skaters in our family doing fancy turns and skating backwards without skipping a beat (or falling as I was most likely to do).  They went to the rink so often that they each had their own pair of skates complete with pom-poms.  I’d love to know how many miles were put on those skates over the years.

I think for most of us who grew up in and around Algona in the 1950’s through the 1990’s, the skating rink that will always be a part of our memories was located at the corner of Roan and Commercial Streets and was most commonly known as the “Star Roller Rink” and later as “Jolly Time Skating Center.”  Here is its story.

THE "ROLLER-DROME" 

Star Roller Rink in 1960

In September of 1946, L. J. Schmidt of Bode applied to the Algona City Council for a permit to build a roller rink at a cost of $16,000.  He had purchased a tract of land right at the north end of Diagonal Street for the facility.  The area for skating was 60 feet wide by 132 feet deep.  An office and skate room were located in an annex along the west side of the building.

Construction began in 1947 but was halted when certain government regulations came to light which required further permitting.  Building resumed later that year and was completed by mid-summer of 1948.  The foundation and walls were of concrete block, the roof was arched and the skating rink was solid maple.  It featured a state-of-the-art music sound system as well as a soft drink bar. 

The grand opening of the new “Roller-Drome” was held on July 17, 1948 beginning at 8 p.m.  Young people from all over the area laced up to try their skills on the new floor.  The rink was soon booked solid for parties held by church and Sunday school groups, 4-H clubs, and private celebrations such as birthday parties.  The facility proved to be so popular that it was closed only six nights during the first seven months of operation.

That same fall a ladies’ day was established on Wednesdays.  Soon a large group of women had formed a skating club.  They called themselves the “Skaters Coffee Gulping Club of Algona.”  They would gather at 2 p.m. to skate for an hour before taking a break for coffee and lunch, and then resume skating for another hour.

STAR ROLLER RINK 

Inside Star Roller Rink looking
toward northwest corner - 1957

In 1955 the rink was purchased by LeRoy and Lola Lau who moved to Algona with their two daughters, Deanna and Barbara.  LeRoy had been born and raised at Garner.  They had previously owned a sporting goods store in Grand River, Iowa.  The name of the rink had been changed to Star Roller Rink several years prior and the Laus continued to operate it under that name. 

Saturday night was always busy at the rink.  Open from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., it was a popular destination, especially for teenagers and young adults.  Activities like the Hokey Pokey and the limbo were loved by the crowds.  One of the favorite parts of the evening was when the “Couples only” skate was announced.  Romantic music would fill the air, perhaps a ballad by Elvis or “Blue Velvet” by Bobby Vinton.  You would glide out on to the floor hand in hand with your sweetheart and begin to circle the rink.  The main lights would dim so that the glow of the neon star and the flash of the mirror ball on the ceiling provided just enough illumination for a private moment in a crowd. 

Many romances began at the Star Roller Rink including that of my brother, Mike, and his wife, Carole.  Mike passed away several years ago, but Carole shared some of her favorite memories with me.  She enjoyed waltzing and performing other dances while on skates—especially to such tunes as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles or “The Twist” by Chubby Checker.  Sometimes Mike would twirl her so fast that she was sure he would not be able to hold on to her.  Perhaps her favorite memory is that of the last dance of the evening when they would skate to a song by the Drifters before packing up their skates.

On Wednesday, January 16, 1957 as the Laus were closing for the evening and the last skaters were on the benches unlacing their skates, an explosion suddenly ripped through the front of the building.  The damage was extensive – wooden shelves holding skates were knocked over from the force of the explosion and large holes blown in the rink floor.  Debris was scattered throughout the area. A skate was even found lodged in the ceiling.  LeRoy was in the back of the building and was unhurt, but Lola was among the 15 who were injured.  Sixteen year old Argyle Pettit was the most severely wounded, suffering a skull fracture and other injuries. 

It appeared that the damage was caused by a gas explosion, but since the building had no gas installations the incident was investigated.  A leaky gas valve was eventually located in a main 12 feet in front of the building.  It was theorized that the gas followed a water line into the skating rink where it built up over a few hours.  All those who were injured made a full recovery, but the results could have been so much worse.  A bus load of students from Twin Rivers had left the building just moments before the blast.

Algona Upper Des Moines
February 14, 1957

It didn’t take long for the rink to be repaired.  Just one month later, on Saturday, February 16^th, it re-opened and began doing business as usual.

JOLLY TIME SKATING CENTER 

In 1967, LeRoy Lau sustained injuries to his leg at his other job at Weidenhoff.  When his leg did not heal properly and required additional surgeries, he determined he could no longer operate the skating rink. The following year LaRue and Alberta Weaver purchased the Star Roller Rink and moved to Algona with their children, Sandra and Steve.  The children were competitive skaters and the parents had helped out at the rink where they had skated in Des Moines.  When LaRue decided to leave the Iowa National Guard, the family decided to buy the skating rink and run it together. 

Jolly Time Skating Center

They changed the name of the rink to “Jolly Time Skating Center.”  Daughter Sandy gave lessons and some of her pupils went on to perform in various competitions.  LaRue did all of the repairs around the facility including keeping the skates in good repair.  With hundreds of pairs available for rent, that was almost a full time job in and of itself. Besides regular business hours they hosted numerous birthday parties and other gatherings over the years.  They were always happy to fashion the music to the crowd and took requests for favorite skating tunes.

RAINBOW SKATELAND

In May of 1989 the Weavers decided to retire.  They had attempted to sell the rink but had not had any offers.  They closed the doors and made plans to auction the contents.  But the building’s life as a skating rink was not quite over yet.  By September Kay and Pat Sifert had moved back to Algona from Texas and decided to purchase the facility.  They renamed it “Rainbow Skateland” and opened shortly after Labor Day.  Kay Sifert continued to operate much like her predecessors with public skating available at scheduled times and holding special events by reservation.  School children came for classes or physical education classes during the school year and special classes were held for the Algona Rec Department.  The Siferts operated the rink until shortly after the turn of the century at which time it closed for good, leaving Algona without a skating rink after more than 50 years.  In later years the building has served in several capacities, the latest as a dance studio.

Dance Connection - 2020

Racing, dodging, twirling, gliding – round and round the rink we went – it was freedom on wheels.  Such fun to reminisce!

Until next time,

Jean

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