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HISTORICAL
REVIEW
OF THE
50 YEAR HISTORY 1915-1966
COMPILED AND EDITED
BY
FRED D. ADAMS
PAST PRESIDENT
FIRST PUBLICATION
OCTOBER, 1966
NEW PUBLICATION JANUARY, 1977
The purpose of this review
is to acquaint each member of the Waterloo Rotary Club with the background
of the men who joined in 1915 and during the period following for the next
25 years and longer. What has been accomplished has not been because of the
action of any one man or a small group of men. The spirit of Rotary, which
has been the development of acquaintance and an opportunity for service, has
played an important role in the progress and development of
If the members of the Waterloo Club become better acquainted with each other
and if they know more about each other’s business— where it is located, and
the number of people employed, and under what circumstances the business had
its beginning, its growth through the years, and its anticipated future development—then
we shall most of all feel more friendly toward one another, which, in itself,
would make Rotary much more worthwhile.
This was one of the reasons why Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International,
gathered together a small group of businessmen in lines of business other
than his own—so that they could become better acquainted. He coined the name
“ROTARY CLUB” which, to him, meant “to rotate” and become better acquainted.
If this thought can be carried out by every member of the Waterloo Rotary
Club, the question of better attendance and more interest in our programs
will automatically take care of itself. This is why an attempt has been made
to cover every classification in the Waterloo Rotary Club in one way or another.
Our slogan should be “Know your Fellow Rotarians Better.”
Fortunately a 1918 Copy of the photographic roster of the Waterloo Rotary
Club now makes possible the publication of the pictures of the ten charter
members which have now been added.
Bruce Gates and Fred Adams joined the Club in May 1915 along with 25
or 30 other candidates. Another group of 30 or 40 joined in September 1915.
It is also most interesting to note the continued progress and growth of John
Deere Waterloo Tractor Works. The Waterloo Rotary Club is justifiably proud
to number so many of the top personnel of this fine industry among our members,
See John Deere special up-to-date facts as of February, 1977.
Also included in this new edition is a condensed summary of the Presidents
and officers of the Club starting July 1, 1966 thru December 31, 1976. Further
comments and comparisons of the growth of Rotary International by Secretary
Herb Palmer brings us up to date. See World Wide Statistics, Foundation Milestone,
Salute to Rath Packing Company, Growth and Process
of
INDEX
HISTORICAL REVIEW 1915 -
1966
PART I — HISTORICAL
TIDBITS
Waterloo Rotary Gets Its Charter
Early Day Rotarians
Dairy Cattle Congress
War Bonds
Rotary Reserve
Our Public Utilities
Waterloo Courier
Y.M.C.A. & Y.W.C.A.
Chamber of Commerce
Museum of History & Science
Centennial Celebration
United Services
Railroad and Truck Transportation
The Construction Industry
Education and Schools
Ministerial Association
Biographical Sketches of Past Presidents
PART II — GROWTH AND EXPANSION
Our
Financial Institutions
Wholesalers, Retailers, Brokers, Advertising, Warehousing
An Industrial Infant Grows Up
(Our Fast Growing Manufacturing Plants)
Our Municipal Airport and Facilities, Niederhauser
Airways
Three Fine Hospitals
The Services - Classified
Parks, Recreation, and Sports
Radio, TV, Public Buildings
Agriculture, Civic Affairs, and WIDA
PART
III —
MISCELLANY AND CONCLUSION
Politics In Rotary
Where Do We Go From Here?
Classified Rotarians, July 1, 1966
Conclusion
Population Comparison 1915 and 1966
PART
IV —
UP-DATE 1966 -1976
Past President, 1966 -
1976
Update Information
classified Rotarians March 1, 1977
APRIL 16, 1915
Paul Harris, who organized the first Rotary Club in
The unveiling of the Historical Sites Marker was attended by nine District
Governors-Elect and their wives from across the seas. Districts represented
were from
It is now a matter of record that Rotary International, with headquarters
in
The Waterloo Rotary Club received its charter, No- 168, on April 16, 1915
with 10 charter members as follows:
Fred L. Northey
Charles V. Simmons Ralph
J. Hoxie
Almon F. Gates
George W. Huntley Fred
W. Powers
W. J. Peddicord
John W Rath
George E. Lichty
Clinton
G. Holden
See additional comment in the latter part of 1977 review with photos
of charter members.
Since this review is for the historical records of the Waterloo
Rotary Club, it seems advisable to quote the six objects of Rotary International
which were adopted and were in effect in 1915. They were as follows:
1. To promote the recognition of the worthiness of all legitimate occupations
and to dignify the occupation of each member as affording him an opportunity
to serve society.
2. To encourage high ethical standards in business and professions.
3. To increase the efficiency of each member by the development of improved
ideas and business methods.
4. To stimulate the desire of each member to be of service to his fellow men
and society in general.
5. To promote the scientizing of acquaintance as
an opportunity for service and an aid to success.
6. To quicken the interest of each member in the public welfare of his community
and to cooperate with others in its civic, social, commercial and industrial
development.
In the closing paragraphs of this treatise, the objects of Rotary as suggested
by the headquarters office in
It is the opinion of the writer that the objects of Rotary—both 1915 and 1966
versions— have created an image and an upgrading of high ethical standards
among business and professional men throughout the world. If the Waterloo
Rotary Club can be used as
a yardstick in this
EARLY DAY
LEADERS WHO
At the turn of the century, the growth of
Rotarian George B. Lichty, who was a charter member
of the Waterloo Rotary Club, was a community builder and an organizer. He
sponsored and developed many wholesale distributing firms and several manufacturing
concerns.
William Galloway came to town and soon became nationally recognized as one
of
Wilbur Marsh established the Iowa Dairy Separator Plant in 1902 and employed
several hundreds of people within a short time, turning out cream separators
for Sears Roebuck. He was a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club from 1916 until
he passed away on December 22, 1929.
The Cass Brothers, L. S., J. F., and C. D., organized the Waterloo-Cedar Falls
& Northern Railway in the early 1900’s with interurban service to
All of the above gentlemen started in business before the Waterloo Rotary
Club was organized, but shortly after the Rotary Club received its charter
in 1915, all of them became Rotarians, and they contributed much to the growth
and development of our fair city.
The various subjects covered in the following pages of this review will show
that the influence and guidance of Waterloo Rotarians in all walks of life
have been a strong contributing factor in the growth and development of
Shortly after the Rotary Club was organized, many of the members recognized
the Dairy Show as a most valuable asset to the city of
Nathan Northey
Jamcs Graham
Harry Northey
I W. Rath
Carleton Sias
Ed Rath
William Galloway Roy
Shoemaker
Hugh Van Pelt Bill
Parrott
George W. Huntley Wilbur
Marsh
George E. Lichty
Wirt Hoxie, Sr..
Harry Lichty
Ralph Hoxie
C. W. Chapman Harold
Plumb
Allen Head .
Fred D. Adams
Many other Rotarians also contributed their bit, Since the early days of this
fine organization, Rotarians have been prominently identified with its operation
and they have , to
a large extent, been responsible for its success. There has always been a
number of Rotarians on the Board of Directors and many have served as Prcsideat—Rotarian Glenn Miller is now serving in this capacity.
Rotarians on the present Board of Directors are: Glenn Miller, Frank Collord, Louis Kurt, Joe Sage, Don Pullin,
and Mark Humphrey. Maurice Telleen is now Secretary-Manager
and is doing a splendid job in this position of responsibility.
Members of the Waterloo Rotary Club took a very active part in the
sale of war bonds in 1917-1918. They not only purchased these bonds in large
denominations but they also actively promoted the sale of these bonds through
countless meetings, not only in
ROTARY RESERVE—AN ASSET
WE SHOULD CHERISH
Through the untiring efforts of C. A. Morris and
the Board of Directors of our Rotary Club, this 30-acre Reserve, less than
15 miles north of
These beautiful grounds are available the year around for Club members and
their families. It is also the site of the annual Rotary family picnic. In
1965, more than 500 Rotarians with their families attended. It is said that
a conservative estimate as to the value of the grounds, the lodge, and the
home of the caretaker, is at least $35,000.00 to $40,000.00. It is free of
debt. It should be preserved and used by all members of the Waterloo Rotary.
Once each month, members whose birthdays fall in that month are asked to sit
at a special table, at which time they contribute a minimum of 10 cents or
more for each year of their age. This entitles them to ice cream and cake
for dessert. This money is used for supervising and providing transportation
and lunch for approximately 300 underprivileged children covering a six-to-eight
weeks’ period each year. Bus transportation is furnished daily to transport
these children to and from Rotary Reserve. This has proven to be a worthwhile
Rotary project. Many of these children would not otherwise enjoy the camping
privileges and outing at Rotary Reserve which this program provides.
Austin Burt, President of Waterloo Rotary Club
1917-1918, was General Manager of the “Citizens Gas and Electric Company”
from 1912 to 1924. This firm was merged with Iowa Public Service Company and
has operated under this name for approximately 40 years. This fine institution,
which has always been a big asset to the city of
Herbert B. Maynard, who joined in 1915, was a dedicated Rotarian and active
in all club projects for many years. At various times, he served as Secretary
of the Iowa Public Service Co.(1923), President of Midwest Gas Association,
past-President of Iowa State
Association of Elks Clubs, past-President, Waterloo Baseball Club, Honorary
President of Waterloo Visiting Nurses Association, member of Waterloo Technical
Society, the Fortnightly Club, and Christ Episcopal Church. He died on March
23, 1943, at the age of 84.
Howard M. (Had) Smith was 29th President of the Waterloo Club 1943-1944. (See
notes under Part II). “Had” was a most loyal member of the Waterloo Club from
1930 until his retirement from Iowa Public Service Company in 1950.
Iowa Public Service Company’s contribution to the community by the payment
of more than $1,000,000.00 in taxes each year, is a big asset to
NORTHWESTERN BELL
TELEPHONE COMPANY
This well-known organization has had a fantastic growth in
It is interesting to note that, when Clarence Campbell became District Manager
in 1915, the Waterloo Exchange had a total of 6,900 telephones. At that time,
the company had 90 employees on the payroll, 2/3 of which were telephone operators.
This was, of course, before the days of dial phones. By comparison, the Waterloo
Exchange has, as of May 31, 1966, a total of 46,939 telephones in service.
The company now has 410 employees on the payroll but only 1/3 of them are
telephone operators. This, of course is due to the highly mechanized equipment
now being used which has also improved the service.
Another comparison, which, to the writer, was extremely interesting, is that
in 1915 the cost of a 3-minute long distance call from
In the year of 1910, an election was held and the citizens of
To begin with, the water supply was from deep wells of approximately 1500
to 1800 feet in depth. During the late ‘20’s and early 30’s, it was discovered
that the
This fine record may be traced to the fact that, during most of the past 56
years, the Waterloo Water Works Trustees have been under the guidance and
leadership of one or more members of the Waterloo Rotary Club. Rotarian Dick
Young has been a member of this Board since January 12, 1960. Former Rotarian
Glenn A. Tibbitts has been a member of the Board
for the last 20 years. Lions Club member Robert A. Brown is the third member
on the Board of Trustees. He is now serving his second 6-year term, having
first been appointed by Mayor Jochumsen in January,
1958. Bob has proven himself to be a loyal and faithful member of the Board.
Rotarian George E. Shoemaker was General Manager for more than 20 years. He
was followed by Kiwanians Warner J. Lang and Joe Adair. Adair assumed
this position of responsibility in 1960 and under his efficient management
the Waterloo Water Works continues to grow and prosper, while the users are
paying less for water than those in any other city of
The finest newspaper in all northern
On January 18, 1859, the first issue of The Black Hawk Courier was published,
“Devoted to General News, Agriculture, Science and the Diffusion of Republican
Principles.” The Courier experimented with daily publication for a week, during
the county fair period in the fall of 1878. On December 13, 1890, the newspaper
became a daily permanently.
W. H. Hartman died on July 1, 1895, revered and
loved by thousands of his subscribers. John C. Hartman, who had been reared
in the printshop and newsroom, became editor and
publisher of the Waterloo Courier after his father’s death. In May of 1908,
A. W. Peterson purchased a minority interest in the paper and became secretary
and general manager. In 1914, the Courier purchased the rival Iowa State Reporter.
Under the first ABC audit, the Courier’s circulation was established at 13,197.
On September 26, 1923, General Manager Peterson, who had guided the financial
operations of the paper through this period of growth, died and was succeeded
by his nephew, Jackson McCoy, who had served as his assistant for eleven years.
A new period of expansion began under McCoy’s direction.
In the spring of 1931, the Courier purchased the Waterloo Morning Tribune.
This final consolidation was in accord with the trend toward one-newspaper
cities elsewhere in
John C. Hartman, who had earned the Iowa Press Association’s “Master Editor”
award, died on January 3, 1941. His nephew, John von Lackum
II, became President of the XV. H. Hartman Company and another nephew, Karl
C. von Lakum, became vice-president. Jackson McCoy,
while retaining the position of general manager, also assumed the title of
Editor and began editorial direction of the paper. The circulation of the
Courier increased in the post-War years to 49,154 in 1950 and advertising
lineage rose to 12,394,284. Jackson McCoy, who had directed the newspaper
through a great depression and a great war and had made it into a prosperous
organ with editorial prestige and public respect, died on June 22, 1952. His
son, Robert J. McCoy, trained by his father in the business, was named editor
and general manager to succeed him.
The younger McCoy inaugurated a new program of expansion to keep pace with
the growing size of the city and the responsibilities of the newspaper. A
major expansion of the building was undertaken in 1958 and completed in 1959.
The expansion involved construction of a third floor for the newsroom on the
present building and the installation of a Goss “anti-friction” press capable
of printing 60,000 64-page papers an hour. The press enables the Courier to
print color photo-engravings.
John von Lackum passed away in 1964, Karl C. von
Lackum becoming president.
The daily circulation of the Courier as of June, 1966 is 54,500. It is delivered
by nearly 800 carrier boys. Employees now number 247, plus a staff of 100
correspondents in northeastern
Courier executives have been represented in Rotary continuously since 1915.
They are as follows: Arthur W. Peterson, John C. Hartman, Jackson McCoy,
John van Lakum, and Hugh Patterson.
The Courier’s contribution to growth and development in
Sam Chollar, General Secretary, joined the Waterloo
Rotary Club in 1962. Under his guidance, this most worthwhile institution
is making splendid progress. There are now more than 3,000 members belonging
to the main headquarters at
birthday, having opened for business in 1869. Sam is now setting up a Detached
Worker Operation in the Negro community. A colored secretary has been hired
to develop this program which, in other communities, has proven to be very
helpful in maintaining
harmonious relations with the colored segment of our population. KWWL TV, Channel 7, is now carrying a
daily program from 9 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Monday through Friday on the
subject of physical fitness. The program is entitled “The Y’s Way to Health.”
It is anticipated that in the not too distant future, this county-wide
organization will be in a position to build an attractive new Y.M.C.A building
in the city of Cedar Falls; likewise, to improve and expand the present building
in Evansdale.
Among prominent Rotarians who have served as President of the Y.M.C.A. in
years gone by, are the following:
Charles
W. Chapman
William H. Langlas
Chuck Swisher
C. A. Morris
Lowell Walker
Andy Reid
Bob Young
Dr. J. E. Butts
YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN
ASSOCIATION
OF
In the year of 1910, a Provisional Committee was appointed for the purpose
of organizing a Y.W. C.A. in the city of
Mrs. B. L. Johnson, General Chairman
Mrs. James Black
Mrs. C. M. Woods, Finance Chairman
Mrs. W. Schallenberger
Mrs. H. T. Fisher
Mrs. Anna Hillman
Mrs. B. B. Smith
Mrs. Paul
In order
to qualify, it was necessary to raise $3,000.00 and get a total of 500 members.
This was accomplished and the first quarters was located on the third floor
of the Century Building, 611-613 Sycamore Street The first Board of Trustees
were Rotarians , Mr.
C. W. Chapman and Mr. Austin Burt; and in addition, Judge A. B. Lovejoy. In
1913, they moved to the second floor of the old Black building,
Mrs. I B. Sedgwick, Chairman Mr.
J. W. Rath
Mr. James Graham
Mrs. W. W. Lytle
Mr. Henry Grout
Mrs. T. U. McManus
A Board of Trustees was also appointed. These were as follows:
Mr. C. W. Chapman, Chairman
Mrs. W. H. Langlas
Mr. L W. Blough, Treasurer Building Fund Mrs. C. 0. Balliet
Mr. A. B. Lovejoy
Mrs. Harry Northey
Mr. Henry Grout
Mr. Wirt Hoxie, Sr.
Mr. J. W. Rath
In May, 1927, a campaign was started, to raise the sum of $135,000.00. The goal was reached within a period of May 1-9 and the architect was authorized to proceed with the plans so that construction could be started at an early date. The General Advisory Committee was John W. Rath, Chairman. In addition, the following Rotarians were requested to serve by Chairman Rath:
Fred D. Adams
W. P. Hoxie, Sr.
Charles F. Altstadt
George W. Huntley
W. H, Brunn IV.
H. Langlas
C. W. Chapman George
B. Lichty
James M. Graham H.
A. Maine
John Hartman C.
A. Morris
Fred Northey
Rotarians who are members of the present Board in 1966 are: W. H. Langlas and James N. Miller.
Total cost of the building and lot amounted to $242,113.15. The area of the
building, which is 75 x 140, is 10,500 sq. feet. The 1966 membership has reached
5,676. The 1966 budget as requested from United Services of Black Hawk County
was $52,854.00.
Waterloo is, indeed, proud of this institution which has done so much for
the daughters of our citizens and working girls who use the services of this
organization.
Many of our Rotarians will remember that there was an intense rivalry between
cast and west
The west side Commercial Club was headed by several Rotarians and likewise
the east Waterloo Club had club rooms on the top floor of the National Bank
Building, also headed by Rotarians. In the late 1920’s, these two clubs were
consolidated into what is now the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Rotarian Herman
C. Miller was the first President of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in 1928.
Since that time, nineteen other Rotarians have served as President. This merger was accomplished through
a fine spirit of fellowship—much of which was developed in the Waterloo Rotary
Club, There no longer exists the bitter feeling of antagonism between east
and west Waterloo which was so plainly evident forty years ago.
Much of the credit for the success of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in
recent years has been due to the excellent job being done by Pat Touchae, who is the Executive vice-President and Secretary
of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Pat is also Chairman of the
We have had some excellent presidents of the Waterloo Chamber during the past
few years, and our president for 1966 is Rotarian Lowell Walker, who is doing
a splendid job in this important position of responsibility.
Henry W. Grout, prominent
George Pike, a prominent Kiwanian who served faithfully
on the Board of Trustees since the beginning, became Chairman upon the death
of J. W. Rath. Pike’s contribution and devotion
to this institution has been tremendous. Upon the retirement of Pike as
Chairman, he was succeeded by A. K. (Stub) Pingeno.
Pingeno died of a heart attack on July 16, 1963. Now serving
as Trustees are Dr. Thomas Trunnell, Chairman, George
Pike, and Gust Olson, Jr. Rotarian George W. Huntley was named secretary in
1933 and filled this position efficiently until his death in 1946. He was
succeeded by Rotarian S. A. (Co) Cohagan who acted
as Secretary until 1955. He was succeeded by Mrs. Genevieve B. Woodbridge
who is now doing an excellent job as Executive Director and Secretary.
The directors felt that if Mr. Grout were here today, he would prefer that
the name be changed from the “Grout Museum” to the present name of “Museum
of History and Science” which covers a broader field and enables the organization
to give proper credit to other donors who contribute historical mementos and
antiques for permanent display and possession of this worthwhile institution.
The beautiful building which this museum now occupies was the former location
of the John H. Leavitt home, which was one of the first residences built in
The cornerstone of the new museum building was laid in 1954 and it was completed
and opened to the public on Aug. 30, 1956. Prominent members of the Waterloo
Rotary Club and Waterloo Kiwanis Club have contributed much to the success
of this fine institution which is now under the capable direction of Mrs.
Woodbridge.
1854—1954
After
many months of careful planning, starting in 1953, the Waterloo Centennial
program began to get underway.
General Chairman was Earl C. Glasson and Co-Chairman,
C. A. Morris. Paul K. Meyers, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor
Pat Touchae, together with Glasson and Morris, made
up the executive committee. The Board of Directors were George Allbee, Robert Young, Phil Winslow, Phil Taylor, A.K. Pingeno, and Harry M. Reed.
The Committee Chairmen were as follows: Finance, Geo.Allbee;
Underwriter, Fred Mast; Historical, S. A. Cohagan;
Novelties Committee, T.A. Campbell; Official Hat Committee, Burton Field;
Beard
Committee, Dewey Butterfield; Sisters of the Swish, Luella Miehe;
Concessions, Clarence Peterson; Decorating, Dean Platt; Spectacle Tickets,
Robert Young; Advance Tickets, Lowell Walker; Queens Contest, Don Francis;
Publicity, Phil Taylor; Spectacle, Phil Winslow; Hospitality, Harry M. Reed.
This entire program was, indeed, a well-organized effort in which many hundreds
of people other than the Committee Chairmen took part. It was thoroughly planned
from the beginning and it was exceptionally well financed. It seemed to be
the eoneensus that if this huge undertaking could be carried through
without a sizeable deficit, it
would border on a miracle. Fortunately, for all concerned, after
all bills were paid and the celebration was over, there was a net profit of
approximately $13,000.00. This money was turned over to the United Appeal
building fund which has resulted in the construction of the Community Services
building at l028Headford Ave. After the completion of this structure, most
of the welfare agencies were located in this beautiful building. Within a
short period of time it should be free of debt, and we in
Copy of final financial statement shows net profit of $13,477.75.
WATERLOO CENTENNIAL, INC.
FINANCIAL REPORT
OCTOBER 1, 1954
DIVISIONAL SUMMARY
DIVISION INCOME COSTS NET
Administrative
Div. $10,390.21 $35,273.15
($24,882.94)
Finance Div. $50,932.99
$22,179.20 $ 27,853.79
Spectacle Ticket Div. $26.985.25
$ 2,794.69
$ 24,190.56 *
Spectacle Div. $24,190.56
*
$ 9,164.74 $ 15,025.82
Publicity Div. $ 1,751.50
$ 2,504.33
($ 752.83)
Special Events Div. $ 304.01
$ 3,787.43
($ 3,483.42)
Hospitality Div. $ 282.67
$ 282.67
Total
Income $89,463.96
Total Expense
$15,986.21
Net Profit from Activities
$13,477.75
(On deposit at Peoples Bank and Trust Co.)
Note: * designates
inter-division transfer
WATERLOO CENTENNIAL, INC.
(signed)
Earl C. Glasson, General Chairman
(signed)
Paul K. Meyers, Secretary-Treasurer
Respectfully
submitted: E. D. Kadera, Auditor
Copy of this final statement was furnished through the courtesy of
George Allbee, Chairman of the Centennial Finance
Committee.
UNITED
SERVICES OF
In the year of 1923,
the citizens of
S. A. Cohagan
Gwynne Weston
Jake Levingston
William Hogan
Frank Coliord
Wayne Garvin
Floyd Goodrich Wirt P. Hoxie
Harry G. Northey E.
E. (Dick)
Wililam A. Dewees Dr.
Earl Glasson Earl Underbrink
Roland G. Reed
Waterloo can be justly proud of this worthwhile organization. In 1960, the
amount raised was $514,243.00. In the year 1965, the budget was approved for
$567,061.00 and the full amount of this goal was reached 24 hrs. before the
deadline expired. Congratulations for a very well-organized campaign.
United Services of Black Hawk County is in a most fortunate situation due
to the ownership of their beautiful building located on Hiway
218 between
A conservative estimate of the actual value of this property would be as foliows:
Two
lots--each size 200’x 375’
Contributed by
400’x375’- $200 per front foot
$80,000.00
(The
assessed value of these lots
is $33,000.00)
Original cost of building including
architect’s fee & paving parking lot
$200,000.00
Total $280,000.00
Indebtedness
Balance on 20-yr. Mortgage
—Lutheran Mutual 7/1/66
$90,380.00
Balance on note to
United Services 7/1/66 19,000.00
109,380.00
Net Worth
$170,620.00
The size of the building is 18,275 sq. ft., including 3,800 sq.ft.
in the basement.
The writer is indebted to Executive Director Thomas O’Connor for this helpful
information.
ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD
COMPANY
For a number of years the Illinois Central payroll was the largest in
In 1915, Fred Austin and William L. Buckley were Rotarians. Walter Scott Williams,
General Superintendent of the Western Lines of the Illinois Central, joined
the Waterloo Rotary in 1921. He took an active part in Rotary up until the
time of his death on June 3, 1937. Succeeding Williams as General Supt. were
the following: Charles Duggan, William R. Giliam,
Walter E. Davis,
S. C. Jones, and Edward Buelow. All were members
of Waterloo Rotary Club. Rotarian John W. Dodge has been Superintendent since
1956, and John M. Oliver, Freight Solicitor, is also active.
It is the writer’s privilege to have access to a copy of the published wage
scale for locomotive engineers, effective as of May 11 1915. A comparison
between wages in effect at that time with rates being paid as of July 1, 1966,
are as follows:
Passenger 1915 $ 4.90
Passenger 1966 $ 22.80
Freight 1915 $ 4.90
Freight 1966 $ 25.00
The above rates cover 100 miles of travel and, in addition, there are other
fringe benefits today which did not exist in 1915. Today, the biggest freight
tonnage carried on the Illinois Central is in carload shipments. They no longer
operate local trains stopping at small towns between terminals.
This is quite a change, indeed, not only in wages but in the type of equipment
used to operate both passenger and freight lines. Power, today, is provided
by diesel engines rather than the old coal- fired steam engines.
The Chicago-Great Western Railroad has through freight service from
Originally this road was operated as the
most liberal contributors to various civic projects in
John Deere plant, Rath Packing Company, and all
of the other industries which require carload switching service. Many local
shippers specify “Waterloo Railroad” as the delivering line.
WESTERN TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
Rotarian Jim King is the local manager and co-owner. When Jim landed in
Jens Olesen and Sons Construction Company is another
old, established concern, having been in business since 1921. Rotarian J.
Peter Olesen is Chairman of the Board and Fred Mast
is President. They have done a considerable amount of industrial construction
at Rath’s and John Deere, and have erected schoolhouses. hospitals,
etc. Both Jens Olesen and John C. Miller have many
large projects under construction at the present time. One of the larger jobs
being built by Olesen is
We have another Rotarian in the commercial field doing business as Charles
Mauser and Son, Inc. “Chuck” Mauser
has been a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club since 1951. This corporation
was established by his father, Charles Mauser, Sr. in 1946.
“Chuck” is now President and General Manager. They have specialized to a large
degree in new store fronts and other industrial applications. In addition,
they have also done some business with the John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works.
Charles Mauser, Sr. started the business in the
home building field in 1915 Laural Hedeen,
Consulting Engineer. Laural hns
been a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club since 1946. For many years, he has
been associated with Merle Todd who was formerly a Rotarian in
Rotarian Dick Young has the classification of Heating and Ventilating Service.
Dick joined the Waterloo Rotary Club in 1943. The Young Plumbing and Heating
Company is a large industrial contractor and has made many of the large installations
in north central and northeastern Iowa during the past few years. Some of
the firm’s recent jobs were Black Hawk County Court House, the library building
at the State College of Iowa, Howard Johnson’s Motel and Restaurant in Cedar
Falls, and at present the firm has under construction Central Catholic High
School at Dyersville, Henderson Library at Fayette, Hoover Jr. High School,
Waterloo; Parkview Gardens Retirement Home, also Home for Exceptional Persons;
and various apartments now under construction in the Waterloo area. The total
dollar volume in these projects now underway exceeds $1,500,000.00. The number
of employees on Young’s payroll is approximately 75 people. This is indeed
a splendid asset to the construction industry of
Gerald (Jerry) David See has the classification of Electrical Contractor.
Jerry joined the Waterloo Rotary Club in 1947. His business is electrical
contracting in all fields. His payroll is approximately 25 employees on a
year-round basis. Some of the larger jobs recently completed are the
In addition to the industrial contractors in the construction field, we also
have Rotarian Bill Wisner, classification of Carpentry Contractor, who has
been a member of the Rotary Club since 1950. Bill enjoys a large volume of
business in residential construction and remodeling.
William H. Walker has the classification of Home Building Contractor. Bill
is one of our newer members, and he has had a broad experience in this field.
He specializes in some of the better homes in the upper price brackets, and,
to his credit, has built many of the fine homes in the new residential sections
of West Waterloo and in
The Waterloo Tile and Marble Company was started by Rotarian Sam Longfellow
in the year of 1914. Sam joined the Waterloo Rotary Club in 1930 and passed
away in March, 1961. He seldom missed a meeting when he was in
Rotarian Richard Brom is a member of the firm. Thorson
Brom-Broshar
Associates, Inc., classification-Architects, Churches. This well-known firm
was established in
draftsmen and two secretaries.
Rotarian Ivan Warm is a member of the firm of Toenjes,
Stenson, and Warm, Architects. Classification - Architects, General. This
architectural firm does a substantial volume of business in northeastern
endowed school for handicapped and mentally retarded children. Also under
construction is the Garvey Hall dormitory at
At the time Rotary was organized in
fine service clubs operating within the limits of the city of
We are fortunate in having a Board of Education headed by Rotarian President
Syd Thomas, and an efficient executive staff in our school
system, so that today Waterloo schools stand out above most other cities’
of the state of Iowa, with the lowest per-pupil
cost and the highest scholastic standing in the Middle West. Through the years,
many members of Rotary served on the Board of Education including the following:
Ben Swisher, Carleton Sias, Charles Altstadt, H. 0. Bernbrock, Robert
Cass, Earl Glasson, Phil Taylor, E. L. Rohlf, A.
G. Reid, William Ogle, Charles Shirey, Dr. Russell
Gerard, William Dewees, Fred Adams, Sydney Thomas.
Total enrollment for the year ending .June 10,
1966 in the
Almon F, Gates came to
Secretary.
Upon his death, the business continued under the
direction of Bruce F. Gates, who is well-known to all of us, as he not only
served as President of the Waterloo Rotary Club but was also District Governor.
Bruce retired several years ago and sold
throughout the state of
HAWKEYE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
The
The Board has announced the hiring of Dr. Walter Travis Martin, Jr.,, as Superintendent
of this new school. He has been the Dean of Instruction at the Wayne Technical
Institute,
Father John F. Paar, Principal,
The eight elementary schools are: St. Edwards, Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s,
Throughout the years, Waterloo Rotary Club has been blessed with a large
number of ministers of various religious denominations. Many of them have
taken a prominent part in the activities of the Waterloo Rotary Club. They
have served on important committees and also have taken an active part in
civic affairs-— United Appeal, Y.M.C.A., Y.W.C.A., and other charitable organizations.
Herbert B. Dierenfield was the 35th President of
the Waterloo Rotary Club, 1949-1950. Fred B. Miller served the club as its
45th President, 1959-1960. Another ardent member was Frank W. Court who first
belonged to the Waterloo Club in the early 1920’s, He later returned and was
a member for almost 20 yrs. up until the time of his death in 1 964. Frank
had an unusual aptitude for reading poetry and verse, and, although he retired
from the pulpit, he continued his membership as Senior Active. He seldom missed
a meeting when he was in
Oliver
M. Yaggy William H. Beachler
Charlcs Gunnell W. W. Bowers
Dean Chapman
J.
Father J. M. Molloy
Albert T. Ronk
Father Edward J. O’Hagan Henry
L. Weiss
BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF PAST PRESIDENTS
TERMS OF OFFICE AND CLASSIFICATION
It is a matter of record that most of the past Presidents of the Waterloo
Rotary Club have taken an active part in various Club projects by serving
on important committees, the Board of Directors, and in most cases, as Vice-President.
This service to the club usually extended over a period of several years.
Because of this experience, these men were well qualified to take over as
President and to carry on the good work of their predecessors.
The first President and a charter member of the Waterloo Rotary Club was Fred
L. Northey, 1915-16. His classification was “Refrigerators.”
Fred was born at
V. F. (Dad) Parrott, No.2, joined the Club in 1915, was President of the Waterloo
Rotary Club 1916-17. His classification was “Bookbinders.” “Dad” was also
known as “Bill” by many Rotarians and a wide circle of friends throughout
the state of
President No.3 was Austin Burt. 1917-18. His classification was “Gas and Electricity.”
Born June 20, 1870, in
John F. Simpson was President No. 4. 1918-19. His classification was “Ice.”
He was born July 25, 1866 at
George W. Huntley. No. 5, charter member of the Waterloo Rotary Club 1915,
was President of the Club 1919-20. His classification was “Wholesale Hardware.”
He was born at Barkers, N.Y. June 24, 1869. He came to
E. R. (
“C-A” was one of
Carleton Sias, No.8. was
President of the Waterloo Rotary Club 1922-23. His classification was “Corporation
Law.” Born at Spencerport. N.Y. on Nov. 22, 1877,
he came to
Fred
D. Adams, No.9, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1923-24. His classification
was “Wholesale Paper.” Born at
Adams Paper and Specialties Company, wholesale distribution. He took an active part in civic affairs—Y.M.C.A.,
Community Fund (United Appeal), Chamber of Commerce, twelve years on the East
Waterloo School Board. 12 years on the Municipal Board of Water Works Trustees,
Elks, Masons, charter member of Sunnyside Country Club, and member of WIDA.
He is now Senior Director, Perpetual Savings and Loan. He also helped
organize Walnut Realty Co., builder of Walnut Court Apartments and was President
of the Walnut Realty Co. for 18 years. He was appointed by President Ralph
Hoxie as a special representative to organize and sponsor a Rotary Club in
Ralph J. Hoxie. No. 10, was President of the Rotary
Club 1924- 1925. His classification was “Wholesale Fruit.” Born April 1, 1878,
he came to
Bruce F. Gates, No.11, served as President of the Waterloo Club in 1925-26.
His classification was “
James M. Graham, No.13, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1927-28. He
joined the Waterloo Club in 1917. His classification was “Department Store.”
Born in
Andrew G. Reid (Andy), No. 14, prominent attorney, served the Waterloo Club
in 1928-2 9. His classification was “Civil Law.” Born at
William H. Beverstock (Bill), No.15. was President of the Waterloo Club in 1929-30. His classification
was “Wholesale Lumber.” Bill, also known as “Bevo”
was born March 12, 1887 at
Gwynne Weston, No. 16, served as President of the Waterloo Club in 1930-31.
His classification was “Photo Engraving.” Gwynne was born Nov. 25, 1887 at
Dr. John E. Brinkman, No. 17, was President of the Rotary Club 1931-32. His
classification was “Physician & Surgeon.” Born in Clayton County, Iowa,
May 12, 1874, he came to
Charles A. Kittrell, No. 18, was President of the
Waterloo Club 1932-33 and had the classification as “Public School Administration.”
Born at
Claude H. Cheney, No. 19, was President of the Waterloo Club 1933-34. His
classification was “Electric Railroads.” Born in
Thomas M. Buchanan, No. 20, was President of the Waterloo Club 1934-35. His
classification was “Optician.” Born at
Frank Collord, No.21, Dodge Dealer, served as President
of the Waterloo Club in 1935-36. His classification was “Auto Dealer.” Born
on July 25, 1893, he came to
Dr. Edward L. Rohlf, Sr., No.22,
was President of the Waterloo Club in 1936-37. His classification was “Physician
and Surgeon.” Born at
Henry O. Bernbrock, No. 23, was president of the
Waterloo Rotary Club 1937-38. His classification was “Laundry.” Born at
Fred W. Tesmer, No. 24, was President of the Rotary
Club in 1938-39. His classification was “Casualty Insurance.” Born in North
Judson,
William A. Hendry, No. 25, was President of the Waterloo Club 1939-40. His
classification was “Municipal Water Service.” Born on April 19, 1872,
Jack M. Logan, No.26, was President of the Waterloo Rotary Club 1940-41. His
classification was “Public School Administrator.” Born at
John W. Rath, No.27,
was President of the Waterloo Club in 1941-42, and a charter member
in 1915. His classification was “Meat Packing.” Born at
Ben F. Swisher, No. 28, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1942-43. His
classification was “General Law Practice.” Born January 21, 1878, at
Howard M Smith, No.29, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1943-44. His
classification was “Electric Light and Power Service.” Born
at
Paul I. Adcock, No.30, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1944-45. His
classification was “Refined Oil Products Distributing.” Born at
Herman C. Miller, No.31, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1945-46. His
classification was “Fire Insurance Agency.” Born at
William A. Dewees, No. 32, was President of the
Rotary Club in 1946-47. His classification
was “Finance—Collateral Loans.” Born at
Stephen A. Cohagan, No.33, was President of the
Rotary Club in 1947-48. His classification was “Y.M.C.A.” Born at
Earl Glasson, No.34, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1948-49. His original
classification was “Abstractor.” His present classification is “Trust Officer.”
Born at
Herbert H. Dierenfield, No. 35, was President of
the Waterloo Club in 1949-50. His classification was that of “Protestant Churches.”
He was born on Aug. 24, 1894 at Ponca,
Charles W. Shirey, No.36, was President of the Waterloo
Club in 1950-51. His classification is “Concrete Construction.” Born at
Paul B. Barger, No.37, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1951-52, His classification is “Agricultural Extension Service.”
Born at
Harold R. Walden, No. 38, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1952-53. His
classification was “Photographic Supplies.” Born at What Cheer,
Joe Sage, No. 39, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1953-54. Born in
Glenn W. Miller. No.40, President of the
Lowell J. Walker, No. 41, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1955.56. Born
at
Herbert G. Palmer, No.42, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1956-57. Born
at
William H. Hinson, No.43, was President of Waterloo Rotary Club in 1957-58.
His classification was “Cotton Goods, Manufacturing.” Born at
Harold
J. Miller, No.44, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1958-59 and has the
classification of “Baking Goods, Wholesale.” Born in
Fred B. Miller, No.45, was President of the Waterloo Club in 1959-60. His
classification was that of “Religious Education.” Born at
Moberly.
Walter E. Betsworth, No. 46, was President of the
Waterloo Club 1960-61. His classification is “Airport Management.” Born at
Robert W. Petersen, No. 47, President of the
Max W. Miller, No.48, President of the
Donald M. Graham, No. 49, President of the
Warren A. Downs, No.50, was President of the ‘Waterloo Club in 1964-65.
Peter Olesen, No. 51, is President of the Waterloo
Club in 1965-66. His classification is “General Contracting.” Born at
If I have omitted anything of interest in the year of the administration of
any of our past Presidents, it has been a mistake of the head and not of the
heart. –Fred D.
PAST PRESIDENTS
1966-67 Wirt P. Hoxie
1967-68 Don J. Lohnes
1968-69 Robert Ruisch
1969-70 Lyle Cherry
1970 Tom Young
1970-71 James S. Newman
1971-72 Steve Showers
1972-73 Stuart Sears
1973-74 James Freshwaters
1974-75 Russ Gerard
1975-76 Ed Paulsen
1976-77 Craig Shirey
1977-78 Harry Neiman
1978-79 Edward Wilson
1979-80 Chuck Swisher
1980-81 Herb Williams
1981-82 Ivan Warm
1982-83 Syd Thomas
1983-84 Greg Gutgsell
1984-85 Lew Harned
1985-86 Roger Olesen
My
year was about the last year where we had an employee living in a house at
the reserve. This man actually worked for a neighboring farmer who, in turn,
brought his tractor loader in before each event at the reserve and leveled
the entry. Our site manager also took down all of the
picnic tables and stored them on the porch of the old building.
We
had a bad wind storm that blew down three of the large cottonwood trees. We
got volunteer workers from the county and with the help of our site manager
we cut up all of the downed trees and cut them into fire wood which we sold
to the public. A past president went to the reserve after the clean up and
told the membership that there was no damage to the reserve. I told him I
wish he had seen the mess before it was cleaned up.
This
was the last year of men only in Rotary, and we all welcomed the first ladies
who joined our club.
I
was pleased to have been one of two father-son presidents of Rotary. The other
was Craig Shirey.
We
passed the hat twice that I recall. The first time it was to raise money for
a new well to be drilled in an eastern country where people had to walk over
3 miles to get water and the second time was in support of the Salvation Army
to provide food for their annual Christmas dinner.
We
attained all of the requirements set up by the District Governor as goals
for all the clubs in our district and we received a document that we had made
the list of those so honored.
We
started the year with 231 members and ended with 248. I am still proud of
the goals achieved by the club and am still pleased to be an active member
of the Waterloo Rotary Club.
(signed) Roger P. Olesen
1986-87 Dave Buck
1987-88 Hovey Brom
1988-89 David Sparks
1989-90 Larry Reed
1990-91 Robert Bradford
1991 -92 Rick Morris
1992-93 John Beecher
1993-94 Tom Watt
1994-95 Jerry Trangsrud
1995-96 Larry Winninger
1996-97 Frank Seng
1997-98 Tim Skahill
1998-99 Jerry Stevens
1999-00 Kathy Braun
2000-01 Kevin McCrindle
2001 -02 Steve Thorpe
2002-03 John Bunge
2003-04 Michelle Weidner
2004-05 Steven J. Schmitt
2005-06
2005-07 Steve Sinnott
2007-08 Art Cox
2008-09 Mason Fromm
2009-10 Steve Carignan
2010-11 Amber Jedlicka
2011-12 Todd Wordel
2012-13 Marty Stoakes
2013-14 Jeff Halverson
2014-15 Harrison Cass
2015-16 Chris Hurley