Archive for the ‘Rolfe’ Category

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There is never enough until it is given away.

June 22, 2010

Daddy (Deane Gunderson) fell again on Sunday. I’m with him a lot and therefore back into short-and-simple posting mode, at least for now.

I know that people look at this blog for a variety of reasons. Many people look purely because they want more information about Mother (Marion Gunderson). After I posted the image of the placard from Mother’s 1970 exhibit at Younkers in Des Moines, I thought maybe readers in the “want to learn about Marion” category might like to see Mother in her element (the library) around the time of that 1970 Younkers exhibit.

Mother (Marion Gunderson) in the former Rolfe Public Library, circa 1970. What you see here, including the walls in the background, comprises about 1/4 of the main room of the former library. Does anyone know what the artwork is on the back wall? (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Mother’s note on this photo says, “About 1970.” (That was my sophomore year in high school.) The location is the former Rolfe Public Library where Mother was a librarian for 35 years. Click on the photo to read the saying she took to heart.

It’s sort of fuzzy so (even though I still hope you’ll click on the photo to look more closely), here’s the saying. Simple, but so easy to forget.

LOVE is a basket of five loaves of bread and two fishes.

There is never enough until it is given away.

* * * * * * * *

(Click here to go to Louise Shimon’s blog.)

Posted in Iowa, Marion Gunderson, Rolfe | 2 Comments »

Memorial Day in Rolfe, Iowa

May 31, 2010

Looking west/northwest toward Rolfe. Click on the photo to see that on the shaded (east) side of the large memorial stone it says, “In Memory of the Army Nurses.”

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Looking east. (Click photo to enlarge.)

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During today’s service. (Click photo twice to enlarge.)

All three photos were taken of Rolfe’s Clinton-Garfield Cemetery. For information about Rolfe’s cemeteries, click here.

* * * * * * * *

Tomorrow I’ll begin posting information about Mother’s association with the Iowa State University power plant.

(Click here to go to Louise Shimon’s blog’s home page.)

Posted in Iowa, Rolfe | 4 Comments »

Breakfast with Roger Pohlman and Dave Spaulding

April 23, 2010

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Over breakfast this morning, Bill and I met with Roger Pohlman and Dave Spaulding.

Roger Pohlman and Dave Spaulding, April 23, 2010. Click on the photo to better see the glimmer in those eyes.

Roger Pohlman was Bill’s P.E. and junior high shop teacher, driver education instructor and football and track coach at Rolfe (Iowa) High School during the late ’60s and early ’70s. (He also was an assistant boys basketball coach.) In 1971, after Bill graduated, Roger became Rolfe’s high school principal. He served in that capacity during my junior and senior years and into the mid-’70s.

While both Roger and Dave are legendary as Rolfe faculty members, Dave had the longer tenure at Rolfe (from 1965 until 1983). He definitely provided more opportunity for former students to retell legends! Dave taught almost all the science classes at Rolfe High, as well as Senior Math. (When asked today if he ever coached, he said that he once was a chess coach.)

From the 1970 Rolfe (Iowa) High School yearbook: Mr. Spaulding is at the far left in the second row. Mr. Pohlman is at the far right in the 3rd row. Yes, this is the ENTIRE high school faculty! (Click on the photo to enlarge it.)

I wish I could squish into a short post some of those “do you remember when…” stories about Roger and Dave as educators, or about Rolfe High School and/or the community in general. But a short post wouldn’t do justice to the “Golden Apple” lifelong positive impact they had on Rolfe students in terms of discipline, character and thinking.

It will have to suffice to say that if you went to Rolfe High School and had one or both men for a teacher and/or administrator, you’d know that this morning we had a fun time reminiscing. Also, in your memory bank you’d probably have at least half of the yarns about Rolfe High that we chuckled about today. For example: How long girls’ skirts had to be; getting the switch during P.E. for throwing someone (a human thermometer) in the creek to check the water temperature; someone putting a car on autopilot during driver ed class; a starter’s pistol being used to wake up a student in geometry class; being awarded an F- grade (I did that once.); crawling through a car window in driver ed class after the car went into the ditch. (Who drove the car into the ditch? We don’t know.)

Roger and Dave are very, VERY interested in reconnecting with their former students and fellow staff members, too. If you want to reconnect with them, you may, of course, contact them on your own. When I mentioned this morning that I thought there would be others who’d like to get together with them, the response was, “Set it up and we’ll be there!”

If you have interest in getting together and would like me to set something up, let me know. mariongundersonart@gmail.com

* * * * * * * *

Click here for previous posts about Dave Spaulding.

The newspaper article shown in the most recent post includes a photo of Roger Pohlman, Dick Barrett and the 1969 RHS football team. The photo is fairly dark, but fun to look at, nonetheless.

(Click here to go to Louise Shimon’s blog’s home page.)

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Posted in Iowa, Mr. Spaulding, Rolfe | 6 Comments »

101 years (1888-1989) of Rolfe, Iowa, Newspapers Online

April 18, 2010

UPDATE July 12, 2012: The URL for the Rolfe, Iowa, newspaper archives is: http://rolfe.advantage-preservation.com/
ENJOY!

The oral history project endorsed by the Rolfe (Iowa) Public Library board is nearing completion.

The next fabulous project is that of digitizing 101 years of Rolfe newspapers so that they will be online and keyword-searchable.

The September 4, 1969, issue of The Rolfe Arrow on microfilm at the Pocahontas Public Library. (Click photo once and then again to enlarge.)

Currently those newspapers from 1888 to 1989* are on microfilm at the Pocahontas Public Library. For many of us who live at a distance, and even for those who live near Pocahontas, sometimes it is a little tricky to get to the Pocahontas library to look at that microfilm.

The Rolfe Public Library board recently endorsed the project of raising funds to digitize those 101 years of Rolfe newspapers. Once they are digitized, any computer with Internet access will be able to access those newspapers (unless the newspaper web site is blocked on a particular network).

Click here for an explanatory document about the project, including microfilm roll ID #s.** If you cannot open the explanatory document, please contact me. (Contact information is given below.) The information is also available at the Rolfe Public Library.

DONATIONS ARE NEEDED FOR PROJECT COMPLETION.

“HOW DO I DONATE?”

The first two pages of the explanatory document are informational, including the time span and ID# for each roll of microfilm. On the third page is a form to be used for donations to the project.

If you want to print just the donation form and not the rest of the information, click here for just the donation form. Directions for donating are on the form. All donation amounts are appreciated. (For the oral history project, donations ranged from $10 to several hundred dollars.)

If you have questions, please contact me for clarity and/or more information. My (Louise Gunderson Shimon) contact information is: 515-465-2746; mariongundersonart@gmail.com; 14106 Green Dr., Perry, Iowa, 50220.

You may also ask at the Rolfe Public Library; however, since I know all the ins and outs of the project, it may be that you are referred to me.

If you’d like to contribute to the project but can’t right now, please give yourself a reminder.

If you think you might like to contribute but don’t currently have time or funds to do so, please write yourself some sort of reminder note or put a twist-tie around your finger!

One important detail is that all contributions should be made to the “Rolfe Public Library Trust.” The word “Trust” is important to include.

On behalf of the Rolfe Public Library board and staff, thank you for your interest in this project.

* * * * * * * *

Questions? Comments? Or, are you thinking I left out a vital piece of information? If so, please let me know.

*There may be a few issues missing.

**Roll ID #s are  provided on page 2 of the explanatory document for anyone who wishes to donate and specify sponsorship of one or more entire rolls of microfilm.

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Posted in Iowa, Rolfe | 3 Comments »

“Television is Here” in 1950

April 12, 2010

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The Arrow (Rolfe, Iowa, newspaper), February 23, 1950. (Click photo to enlarge.)

This ad was published five years before I was born. I can only imagine the excitement generated from the (at that time) newfangled invention of television. If you remember anything about aspects of early televisions, television broadcasts (was the quality very good? dependable?), and/or the J.E. Rickard & Sons store, it would certainly be educational and/or fun to read your comments.

If you comment below (after clicking on the “Leave a Comment” link that is below) and it is your first time commenting on this blog, it takes a little while (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) for the first-time comment to appear on the blog for others to read. Giving your email address is required, but I’m the only one who sees the email addresses. Giving a web site is not required.

If you do want to share your memories but don’t want to comment below, feel free to email me at mariongundersonart@gmail.com .

I’ve been away from home for several days for a family wedding. When I return, I’ll get the ball rolling and in about a week I’ll fill you in about the next project endorsed by the Rolfe Public Library board.

(Click here to go to Louise Shimon’s blogs’ home page.)

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Posted in Iowa, Rolfe, Rolfe newspaper ads/articles | 2 Comments »

Oh, my!!! You never know what you’ll find in a Rolfe, Iowa, newspaper!

April 3, 2010

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This past week I photographed advertisements and articles included in decades-old issues of Rolfe, Iowa, newspapers. The photos aren’t of the greatest quality, but, in my opinion, the content is priceless.

From the November 12, 1914, Plover Patriot, A Department of The Arrow. (Click photo to enlarge.)

As you can tell by the caption, this advertisement is from the Plover Patriot department of The [Rolfe] Arrow. Until recently, I had not realized that The Arrow had “department” space dedicated for news and advertisements of neighboring communities.

Because I’m still working on a project, over the course of the next two weeks I’ll post photos from those old issues of the Rolfe newspapers. Even if you might not have a Rolfe background/heritage, I think the history evidenced in the photos will have universal appeal.

(Click here to go to Louise Shimon’s blog’s home page.)

Posted in Iowa, Rolfe, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Two Projects: One in the Works and One Near Completion

March 27, 2010

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I’ve been working on a project. I’ll unveil it within the next three weeks. I want to “go public” with it RIGHT NOW but I need to get a few ducks in a row before I do.

In case you are wondering if the project has to do with prints of Mother’s watercolors…no, it does not. I take that back; indirectly, it does. I’m sure that Mother, having been Marion the Librarian for 35 years for the Rolfe Public Library, would be pleased to know about the project.

I mention all of this because I don’t want the lack of recent posts to make anyone think I’ve been slacking. Quite the contrary.

So far, 75 of the 100 Rolfe, Iowa, 1980-81 oral history tapes have commitments to be sponsored (7 of these yet to be paid).* Of the 25 that have not been sponsored, four of them are recordings of meetings regarding the oral history project. If you subtract those four meetings tapes, that means only 21 of the actual interview tapes are yet to be sponsored. Splendid. What a tribute to those who expended time and energy to interview and be interviewed in 1980 and 1981 to now have their friends and loved ones (and, in some cases, the interviewees, themselves) keep the oral histories alive.

Once all of the 1980-81 oral histories are digitized and cataloged, the oral histories on CDs will be accessible at the Rolfe Public Library.

* * * * * * * *

* Unsponsored tapes may still be sponsored. Because the project is nearing completion, any sponsorships should now be made payable to the “Rolfe Public Library Trust,” and no longer to Wild Faces Gallery. Any questions about the project may be directed to me at mariongundersonart@gmail.com . Questions may also be asked at the library; however library personnel may not be aware of the most recent ins and outs of the project.

Note added March 29th: CD copies of the oral histories (preferably of oral histories already sponsored) may also be ordered for $10.70 each plus $2.30 shipping, with payment to Wild Faces Gallery. For any questions regarding copies you may contact me at mariongundersonart@gmail.com or the gallery at 712-848-3399. (The $29.96 for a sponsorship payable to the Rolfe Public Library Trust includes one “free” copy of the sponsored tape.)

(Click here to go to Louise Shimon’s blog’s home page.)

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Posted in Iowa, Rolfe, Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

Holiday in the Heartland and Rolfe’s RAM Event Center

December 8, 2009

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The Rolfe Public Library and Main Street on Sunday, December 6th, 2009. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Sunday in Rolfe was wonderful. Picture snow falling gently outside as daylight turns to dark, and inside, an intentionally dimly lit gym that used to be the home of Ram and Rammette basketball games. Can you hear the sound of the buzzer, the band playing the loyalty (“We’re loyal to you old Rolfe High…”), and the crowd chanting, “Ram Power — clap, clap — Ram Power”? And, Hank Baade booming, “BE THERE”?!

Only the gym is no longer used for school-sponsored basketball games. Instead it is what I think of as “saved” by hard-working (most likely spread-very-thinly with commitments) volunteers so that the gym can still exist and be used. It is now called the RAM Event Center.

On Sunday it was open for Rolfe’s Holiday in the Heartland. If you weren’t there, I wish you could have seen the line of children that stretched from one side of the tree-decorated stage as they waited their turns to talk with Santa, who was at the other side of the stage.

On Sunday, Roger Mumford purchased prints of two former Rolfe landmarks. (Click photo to enlarge.)

I was at the celebration on Sunday with two Rolfe Public Library board members. Our purpose was to display/sell prints of Mother’s watercolors, as well as to promote the oral history project.  But, what a gift for me.

Twinkling Christmas trees sprinkled around the gym provided the perfect backdrop. The late afternoon festivities kicked off with a performance by the Pocahontas Community Chorus. Later, as the children were on the stage waiting for Santa, community members mingled as they zig-zagged between vendors’ displays of crafts, art, baked goods, etc. Also, a meal was provided in what used to be the home ec room off the gym. There was also a live nativity.

As far as the “selling” side of the day, we sold over $350-worth of prints of Mother’s watercolors. The monetary revenue is gladly received to put toward the oral history project, and, of course, is important. The “revenue” that would have made Mother smile even more is that of knowing so many people want to display her artwork in their homes and/or give as gifts.

In addition, on Sunday a handful of oral history audiocassette tapes were sponsored. Yippee!

The spreadsheet and explanation sheet about the sponsorships at the “Oral Histories” link on this blog was updated today.  The spreadsheet at that “Oral Histories” link will continue to be updated as there are more sponsorships.  You can tell how recently the spreadsheet has been updated by looking at the top of the right-hand column on the spreadsheet. (Actually, the spreadsheet isn’t there quite yet, but will be within the next day, maybe within the next hour.)

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Posted in Iowa, Rolfe | 1 Comment »

This is SO FUN! What is? Listening to and Reading the Rolfe, Iowa, 1980-81 Oral Histories.

December 5, 2009

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UPDATE 1/30/2013: This post was written in 2009. The oral history project is now complete via funds raised through private donations.

My eyes are twinkling as I write.  I’m so pleased with the response (i.e., purchases as well as ooohs and ahhhs) related to prints of Mother’s watercolors.  If you are tuning into this blog for the first time, the short version is that Mother, Marion Gunderson, painted watercolors from at least as early as 1933 and as recently as 2000.

Two of the eight boxes of Rolfe, Iowa, 1980-81 oral history audio cassette tapes. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Mother was also the librarian…a librarian very passionate about her work…at the Rolfe Public Library from 1963 until 1998.

During that time, 1980-1981 to be exact, she spearheaded the oral history project in which over 100 Rolfe, Iowa, community members were interviewed, mostly by other community members. Those oral histories were recorded on audiocassette tapes and also transcribed. Both the audiocassette recordings and the transcripts have been housed at the library since 1981.

The transcripts are available for reading at the library.  At some point they will be scanned before the quality of print fades more.

Because the quality of audiocassette tapes also diminishes over time, the need to digitize the recordings (i.e., putting them on audio CDs) has been recognized by the library board.  In conjunction with the board’s support for this digitizing project, the profits from sales of prints of Mother’s watercolors will go toward the cost of digitizing.

This is where the community’s and/or families’ and friends’ of the interviewers and interviewees (even if long ago) help is sought. Sponsorships are requested for digitizing specific tapes.

A sponsorship of one tape entails $29.96 (including sales tax). This provides two archival quality CDs for the library AND one CD for the sponsor.

In this portion of Mother’s oral history transcript, she “tells all” (well…part of the juice, anyway!) about being head librarian. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Not just for me, and not just for people like my dad, but for anyone interested in the history of Rolfe, or Iowa or Midwest history in general, I have no doubt you will be pleased if you sponsor one or more tapes. Donations to the project in general are also greatly appreciated.

A spreadsheet including the names of the interviewees, and of interviewers (if names of the latter were written on the tapes and/or transcripts) has been developed.

Also, an informational Q & A sheet explaining the sponsorships is available.  Both the spreadsheet and Q & A sheet are available at the “oral histories” link on this blog and at the library, including at tomorrow’s (Sunday, December 6th) 2:00 tea.  They will also be available at tomorrow’s Holiday in the Heartland at the RAM Event Center (former school) in Rolfe from 3:30 until 6:00.

If there’s something I didn’t explain well on the Q & A sheet and/or spreadsheet, of if you simply don’t want to mess with those sheets, you may obtain information from me at mariongundersonart@gmail.com (515-465-2746).  Information is also available at the Rolfe Public Library (712-848-3143) and at Wild Faces Gallery (712-848-3399).

Thank you for your interest.

  • It is now Sunday, the 6th:  I had meant to have a link to an “order form” for sponsoring oral history tapes.  I also meant to update the “Oral Histories” link.  Our Internet access went down late last night until right before I’m leaving for Rolfe today, so…no link and no order form yet. Soon, though, or via email, phone, or in Rolfe today works, too.  Tally-ho!  I’m soon off to the festivities at Rolfe.

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Posted in Iowa, Marion Gunderson, Rolfe | 1 Comment »

Holiday Festivity in Rolfe this Sunday, December 6th

December 4, 2009

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This coming Sunday, December 6th, is Rolfe, Iowa’s, Holiday in the Heartland.  It will begin with a 2:00 tea at the library followed by separate festivities at the RAM Event Center (the former Rolfe school) running from 3:30 until 6:00 PM.

The Friends of the Library met this week at the Rolfe Public Library for decorating this tree, book discussion and dinner.

The day holds a little something for everyone including gift-giving ideas from vendors, choral singing, Santa arriving on a fire truck, a meal, a nativity and door prizes. more…

Posted in Iowa, Rolfe | 1 Comment »

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