Historical Review 1915-1966

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HISTORICAL REVIEW
OF THE
WATERLOO ROTARY CLUB

WATERLOO, IOWA

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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Black Hawk County.

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 Waterloo Courier, Update Dairy Cattle Congress.

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
Cedar Falls Rotary and Industry
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

WATERLOO ROTARY CLUB GETS ITS CHARTER
APRIL 16, 1915

Paul Harris, who organized the first Rotary Club in Chicago on February 23, 1905, was born in Wisconsin in 1868. His parents moved to Wallingford, Vermont, when he was 4 yrs. old. He learned his three R’s in the red brick building, constructed in 1818, which was dedicated as the Paul Harris Memorial Club Rotary Building on May 30, 1966.

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 Scotland, So. Africa, Finland, Sweden, England, Australia, West Germany (2) & India. David Brcen, Governor of District 787 from Windsor, Vt., presented flags from the Windsor Club. Rotarian Philip H. Hoff, Governor the State of Vermont, gave the dedicatory address. Frank E. Adams, Chester, Vt. (brother of F.D.A.) sent clipping from Rutland, Vt. Daily Herald of May 31, 1966 with above news story and pictures. The Paul P. Harris award by Rotary International has been made to the Wallingford, Vt. Rotary Club for initiating this most significant service project in 1965-1966. This award was made on June 30, 1966. The Wallingford Club, with only 23 members, sponsored this worthwhile program at a cost of more than $4,000.00.

It is now a matter of record that Rotary International, with headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, has recently expanded its office space to 77,500 square feet. It has 214 employees serving 12,300 clubs in 131 nations in the world, with a total of 589,000 members. Since 1954, when International Headquarters opened its 3-story building in Evanston, the number of Rotary Clubs has increased by 48 per cent and the number of Rotarians throughout the world has increased by 50 percent.

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 Evanston will also be quoted verbatim as they are recommended in 1966. The comparison will be interesting.

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 Black Hawk County community of 135,000 population, it is entirely possible that Rotary International has had even more favorable results on a world-wide basis. Likewise, the growth of many of our sister service clubs is further proof of the fact that many of them, Kiwanis, Lions, Exchange, Sertoma, and Optimist, have also created a better atmosphere of fellowship and higher ethical standards in business and the professions throughout the world.

EARLY DAY LEADERS WHO
GOT WATERLOO “ON THE MOVE”

At the turn of the century, the growth of Waterloo was greatly accelerated by the development of several progressive wholesale distributor organizations as well as a number of manufacturing plants.

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. Waterloo was soon recognized as the leading wholesale distributing center of Northern Iowa. Some of these firms were: Smith, Lichty & Hillman Company--wholesale grocers; Black Hawk Coffee and Spice Company; Waterloo Saddlery Company; Adams Paper Company; Northey Manufacturing Company; Waterloo Canning Company; Waterloo Skirt and Garment Company; Construction Machinery Co.. He was a heavy stockholder in Walnut Realty Company which corporation built the Walnut Court Apartments. This building is still Iowa’s largest apartment house with 118 units. George E. was not only interested financially in these organizations, but he was also an officer and a director in many of them. His three sons, Ben R., Burr G., and Robert J., were also members of the Waterloo Rotary Club. Burr G. Lichty was in one of Woodrow Wilson’s classes at Princeton University in the early 1900’s. In World War I., Herbert Hoover called George E. to Washington and appointed him National Food Administrator at the retailers’ level. Fred L. Northey, also a charter member, was a son-in-law of George E. Fred was the first President of the Waterloo Club and later was elected District Governor.

William Galloway came to town and soon became nationally recognized as one of America’s largest mail order institutions manufacturing farm implements. Galloway, who was a fine looking man, tall and good natured, always optimistic and with a radiant smile, appeared at County and State Fairs throughout the country serving free watermelon to thousands of people. He wore a ten-gallon hat and his slogan in all national advertising showing his picture carving a melon, was, “Bill Galloway of Waterloo divides the melon with you.” Bill was an ardent member of the Waterloo Rotary Club for many years.

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 Cedar Falls, Waverly, Cedar Rapids, and intermediate points.. This institution now operates as the Waterloo Railroad, hauling freight and doing a switching service for many industrial plants.
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 Waterloo and Black Hawk County. Since the founding of the Waterloo Rotary Club and other sister service clubs, we have a far better feeling of fellowship and a more congenial community ia which to do business and raise our families.

DAIRY CATTLE CONGRESS

Shortly after the Rotary Club was organized, many of the members recognized the Dairy Show as a most valuable asset to the city of Waterloo. Accordingly, a large percentage of the members offered their support both actively and financially. The Dairy Cattle Congress soon became famous nationally under the leadership of Rotarian Ed Estel. Because of the liberal support given to this outstanding show by Rotarians, Dairy Cattle Congress soon became known throughout the dairy industry as the finest show of its kind in the United States. The Rotarians who supported this institution were as follows:

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.

WORLD WAR I BONDS

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 Waterloo but in some of the neighboring towns as well. The booming voices of Hugh Van Pelt, Ben Swisher, Wirt Hoxie, Sr., M.L. Bowman, and other Rotarians, were heard all over Black Hawk County.

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 Waterloo, has one of the finest picnic grounds owned by any Rotary Club in this part of the country. It was purchased in 1923. “C-A” negotiated an option which enabled the Waterloo Club to buy this piece of ground at a very reasonable price. Thru the generosity of many of our members, a club house was built in the early ‘20’s. Rotarian John G. Miller assumed the responsibility of constructing this building and many of the Rotarians donated materials and supplies for its construction so that the original cost was very nominal. Later on, the picnic grounds were cleared, permanent picnic tables were installed, large capacity grills were built, and a very substantial home for the caretaker, who lives on this property the year around, was also constructed. Much of the material was donated for this building and a large part of the labor was furnished by club members on a no-charge basis.

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.

IOWA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY

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 Waterloo, has been represented by one or more members in the Waterloo Rotary Club.

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 Waterloo and Black Hawk County. It employs 97 people in its downtown office and 187 people in the power plant and as outside men in the Waterloo district. The company’s growth and development in Waterloo is far greater than most citizens realize. Electric and gas rates compare favorably with other public utilities throughout the Midwest——electricity is about the only commodity that costs substantially less than it did 10 years ago. Rotarians Bob Ruisch, Vice-President, and Jim Kirk, Manager, Waterloo Division, now represent Iowa Public Service Company in the Waterloo Rotary Club. Dell B. Raymond, now a Vice-President at Sioux City, is a native of Waterloo and was a member of our club in the 1950’s before moving up to his present position.

NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY

This well-known organization has had a fantastic growth in Waterloo since the early 1900’s. First representative in the Waterloo Rotary Club was Clarence Campbell, who was a District Manager for northeastern Iowa. Associated with him as District Plant Chief was Rotarian George Bickley. Bickley was later transferred to Omaha from which place he retired in 1924 and moved to California. Clarence Campbell retired in 1940 as District Manager in Waterloo. He was succeeded by Rotarian Russell Gray who came here from Mason City. Succeeding Gray was Rotarian Bob Nelson. Paul Vandeventer has been District Manager since 1961 in Waterloo, succeeding Bob Nelson. Paul joined the Waterloo Rotary Club in October, 1961.

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 New York to California was $20.70. It is now possible to make a 3-minute call from New York to California, after 8:00 P.M. or on Sundays, for a charge of only $1.00

Northwestern Bell is currently completing an addition to the Waterloo Exchange at a cost of $1,200,000.00. The Black Hawk Co. Treasurer’s Office will be enriched by approximately $200,000 in taxes for the year of 1965, payable in 1966. This fast-growing institution is, indeed, a fine asset to Waterloo-Cedar Falls and the Black Hawk Co community.

WATERLOO WATER WORKS

In the year of 1910, an election was held and the citizens of Waterloo voted favorably on a bond issue to take over the privately-owned Water Works. Under the leadership and guidance of Rotarian s Charles T. Wilson and John W. Rath, members of the initial Board of Trustees, the Waterloo Water Works grew and prospered, and, through all this period of 56 years, no additional bond issues have been necessary, and the original issue was paid off many years ago. Other members of the Waterloo Rotary Club who have served on the Board of Trustees of the Waterloo Water Works were Ben Swisher, Fred Adams, and George Cousins. The extension of mains and the additional pumping equipment and machinery necessary to operate and take care of the greatly increased demand over the years has all been paid for out of Water Works earnings.

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 Waterloo area was blessed with an unlimited supply of water which could be obtained from shallow wells of 85 to 125 feet in depth. Waterloo not only enjoys one of the finest supplies of water in the country but at prices which have not changed since the city took over the Water Works in 1910.

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 Iowa.

THE WATERLOO DAILY COURIER

The finest newspaper in all northern Iowa is one of Waterloo’s biggest assets. Seldom, if ever, did a newspaper have more humble beginnings than the Waterloo Daily Courier,
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 Iowa a d the nation. The merger caused the circulation of the Courier to rise from 21,135 in 1930 to 33,766 in 1931. Advertising lineage in 1930 was 6,402,502.

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 Iowa trading area.

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 Waterloo and Black Hawk County, as well as northeastern Iowa, has been instrumental in helping some of our older industries to prosper and has played an important part in bringing new industries to Waterloo and Black Hawk County. Mrs. Wilda Workman, librarian at the Courier, very courteously supplied some of the historical information used in this review, This writer also very much appreciates the editorial guidance and helpful suggestions of Dave Dentan, assistant Managing Editor of the Courier.

Y.M.C.A. OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY

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 Waterloo and the branch operations at Cedar Falls and Evansdale. The agency has a professional staff of seven men and additional staff of 30 people to serve the entire organization. The 1966 budget was $265,000.00. In the year 1969, the Waterloo Y.M.C.A. will be celebrating its 100th
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                          Clyde Allen
William H. Langlas                             Chuck Swisher
C. A. Morris                                        Lowell Walker
Andy Reid                                          Bob Young
Dr. J. E. Butts

YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY

In the year of 1910, a Provisional Committee was appointed for the purpose of organizing a Y.W. C.A. in the city of Waterloo. Members were the following:

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 Davis

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, 105-111 E. 4th St. By this time, membership had reached 700. First contribution to the building fund was made by Miss Frances Grout. In 1919, C. F. Fowler left $10,000.00 and an additional provision for 15 per cent of all a building would cost above $65,000.00 and up to $100,000.00. In 1922, the site where the YWCA is now located, was purchased at a price of $45,000.00. The following Building Committee of six was appointed to start a building campaign:

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.

WATERLOO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Many of our Rotarians will remember that there was an intense rivalry between cast and west Waterloo following World War I, both from an industrial standpoint as well as residential development.
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 Urban Street and Highway Research Assn. which was organized in 1961. Because of the active part taken by Pat in the association’s activities, the share of the road use tax fund given to cities was increased from 8 to 13 percent. This has amounted to as much as $300,000.00 per year for Waterloo. This tremendous saving is in itself four or five times the amount of the total Chamber of Commerce budget each year. Pat also took an active part in securing more representation in both the Senate and the House for Black Hawk County. In addition, he has spent long hours and been a hard worker in the formation of the Waterloo Industrial Development Assn., the results of which are fully stated in another part of this review. Pat Touchae resigned as Mayor of Waterloo on Apr.1, 1956. At that time, the total membership of the Chamber was somewhat less than 1000 members. The total number of members as of June 1, 1966 is 1,400.
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.

MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND SCIENCE

Henry W. Grout, prominent Waterloo attorney, passed away in 1932. His will provided for the establishment of an historical museum to be governed by the Henry W. Grout Trust which came into being in the year 1933 with John W. Rath, Chairman of the Trustees, including James Graham and George E. Pike.
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 Black Hawk County shortly after the founding of Waterloo in 1854. John H. Leavitt was an honorary Rotarian. The Leavitt Bank, the first bank in Waterloo, was built by John H. Leavitt in 1856, at 321 W. 4th St., in the building now occupied by Milroy’s Clothiers.
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 WATERLOO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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 Waterloo will have the distinction of being one of the few cities in the Middle West with a Community Services building in which are housed most of the welfare agencies. Much credit is due Rotarian Earl Glasson, his Executive Committees, and the Chairmen of all the other committees who took such an active part in this most memorable and historical event. Kiwanian A. N.(Nory) Caines played a prominent role in this worthwhile project. He has also been active in church work and civic affairs for many years.
Copy of final financial statement shows net profit of $13,477.75.

WATERLOO CENTENNIAL, INC.
WATERLOO, IOWA
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 BLACK HAWK COUNTY

In the year of 1923, the citizens of Waterloo decided to organize what was then called the Waterloo Community Chest. This was supposed to take care of all the charitable agencies which needed public assistance, In those days, this was confined to only a few organizations including the YMCA, YWCA, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, etc. S.A. Cohagan, YMCA Secretary, was named as the organization’s first president. The total budget for that year was $49,901.00. By 1940, the budget increased to $93,882.00; in 1950 it reached a total of $186,209.00. In the year of 1955, the activities were expanded to include practically all worthy welfare agencies and charitable organizations. The name was changed to United Services and the 1955 budget was $376,112.00. The growth of this worthy organization was such that the facilities were housed in a number of different buildings scattered throughout Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The expense for rent and extra clerical personnel was increasing tremendously and it was then decided that a new building should be built to house all the different organizations who were the beneficiaries of the annual United Services budget. Waterloo was the first town in the State of Iowa to develop such a project. It has, indeed, proved to be a very wise decision. Most of the agencies are now located under one roof and the money that was being paid out for rent each month is being applied against the mortgage of this fine building which, before too long, will be free of debt. The following Rotarians have served with distinction as president of the organization first known as the Community Chest until 1955, and, since then, as president of United Services:

                        S. A. Cohagan                         Gwynne Weston
                        Jake Levingston                      William Hogan
                        Frank Coliord                          Wayne Garvin
                        Floyd Goodrich                      Wirt P. Hoxie
                        Harry G. Northey                    E. E. (Dick) Baily
                        Wililam A. Dewees                 Dr. Russell Gerard
                        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 Waterloo and Cedar Falls. This is known as Community Services Buliding.
A conservative estimate of the actual value of this property would be as foliows:

Two lots--each size 200’x 375’
Contributed by Kearns family
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 Black Hawk County as they employed over 2500 people. Someone from the Illinois Central has been a member of Rotary since the beginning.
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.

CHICAGO—GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD

The Chicago-Great Western Railroad has through freight service from Chicago via Oelwein, and also a main line from Minneapolis to Kansas City via Oelwein and Waterloo, One of their other branch lines is from Oelwein to Omaha via Fort Dodge. In recent years, the Great Western has confined itself entirely to carload freight business. During the first 25 or 30 years of this century. the Great Western .operated passenger trains from Waterloo to Chicago with a set- out sleeper at Waterloo. They also had two or three passenger trains a day each way from Minneapolis to St. Paul through Oelwein and south through Des Moines to Kansas City. For many years, their local commercial agent was Rotarian Thomas J. Cleary. Tom was a genial individual and a good mixer. He had a lot of friends in Waterloo and they were glad to see him advanced in the Traffic Department to a position of responsibility in the Chicago office.

ROCK ISLAND LINES

Waterloo is on the main line of the Rock Island from St. Louis to Minneapolis. The Rock Island system in Iowa has several thousand of miles of trackage, and for this reason it is possible to make connections with the principal lines at junction points in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, West Liberty, Burlington, & Keokuk. Bob Johnson was the commercial agent for Rock Island lines. For many years Rock Island passenger service in and out of Waterloo was very help iii in making Waterloo one of the leading trading centers in northern Iowa. The company still has passenger service on the Rock Island Rocket from Waterloo to Minneapolis St. Louis.

THE WATERLOO RAILROAD

Originally this road was operated as the Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Northern Railroad. It was organized and built by the Cass Brothers, covered previously in the early part of this review. Genial Rotarian Claude Cheney became the local manager of this railroad and served for 47 years as general manager and president. Claude was also a past president of the Waterloo Rotary Club, having served in the year of 1933-1934. Claude was one of the
most liberal contributors to various civic projects in Waterloo history. He came to Waterloo in 1895 and passed away on January 18, 1960. The Waterloo Railroad is still serving some of our largest industries with excellent switching service. These include the
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 Waterloo in 1943, he had no idea whether he would be here 30 days or 30 years. The volume of business was not very big, to say the least. If they averaged a truck load a day, to and from Chicago market, they thought they were doing very well. Today, they have from 20 to 25 trucks daily and average 10,000,000 pounds of cargo per month. This is, indeed, a very substantial volume. Western Transportation Company has a total of 225 operating trucks in its entire system. In the Waterloo terminal, the firm operates strictly between here and Chicago, with no intermediate stops. The Waterloo terminal has expanded twice since Jim took over, and in addition to’over the road’ trucks, they also ship a considerable amount of merchandise by ‘piggyback.’ Concerns like Western, along with several other competitors, including Briggs, Takin, Gateway, and Boss, have done much to make Waterloo one of the largest truck terminals in the state of Iowa. Several other smaller lines handle freight from Waterloo distributors to local dealers and merchants in the smaller towns throughout the entire state of Iowa.

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Waterloo is very fortunate, indeed, to have a fine relationship between the building contractors, labor unions and all of the crafts. One of the oldest industrial contractors in the state of Iowa is John G. Miller & Sons, which concern was founded by Rotarian John G. Miller, Sr. in 1895. Ed Paulson, Executive Vice President, represents this concern in Rotary and has been a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club since 1960. Ed is a past president of the Iowa Master Builders Assn. This concern specializes in commercial and industrial construction and,, in the past, has done a large volume of business for Rath’s, John Deere, and other industrial plants throughout the state. This firm was general contractor for the Black Hawk County Court House which is one of the finest buildings of its kind in northern Iowa.
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 St. Francis Hospital. Total dollar volume of industrial construction now underway by Miller and Olesen exceeds a combined volume of $20,000,000.00. Total number employed by Miller and Olesen is more than 600.
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 Waterloo but is now living in Florida. They operate as ToddHedeen International. Actually they are doing business in many foreign lands, and have during the past few years completed large industrial projects in Cuba, Honduras, Peru, Chile, Milano, Italy; Hamburg, Germany; and Istanbul, Turkey. However, the bulk of their business out of the Waterloo office is done in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, Some of their larger jobs of recent importance were the Black Hawk County Court House, Schoitz Memorial Hospital, Allen Memorial Hospital, West Waterloo High School, Columbus High School, Morningside College, and Heelen High School at Sioux City, Iowa. The Waterloo Rotary Club can be justly proud of the splendid reputation which this fine engineering firm enjoys.
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 Waterloo and the northeastern Iowa territory.
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 Waterloo City Hall and Black Hawk County Court House. At present, he has under construction four different units at the State College of Iowa at Cedar Fails, including the Science building, a dormitory unit, the dining room, and lounge addition, and an addition to Bartlett Hall dormitory. He also has a sizeable job under way at the Carnation plant in Waverly and the St. Ansgar Lutheran Church at St. Ansgar, Iowa.
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 Cedar Falls. We are indeed glad to have Bill as a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club.
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 Waterloo. This business has been continued under the direction of his son-in-law, Rotarian LaVerne Nilsson. The firm employs a total of 10 men in the field who handle the installations. It specializes in commercial jobs as well as in the domestic field. At present, workers for the firm are -- installing tile and marble in the new St. Francis Hospital, which is one of the largest projects they have ever handled.
Rotarian Richard Brom is a member of the firm. Thorson Brom-Broshar
Associates, Inc., classification-Architects, Churches. This well-known firm was established in Waterloo about 20 yrs. ago. It now has a total of three registered architects in the office in addition to the principals of the firm. They also employ three
draftsmen and two secretaries.
Waterloo churches which they have designed, are the following: Westminster Presbyterian, Zion Lutheran, United Evangelical, Immanuel Lutheran, Prince of Peace in Evansdale; St Mark’s Methodist in Evansdale. In addition to churches, they have recently designed the addition to Schoitz and Allen Hospitals, Metropolitan Life building, and Peoples Mutual Savings and Loan.

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 Iowa and other parts of the state. It employs a total of 12 people, including two secretaries. Currently, the firm is completing plans for the Minnie Crippen Development Center, which will be constructed in a Cedar Heights area. This is a heavily
endowed school for handicapped and mentally retarded children. Also under construction is the Garvey Hall dormitory at Upper Iowa University at a cost of $1,750,000.00. Also a library at Fayette, cost $600,000.00. In addition, the Story County Court House at Nevada, Iowa, is progressing rapidly and will soon be completed. Black Hawk County Hospital at the county farm is likewise under construction. In addition, the firm has several retirement homes in this area which are under construction and many of them will soon be completed. Schoolhouses are included in the 1966 construction program, with units being built at Anamosa, Maynard, and Fayette.

THE WATERLOO SCHOOL SYSTEM

At the time Rotary was organized in Waterloo in 1915, Rotarian A. T. Hukil was Superintendent of West Waterloo schools, and Rotarian Charles Kline was Superintendent of East Waterloo schools. For the past 50 years, our school superintendents have been closely identified with Rotary, and many of our school principals and other school executives have been members of some of the other
fine service clubs operating within the limits of the city of Waterloo. Rotarian Jack Logan since 1933 and his successor, Rotarian George Hohl, have contributed much to our fine school system. George Diestelmeier, Assistant Superintendent, is also a Rotarian.
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 Waterloo elementary and high schools was 18,814 students. The system employs 763 teaches, plus 29 principals, or a total of 792. Total employment in all the schools, including administrators, secretaries, janitors, and other employees throughout the District, amounts to 1,169 people. The efficient manner in which this District has been handled is, indeed, a splendid tribute to the leadership of Superintendent George Hohi and his able assistant George Diestelmeier.

GATES COLLEGE

Almon F, Gates came to Waterloo in 1888. He bought a business college which he consolidated with Tobin College in 1891. Later that year, he sold this business and went to Upper Iowa University. For several years he was Superintendent of Schools at
Postville, Iowa. In 1898 he came back to Waterloo, bought the business college and incorporated as Waterloo Business College. “Al” was, probably more than anyone else, responsible for the organization of the Waterloo Rotary Club and was the Club’s first
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 Gates College to Stuart Sears. The school now has a staff of 16 people on the payroll and the average enrollment is approximately 175 students the year ‘round. The business still operates as Gates Business College and enjoys an enviable reputation in the educational field
throughout the state of Iowa.

HAWKEYE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Waterloo area is soon to have a new technical training school which will be located somewhere in Black Hawk County. The new Board of Directors, which were elected on May 19 from a seven-county area, has scheduled an election for voting on a 3/4-mill levy for five years to assist in site purchase and construction, Out of the nine-members of the Board, three members of the Waterloo Rotary Club were elected. They were; James D. Kirk, R. Lawrence Kilgore, and Wallace Reed. This will fill a long- felt need for technical training, which was so badly needed for our fast growing industries in northern Iowa. It is reported that the site of this new school will contain approximately 160 acres, Enrollment after five years is expected to reach 3,000 to 4,000 students and possibly more. Other directors elected from the area which this school will serve, are as follows: Dr. Emil L Koch, Plainfield, Iowa; Walter Frederick, Jr., Waverly, Iowa; T. Cooper Evans, Grundy Center, Iowa; James Martin, Sr., Independence, Iowa; Harlan Van Gerpen, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Harold L. Brock, Chairman of the Board, Waterloo, Iowa.
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, Goldsboro, N.Car.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

Father John F. Paar, Principal, Columbus High School. Father Walter Brunkan, Asst. Principal. The parochial schools in Black Hawk County have, indeed, shown a splendid growth during the past few years. Close to 6,000 students are being educated each year in this area which includes eight elementary schools in addition to Columbus High School. Enrollment at Columbus High last year was 1,250 students.
The eight elementary schools are: St. Edwards, Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, St. John’s, St. Joseph’s, Blessed Sacrament, St Nicholas, Evansdale; St. Patrick’s, Cedar Falls. Columbus High School has excellent bus service covering the entire county. Columbus was opened hi 1959 with an investment of $1,800,000.00. The school has a very intensive athletic program and is now participating in all major sports, including track, baseball, basketball, and football. All of Waterloo and Black Hawk County can well be proud of this well-organized operation. Many of the sons and daughters of both Waterloo and Cedar Falls Rotarians are privileged to use the facilities of these fine schools.

WATERLOO MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION

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 Waterloo. Other former members of the ministry were as follows:

Oliver M. Yaggy                                 William H. Beachler
Charlcs Gunnell                                  W. W. Bowers
Dean Chapman                                   J. S. Deedrick
Father J. M. Molloy                            Albert T. Ronk
Father Edward J. O’Hagan                 Henry L. Weiss