OLSON, Norman (1908-1929)

OLSON

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 1/11/2014 at 22:34:01

Boy Drowns In Clear Lake
Scouts, Called To Rescue, Dive For Lost Body
Norman Olson, 17, Falls Trying to Reach Raft

Ventura, July 13. - While trying to wade to his companions who were sitting on a diving raft, Norman Olson, 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis B. Olson, living two miles east of Miller, was drowned in water just up to his chin in Clear Lake near here about 8:30 o'clock last evening.

While the boy floundered about after losing footing his two friends screamed for help but as the closest cottage was a half mile away, no response came at once.

Help arrived only after the boys on the raft, Earl Anderson and an unnamed companion, both of whom could swim a little but knew nothing of lifesaving, managed to get to shore and carried word to a Boy Scout encampment at Camp Roosevelt up the beach.

Cottagers began to arrive in answer to the calls for help just as the scouts were beginning their attempt to recover the body. Before midnight about 500 persons lined the shores of the lake at the spot of the tragedy.

Worked Three Hours

The body was recovered at 9 o'clock after it had been under water about half an hour. Scouts worked at artificial respiration for three hours until young Olson was finally pronounced dead by the lifesavers and a physician who had been called from Clear Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Olson had gone to Mason City to take home their daughter, Bernice, who had been employed in the office of Dr. T. A. Burke, for a vacation. They were finally found and arrived just in time to hear the attempt at resuscitation pronounced futile.

The accident occurred near Ventura Heights a little off the road between Ventura and the heights. The boys had been frolicking around in the water and the two who were able to swim had reached the raft. Young Olson announced his intention of coming out but was advised not to by his companions. When he started in spite of their warnings they begged him to turn back but he just laughed and continued until a slight eddy carried him off his feet.

Scouts Formed Dragnet

The scouts who came to search for the body formed a dragnet, diving five abreast. Bill Bartmess, assistant swimming director of the camp, found the body and was aided in getting it to the raft by Bion McPeak, Mason City, and Robert Haydon, Clear Lake.

L. Osam and J. C. Underwood, executives, E. W. Lilly and Harold "Doc" West, activity directors, and Doulas McPeak and Joe Ober of Mason City aided in the attempt at resuscitation. Henry Ebling, Mason City, rowed back and forth to shore, carrying supplies and workers to the raft.

The fire and police departments of Mason City and T. L. Connor, Red Cross lifesaver, were called but found everything possible being done upon their arrival.

The body was taken to the Shannon Undertaking parlor in Garner. Besides his parents, the youth is survived by two brothers, Milo and Arnold, and two sisters, Bernice and Marian.

source: Mason City Globe Gazette 13 Jul 1929 page 1 & 8

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Norman Olson Rites Are Held at Miller

Garner, July 15. - Funeral services for Norman Olson, who was drowned in Clear Lake Saturday, were held at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon at Miller. Burial was in Madison township cemetery.

source: Mason City Globe Gazette 15 Jul 1929 page 8

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Norman Olson Funeral Held
Rites for Youth Drowned in Clear Lake Are at Miller Home

Miller, July 16. - Funeral services for Norman Olson, 20, were held at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis B. Olson at 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon and at the Ellington Prairie Lutheran church at 1:30 o'clock. Burial was in the Concord cemetery. The Rev. H. E. Okland conducted the services.

He was born Oct. 6, 1908, and died Friday, July 12. His death was caused by drowning in Clear Lake while he and some companions were in bathing.

He was a member of the Lutheran church and a Modern Woodman. His parents and two brothers and two sisters survive.

Music was furnished by a large choir. There was also a solo by, Leonard Nelson. Pallbearers were Gaylord Holm, Clifford Larson, Merwin Iverson, Earl and Lester Anderson and Harvey Sorenson, friend of Norman.

A sum of money was given by the Lutheran league by friends as a memorial to him.

source: Mason City Globe Gazette 16 Jul 1929 page 17