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ORGANIZATIONS
SCOUTING IN LOWDEN
Brownie Troop – organized in 1981 – Leaders: Diane Terlisner and Maureen Krutzfeld. Membership: 12. Open to 6-8 yr. olds. Activities: Christmas caroling, making ornaments, selling cookies.
Cub Scouts - Membership 8. Den Mother: Rose Stone
Webelos – Membership 8. Cub Master: Dennis Wenndt.
Also associated with scout work have been Robert Gottschalk, Robert Hamdorf, Harold Beuthien, Robert Eichelberger and John Smeltzer, who also served as commissioner and worked with scouts for 20 years.
TOPS CHAPTER
Organized in 1969, the TOPS Chapter flourished several years and recently reorganized. Membership is now 15 and members have pledged to lose 125 pound in 1982 for the 125th birthday of Lowden.
Picture: Lowden Lassie 4-H Club
4-H Clubs
Lowden Laddies 4-H Club has been in existence since 1947. Allen Koch and Dave Sander are the present leaders, following Henry Niermeyer and Roland Buck. Forty 4-H’ers including ten girls, pursue a wide range of projects including photography, mechanics, woodworking and livestock. Members erected a chain link fence around pioneer Elliott Parr’s gravesite, one-half mile west of the Van Horn cemetery and also help with the annual Easter Egg Hunt for local children.
The Lowden Lassies organized in 1944 with 12 charter members. For many years they were active but later disbanded. In 1971 Mrs. Henry Niermeyer reorganized the group, assisted by Mrs. Leonard Kroemer who is at present the leader. Mrs. Terry Dies and Mrs. Junior Sander are co-leaders. Besides their 4-H projects the girls also found time to plant a tree on the Parr burial plot, assist with the Easter Egg Hunt and conduct an annual drive benefitting Retarded Children. Membership today numbers 21.
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Remember how we became aware of cows in the old pasture lot by sliding into third base?
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Picture: 3/30 Clubhouse
3/30 CLUB
The years 1969 will be remembered by many as the 3/30 Golf and Country Club becoming a reality.
After many, many hours of volunteer labor, meetings, etc., the nine hole golf course, swimming pool and clubhouse were completed. July, 1969 the Clubhouse was opened. The Grand Opening of the golf course and facilities was held on August 30, 1969. The swimming pool was opened in 1979 and an addition was built to the clubhouse in 1970.
The first 3/30 Board of Directors was LeRoy Luepker, President; Don Meier, Secretary-Treasurer; Herb Freese, Frank Mostaert, G. O. Mason, Erwin Strackbein, Paul Chapman, Jr., George Utley, Gene Dittmer, Everett Von Muenster, Robert McAtee, Wendell Rensink.
The 3/30 Club has three memberships available: family, single, and social. The past year a total of 324 memberships were held. During the summer the Club holds many golfing events which include a Husband and Wife Tourney, Men’s Open Tourney, and 3 Man Best Shot Open Tourney. These tournaments bring participants from a fifty mile radius. The Club hosts various other golfing events during the summer. Monthly social events are held for its members. Dining facilities are available to its members three nights a week during the winter months and five nights a week during the golfing season. The pool opens on Memorial Day and closes Labor Day. It is made available for Red Cross Swimming lessons.
Present 3/30 Board Members are Harold Beuthien, President; Ken Burmeister, Vice-President; Merlin Conrad, Harvey Hein, Curt Peterson, Gene Peekenschneider, Gary Martin, Jim Kruckenberg, Pete Thies, Hubert Gade, Robert Davis, and John Barnhart with Donna Meier serving as secretary.
LOWDEN JAYCEES
The Eldridge Jaycees helped to organize a local chapter here in 1975. A charter night banquet was held, with 25 members signing up. Present membership totals 32, with Marlon Lange as President. An annual street dance is held to raise money for community projects such as painting the upstairs of the City Hall, serving an annual dinner to Senior Citizens, community tree program, Gun Safety Program, Legion roof repair, and install Christmas street lights and decorations.
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Ice Cream was known as far back as 54 A.D.
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AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The American Legion Auxiliary was organized in 1922, and was granted a charter in 1923, having 12 charter members. Mrs. Violet Chariton served as the first present. The longest term of office held by one member continuously was that of secretary, held by Mrs. A. L. Mensing for 22 years. The first poppy sale was in 1924, and has continued through the years. An annual poppy poster contest in the local schools is sponsored. Red Cross and T. B. Christmas seal drives were conducted for many years. The organization compiled a successful cookbook in 1954. The group has sponsored card parties to benefit many worthwhile projects. Many meals have been served by the Auxiliary including Firemen and bowling banquets, County Conservation suppers, wedding and anniversary receptions, various business group luncheons and the Lions and Commercial Club banquets. The Auxiliary also helps with the Memorial Day program and assists in the food stand at Memorial Park during the baseball season. The organization maintains a hospital equipment closet. These supplies are available to the community. At the present time there are 36 members and Mrs. Warren Stolte is serving as president.
AMVETS AUXILIARY #16
The Lowden Amvets Auxiliary #16 was formed May 16, 1946, after being a member of the Iowa United Service Women of America since 1942. The National Charter was received in 1962 with a membership of 69. The present membership is 25, which includes three honorary members and two Gold Star Mothers. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, except January, with an average attendance of nine members.
The Auxiliary has sponsored the Santa Claus visits since 1949, and the Kiddies Parade at the annual Park Days since 1950. The organization sells White Clovers each year, assists in the food stand at Memorial Park, and takes part in the Memorial Day Program. They entertain at the Iowa City V.A. Hospital, and the Clarence and Wheatland Nursing Homes, serve some special dinners and sponsor card parties. Minnie Behrens, the oldest member – age 96, made over 75 lap robes for the auxiliary to sell as their “money-making” project.
They received the State Auxiliary of the Year and Child Care Award in the year 1964-65; and the Community Service Award for the State of Iowa in 1966-67.
The present officers are: Lillian Schneider, President; Evelyn Wiebel, Vice-President; Doris Kruckenberg, Secretary; Helen Hoffmeier, Treasurer; and Leona Brendes, Chaplain.
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Remember when the butter was soft all summer and we drank the milk warm, right from the cows?
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AMERICAN LEGION LILLIS-DEERBERG POST
Originally charted in 1920 as Yankee Run Post #366, there were 17 charter members. Membership now totals about 100, four of whom are 62 year members. These are Fred Wiebel, Henry Hoffmeier, Louis Stolte and Walter Klipp. Fred Wiebel was the first to go overseas during World War I and was in service 16 months, in France. Having its own building at 606 Main St., the local post also provides meeting quarters for Scouts and Senior Citizens. Each year a student who was a junior in High School is sponsored for Boys State. Ronald Bauer currently serves as Commander.
AMVET POST #16
Organized in 1951, with 14 charter members the Amvet Post holds meetings in the former Conrad building. Membership now includes 38 members, with Kenneth Heisch as the Commander.
Amvets help out at park functions and fly the flags downtown on special days.
Picture: The winning 1981 Lowden Indees baseball team.
The manager of 25 yrs., Larry Stolte, is pictured at upper left.
“LOWDEN INDEES BASEBALL”
The last 25 years has seen the Lowden Indees field a baseball team each year. Back in 1957, Larry Stolte took over as manager. At that time the Indees were members of the Corn Belt League, which consisted mainly of teams along Highway 30, close to Lowden. In the early 1970’s the Corn Belt faded out of the picture, since there were no longer enough towns fielding a team. For several years, the Indees played an independent schedule, because they were no longer in a league. In 1976, they were accepted into the Prairie League. This league consists of 16 teams, most of them in a radius of 15 miles from Dubuque, Iowa. Lowden has won the league championship in two different years – 1979 and 1981.
The Indees have never had a losing season in their last 25 years. “1981” marked the 25th year in which Larry Stolte managed the Indees. The team’s 30 wins and 6 losses, put the overall record for these 25 years at 516 wins and 202 losses.
The community of Lowden should be quite proud of the young men who comprise this ball club. These men give up several nights a week during the summer to provide the area fans some of the best semi-pro baseball in the state of Iowa, and they do this without any reimbursement.
The Indees are also quite fortunate and thankful to have one of the most beautiful parks in the state of Iowa in which to play their games – that being Lowden’s Memorial Park.
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Picture: Potluck for Senior Citizens
l to r around table: Martha Gehrls, Wilhelmina Strunk, Adeline Mowry, Burdetta Agnew, Florence Henderson
SENIOR CITIZENS
Senior Citizens held their organizational meeting in April of 1973 with pastors and representatives of both churches and with Lina Cantrell of Stanwood, director of Community Action in Cedar County. Representatives from other organizations showed interest by attending subsequent meetings and officers were elected.
Meetings were at first held in the Amvets Hall and Memorial Park but now have been changed to the basement of the Legion Hall beginning with potluck dinners at 11:30 on the second Monday of each month.
Present officers are: President, Ed Sauerbier; Vice President, Adeline Mowry; Secretary, Norma Reinking; Treasurer, Arnold Koch. Membership is open to anyone over 60 years of age.
DEPOT RESTORATION (1976-77)
Foundation digging and laying proceeded in City Park in late 1976 under the supervision of Wesley Griesbach.
Dismantling of the old depot took one week, starting in 10 degree temperature on November 13th. Workers found that the original building had been constructed with vertical sideboards and battens and later covered with siding. The found five separate floors, all embedded in dirt and soot. Boards were sorted, place on hayracks, and stored in buildings on area farms.
The following May, 1977, the Griesbach crew worked for one day to erect the frame. With volunteer help from the Lowden and Massillon area, the building was ready for shingling in a week. The ladies of the Historical Society cooked the meals. In the hot days of July and August battens were cut and placed, the overhang closed, and doors and windows installed. Later, the exterior was scraped and caulked and latches applied. Finally, the building was painted and the sidewalk poured, and Lowden’s Historical Center became a reality!
Much, much work, but a labor of love.
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Do you resent growing old? Many are denied that privilege.
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Picture: Display area of Historical Center
LOWDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Lowden Commercial Club in response to a plea from Rev. Paul Jordan for a local historical society, selected in 1973 a committee to investigate such a possibility. A town meeting was planned with Loren Horton, of the State Historical Society of Iowa to give background material for proper procedures. Civic groups and interested citizens endorsed the idea and soon a constitution and article of incorporation were drawn up. Attorney Norton approved these at a subsequent meeting at which the following board was chosen: Rev. Jordan, Chairman; Rev. Elowsky, Arthur Fisher, Delbert Kruckenberg, Elfrieda Kroemer, Esther Boettger and Everett Kruckenberg.
Meeting quarterly during the year, the purpose of the organization is to provide a repository for items relevant to Lowden’s heritage as well as to provide a place of special exhibits and research.
Projects have been (1) Recording of data and location of tombstones in local cemeteries (2) Purchase and reconstruction of the old Lowden Depot for use as a meeting center in the City Park and launching a drive for $10,000 for restoration of same (with a $1,200 grant from the Bicentennial Committee) (3) Publishing “We Remember When” , nostalgic stories of the past (4) Successful moneymaking ventures (5) Program presentations of historical interest and printing of these in booklet form for members and (6) Providing a place for visitors to browse on Sunday afternoons.
On the present board are: Chairman, Virgil Kruckenberg; Secretary, Doris Kruckenberg; Treasurer, Arthur Fisher, Raymond Kroemer, Dorothy Sennett, Rev. Jordan, and Jeannette Ruprecht.
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What a lot of women would like to do with last year’s dress is to get into it.
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Picture: Lowden Volunteer Firemen
Front row, l to r: Don Breneman, Bob Huffman, Orville Wulf, Gary King, Duane Lasack, Roger Gottschalk.
Back row: Everett Kruckenberg, Don Lange, Delbert Kruckenberg, Norbert Kruckenberg, Curt Petersen, Denny Somerville, Richard Boedeker, Al Crock, Keith Lange.
Top: Robert Gottschalk, Chief. Missing: Steve Poppe, Ray Wiese, Stan Sander, Gene Hamdorf.
LOWDEN FIRE CO.
Today’s modern firefighting equipment is a far cry from the hand-drawn carts bearing hoses, ladder and tank of the 1800’s. The old gray double-breasted uniforms for dress occasions now are museum pieces, while today’s Lowden volunteers sport natty white shirts provided by the local bank for special occasions.
Types of fires, too, have change. Instead of roof blazes caused by chimney sparks, today’s firemen are more apt to battle blazes caused by faulty electrical wiring. Malfunctioning TV sets also take their toll. Two homes in Lowden were a complete loss due to the latter cause.
Two modern trucks, a Chevrolet and a Ford, carry water and pump 750 gallons a minute. A water wagon with a collapsible tank, a Babcock for fighting grass fires and a crash wagon have also been added. Several firemen are also qualified to operate their portable resuscitator.
Besides participating in civic endeavors the local volunteers keep abreast of the firefighting techniques by attending training and county meetings. Through taxation Lowden residents and farmers alike can be assured of fire protection.
Hats off to the firemen, past and present.
LOWDEN MEMORIAL PARK
Since its inception in 1947 and formal opening in 1949, Lowden Memorial Park has been a fitting tribute to those local people who served their country in the various branches of service.
Its 17 acres, dotted with beautiful shade trees and bisected by a trickling brook,…
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Picture: Entrance, Lowden Memorial Park
… offer a variety of choices for recreational purposes and athletic events. Lighted baseball and softball diamonds, playground equipment, outdoor classroom and a tennis court which also doubles as a basketball court and skating area accommodate the general public and the schools as well. Its two enclosed picnic shelters are in constant demand during the summer.
A five member board is responsible for keeping the park in top condition. In past years this has included installations of rest rooms and sewer hookup, surveying, addition of chain link fence and concession stand, speaker system and phone installation, new shelters and dugouts, planting of trees and shrubs, leveling creek bank and constant maintenance of ball diamonds, fences and scoreboard.
Present board members are: President: Virgil Kruckenberg, Vice-President: Tom Schwartz. Secretary: Dave Sander, Howard Hansen and Dennis Boedeker.
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Picture: Entrance to Lowden Cemetery, showing beautiful iron grillwork
CEMETERIES
LOWDEN CEMETERY
The main entrance to many cemeteries passes through an arch, the gateway to salvation, symbolic of the beneficence of God and the hospitality of the Christina faith. Such is the beautiful entrance to the Lowden Cemetery with its arch and wrought iron fence, a gift of Mrs. August Petersen in memory of her late husband.
Sarah Jane Melott was buried in Lowden Cemetery in September 1853, and William E. Hoover, son of R. & S. Hoover died December 22, 1857. Another Hoover, Robert, presumed to be the father of William, was buried in 1868. It can be assumed that some early burials are not marked by tombstones. Among the early burials in Lowden Cemetery was Mary Cook in April 1858. Being the sister of Steward Burwell, who owned an extensive tract north of Lowden, he set aside four acres for burial which were later deeded to the Trustees of the Lowden Cemetery.
LUTHERAN CEMETERY
Two acres of land were deeded in 1881 to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church for burial purposes. The stones were at first placed close together in order of death and not necessarily in family groups to facilitate digging of graves in the winter time. This burial ground lies to the west of the Lowden Cemetery.
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Picture: Lutheran Cemetery, showing closely spaced tombstones
Lowden and Lutheran Cemeteries were enlarged in 1958 with purchase of land from Mrs. Mary Hintz.
Picture: Van Horn Cemetery on a hill overlooking the town.
VAN HORN CEMETERY
This was once a heavily timbered area and was first used for burial in 1841. James Van Horn deeded the land in 1868 for a cemetery. Looking to the northeast from the cemetery one sees a beautiful view of Lowden and surrounding territory.
LOWDEN LIBRARY
Originally sponsored by the NGO Club in the 1950’s the Lowden Library has since 1977 been under the management of a six member board who saw the need for expansion of facilities to meet the needs of the area. An ordinance adopted by the Town Council gave the town responsibility for the library facilities and made local funding possible. County funds also became available.
Housed in the former Council room, the addition of shelves, bulletin boards, …
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Picture: Machelle Wiebel, librarian
… drapes, carpeting and comfortable furniture made the library attractive. Membership in the East Central Library Association also enables patrons to make special requests for books, films and records.
Besides free use of the library’s 3376 books, there are 214 records and 56 cassettes for patrons to select. Total circulation in 1971 was 6,904 and the number of family or individual cards totaled 358.
In addition to a summer reading program for children, the library also features a monthly story hour and community programs such as ballroom dancing, bicycle safety, flower arranging, picture framing, horticulture and other topics of interest.
The library is open on Tuesday and Friday afternoons and all day Saturday. Machele Wiebel is the librarian. The present board includes Jan Olsen, Marge Corrick, Shirley Peterson, Judy Jurgens, Merry Wenndt and Jeanette Ruprecht.
LOWDEN COMMERICAL CLUB
The Lowden Commerical club meets 3 or 4 times a year. The current membership is 35 members. The major projuect for the group is the annual Christmas drawing, sharing the cost of Santa Claus day and promoting new businesses to the city. The current officers are Tom Schwarz, president; Don Lange, vice-president, Joe Wenndt, corresponding secretary; Jeanette King, secretary; and Duane Lasack, treasurer.
A QUARTER CENTURY WITH THE SCHOOLS
PUBLIC SCHOOL
| 1957 | New Lowden Jr. High/High School dedicated |
| 1958 | Boys’ basketball team to State Tournament (Coach Dave Rose) |
| 1959 | Boys’ basketball team to State Tournament (Coach Dan Boardsen) |
| 1961 | “Mr. Brenneman Day,” honoring his 20 years at Lowden Lowden’s first Homecoming |
| 1965 | G. O. Mason of Atlantic named superintendent, succeeding E. W. Breneman after the latter’s death. |
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Picture: School classroom building built with memorial gift from Alfred Conrad estate
| 1967 | National Honor Society chartered Girls’ basketball team to State Tournament (Coach Tom Corrick) |
| 1968 | Industrial Arts building (40x80 ft.) erected west of Lowden gymnasium with funds received from Alfred Conrad estate. |
| 1969 | Lowden High in Homecoming Parade at University of Iowa Boys’ baseball team in State Tournament (Coach Don Koppes) |
| 1971 | Girls’ golf team to State Tournament (Coach Bonnie Mason) |
| 1973 | Vote for merger with Clarence passed |
| 1974 | First year of new Clarence-Lowden district, Superintendent- Jerrel Gallagher; High School Principal- Allen Whitlatch; Middle School Principal- Tom Corrick, Elementary Principal and Guidance – G. O. Mason. (Attendance Centers in both towns) |
| 1976 | Resignation of Gallagher and Mason. Lynn Hansen named new Superintendent; Lee Leidal-H.S. Principal |
| 1977 | Accreditation with North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools after approval by visiting educators. |
| 1978 | Resignation of High School Principal Lee Leidal; New Principal-Mark Pilcher |
| 1981 | Lower elementary building at Lowden closed due to physical deficiencies
State Fire Marshall declared old school building at Clarence unsafe
Resignation of Lynn Hansen
Girls’ golf team played in State Tournament (Coach Thomason) |
| 1982 | Richard Drey of Bellevue named new superintendent
Clarence-Lowden school named a beneficiary in estate of Walter Ibsen
$1,875,000 bond issue for school buildings to vote in April |
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Picture: Last classes in Lutheran school
Front row, l to r: Linda Kroemer, Julie Sander, Jolene Bunge, Russell Scheeper, Jeremy Ginster, Paul Heggen.
Back row: Charlene Bachmann, Teacher, Michelle Kroemer, Ann Nicely, John Kroemer, Noel Licht, Jeff Bunge.
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Trinity Day School has been providing education for its children since 1871. Facilities include two classrooms, kitchen, auditorium, gym and bowling alleys.
Until recent years, the school has been staffed with two teachers. Declining enrollment has forced the closing of the upper grades and for the last two years Miss Charlene Bachmann has taught grades K-4. The school will close at the end of the 1981-82 school term with a Closing Service being held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 30, 1982.
LOWDEN LIONS CLUB
The Lowden Lions Club was organized on September 6, 1978.
Projects that the Lions Club have sponsored include (1) Pancake Party, (2) work at University of Iowa football and basketball games, (3) sponsor Arkansas Gem Basketball Game, (4) Blood Donor “Gift of Life Day,” (5) Fish Fry and (6) Pig Roast.
The projects that the Lions Club sponsor have many benefits to the community. Some of these benefits include: Glaucomobile exam, dental clinic, essay contest winners (school), Bennett Charter Night, Lowden Library, Lowden Medical Clinic, Lions new building at Ames, Iowa Lions Hearing Conservation Foundation, House numbers, Lowden Memorial Park, school in Honduras and Lowden EMT-A’s.
In 1982 the Lowden Lions Club has 77 charter members.
ZION UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Zion Church was founded by Evangelical families who had come to this area in the middle of the nineteenth century. Times were difficult in Europe; war, sickness and poverty being responsible for these people making the decision to come to America, the land of hope. King Frederick William Ill of Prussia, on the three hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, had issued an order uniting the Reformed and Lutheran branches of the church into the Evangelical Church of Prussia (The Church of the Good News). It was this faith that the charter members of Zion Church brought to our community.
Zion Church has been served by fourteen ministers since the time of its founding in 1863. Her people have worshipped in three different building, the first being located three miles south-east of Lowden, known as “Die Kirche Im Busch.” In 1877, the congregation built its second place of worship, in town, on the site of the present …
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Picture: Pastor Paul Jordan, Zion United Christ of Christ
… church building. This building was destroyed by fire in 1916, and replaced by the present structure.
Zion Church has had two buildings for Christian Education, the first, known as the “Old Schoolhouse,” being built in 1883, and present structure on the same site, which was dedicated in 1956. The first building was the scene of the instruction of many confirmation classes, the young people learning their lessons from the Evangelical Catechism, and for many years in the German language.
Zion Church has had an ecumenical vision over the years, beginning as Zion Evangelical Church, and in 1934 joining with the denomination in the merger with the Reformed Church, to become Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church. Again, in 1957, Zion Church joined with its denomination in the merger which united them with the Congregational-Christian Churches, to become Zion United Church of Christ.
Zion Church has had a mission outreach, being the mother church of St. John’s in Clarence, established in 1882, and Frieden’s (Peace) Church in Bennett, established in 1907. For both of these newly established churches, approximately twenty families from Zion Church became a part of the membership of the new church to help give the strength needed. Zion Church has supported many programs over the years that have been concerned with expressing the compassion of the Master for those who are in need. The United Church of Christ’s Statement of Faith expresses this spirit with the words, “He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men.”
The membership of Zion Church is five hundred with a church school of one hundred. Organizations and committees enable the church to carry on its ministry to church members, the community and beyond.
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Picture: Pastor Michael Heggen, Trinity Lutheran Church
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Trinity Lutheran Church was organized under the direction of Rev. C. Seuel in 1871 with a membership of 45 families.
The first church was built in 1871 and an addition was added in 1901.
The first parsonage was built in 1871 and enlarged in 1889. The present parsonage was built in 1927.
The present teacherage was acquired in 1920.
Organization of the church:
The Voters Assembly was organized in 1871 with 45 members and presently has 101 members.
Trinity Ladies Aid began in 1894; joined the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in 1959, and has a current membership of 72. A cookbook is the current major project.
In 1935 the Sewing Circle was organized and has a membership of 24.
For 75 years, young men and young women had separate youth groups, then joined the Walther League. In 1980 they joined the Lutheran Youth Fellowship, and today have a membership of 23.
Couples Club formed in 1941 and now has 17 couples.
Eventide Guild, formed in 1980, has no official membership list, but gives the women an opportunity to be of service in the church.
Pastors serving Trinity were: Rev. H. Englebrecht 1871-1873; Rev. J. H. Brammer 1873-1920; Rev. C. F. Pritz 1920-1926; Rev. Herman Mass 1926-1949; Rev. T. J. …
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Picture: Lowden Medical Complex
… Eickelberg 1949-1964, Rev. Earl W. Elowsky 1965-1977; and our present pastor, Rev. Michael J. Heggen since March 1978.
The new church was dedicated on Nov. 1, 1959. The seating capacity in 520 and includes a fellowship hall, kitchen and Sunday School rooms. The bell and organ from the old church were used in the new building and the bell was electrified. The Schulmerich Carrillon was installed as a memorial by the Dr. and Mrs. C. R. Montz family in 1973 in memory of her father, Emil Stolte.
The centennial of Trinity was observed in 1971
In 1974 Trinity Mixed and Male Choirs made an album of favorite hymns.
Present soul membership is 598 with 514 communicants. Sunday School enrollment is 86 and Nursery Roll-22.
SERVING OUR HEALTH NEEDS
Dr. C. E. Stofflet practiced dentistry here for 49 years, retiring in 1970. A member of Zion Church, he was also Sunday School superintendent for a number of years and served as a member of the School Board as well. His office was located in the family home on McKinley Avenue.
Dr. Fred Montz retired in 1971, having practiced medicine in Lowden for 49 years. With only $3.00 in his pocket when they came to Lowden, he and his wife, “Molly,” lived at first in the Lincoln Hotel. Road conditions often made it difficult to answer calls. On one such trip to a family near Massillon, he did not get back for three days. During his practice here he delivered more than 3,000 babies, including 11 sets of twins. At the time of his retirement his office was located on McKinley Avenue, just north of the Sun-News.
LOWDEN FAMILY MEDICAL CORP., INC.
With the retirement of Dr. Montz, M.D., and Dr. Stofflet, D.D.S., our community found itself looking at the inconvenience of driving long distances for both medical and dental care.
Efforts to obtain a doctor and dentist to move to Lowden were started with the appointment of a Medical Committee by the Lowden Commercial Club. The committee consisted of four couples: Don and Donna Meier; Erwin and Faith Strackbein; Bill and Judy Norton and Bill and Florence Stout.
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Picture: Dr. Faulkner with Jill Kreinbring
Hundreds of letters and thousands of man hours later, with the strong backing of the community, on March 20, 1978 stock was sold to purchase the old Freund’s Store building from Eunice Boedeker and convert it into a medical clinic.
Enough cannot be said of the countless hours of donated labor and many, many other donations, by the people of the community.
An agreement was entered into with the Davenport Family Medical Group to staff the Clinic with doctors and physician assistant, Vic Hoagland, for three years.
Dr. Faulkner opened his dental office on September 1, 1979. A Davenport native, he received his degree in pre dental science from Augustana College In 1975 and his D.D.S. from the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa in 1979. Dr. Faulkner states it is his Christian purpose to serve the community faithfully in his profession.
On October 27, 1979, Bill Stout and Vic Hoagland attended an Iowa Family Practice Opportunities Fair in Des Moines and helped lay the ground work through the University of Iowa College of Medicine to get a doctor to open a practice in Lowden.
With the help of the University of Iowa, Dr. Sandberg, M.D. A.A.F.P. was recruited to serve the Lowden and Lost Nation Clinics.
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Mayor W. R. Mensing’s salary for 1962 was $38.00.
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Picture: Dr. Sandberg with patient, Charles Lopez
Dr. Samuel Sandberg opened his practice in the Clinic facility in July, 1981. Graduating from St. Ambrose College in 1974, he received his medical training at the University of Iowa and earned his degree in 1978. The next three years were spent in residency training at the Davenport Family Medical Center. His interests include outdoor sports and music, especially the guitar. Dr. Sandberg and his wife, a Scott County native, have two small girls and at present live in Maquoketa. Dr. Sandberg looks forward to a permanent practice opportunity in the Lowden and Lost Nation area.
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NORTON & FREESE, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, P. C.
WM. B. Norton
Roger D. Freese
Donald B. Clark
Don Paul Cochran
Bradley L. Norton
In 1953, after graduating from Drake Law School, William Norton opened a two-room law office in Lowden. In 1963 Bill moved his office into the former post office and bank building. The business subsequently expanded into the former Schoff Sundries and Lowden Ceramics building in 1977. The original two-room office is now a memory. It once stood where the courtyard is today.
In 1968, Roger Freese, who had clerked with Bill while attending the University of Iowa Law School, returned to the area to practice law. Bill and Roger formed the partnership Norton & Freese, Attorneys at Law. As the number of clients grew, Bill and Roger decided that additional help was needed in order to provide the community with legal services. Donald Clark, who graduated from the University of Iowa Law School, joined the firm as an associate in 1979. Don came from Tennessee and chose to stay in our lush state to practice law. Don Paul Cochran clerked for the firm while attending the University of Iowa Law School. He joined the firm as an associate in July of 1980. Bradley Norton, Bill’s son, attended Drake University. In January of 1982 Brad returned to Lowden to become the most recent associate. In 1981 Norton & Freese Partnership became a Professional Corporation.
Norton & Freese is a general practice.
Picture: Top row, Bradley Norton - Don Clark – Don Cochran
Bottom row, William Norton – Roger Freese
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Picture: Top row, Mrs. Mostaert – Mrs. Bachman – Mrs. Esbaum – Mrs. Stolte
Bottom row, Mrs. Fitzgerald – Mrs. Norton – Mrs. Behne
Elgeva Stolte has worked for the firm for 21 years. Loretta Esbaum, Judy Norton, Janice Behne, Shirley Mostaert, Karen Bachman and Phyllis Fitzgerald have all been hired subsequently to accommodate the increasing secretarial needs.
Sue Broedeker, Mary Daehn and Kathy Steinke are part-time secretaries. Sue and Mary have both been successful enough in their business studies to receive the AMS Outstanding Business Student Award.
The firm services six counties surrounding Lowden. All the attorneys enjoy practicing in the community and wish the community many more prosperous years.
Picture: Office building of Norton & Freese, Attorneys At Law, P. C. 504-8 Main Street, Lowden
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Picture: Dr. Bowstead, veterinarian
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Warren Bowstead established his veterinary practice in Lowden in 1939. Since 1959 his office has been located in the new home he built at 405 Washington Avenue. “Doc” was a volunteer fireman for 35 years, a member of the town council for 10 years, and served as vice-president and president of the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. The Bowsteads, now semi-retired, are the parents of four children and are engaged in the raising of Angus cattle.
