ORGANIZATIONS

Lowden has had and still has a number of fine organizations which have meant and mean a great deal to the civic and social life of our community. Some of Lowden’s former organizations which we have knowledge of include the Plattdeutsche Kegel Club, a semi-educational group organized in 1904; the German-American Central Society organized in 1907; and a Rifle club in 1925. The oldest organization perhaps was the Lowden Deutschen Krieger Verein which was started in 1891. Each year they held the Krieger Fest, a big celebration for which everyone prepared in a big way. Activities included foot races, a dance, band concert, etc. At various times there also have been Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops as well as Camp Fire Girls here. The Modern Woodmen had an active branch here for many years, and there is some knowledge of an M. B. of A. Germania Lodge No. 15.

PRESENT ORGANIZATIONS

American Legion—The American Legion was organized in 1920 and was first called the Yankee Run Post No. 366. Its first commander was A. L. Mensing. In 1921 its name was changed to Lillis-Deerberg Post No. 366, being named after Frank Lillis and Christian Deerberg, the first two Lowden boys who lost their lives in World War I. Membership at this time consists of veterans of World Wars I and II and the Korean Conflict. In 1956 the old dance hall formerly known as the Lowden Ballroom was purchased by the Legion, torn down, and a new dance hall was erected in its place. There are 103 members at the present time, and Everett Kruckenberg is serving as commander.

American Legion Auxiliary—The American Legion Auxiliary was organized in 1922 and was granted a charter in 1923, having 11 charter members. Mrs. Violet Charlton served as first president. 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 conducted in 1924 and has continued successfully through the years. They also sponsor an annual poppy poster contest in the local schools. The organization has conducted the local Red Cross drive for many years and has also had charge of T.B. Christmas seals as well as other worthwhile projects. At the present time there are 65 members and Mrs. Edwin Stolte is president.

Junior Legion Auxiliary—This is an organization of members under 18 years of age which started in 1953 under the leadership of Mrs. Ray Gottschalk with 10 charter members. Nancy Ruprecht was the first president, and she later served as president of First District in 1956. In 1955 Mrs. Melvin Licht assumed the responsibility as leader with Mrs. Gottschalk acting as assistant. These young ladies have been very active. Some of their projects include assisting with Poppy Day sales, helping a needy family each Christmas, giving picnics and Valentine parties for groups of girls at the Annie Wittenmyer home, and having an all-day cookie bake for orphans’ homes. There are now 23 members and Sherril Paulsen is president.

Lowden Lassies—The Lowden Lassies was the first 4-H club organized here. There were 12 charter members at the first meeting in 1944. Miss Mathilda Mente was the first leader and Faith Strackbein Hein, first president. The club now has 22 members. Mrs. Walter Wiebke is present leader and Regina Raiber, 1957 president. In 1955 a Little Lowden Lassies club was formed. Mrs. Frederick Decker is leader of this group and Karla Schneider is president.

Lowden Laddies—A boys’ 4-H club was formed in 1947 with five charter members. Charles Penningroth was first president and Martin Licht, first leader. The Lowden Laddies now have 28 members. Charles Penningroth is leader and Kenneth Richmann is serving as president. Although the club started as a boys’ club, it now has both boys and girls as members.

Amvets—The Lowden Amvet Post No. 16 was organized in 1951. Fred Wiebel was the first commander and Gerhard Hoffmeier is commander now. It received its national charter in 1952 and later that year leased the Conrad building for its club room, which it is still using. Annual projects are the Red Cross swimming program and midget baseball.

Amvets Auxiliary—The first meeting of the Lowden unit of the Iowa United Service Women of America was held in 1942, and Lydia Wiebel acted as president. Four years later the American Veterans of World War II (Amvets) invited the U.S.W.A. to join their organization as the Amvets Auxiliary; this invitation was accepted. This year Gladys Stolte is serving as president. The auxiliary received its national charter in 1952. Annual projects include the Kiddies Parade at Memorial Park, chaperoning swimming classes, Santa Claus’ visit, Polio benefit card party, selling White Clovers, helping with Memorial Day program, and assisting in the food stand at Memorial Park.

Conservation Club—A number of local men are members of the Cedar County Conservation Club. Purpose of this group is to work with the State Fish and Game Commission to interest farmers and land owners to plant cover so it can re-stock game birds and fish in streams, so that future generations will have the same opportunities to hunt and fish as we have now. This is an old organization; however, the Lowden-Massillon group joined in 1947 with the Rev. N. S. Roberts as local director and also county president at that time. Merle Bentrott is now local director and Cedar County president.

NGO Federated Club—This club, one of the newer women’s organizations in Lowden, was organized in 1949. Its first president was Mrs. Edwin Ruprecht. The principal project the first year was planning a library in cooperation with the town council. Thanks to the generous contributions of goods and money by people of the community, the library is a reality. Club members serve as librarians. The NGO Club also had a part in starting the Red Cross water safety program here. Mrs. Carl Deichmann is serving as president at the present time.

Forty-Niners Federated Club—Like its sister club (NGO) this group had its beginning in 1949. First president was Mrs. Earl Kross. Much time is devoted to community affairs, one of the major projects being an ice skating rink in Memorial Park. There are 18 members and they meet in members’ homes. Mrs. Lee Milota is now president.

Lions Club—This men’s group was organized here in 1954 with Rev. H. S. Roberts as its first president. They sponsor several community projects annually which include an Easter egg hunt, Community Halloween party, and Athletic Banquet. Atty. Wm. Norton is the 1957 president.