Muscatine County, Iowa SCHOOL NEWS

Source: The Muscatine Journal and News Tribune Wednesday, 30 December 1953, pages 15 & 17
Submitted by Phyllis Hazen August 22, 2020

Nichols, an Average Small Town In Iowa, Has Several Claims
to Distinction on the Record Books

By Charlene Meacham (Journal Correspondent)

(Picture of The Nichols girls basketball team, defending champions of the Cedar Valley League)

Nichols – Looks like a typical average small town in Iowa. Population, 346, according to the 1950 census; but the birth rate is gaining rapidly, just as in the rest of the state and nation – 20 new citizens in the Nichols Community from Jan. 1 until Dec. 1 of this year.

Yes, a typical Iowa Small town – but we have our claim to fame in the personage of the committee woman representing the state of Iowa on the Democratic national committee. Mrs. Alberta Metcalf Kelly was honored for her years of loyal Democratic service, as well as her outstanding political sense, when she was elected to serve on the national committee at a state meeting held in Des Moines last Aug. 15.

We’re an old town, too – the first pioneers settled here back in 1839 – but we have our modern problems and accomplishments which would surprise those old settlers if they were to walk into town today.

During the year 1953, all the streets in town received a coat of oil gravel. Approximately 11,500 gallons of oil were purchased and spread on the streets by the town council. In addition, the council is assisting the Christian church with establishing a parking lot at the church which won’t find church-goers bogged down in mud or snow, as the season dictates.

During 1953 the council purchased a lot in town to be used for a park. With the cooperation of the Volunteer Fire department, the lot was leveled and prepared so that it could be flooded and used for an ice skating rink last winter. This fall additional leveling and work is being done so that youngsters of the community can sharpen up their skates and us the new ones they will receive from Santa Claus this year.

The council anticipates receipts of a fund from the estate of the late Mrs. Jessie Swickard which has been designated to be used for the construction of a band stand. This is one of the main projects on the schedule for 1954.

Also in 1953 the council extended the drainage system for approximately four blocks. Some new tiling was laid, and other old tile has been repaired.

Mayor Herbert Schmitt and Treasurer F. A. Kirchner were re-elected to another two-year term at the election held Nov. 3. Council members were were elected are John Loeb, E. L. Vetter, George Sutton, Ralph Borgstadt and Lyle Marine.

Everett Johnston has built a new butchering plant just off the main street of town.

Nichols also had its polio scare when Leroy Stalkfleet, a freshman in the Nichols high school, was admitted to University hospital in Iowa City with the dread disease last Aug. 16. Leroy has recovered completely. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stalkfleet, who live about three miles east of town.

Deane Viner, a senior in the Nichols high school this year, was chosen to attend the Hawkeye Boys State which is sponsored each summer by the American Legion. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord Viner, and was sent to Boys State by the Mansell L. Phillips Post No. 509 at West Liberty.

The two Protestant churches in Nichols, the Methodist and the Christian, united to sponsor the first Daily Vacation Bible school held in this community for several years. A total of 113 boys and girls from primary age through junior high school participated in the school which was held the first two weeks in June.

The high school has also made a name for itself during 1953, with hopes of the same again in 1954. The girls’ basketball players, coached by Don Stansbury, were the Cedar Valley league champions; and have an undefeated conference record so far this year. The girls’ team lost the county championship title to West Liberty last year.

Musically, the school took several first and second place ratings in the state contests in 1953. No. 1 ratings were received by Ramona Kaalberg, clarinet solo; brass sextet, and the girls’ glee club. No. 2 ratings were awarded to Darlene Will, clarinet solo; George Smith, tuba solo; clarinet quartet and the school band.

The Volunteer Fire department is again sponsoring the Boy Scout troops in Nichols. At present, there are two Cub packs and a Scout troop.

On Feb. 24, citizens of the Nichols Independent school district and the Pike township school district voted to merge, resulting in the closing of the Adams school, only country school remaining open in the township. All country students are now transported to the Nichols school by bus.

On March 9, election of a new school board was held. Board members chosen are Gladys Rife, Vernon Carter, Marcella Barnhart, Louis Chown, and Robert Chown. Mrs. Rife was named president by the board at their first meeting.

Another merger election was held April 1, adding an additional 3 ˝ sections along the southwest edge of Wapsie township to the Nichols school district.

This fall, new rest rooms and shower rooms are being built in the school building. The shower rooms have been added to the east side of the building, where the original school is connected to the gymnasium. They will open directly into the gym, and it is hoped that the showers will be ready for use immediately after Christmas vacation.

The school board is planning a building program – and a bond election – for 1954. With 33 boys and girls starting to school in 1953 and probably 30 to 35 starting each year for several years, it is felt that more rooms must be added to the present building to take care of this increase in the school-age population. Present plans call for a one-story annex housing three elementary grades.

Newest project in 1953, which will certainly affect the town’s activities during 1954, is the organization of the Community club which is scheduled for Dec. 22. A nominating committee has been elected to approach officers for the new club, which will be social and educational group. The club membership will be open to anyone in the Nichols community, and the discussion projects will not be limited strictly to school problems.

So, after being in existence for 115 years, the Nichols community is stepping rapidly into its 116th year with little fear for what the future may bring.