Recent feature stories below!


Manning, Iowa
"Home of Pioneer Spirit"
Where independent & rugged-thinking individuals (both past & present) work together to accomplish great things for the community!

Some Christmas music

In Memory of Lyle Hansen

Click to see the tribute

While an obituary will list a summary of the life's story of an individual, I like to make tributes to them which will generally add a lot more to the "story" of an individual.
Sadly, some families don't even write an obituary and many now also only have private funeral and/or graveside services...which is their right, but so sad that they don't realize there are friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who would like to pay their respects.
I hadn't thought about Lyle for years and after reading his obituary, it is sad that his only child had passed away, so there is no one from the immediate family to remember and honor him.
Fortunately, I have quite a bit of information about Lyle and below is one excerpt from the Spotlite about Lyle.
Another sad situation is that even those families who have loved ones still living, either don't realize the tributes I make or don't take the time to read about the things I feature that I'm sure most of them never knew about their parents.

One thing though, when we die, it doesn't take long and no one will remember us but if someone wants to know about a loved one and/or someone who lived in Manning, they will probably be able to find something in my Manning Historical Database!

Also, while working on Lyle's obituary, I discovered I didn't have quite a few obituaries for his and his wife's family, so I asked Connie to see what she can find to help fill in more pieces of the Manning puzzle.

MEET A SENIOR
Meet another "light-headed" senior of Manning high. Don't get us wrong, Lyle Hansen, we only mean your blond hair. Lyle, known as "Hans," is 5 ft. 10 in, and has blue eyes. He is taking an agricultural course, so naturally his favorite subject is agriculture. His favorite sports are basketball and baseball. He played the position as guard on first team this year in basketball. Hunting is listed as his hobby. (Hunting what, Lyle???)
He has been a member of band and pep squad during his high school years. This year he is the president of the F.F.A. and played on the FFA basketball team in ninth grade. In eleventh grade he was a member of the baseball team. His plans for the future after graduation are to help his father on the farm.

This excerpt will be found in the "school articles" link in the tribute.
I realize there is a lot to read, but if your family is part of Manning's history, especially from this time-frame you might be surprised to read about a parent, uncle, older friend, or other relative, and actually learn more about your own family...you just have to take some time to READ!

In Memory of Virginia Struve

Click to see the tribute

Sad news continues...
Just received an e-mail from Bob Johnson, that his youngest brother, Tom, passed away today (December 2, 2024).
I fell in love with the Johnson family while growing up around them in Manning. Bill was one grade ahead of me and the other brothers behind me...Robert, Steve, and Tom.
Their parents, Dale & Mary, were great folks...and I had spent a lot of time visiting with them, even after their kids grew up and had moved away.
They passed away too young, also...Mary and Dale were in their early 50s.

In Memory of Tom Johnson
December 2, 2024

MHS 1982


Back: Bill, Dale, Mary, Bob
Front: Tom, Steve

More pix & information coming

In Memory of Daniel Williams
November 3, 2024

Click to see the tribute

A number of people asked where I would be posting the Santa pix and I told them to please be patient, as it takes me time to work on them.

As of December 6, I'm about 1/2 way through the 500+ Santa pix
Fortunately I have around 25 Christmas CDs to listen to, Christmas hits by Mitch Miller, Lawrence Welk, Ray Conniff, Burl Ives, Manheim Steamroller, Arthur Fiedler, Jim Nabors, John Denver, Herb Alpert, Carpenters, Boston Pops, Perry Como, Vienna Boys Choir, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Bing Crosby, and more...
So sad that today the younger generations were never exposed to this type of entertainment! In fact, most probably have never even heard of these artists and songs, and I wonder how many of them even know the traditional Christmas songs..."Follow the bouncing ball" sing-a-long with Mitch Miller - fun evenings with my Ehrichs grandparents in Aspinwall I'll always treasure.

Weihnachtsfest November 29, 2024

The Grinch tried to steal Christmas from Manning but failed...

Santa kept a eye on the kiddies as well as Grinch.
Eventually I'll get the Weinachtsfest feature created and post it...


I finally finished with most of the outside work here on the farm so now I found extra time to post some events that I captured recently - which is a never-ending and on-going process here in Manning.


Click to see Quilts of Valor

Be sure to click on the audio links to hear the presentations!

For the last week or so I've been running into a lot of amazing early Manning history.
Amy from Rhode Island, sent me several pictures of the Sweger family, I discovered 2 pictures on E-bay of Dr. Williams and his 1st wife, and Connie with her tireless efforts in helping preserve Manning's history has found a ton of obituaries and information for these families and also the Loptien family in Manning...all of whom were very early Pioneers of the Manning area.
Follow these links and please spend some time reading the information...you'll learn a lot about early Manning history and the people who helped make this town into what it is today.
You will also read about how tragic events also occurred in the past.

It is so amazing when people who have no Manning connections find my web pages and then contact me to share what they found...just wish more Manning connected people would work with me, but that's the way things go historically for this perspective...I'll just keep plugging my way as best I can.

Loptien history

Sweger history

Dr. Williams history

Here is one example where I ran into the name John Vossbeck...
Connie and I couldn't find much about John, but more common than not anymore, when I search my database I'll find something for that name/event, etc.
I've started making Non-obituaries so that when I run into a name, I can search my obituary page and maybe at least find some basic information for starters, without having to search for hours.

Non obituary developed from various sources:


John J. Vossbeck

Birth February 18, 1855
Death May 29, 1919
Burial Saint Marys Cemetery, Bismarck, North Dakota

J.J. VOSSBECK
Mr. Vossbeck was born in Germany but came to the United States in 1870 and located at Davenport, Iowa. He came to Manning in 1883, and he now owns the leading and largest blacksmith shop in the city. Mr. Vossbeck owns and occupies a brick building, which is 25x60 feet. Machinery run by gasoline engine. Horseshoeing and plow work a specialty. He employs two men who are experienced blacksmiths. Mr. Vossbeck has a good home in the city, and has a large number of friends and acquaintances.
Carroll Sentinel, June 5, 1899

IOWA TOWN BADLY SINGED
Eight Business Houses Were Destroyed by Fire at Manning
Manning, Iowa, September 12

This city was visited by a most destructive fire, and eight business houses, including the First National Bank, were totally destroyed.
The wind was blowing a furious gale, and for a time it looked as though the entire business portion of the city was doomed. It is supposed that the fire originated from a spark from the engine in the blacksmith shop.
Following is as complete list of the losses it is possible to secure at this time:
First National Bank, $8,000; W.H. Parrott, butter and eggs, $400; A. Cloughly, $500; Ferguson Brothers, restaurant, $500; N. Nupnaw, meat market, $1,000; H. & A. Dethlefs, hardware, $5,000; Free Press office, $1,200; Peter Wacker, saloon, $1,200; John Vossbeck, blacksmith, $1,000; A.W. Blakeslee, dentist, $200; A. Cook, wagon maker, $500; C. Reinholdt, damage to building and hardware stock, $2000; Barnes, $500; total loss, $33,000.
The following lodges were burned out: German Odd Fellows, Masons, Woodmen, Workmen and American Odd Fellows.
Deadwood Evening Independent, September 13, 1895

VOSSBECK & SON
Success to Bismarck Imps Company's Blacksmith business.
Blacksmithing - auto work, carriage and wagon repairing neatly and properly done.
Expert horseshoers and Spring Works specialty
For first class service call phone 137
714 Thayer Street
Bismarck Tribune, January 4, 1916 - newspaper ad


1916 ad Connie found in a Bismarck, North Dakota, paper


Purchased on E-bay from Portland, Oregon, in 2010.

Veterans Day, November 11, 2024 - 11:00 a.m.

Click to see the event

While working on more old obits that Connie found, she also found information that Edward Perry of Manning served in the Civil War, which increases the number of these Manning Veterans to 106.
Unfortunately we weren't able to find many details about his service but I was able to put together this basic information about him.

Edward Crawford Perry

Enlistment 1862
Military Unit Seventeenth Cavalry (George F. Moore's Regiment)


Edward Crawford Perry
Birth June 19, 1843 in Ireland
Death February 3, 1926
Burial Manning Cemetery
Apparently no children

First wife:
Ida Alice (Chambers) Perry
Married September 26, 1881
Birth June 19, 1857 Kendrick Township, Iowa
Death February 18, 1882 Carroll County
Burial Manning Cemetery

Second wife:
Lillie (Millard) Perry, married January 19, 1898, in Council Bluffs
Interment at Council Bluffs

Iowa generally isn't thought of as having much involvement with the Civil War but to the contrary...and after the war a lot of the Veterans moved west with some of them moving to Manning.
So our community should be very proud with a lot of its Pioneers having served during the Civil War that freed the slaves and saved our Union.
McPherson Post #33 G.A.R., was mustered in, March 17, 1881, by Major, A. Cully at Center School House, Jefferson Township, Audubon County.
The Charter officers and members of this Post were Commander, S.E. Whitcher; Senior Vice Commander, Henry Farrell; Junior Vice Commander, H.C. Williams; O.D., B.H. Lathrop; Quarter Master, J.L. Hall; Chaplain, Francis Leonard; Members -- M. Hanchett, W.J. Blair. B.J. Jenkins, C.J. Hawkins, Harvey Stocker, Joseph Moore and J.I. Halford.
The Post was transferred to Manning in December 1881.

One of the Manning Civil War Veterans, Henry Peters, received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
He joined McPherson Post on September 14, 1885, and lived in Manning with his wife for 41 years and was buried in Riverside Cemetery, South Rockwood, Michigan.

Manning
Perhaps never in the history of the town has there been such a building boom as now on. Too, practically every house that is being built this year will be the home of the builder.
More new houses would have been built, but the lack of carpenters has kept other new homes from being built.
George Dethlefs has just completed his second new building. He expects to sell both before the year is over. The other citizens building new homes are Claus H. Reinholdt, Jens Hansen, Will Schelldorf, Ward Billick, George Schelldorf, Caroline (Mrs. Martin) Brunnier, George J. Ohde, Chris Kaiser, Herman Vogt, Adolph Hinz, Hannes Hass, Henry Opperman, Edward C. Perry, and Charles Rocksien.
Marshalltown, Iowa, Evening Times Republican, August 26, 1913

WCIHF Dream Lights Campaign 2024

In Memory of Larry Muhlbauer
September 16, 1943 - October 21, 2024

Larry & Carol Muhlbauer
Obituary on Ohde Funeral Home website

From the 2006 Manning Quasquicentennial history book
Larry and Carol (Hansen) Muhlbauer were married in May 1964, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur, Iowa. Larry was born September 16, 1943, the son of Charles and Ann (Schrad) Muhlbauer. He grew up in Halbur with his brothers, Norbert, Eugene, Ronald, Jerome, Richard, and Vernon. Larry graduated from Kuemper High School in 1961.

Carol is the daughter of Marvin and Irene (Hargens) Hansen. She grew up on a farm north west of Manning with siblings Duane, Ronald, and Janell Boswell. Carol attended country school and graduated from Manning High School in 1962.

The Muhlbauers are parents of two daughters and one son. Sherri has two children: Austin and Alissa. They live in Bettendorf, Iowa. Sherri is employed with Wells Fargo. Keith married Gina Jahn and they have four daughters: Kristina attends DMACC in Ankeny, Anna is a Junior in Manning High School, Maria, and Jenna.

Keith and his family live on his grandparent's farm (Marvin and Irene Hansen). He farms and is employed at AGP. Gina is employed at Manning Insurance.

Amy married Lucas Borkowski and they live in Overland Park, Kansas. Amy is employed with ATF and Lucas is employed at the airport.

Larry and Carol started farming in 1968. In 1978, they moved southwest of Manning. Larry farms and is employed at Hallett Material. Larry was on the Aspinwall COOP board for 15 years. The Muhlbauers are members of the Sacred Heart Church in Manning where Larry is a Eucharistic Minister, and usher.

Carol is a member of the altar society, Aspinwall Community club, and employed at First National Bank.


Sherri Muhlbauer - MHS 1983


Keith Muhlbauer - MHS 1984
Back: Anna, Kristina, Gina, Keith
Front: Jenna, Maria


Sherri Muhlbauer - MHS 1997
1992-93 Science fair winners - Back: Jim Keegan, Molly Ulrickson, Amy Muhlbauer, Chad Stammer
Front: Chad Irlmeier, Tiffany Jahn, Heather Odendahl

I never know who will contact me or what piece of Manning history will come to my attention, but fortunately some people with Manning connections will take the time to contact me and sometimes they will have pix & information to share with me.
A descendant of the Gardner family from Virginia recently stopped in the Manning Library and they were given my name and web page address, so they contacted me.
I was able to help them make their Gardner family connection to the Manning Gardner information I have and they were able to help me make the connections to Julius Gardner, one of Manning's Civil War Veterans and VERY prominent early Pioneer of Manning...most notably the "Gardner Additions" during the first years of Manning's existence.
It so happens that his brother, John, was also a Civil War Veteran - the relative of the person from Virginia.
I was able to find more information for John and a picture of him on the Internet.
The relative has some more information and when they get back home in Virginia will send me more of what they have.

While preserving history is very important, the true historian has to have the "Patience of Job" and willing to wait years, even decades, to find that history or for someone to come along and share it.

Here is the picture from the Internet and I have more information under his name in my Civil War Veterans section. https://www.davidkusel.com/veteran/welcome.htm
This link and more can be found by clicking on the "Long Term projects" link on the left side frame of this web page.


John Gardner - Civil War Veteran who lived in Manning.

Here is a cropped image from an 1884 plat map that I had restored and enhanced that took me about a week to do the digital work.
You can see J.W. Gardner farm in the east part of Manning at that time, some of which became the Gardner Additions.

The Great Western RR line (which later basically paralleled the Northwestern) was not yet brought through Manning at this time.

Thanks to the Wiese daughters, who searched for documents and pictures for Millicent and Sam, I was able to scan those items.
Here is a special document that they found and I don't think I have scanned before - it is featured in the tribute linked below.
It is extra efforts like the Wieses who want to help me preserve Manning's amazing history that I can continue to scan & archive what little of our history still exists.
I'll use this document in the Manning Veterans history book since it is related to WWII.

In Memory of Millicent (Read) Wiese


Click to see the tribute

Glow Prom flier

Manning Child Care Center is excited to host our FIRST Mom and Son Dance! Our theme this year is Light Up the Night! We invite you to join us November 16th at the Manning Hausbarn for a super fun evening! Our prom will feature a full meal catered by Lidderdale Catering, Music/Dancing, Glow in the dark fun, and a drawing for the crowning of our prince! We will also have raffle prizes and a silent auction. We feel this event will be the most fun for ages 2-10!

To purchase a ticket please fill out the google form below followed by your payment
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/13d67a81/QrNL8SWKwUmamY0krQrgbg?u=https://forms.gle/zH4Hdd22QsapACZC7

Admission into the prom is $40/couple (mom and son) + $10 each additional son.

Deadline to register is November 1st!
Payments can be made either by cash, check or venmo - @ManningChildCareCenter
Manning Child Care Center
PO Box 243
Manning, IA 51455

Thanks to Roger Hansen, for continuing to inform me when he finds an obituary for a former Manningite.

In Memory of Linda (Heithoff) Romitti

Click to see the tribute

In Memory of Joann (Wilhelm) Pratt


Click to see the tribute

Be sure to look for this picture in the tribute - I just now noticed the unique piece of farm equipment that is shown.
I didn't notice it when I scanned the Wilhelm collection years ago.
Always so much history hiding in old pix.
I hope someone might recognize it or heard about it and can tell me more about how it was used...

For decades I have been trying to find out where the WWI barracks came from and when it was placed by the old high school. I talked to Art Rix and many other old timers years ago and no one could remember when/where it came from.
While working on Joann's tribute, I finally noticed that there is no band room in the background.
I had always guessed this barracks was moved in sometime after WWII but never paid attention to the various pictures I have scanned until just now having a better idea when it was moved in. The cheerleader picture was taken in 1950, so sometime after this the barracks was moved in.

There aren't that many people still living in Manning who attended this school during this time-frame to ask but Wava Lorenzen is one person I plan on visiting with to see if she can remember when the barracks was brought in.
This isn't something that would be a major event in Manning, hence why no one really has a good memory of it.

Hopefully someone who knows will read this and contact me...
I visited with Wava (Lacy) Lorenzen who is in the cheerleader picture, and she doesn't remember when it was moved in.

The tall trees in this first picture below were American Elms, which were wiped out when the Dutch Elm disease was brought over from Europe in the early 1960s.
Now we have the Asian Ash borer that is wiping out our Ash trees.
Bud Johnson told me that in the 1920s and 30s Paper white birch were planted in the parking along the streets and then the birch borer came in and wiped those trees out.
Fortunately, after the Elm disease, we started figuring out that you don't plant all of the same species trees.


1950


1956 Diamond Jubilee


1957 Homecoming


1968


Memorial Day 1975

My best guess is the band room was demolished when the old high school was razed later in 1975, but maybe it was moved by someone - I'd sure like to find out.

One of the reasons I want to find out more information is I want to use one of these pictures in the Manning Veterans book since, as far as what several old timers told me - that this was a WWI barracks moved in here.

This is why it is imperative that people get me their old school scrapbooks so I can go through them to scan and look for all kinds of historical clues that show up in the background of their pix.

In Memory of Janice Monson


Monson tribute

In Memory of Lynn Sporrer

Sporrer tribute

Open House October 6

MFD fire prevention week

Scroll down on this side to find 2 feature stories about the MFD history...

You can find more information I posted a couple of decades ago by scrolling down on the left side and then click on "Manning Historical" and on the right side you'll find 3 links to MFD history.

It's nice to hear from various individuals from around the country who sign my Guestbook.
I know it's antiquated, with all of the ways people can post messages online anymore, but I'm proud to have been one of the very early webmasters and also proud to continue to use what worked back then and still works now...if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
In 2017, Jane (Nelson) MHS 1978 graciously mailed me a box of scrapbooks, pix, and family/Manning history to scan...around 100 pix and items and I have posted some of them over the years.

I actually had forgotten about this 1974 feature until, Jane's daughter posted the message.

1974 feature
I have amassed and archived so much Manning history that there is no way I can remember most of what I have anymore.

It's too bad I didn't remember this feature, since the class of 1974 held its reunion recently. They could have shown it at the Heritage Park Konferenz Centre...but as I wrote, I can't remember everything.


Main Street Manning flier

Some of you may have noticed that James Popp will be buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Manning.
As soon as I saw the last name, I knew he was a distant relative of mine.
A number of years ago, through the help of my 8th cousin on the Sachleben side, a helper who is related on the Jentzen side of his family, and some Grau relatives of mine, we were able to connect the Popp & Sachleben families back in Germany.
You can find more specifics on these 2 families by clicking on the "Archived" link on the left and scroll way down to the bottom and click on "Sachleben."

Now James has a lot of relatives here in Manning and below I'll show a few pictures and list some names that many of you will know or are familiar with.
This is one reason why I like to work on Manning's history and am constantly asking for Manning connected folks to work with me to send me their old Manning/area pix to scan.

The more pix and information I add to my Manning historical database, the more I can document and show connections like this.

James "Jim" D. Popp

James "Jim" D. Popp was born on December 30, 1960, in Denison, Iowa. Growing up, Jim enjoyed following his father around during chores and watching milk cows. In the early 1970s, the family relocated to Ute, Iowa, where Jim found joy in visiting with neighbors during their walks, fostering connections that illustrated his warm and approachable nature.

In 1999, Jim made a significant move to the Howard Center in Sac City, Iowa, where he resided until 2016. Following his time there, he found a new home at the Blackhawk Life Care Center in Lake View, Iowa. These transitions were marked by his warm spirit and the friendships he formed within these communities.

Jim had a variety of interests that brought joy to his life. He was an avid fan of classic television shows, finding delightful companionship in episodes of "I Love Lucy," "The Munsters," "The Wild Wild West," and the "Lawrence Welk Show." His enthusiasm extended to the world of superheroes, with Batman reigning as his favorite, a cherished part of his weekly routine.

Music was another passion of Jim; he had a particular fondness for old country western tunes, often reveling in the melodies of Johnny Cash. Additionally, Jim found joy in the simple pleasure of spending time with his beloved cat, Grayson, who was a frequent visitor and source of comfort.

Summer family reunions at Blackhawk Lake were a highlight for Jim, where he cherished the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy days filled with laughter and shared memories. He delighted in car rides around the lake, which were often capped off with a sweet treat of ice cream before heading home.

Jim's life was a testament to the joy of companionship, the simple pleasures of entertainment, and the value of family connections. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa, having attained the age of 63 years, 8 months, and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Margaret (Singsank) Popp, and brother Russell S. Popp.

He is survived by his sisters: Cheryl and husband Robert Zobel of Sioux City; Lori and her husband Patrick Tovaas of Johnstown, Colorado; nieces: Jennifer Zobel of Springfield, Missouri and Valori Zobel (fiancé Ryan Stevens) of Columbus, Nebraska; nephew, Andrew Miller of Yuma, Arizona; great-nephews: Conor Zobel-Stevens, Ayden Miller, and Avery Miller, great-niece, Annistyn Miller; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning, Iowa. Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be held the same day, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., also at Ohde Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Manning. Memorials may be directed to Blackhawk Life Care Center, 73 W 5th St., Lake View, IA 51450 in his memory.


Jennie (Muhlbauer) Singsank
Mother of Margaret Popp and maternal grandmother of James
Scanned from Lola Ahrendsen's collection


Charles was the illegitimate son of Johanna. He was born in Germany and immigrated to the US with his mother as a child.
Then Johanna married Joseph Muhlbauer and they had the rest of the children. Charles was the father of William Muhlbauer (and siblings)
Johanna "Jenny" is Margaret (Singsank) Muhlbauer's mother, and also Earl, Glenn, Verna Hass, Laurel Vogl, Ardella Berg, Cleo Hansen
Scanned from a copy that was part of Earl & Jean (Stuhr) Singsank's collection


Laura (Hinze) Popp (Mrs. Detlef Popp)
Russell Popp's mother and James Popp's paternal grandmother


Detlef & Frederika (Jentzen) Popp
James' paternal great-grandparents
Scans from Joanne Schnackel's collection.

Detlef Popp

This past spring, I was contacted by Dave & Dee Peters about a couple of old Manning pix of the MFD running team and they wanted a home for them, so they sent them to me so we can preserve them here in Manning in a future museum.
I just now found some time to scan and document these pix and glad they sent them to me as I have poor quality scans of two of them and the large group photo scans I had were from copies.
I'll go a little into the family background which is very important when preserving history.

If you have an old Manning picture or item but don't document the who/what/when/where/why, it is just something old but add family background, names, dates, and other information and then you are truly preserving history.
I'm sure there are still wonderful old Manning connected pix out there, that will someday get thrown away, so I continue to beg and plead with people to send their old Manning historical items to me to scan and document. If they want them back, I'll gladly do this, but if they don't want them anymore, then I'll keep them to include in the future museum.

The first 2 scans came from different collections and were copies, one from a picture postcard and the other from a promotional flier.
I worked with Art Rix, Bill Ohde, and several other older Manning folks to get some names decades ago. While some were guesses, at least we have some names and now with Dave & Dee's help we know which Grundmeier is which...as initially all I had were the last names.

State Champions 1913

1913 team

Scan from the original photo from Dee and her family.

Back row: ??, ?? Charles McLaughlin, Otto Kempf, George Detlefs
Third row: ? Gottsche, August Gruhn, ??, John Rostermundt, Peter??, Bill Claussen
Second row: Ernest Grundmeier, Hugo Grundmeier, Joe Rushenberg, trophy, George Albert, ??, Louis Reinhold
Front row: ??, Harry Rostermundt


Scan from a large print Dee had, that was cropped from a negative.

This is the original image the above photo was cropped from.

Scan I made in 2002 from a picture postcard.

Information written on back of the postcard.


1913

I show this picture postcard since it has names and information written on back.
Note the team positions of some of the men - Hugo Grundmeier was one of the men on the tongue of the hose cart.

This picture has nothing to do with the running team but was also in Dee's collection she sent me.

Anton Mergele was a brother to Anna (Mergele) Grundmeier (Mrs. Hugo Grundmeier)
This is an early 1910 Indian motorcycle.


Anton served during WWI and was the 1936-37 Legion Commander in Manning.

Hugo Grundmeier, Jr. and Anna (Mergele) had six children, Ralph, Harold, Oren, Russell, Marie, and Letha.
Deanna (Grundmeier) Peters is the daughter of Harold, who was born in Manning in 1913. Hugo, Anna, and family then moved to Carroll in 1917.
Marie (Grundmeier) Dion was the last living child of Hugo and she gave the 3 prints to Dee.

While working with the names of team members I noticed I didn't have Herman Goettsch's obituary, nor did I know where he was buried...then after searching the Internet, I found his wife's obituary that listed them living in Manning, so I knew I had the correct family and then found Herman's obit which also mentioned him living in Manning. It doesn't mention anything about him being on the running team, but the family would have lost that history after moving to Davenport and why it is so imperative to find out where people who lived here at one time, moved to, and then connect their history here so it isn't lost forever.


I don't want to take away from the accomplishments of the above men, but I always like to show examples of how we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and those who preceded us in Manning.
Connie found several news clippings about the MFD running team in the late 1890s.
After reading some of the names and providing their first names, as opposed to initials, I decided to see if I have obits for some of them and asked Connie to see if she could also find some obits for me.
Note that Arthur Hanchett's dad was a Civil War Veteran who also lived in Manning and was a member of the McPherson Post 33, GAR.

It's things like this that I'm able to tie together, that no one else can do with our little town of Manning.


Daily Nonpareil, June 1, 1889


Peter M. Loes
In 2016, Mark Loes found my web page and provided some pix & information about the Loes family and I shared what I had with him.

Here are some news articles about the MFD running team.

Coming to the Tournament
Manning Monitor: The Manning hose team is doing some good practice work these evenings. Captain Morrow is sparing no pains or time in putting his men in the best condition for the coming tournament, which commences at Council Bluffs June 11. He has enrolled on his list some of the best material the town affords, and with the fitting they are receiving they should and will make a showing at the state tournament that will be a credit to themselves and the town from which they come. Our citizens and the city fathers, especially, should show them encouragement in their work. The following named persons compose the team: Horace Free, Joseph P. Arp, Thomas Mably, Mike Leydham, Christ Larson, Clint Bennett, Frank Ferguson, Arthur Hanchett, Otto Noble, Fred Miller, Peter M. Loes, Dwight W. Patton; couplers, Albert Lincoln Wright and Frank Guild.
Daily Nonpareil, June 1, 1889

Good for the Manning hose team. In the 49 class races at Sioux City there were five entries of crack teams, and Manning took third prize, making the run in 50.
Carroll Sentinel, June 10, 1887

Items of Interest Gathered by Our Local Correspondent.
Great Victory.

The Manning hose team won the State Championship and the Silver cup at the State tournament which was held at Des Moines last week. The team won two firsts and got no time in the other two races. In the first State hose race, the electric starter failed to work and after making a fast run, the timers failed to take the time. They were given another trial and this time the pistol failed to fire and they failed to get a good start and had to abandon the race. The next day, West Liberty, being the first team to run, made the fast time of 31 3/5 and it commenced to rain just as the Manning team were getting ready to run but luckily it ceased but the track was somewhat heavy when they made the run and they made the race in 31 2/5, which won the cup for this year Manning also defeated the fast West Liberty teem in the Hub to Hub, the last race of the tournament in the wonderful time of 27 3/5, within three fifths of a second of the time made by the Neola team years ago, which is considered a worlds record. In then novelty Hub to Hub race, Manning defeated the Osceola team fully twenty feet but failed to make the coupling and the race went to Osceola by time of 37 seconds flat, Manning won the straightaway in 28 1/5, the flag race in 1:49 3/5. They got no time in the first state race and in the Novelty race, Manning's leader was ahead in the Leaders race when he fell. The team returned home Saturday noon and was met at the depot by a large crowd of citizens with the band and escorted to the Park Hotel for dinner. In the evening they were given an automobile ride and a jollification meeting was held on Main Street. Fully two thousand people attended the celebration. This is the first time that a Carroll County team has won the state race and the Manning citizens are proud of their team and are going to try and keep them together for two years more and win the cup for keeps.
Carroll Sentinel, August 1, 1911


Here is some information from the History of Manning 1898.

Manning Hose Company and Water Works, Up till the organization of the Manning Hose Company, the only method of fighting fires was with fire buckets and even then there was no system, not even a bucket brigade; but each one could pitch in and do it all or stand on the street corner with his hands in his pockets and whistle, or criticise the methods employed by thane who were assisting, The growth of the town had increased to such an extent and the need of an organized fire company had become so apparent, that May 15 1884, the first meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a hose company.
An organization was perfected with the following officers and membership: President, N. J. Smith; Vice President, J. M. Nettle; Foreman. F. W. Arney; Assistant Foreman, W. P. Guild; Secretary, Neil McArthur; Treasurer, G. F. Chapman; Trustees, E. C. Perry, Albert Lincoln Wright, C. S. Lawrence; Members, R. L. Zane J. B. Henshaw, D. D. Clark, W. F. Carpenter, C. Johnson, E. Smith and F. Wilkins.

At this time the only water supply was the wells and cisterns, however was promise of a better water system as bids had been landed in for the institution of a tank system of water works The system was ready for operation by the autumn of 1884. The tower stands 30 feet high and supports a tank with a capacity of 50,000 gallons.

The water supply was obtained south of the tank, across the C. N. W. track, in close proximity to the present pumping station. A reservoir was sunk near, and lower, than the creek bed, and supplied from the creek through a filter.
This, however, proved unsatisfactory, as high water flooded the reservoir filling it with sediment and impure water. A well was then dug east of the reservoir, but this failed to supply sufficient water in the dry years of 1893-4. In 1894, nine three inch, driven sand wells were sunk and connected with the pumping station. These have proven very satisfactory both for quantity and purity of water.

Up till 1894, the water was forced to the tank by wind power, but after the sand wells were sunk, the he power was changed to steam. Now, the water is forced from the sand wells to the tank by a steam pump equal to a 25 horse power and has a pumping capacity of 11,000 gallons per hour.
There is over a mile of 6 and 4 inch mains, which renders it very convenient to tap for private use and affords excellent fire protection; as these mains connect with 14 double fire plugs to which can be attached the 1500 feet of hose, thus carrying a powerful stream of water to almost any building in the town. There are three hose carts for the reeling of the hose, and a hook and ladder truck, fully equipped with ladders, buckets. and all such appliances as are necessary in the case of fire.

Referring back to the organization of the hose company, it was organized under the name;

MANNING HOSE COMPANY NO. 1.
The first entertainment given for the benefit of the company, was a fireman's ball, given at the hall, September 18, 1884. This was a great success and netted the company a nice little sum. The second Fireman's ball was given December 1, 1885. This ball netted the company $7.75. The third ball was given December 18, 1886 and netted the company $17.00. The fourth annual ball and supper was given December 9, 1887. The encouraging results of these entertainments prompted the company to take the following action. That the Company give a ball the first Thursday night of each month, as long as the same proves satisfactory and successful. This was continued for several months and netted the company a nice little sum.

After the organization of the Company to purchase a hosecart and hose was the next thing in order, as the completion of the water works was only a matter of a few months. The request for a hose cart was presented to the town council, and in less than a week the council reported that they had contracted for a hose cart of superior quality. A running team was then selected, consisting of the following members; Pole, Peter M. Loes, Frank Laird; Lead, Dwight Patton, Fred Miller and F. P. Guild, J. P. Arp alternates; Couplers, A. L. Wright, W. F. Carpenter; Reel-men, J. P. Arp, W. F. Arney; Captain, W. F. Carpenter; Rope-men, D.W. Sutherland, W.E. Guild, F. Laird, J.W. Morrow.

THE FIRST CONTEST
that the team entered into was at Perry in July, 1884. The team won third money. They were to lay 300 feet of hose, break coupling and attach nozzle. The winning teams were; Perry, 53 seconds; Jefferson, 53 3/4; Manning, 55. The Manning team did not intend to run, but was persuaded to, and would have won first money but for the time lost in the start on account of their misunderstanding the signal. They made the best time on the coupling and won a purse of $20.00. They had only six rope men, while the other companies had ten and twelve.

THE SECOND CONTEST
was at the Fire Tournament held at Manning during the District Fair of 1884. Manning won first money both days of the tournament, netting the Company $150.00 The score was: Perry, 14 men, time 33 seconds; Vail, 13 men, ruled out; Audubon, 8 men, time 33 1/2 seconds; Manning, 14 men, time 32 1/2 seconds. Tile contest was, to run 200 yards, lay 300 feet of hose, break coupling and attach nozzle.

THE THIRD CONTEST
in which the team took part was held at Sioux City, in the summer of 1885. The writer was unable to get the score of this Tournament, however, I am informed that this was one of the best runs that the team ever made but as the couplers failed to perfect a coupling by a very small fraction of a turn they were ruled out. Not withstanding this error, the team beat the winner by several seconds.

THE FOURTH CONTEST
took place at Glidden. In this tournament, the Manning team took second place in the hose, first in the hook and ladder, second in the engine, and first in the coupling race. It had been previously agreed between Manning and Adel, that the latter should get first money for the use of their hook and ladder truck, should Manning take first money. It is said by witnesses to the occasion, that the coupling race was the PRETTIEST RACE OF THE TOURNAMENT.
The contest was, two sections of hose were laid on the ground coupled together; the contestants, two couplers from each team, were to run 100 yards, break and make the coupling. This race was won by W. F. Carpenter and A. L. Wright, who ran the distance and made the coupling in 14 1/2 seconds, covering the hundred yards in 10 3/5 seconds and winning the race by 2 1/2 seconds . It is said that the race between Carpenter and Wright, was as interesting a feature as any fete during the tournament. They were so evenly matched that neither could gain an inch on the other, both covering the distance in exactly the same time.

For the benefit of the team in practicing, they purchased in June of 1887, 300 feet of tournament hose, a half interest of which was purchased by the town which seemed to display a very liberal attitude. The hose was purchased for $150.00. There was also two speaking trumpets, a play pipe and a practicing coupling purchased at the same time. This placed the company in good condition for practice and effective results. The company applied for, and was admitted to membership of the Iowa Fireman's Association in the spring of this year.

THE SIOUX CITY TOURNAMENT this year was the most important event in which the team ever took part. The team was composed of, J. W. Marrow, P. M. Loes, James Hathaway, W. F. Carpenter, A. L. Wright, D. W. Patton, Frank Laird, William Hathaway, E. M. Funk, Peter Murray, Frank Ferguson, L. M. Conkling, J. P. Arp, Charles Coe, Frank Arney, Joseph Bemrose, Fred Miller and William Coe. The team's practice time was 47 seconds for 300 yards on a slow track. At the tournament they entered in the "49 second class" and won third money.
In the "46 second class" they would have taken third money had their hose not been tramped on by some parties who had no right, on the track. In this race, they made a record of 39 seconds, the second best time made during the tournament. This was the first state, tournament in which they had taken pant, and consequently, they were not "onto the tricks" practiced by some of the professional teams. After this year, the interest began to wane, and the team finally disbanded.

THE PRESENT HOSE AND FIRE COMPANY number, in all, twenty six members as follows: President, J. P. Arp; Secretary, W. B. Parrott; Treasurer, E. K. Johnson; Chief, William Wunrath; Asst. Chief, Fred Miller; Trustees, William Wehrman, Peter Stephany and C. J. Larson; Members, H. M. Free, Clinton Kenyon, George Shelldorf, John Grelck, John Frahm, Martin Brunnier, Julius Ruge, C. H. Reinholdt, John Schnoor, Herman Grau, Charles Schmidt, Edward Breckenridge, August Reimer, R. Wohlers, H. P. Hansen and D. W. Patton.

Besides running in contests, here is an incident where Albert Wright and another fireman arrived first to fight a fire in 1884.

THE FIRE IN E. C. PERRY'S STORE, broke out about 5:00 o'clock, Sunday morning, March 4, 1884. Mr. Perry, who occupied a room over the store as a sleeping apartment, discovered the fire and gave the alarm. He had been awakened by the smothering sensation caused by the smoke. The fire was beyond control, in Perry's building, before water could be brought to bear on it. E.L. IVES and Albert L. WRIGHT were THE HOSE TEAM on this occasion, as they had the hose cart on the scene before the other people had arrived. When it was discovered that Perry's building could not be saved, the efforts of the firemen were turned towards saving Hoffmann & Schoop's Store. The goods were all removed, although they were damaged to the extent of about $400. "It was while at work saving this building from the fury of the leaping flames, that F. W. Arney inhaled some smoke and gas from the effect of which he was confined, for some time, to his bed. To MR. ARNEY is GIVEN the CREDIT for saving the adjoining building and possibly the entire block. He slid down the south side of the roof, adjoining the burning building, which was covered with ice, and with one hand holding the hose, he dropped to the eaves, and with the other hand played the water in such a manner that the siding was but slightly charred. If the boys holding the hose had loosened their grip, Arney would have met his doom in the fiery pit." Perry's loss was estimated at $7000. He carried insurance to the amount of $1500.00 on the building and $2000 on the stock.

I just received this e-mail message from Bob Hansen MHS 1952...
If you are a member of this class or were around this age-group and know of the whereabouts of some of the living members, please let me know.

Dave---Got anything on living members of the HS class of 1952? My last communication with you on this issue Sept 2021
Thnx/Bob

1952 MHS graduates: Cheral Andresen, Norman Andresen, Barbara Bauer, Rosemary Bock, Ella Mae Boell, Richard Boell, Robert Boell, Myron Bogatzke, Mardel Bonnesen, Raymond Christensen, William Crane, LeRoy Dammann, Fredric Dethlefsen, Gene Ehrichs, Phyllis Genzen, Kenneth Graves, Adele Gray (salutatorian), Robert Grundmeier, Florence Hammer, Robert Hansen, Leon Hugeback, Don Jackson, Waldean Jackson, Allen Jensen, Patty Kasperbauer, Genelle Kruse, Darlene Loneman, Merle McKim, Louise Mohr, Gary Nady, Roger Nielsen, Lois Nissen, Marlene Nulle, Zita Ress, Deanes Rowedder, Ruth Schmidt (valedictorian), Wallace Schroeder, Russell Spies, Lois Struve, Joyce Stuhr, Ruth Wellendorf, Charlene Witt, Richard Zerwas

1952 former students: Craig Argo, Gene Armentrout, Sylvia Christie, Larry Christie, Gary Dales, Kenneth Danner, Marion Fox, Virginia Hansen, Roger Held, Gay Hockett, William Knaack, Don Knudsen, Howard Kuchel, Sharon Ochsner, Mary Jo Olbertz, Shannon Owen, Allen Penshen, Mary Lou Petersen, Jack Porter, Fredric Schiek, Billy Welker, James Wingrove

Carol Albertsen


Jefferson No. 2

Carol Albertsen

Carol Ann (Fischer) Albertsen of Gray, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 84. Carol was born on June 9, 1940, to Max and Velma (Hagedorn) Fischer at St. Anthonys Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. She was baptized on May 26th, 1948, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa, and confirmed on June 20, 1954, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Carol attended elementary school at Jefferson No. 2 near Botna, Iowa. She was 12 years old when the family moved to a farm east of Audubon near the Gardner Store. There, she attended Greeley No. 1 school and later graduated from Audubon High School in 1958.

Carol then married Donald Nielsen, and three children were born into that union: Randy, Lori, and Mark. She was later united in marriage to Jeff Albertsen on July 8, 1978, at St. Johns American Lutheran Church in Caroll, Iowa, and one child, Michael, was born. Jeff and Carol have been farming in Cameron Township and living on the family farm near Gray, Iowa. In their earlier years of marriage, they enjoyed golfing in a couple’s league and country western dancing. Carol and Jeff had a busy social life, including many Friday night suppers out with friends. They enjoyed attending basketball, soccer, and baseball games and state and county fairs to watch their grandchildren. Carol often volunteered her time at church, helping with funeral meals, weekly bulletins, and monthly newsletters. Attending church and going out for coffee with friends afterwards was something they looked forward to every week. They also enjoyed Thursday night music in the park during the summer. Carol and Jeff recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary.

Carol really enjoyed living on the farm. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, and delivering meals to the fields. Giving her grandkids rides on the golf cart became one of her favorite things to do. She would often stash animals on the golf cart path to surprise them. Carol and her good friend Marcia Hacker owned an M&C lunch wagon, serving many meals at auctions for 18 years. She also enjoyed spending time at her home in Lake of the Ozarks with her family and especially her sister Sharon. She looked forward to socializing with her many friends at Tuesday night Bingo and was a member of the ODO (our day off) club that would meet monthly for over 50 years. Carol also loved watching her son Mike race the #3 car and was so relieved when the race was over. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Ernie Albertsen.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff Albertsen of Gray, Iowa; Mother-in-law, Ardys Albertsen of Exira, Iowa; son, Randy Nielsen of Audubon, Iowa; daughter, Lori Ray (Jeff) of Lenexa, Kansas; son, Mark Nielsen (Sarah) of Grimes, Iowa; son; Michael Albertsen (Krystal) of Audubon, Iowa; sister, Sharon Drake (Ron) of Rogers, Arizona; sisters-in-law: JoEllen Loveless (Matt) of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Joni Baier (Mark) of Audubon, Iowa; Grandchildren include Amanda Kommes (Isaac) of Exira, Iowa; Amy Riehemann (Zack) of Honolulu, Hawaii; Jason Hupp (Courtney) of Lenexa, Kansas; Jared Hupp (Ashley) of Honolulu, Hawaii; Nolan Nielsen of Carson, Iowa; Monica Woofter (Michael) of Waukee, Iowa; Gracye Albertsen of Overland Park, Kansas; Jenna Nielsen of West Des Moines, Iowa; Sienna Albertsen of Ames, Iowa.; nieces: Dawn Renze, Tamera Beaman, Kelly Holck, Stephanie Baier, Jenni Young, Jill Tompkins, Katelyn Baier; nephew, Drew Baier; many great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa, with Pastor Chris Townsend officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A luncheon will be held following the interment in the fellowship hall of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. The casket bearers for Carol are Jon Meislahn, Daryl Hacker, Bryan Olson, Eddie Steffes, Steve Mathisen, Russ Bruhn, Tom Chambers, and Karl Albertsen.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 08, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in memory of Carol. They may be mailed to Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.

Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon, IA.

I continue to work on the huge Frank/Meggers collection and now I'm working on an album well over 100 years old...one of those fancy cover with brass clasp albums that fortunately Linda Frank grabbed when a member of their family passed away and none of the immediate family members wanted to keep it.

Here is a fairly large image of 4 siblings.
In this album are some identified pictures and many of them were Lyden & Blocker Studio pix taken in Manning...this one happens to be from eastern Iowa (specifically Clinton), where pretty much all old-time families in this area first came to in Iowa before continuing to move west.
This album is probably connected more specifically to the Mundt side of Linda's family, but in there are 2 Rix boys which I haven't taken time yet to see how that family fits in.

Dana Genzen

Click to see the tribute


Company salesman photo of the LaFrance after it was built and before it was shipped to Manning.
I'm constantly begging people to not throw away their old Manning pix and history, which unfortunately goes on constantly, and then every now and then I'll find something that I had no idea existed any more and was saved from the trash bin for so many years.
I showed this to John Ohde, who told me some more information about the La France I had not heard before.

John was told by his dad that when the La France came in on the Milwaukee RR, in a box car, it was not properly anchored so when the train would start and stop the LaFrance would bang into the front of the car and back of the car.
It was sent back and the company repaired/fixed the damage to the front and back of the vehicle.
In 1980, when the fire department restored the LaFrance, the body workers found lead and other compounds used to fill in dents and fix the damage to the body of the truck.
It was restored for the 1981 Manning Centennial.

So I may have never heard this story if it had not been for finding this picture on E-bay and now documenting more things about this Manning LaFrance fire truck after visiting with John.

So if you've heard eventful stories about Manning's history and better yet have pix and documents about that event, please get that information to me to scan and add to the Manning Historical Database.

Thanks to my Manning historic preservation partner, Connie, here is some information she found online...
1928 Manning fire truck wins prize
The Manning Fire Department volunteers who worked to restore a 1928 fire truck were headed by a four-man work committee. Lyle Jahn and Lyle Bald helped organize the effort. Committee members John Ohde and Doug Schroeder were unavailable for the picture.

A lot of man hours and money went into restoring a 1928 American LaFrance fire truck owned by the Manning Fire Department, but it all paid off last Saturday in Cherokee.

The truck took first-place honors in antique division competition for trucks at the state Volunteer Firemen's Convention.

Manning firemen estimated that $3,000 was spent on materials for restoration, with the cost shared by the fire department and the city. Between 2,800 and 2,900 man-hours went into the task, all volunteer labor of a four-man work committee at the Manning fire station.

The truck was sandblasted and some minor body repairs were made. It was then primed and sanded several times before being painted and polished. No equipment had to be purchased because all the original gear was still at the station. Engine work put the truck in perfect operating condition, according to Fire Chief Merlyn Irlbeck.

"If we had a tire, we could use it," he boasted. Technically, it is very similar to the department's present trucks. Three pumper trucks, two tankers, and one emergency unit are maintained by the department.

The truck was purchased when it was new in 1928 for $4,500 and was retired in 1961. A new truck the department is considering buying costs approximately $35,000. The 1928 relic has been used for parades and shows, but was not fully restored until last winter.

Irlbeck explained that the department contacted the American LaFrance Company in Elmira, New York, for details on the truck's original equipment. Using pictures and the original bill of lading provided by the company. Manning volunteers restored the antique to exactly the way it was purchased.

Volunteers worked from January to June on the project. Since then, they have hauled it to parades and competitions on a goose-neck trailer. The truck took second-place in a parade at Kimballton earlier this summer.

At Cherokee. the truck was in competition with approximately 141 other vehicles. For topping the antique division the fire department received a $25 cash award.
Carroll Daily Times Herald, September 16, 1980

Another unique image...
I have seen all types of ventilation and windows in a hog house roof but this is another FIRST.
Not sure how water-proof these doors are, but it would definitely give good ventilation and allow sunshine in.
I also noticed this was in the winter - note the ice-cycles hanging from the roof.
I think this is Herman Frank in the yard - and could be his brother Carl in the hog house.

In between mowing the farm yard, working on a garage door, and now on our grain elevator leg, taking pix of the new gym construction and new homes in the new development area of the town, I still get in some scanning...
Here are the most recent scans from the Russ & Linda (Meggers) Frank huge collection. It is always interesting but sad how every family has to deal with tragedy from time to time.
We often forget that when we have something tragic occur in our own family that something similar is going on in so many other families.
Russ never got to know his biological father who was tragically kicked by his horse and died shortly thereafter...this was when Russ was a baby.

I always like to scan and show old farm pictures - it can give a different perspective to people living today, so they understand how easy they have it and how hard people physically worked years ago...


Russ Frank with his dog and bike, taking a break from hauling fire wood to the house or woodshed with the steel-wheel, wheelbarrow.


Marjorie Frank with an electric weeding machine for her garden.
I have never seen anything like this - especially electric from so long ago.
If anyone can tell me more about this garden tool - please let me know.


Philip Wallentine making syrup - Burlington, Iowa
Bertha (Wallentine) married Brick Moore in Botna.


Leona Gruhn and Marjorie Frank washing the Frank car.


I'm guessing this was tree and stump removal.
Robert Moore, Russ Frank, Clinton Moore, Tom McKeever


Herman Frank on his horse.

Herman holding Russ, shortly before he died.


Marjorie (Moore) Frank holding Russ


Russell


Halloween October 31, 1975 Kim, Rod & Vicki Frank


Nettie (Moore) Grau MHS 1920 - later Mrs. Walter Grau
Now we are getting into my family tree - Walter is my relative.
This is why I always like to go through Manning connected people's collections, as I'll generally also find my own relatives too.

Scroll down to find the 1974 Pat Boone Concert link.
Manning was the smallest town he had ever performed in.

There is an old expression "Don't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar."
I have a new expression "Don't get caught with your hand in the First Ammendment."

While I was fighting with my new PC, Sandra Flores posted a message on The Manning Exchange, which is an antiquated message board by today's standards, that I initially set up in 2001, before Facebook and those other social media sites began.
If you have never looked at The Manning Exchange, please click on the link on the left side.

During the early years, I had lots of people post messages but it is seldom used, except now with Sandra, and I'm so excited that she did...
She informed me her great-great-grandfather Thomas Goyen, served in the Civil War and moved to Manning.
She has some information and pictures so I'm working with her to get more of the information she has. I'm hoping she either has original photos to scan or can get someone who has them to rescan them at a higher resolution.
Here are a few she sent me.
She also has obits for Thomas and his wife so I added them to my obituary page.
This now increases the number of Civil War Veterans in my database who lived in Manning/area to 105.


Thomas & Martha (Pace) Goyen


1888 3rd Reunion, Iowa 3rd
Thomas Goyen front right holding his hat.


Manning's McPherson Post 33

Some of you may wonder what has happened with me...
I haven't updated my web pages for nearly 2 weeks.

To make a long story short, my main PC started randomly rebooting, and after a week of trouble shooting and trying all kinds of solutions and discovery ideas from the Internet, I'm fairly sure the power supply is getting funky.
I had figured I'll need to build a new PC - the old one I built 12 years ago.
After looking up components, and I knew things would have changed a lot but not as much as I had anticipated, so I decided to purchase a high-end Dell...problem is that it had Windows 11 Pro on it.
Again, I figured there would be compatibility problems with some of my hardware and software but this is where the nightmare began.
So after a week of installing, uninstalling, reloading the Dell to original factory settings multiple times, I finally spent another couple of days to get it loaded with Windows 10 Home version which is what my old PC has.
Well I was able to get most of the older software loaded, but had to purchase some newer versions and finally after several more days, I finally was able to get my software to recognize the twain drivers of my scanners, so now I'm back up and running about 98% - at least the main/important parts are working.

So here are scans from my first project with my new system.

While visiting with a fellow in Manning about an idea he has to get a couple of famous people in Manning, I could see he was frustrated that SOME people tell him it is a stupid idea, will never work, someone else should be doing this, and then there are always some gossipers who have to put in their two cents and the jealous people who think it should be their idea.
I told him about an event in 1974 and the challenges they had...


Click to see the 1974 event

What does saving our Manning history mean to you?

Preserving Manning's generators

Connie just found this interesting historical article.
If anyone has researched old patents and knows websites to look on - I'd be very curious if Swaney was able to get a patent for his idea...

Manning Monitor
Wilson B. Swaney and Peter Ohrt, our telephone and electric light men, returned Saturday from their several days trip to New York. Mr. Swaney went to see Munn & Company, of the Scientific American, in regards to a new patent he has been at work on for some time called the "telephone relay" or in other words, a separate attachment which is fastened to the phone and will repeat the message. It certainly will be a great improvement to the telephone. They also visited Washington and the patent office at that place and they report an enjoyable as well as a profitable trip.
Audubon Republican, January 29, 1903

While working on all of my various history projects and capturing the construction sites and other activities in Manning, and while scanning several Veterans' scrapbooks, I keep an eye out on e-bay for Manning items.
Every now and then I'll see a picture postcard I don't have or one I already have but the one on e-bay has some information written on back.
Below is a scene that is a little different from other picture postcards I already have and I could tell from the posted image on e-bay that it was a print that was of good quality, so I purchased it.
The left business is 409 & right business 407 Main Street. On the back were some first names mentioned but I haven't been able to figure out the last name of the business owner on the right side. It is pre 1915 since there are no bricks on Main Street.
I know the left business was owned/operated by Henry Ewoldt - grandfather of Ila (Claussen) Rix who many of you will remember.
On the right side the earliest business I know of was a harness shop owned/operated by Claus Nielsen, Sr., father of Claus, Jr. who was married to Bernice Paulsen.
But I haven't found a last name for Herman who had a business in this same building.
He comments about the new sidewalk along Main Street and that he put in an access to his basement, which I assume was used as a coal chute.
The young guy on the buggy is probably his son...not sure if maybe the man behind the buggy is Herman.
One thing I noticed is this is the fanciest fly netting on a horse that I have seen.
Farmers used fly netting but didn't have the frilly material on the bottom.

Herman mentions an Arthur attending the firemen races in Davenport the next year.
This would be Manning's fire department running team that traveled around Iowa and eventually won the permanent cup - billed as "World Champs."
This was in 1913 and they ran in races much of that decade.
The postcard was addressed to Gus, but again, I don't know any last names for these guys.
I have a lot of MFD running team picture postcards with information on back and other information and will have to find time to see if I can connect Arthur to one of the Manning runners.
This all takes a lot of time but needs to be done now as in the future no one will be able to connect these people.


409 & 407 Main Street

Message on back.

This is another shout-out to anyone/everyone who in the distant past or recently have agreed to work with me on old Manning connected pix and history they have so I can scan those things and get them preserved in the Manning Historical Database I'm constantly working on.
I know you are busy and it is a hassle to dig out and send to me, but the only way that history you have will get preserved long-term is if I get it to scan and archive.
I know many people scoff at this and say that their family won't throw those things away and/or they have scanned those things - but I have 50+ years of experience to back up this statement...as I've seen one old family/Manning collection after another thrown away - I usually find out around 5 - 10 more collections that were thrown away each year.
So either lose it, or preserve it in my database...you don't have to spend much time but I'm the one who spends hundreds and thousands of hours scanning Manning stuff.
I've seen scans by people and most of the time it is way below par...and the other problem is very few have that data properly backed up on multiple hard drives and at off-site locations such as in a bank safe deposit box.
Dave

Remember the days when you were a teen riding in a car down Main Street and all of a sudden the car stops and "Chinese Fire Drill" is yelled - the doors fly open and out come the kids running around the car and back in...then away they go!
Well, this drill shows how gracefully we've aged here in Manning, but still have fun.

Chinese Fire Drill during the "Parade of Cars" June 9, 2024

Yep, "Granny" still has some gumption and will use her cane when someone gets in the way of her Chinese Fire Drill.


Was this a girdle adjustment, OR an aching back???

All in good fun in Manning, Iowa


Melvin Renze - Parade Grand Marshal - 96 years young

If you live in Manning and wasn't there to join in - you missed a wonderful day of Family Fun and entertainment.
As always, it takes a LOT of volunteers to put on these events, for which Manning is well-known-for, to put on fun events like this.

I don't know when I'll have time to post pix and the corresponding audio information for this parade, but I'll try as soon as I can. If you are interested in cars and auto history then come to the parade.
I'm providing a VERY unique MANNING car story to be told during the parade.


Web page promotion, in conjunction with the Manning Monitor ad and information

Manning Rotary Club Presents: Parade of Cars June 9th

Dust off your classic car and join the Manning Rotary Club for a spectacular Parade of Cars on Sunday, June 9th. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the rich history and evolution of domestic automobiles.
Calling All Classic Cars! Do you own a special American-made car? We're inviting car enthusiasts to showcase your prized possession in our Parade of Cars!
We're planning to have examples from every decade, from the early days of motoring to the latest high-performance machines.
• Early Transportation 1910-1954
• Styling and Muscle Car Era 1955-1971
• Cars from 1972-1999
• Modern cars from 2000-present

Registration will be held from Noon - 1:30 pm in the old Casey's gas station on Hwy 141, one block west of Main Street, and staging will be communicated at that time.

The parade will start promptly at 2:00 pm as cars will travel from Hwy 141 to the VFW Hall along Manning's brick-lined Main Street. In the 200-300 block of Main Street a roving Master of Ceremonies will share a one-minute story about each car as it drives by. Prizes will be awarded for the best car in four categories:
• Early Transportation (1910-1954)
• Styling and Muscle Car Era (1955-1971)
• Cars from 1972-1999
• Modem Cars (2000-present)
• A crowd-voted "Best of Show" award will be presented at the end.

So whether you have a car to enter or simply enjoy admiring classic vehicles, the Parade of Cars is a fun event for everyone. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show! Several local businesses will be open at noon, offering everything from coffee and sandwiches to ice cream, pizza, and beer.
A free-will offering will be collected at registration and during the event to support the construction of a $10,000 shade structure at Manning Hillside Splash.
For more information contact Master of Ceremonies, Tim Weible, at (515) 290-6965 or tim.weible54@gmail.com.

I know a few of you will be waiting for pictures and information on the recent Horse Show at that Heritage Park and also the Memorial Day service, but you'll have to be patient....
I need to finish scanning the Brady/Musfeldt collection so I can move on to other collections I have to scan before anymore other collections are brought to me.
I realize that lots of people post stuff on facebook and other media sites but I have audio to go along with the pix, plus I don't just upload everything without editing the pix and providing information and captions for them.
I know the world will keep spinning whether or not I post things on my web page but I'll get to the 2 recent events and then post them soon.
I have to listen to the digital audio and cut out the dead space and other comments that might be caught that isn't part of the program, so this takes me extra time too.
Here are 2 teaser pix for now.

May 25, 2024 Horse Show


Taps, May 27, 2024 Memorial Day Service

I just heard this quote and it is so true - especially today...

Those in power protect themselves from the rest of us.

Here are 3 pictures from the Easter Bunny visit March 30, 2024, down by the city ballpark.
I'll try to find some time to post the rest of the pix as I work on the endless aspects of Manning's history...


More than likely, next year this little tyke will run to the Easter Bunny.
1 year can make a difference between terror and huge smiles greeting the bunny.


Oh the peace and tranquility of a 3 month old...

There was a nice crowd at the Heritage Park event but I wish more area folks would attend events like this. It is a "social" event where people actually talk to each other in person and not constantly waste away their lives with those gadgets on so-called "social" media sites, that way too many people have their heads buried in today...
Especially the younger folks who are inheriting this community. If they want the quality of life we have now to continue, they are going to have to step it up a lot more.

St. Patrick's Day - Hausbarn Cookoff

Where distinguished folks go to have a good time!!!
German ancestry may be prominent in Manning but we can celebrate and have fun with the cultures of other people.


Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, Jean Stadtlander, Tim Weible

Brenna spoke briefly and commented how Manning is a good example for other communities to follow, with all of the amazing infrastructure and community events we have here.
She took a tour of the hospital, and also commented at how amazed she was with the indoor pool and waterslide that a little town like Manning has.
Also during the evening on multiple occasions, all of the volunteers it takes for events like this were acknowledged by various speakers.
Jean & Tim, above, are just two of the wonderful volunteers Manning has and without all of them we wouldn't have the "quality of life" that exists in Manning today.

More pix and information coming - IF I can find some extra time.

We lost another Manningite on March 9th, so another tribute is coming in the next few days...

Does anyone know the location or contact information for Charles Scott who taught mathematics at Manning in 1972?
He was a Vietnam Veteran and I'd like to get some military information/pix for him to add to the Manning Veterans' book.
For that matter, any teacher at Manning who served that you know of their whereabouts - please let me know.
The list of Manning connected names who served keeps growing almost daily.

Please visit the Manning Exchange for local news, articles, and information...a work in progress.

Many upcoming events.

Korean War Veterans continues


There are lots of Manning Veterans of the Korean era with no pictures or information.
Will you be in the Manning Veterans' book???
Unless more post-WWII Veterans come forward there will be a lot of 1946 to present day Manning connected Veterans missing from the book.

For those of you who are occasional visitors to the Manning Exchange - please make sure to click on the "archived articles" section where previous featured stories are kept.

Click to visit the Manning Exchange

1 example from the Logeland Studio wedding packets.

There are still quite a few Logeland Studio wedding packets available.

Click to read about this important project.

It will help to financially support the Manning Veterans' history book project.

"Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen."
George Washington, August 7, 1782

Just as a reminder: the Manning History book committee continues to work on a Manning area Veterans' history book project.
For those of you who are Veterans or have/had Veterans in your family - will you come forward?
The history book committee will do their best to get as many pictures and information about the 1000+ Manning Veterans but we can't do it all by ourselves.

How many small communities do you know have published 5 history books? The first one was the History of Manning 1898, then the 1981 Manning Centennial book, next the 2006 Manning Quasqui book, and most recently the 2009 Manning School history book. Probably the last book to be published will be the upcoming Manning Veterans' book - unless someone comes forward in the next generation to take over these projects after I'm gone. Will you help with the Veterans' history book project? If you are a Manning connected Veteran or are presently serving and do not submit your military connected pictures and infomation you probably won't be in this once-in-a-life-time Manning Veterans' history book. With a limited number of volunteers we can only do so much on our own but will try to get pictures of as many Veterans as we can. There are over 1000 Manning Veterans so we have a long ways to go before the book can be published.

Manning Veterans are slowly coming forward and below is another example. We hope to eventually get more pictures and information for Mike to put in the book but for now this is what I have to show to you.

Amos Rutz WWII

One thing that many Veterans and people who are submitting information have not fully understood is that this next Manning history book is specifically a Veterans' only book. It won't be like the Centennial or Quasqui history books were, where there is a Veterans' section along with other community aspects. We are aiming for a 2-volume book (around 1090 total pages) which will really be unique!!!
This book will be ALL Veterans' information (and the post auxiliaries) - hence it won't be a "Name, Rank, and Serial Number" only history but we want a complete history for each Veteran.
For instance - below is Louis Boell's picture and the information that was published in the Veteran section of the 1982 Aspinwall Centennial history book. It has the basic information but we are looking for more and I spoke to Louie by phone and he sent more pictures and information - also for his brothers.

To see what Louis submitted click on the link underneath "Are you a Manning Veteran" shown below.

Note: we also want some family background such as parents and grandparents. All too often you will only see just the Veteran's name with their basic military information but without the family connections it will be difficult for future historians and genealogists to know for sure who this person belongs to.

Are you a Manning connected Veteran?
I would like to hear from you!!!
We are starting a Manning Veteran history book project and if you don't come forward you may not be included in the book. NOT because we want to intentionally leave you out but because you didn't come forward.
Same goes for those of you who have Veterans in your family who have passed away. If you don't come forward and help by submitting Veteran connected pictures and information your Veteran may not be included in this once in a life-time Manning Veterans' history book.

Please e-mail me about your Veteran questions manningveterans@davidkusel.com


The United States flag
is proudly displayed here and NO other flag is as IMPORTANT!

1 Manning citizen served in the War of 1812
105 served in the Civil War
1 served in the Indian War
5 served in the Spanish American War
350+ served during WWI
650+ served during WWII
87+ served in the Korean war era
65+ (more names need to be found) served in the Vietnam era
55+ (many more names need to be found) served from 1975 to present

29 paid the ultimate price with their lives defending the U.S. Flag

Are you a Manning Veteran?
Are you currently serving and have a Manning connection?

We are starting the Manning Veterans' history book project
Don't wait until you see "Deadline" or it WILL be too late!!!

Click to read promos for the Veteran book


There are a lot of WWI and some WWII Veterans pictures with no IDs.

Before you spend time scanning pictures
please look at these instructions
I appreciate your efforts scanning pictures for me but if you only make low resolution scans you are really wasting your time. High resolution scans are the best and only way to really preserve those old pictures.

Click to see the tutorial

If you simply don't want those old family pictures you inherited please don't throw them - send them my way.
A lot of times I can recognize a face or location in those old pix.


One thing to keep in mind while you are looking for pictures - if they are glued in old scrap books please do NOT try to pull them out or cut them out. I can scan the whole page of the scrapbook and crop out the pictures you want to use in the book. If you attempt to forcibly remove the pictures you will probably damage them and when I scan them that damage will probably show up. This means I'll either have to use my graphics program to touch up the damage which can take a lot of time, or if they are badly damaged I just may not even take the time to scan them.


Back to the top