From their initial performance at Bayside in 1936 through 2008, the Clear Lake Drum and Bugle Corps played “Ode to Joy” or “The Corn Song” for countless audiences. John Kopecky was the founder and first director of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. In 1942, the Corps joined forces with the Boy Scouts to [...]
On Monday February 17th, our nation recognizes Presidents’ Day. Clear Lake had its own Presidents Day on February 10th 1996. The hectic days leading up to President Bill Clinton’s visit to Clear Lake Farmers Coop were full of unusual happenings. Employees who went to their daily coffee groups were told that the FBI had been [...]
Clear Lake has a long history of supporting local students in extracurricular activities. From auditoriums full of play and music goers to gyms packed with cheering fans, our community gathers in collective pride. In 1968 that Clear Lake enthusiasm was on full display for the first boys basketball team to get a berth to the [...]
The music didn’t die on February 3rd 1959. Far from it! Clear Lake and our beloved Surf Ballroom have celebrated the everlasting music of Buddy Holly and the Crickets, the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson), and Ritchie Valens for 49 years. In the wee hours of February 3rd 1959, after the rocking Surf concert, pilot Roger [...]
Here’s a fun fact; ice fishing was illegal in Iowa from 1898-1950. Yup- really. Scott Grummer, DNR Fisheries Management Biologist, confirms this surprising fact. In addition, ice shacks were outlawed two years earlier in 1896. Several reasons initiated the ban. Many were worried that if female fish, full of eggs, were harvested in winter that [...]
Clear Lake was known as the Saratoga of the Midwest for good reason. Our natural environment offers us a playground for sport and recreation. When the water turns from summer soft to the frozen ice of winter, the games don’t end. Some are now just beginning. Are you excited to lace up those skates and [...]
Ah, the good old days. Full of romance. People lived simpler lives. Things weren’t as complicated. Perhaps. This photo is from around 1910. It gives us something to consider. When you walk into your warm indoor bathroom, be happy you don’t have to shovel a path to it after it snows. Especially in the dead [...]
The New Year brings us a time to reflect over the year just passed. One thing for sure- it passed in a rush! The Steve Miller Band sang in Fly Like an Eagle that “Time keeps on slipping into the future.” As we contemplate a whole new year ahead of us, some people like to [...]
Could anything be sweeter at Christmas than the songs of children? Christmas pageants, programs, and plays by the kids renew the magic for kids of all ages. All the practices culminate in a crowning glory of the big day. Nice clothes and shined shoes covered by robes make each kid feel special. Because they are. [...]
Twixmas- the unofficial term for the relaxed period between Christmas and New Year. Time to shift from high gear to glorious neutral. The possibilities are endless and Clear Lake holds them all. Get creative with holiday leftovers. Then walk them off in one of our beautiful parks or wild places. Shop for bargains. Meet friends [...]
