When I could finally drive, one of my long distance destinations was the Val Air ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa. It was a long haul from Laurel, sometimes to Marshalltown first to pick up a date and then down the diagonal(#330) to the Capital City.
The first time or two, it was a little complex as the interstate hadn't been built yet. So one had to drive all the way to Hubbell Ave, and angle to University Ave. and then drive literally the distance across Des Moines just to get to the West Des Moines city limits. I always remember getting to 73rd street and turning left or south at that light. You knew that was where you turned because beyond that it was just plain dark. In that area was a little of everything. Clive, Windsor Heights, Des Moines, and WDM.
There was a time I remember seeing them working on I-235 that cuts though Des Moines. There were all brick houses in the way and they had to move them out first. You kept driving until you got to Ashworth and made another left and bingo you were there. 301 Ashworth Road.
The Val Air was where it was happening in central Iowa in music. I saw groups like Joey Dee & The Star-lighters to The Big Bopper (Hello Baby!) It was fantastic and magical. To be able to walk up and stand within a few feet of your favorite R & R singer or group. I remember watching Joey Dee throw his sports jacket into the crowd and the girls tore it to shreds. And, getting to see the Big Bopper on his own before that fateful airplane crash with Buddy Holly.
When the show was over, you got on Grand Avenue and followed it to downtown Des Moines and ate at Babe's Restaurant! For us out-of-towners, that was the only place you knew to eat. The tricky part was, after eating, finding your way back to #330 and back to good old Laurel. ***One time I missed a turn somewhere and ended up in Praire City!!
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