WHEN BEING A HAWKEYE BACKFIRED!

      In another week plus will be the big Hawkeye -Cyclone football game. There was a time when the series was re-started back in the late 1970's, I would have not missed going to this big rivalry game.

      Now, even living very close to "Mecca," going down there for a night game just doesn't sound as exciting as during those Hayden Fry days. On one occasion however, my enthusiasm and smugness backfired. I had a ticket in with the Cyclone fans that I had scalped, but, was un-phased. Keep in mind the game was in Ames.

     I had purchased and or/ had made a T-Shirt that said on the back---"I would rather eat Sh-- than be a Cyclone!" The Hawks lost and there I sat with my idiotic T-Shirt on. I took it off , stuck it in my hip pocket and got out of Ames. Thank goodness I was slim and somewhat trim in those days so I didn't gross anyone out. (I don't think) After that game I usually just wore a hat that said simply HAWKS! No use looking for trouble, especially at those away games. 

        

THE LAST MOVIE YOU SAW WAS WHEN??

      Today at the Burg Grocery, I was helping a lady out with her groceries who was really excited about a night out with the "girls!" They were going to eat out at n eatery in Corralville and  then were going to take in a movie also at the local cinema. 

        She mentioned that the last movie she had seen was "Sleepless in Seattle!" I checked and that movie was released back in 1994. She was also shocked in knowing that the movie was going to cost her $7 or $8.00. Wow! To prevent a real shock I advised her to maybe smuggle in some M & M's purchased outside the theater!

       I recall when I took my mother to see the movie "Titanic" back in 1997, she had not seen a movie in a theater for many years. And, after I took her, she would always bring it up until she passed away in 2003, that Titantic was the last she had seen. I couldn't imagine. I probably watch on TV, rent from the library, Redbox, Netflix, or actually go to a movie theater, at least 200-300 movies a year. One movie a decade or two just wouldn't cut it!

SAMMY MCCLEERY/5th B-Day EVENTS AGO

     In honor of the 5th birthday
anniversary is her daughter, Sammy, 
Mrs. Hugh McCleery entertained 8 
playmates at a birthday party, Thursday
afternoon at her home in Laurel.

      The children spent the afternoon 
playing in Sammy's playroom after
which lunch was served.

      Those present were Karen Dee, 
Charlotte Russell, Nellie Ingraham,
Doris Yvonne Laverty, Yvonne Wunn, 
Joyce Sietman, Marvel Mae Faircloth
Donna Mae Kinnaird, Harold McIlrath
and Sammy.

DORIS YVONNE-4th B-Day EVENTS AGO

#1
      In honor of the 4th birthday anniversary
of her daughter, Doris Yvonne, Mrs. John 
Laverty entertained ten little boys and girls
at her home southeast of Laurel Saturday 
afternoon. 

      Games and contests were played and each
guest present received a favor.  Doris Yvonne
received many nice gifts. Ice cream and cake 
were served. Those present were Yvonne Wunn, 
Dixie Lee, and Eugene Otten, Wanda Sietmann, 
Marjorie Cavell, Janet and Nellie Jane Ingraham,
Marvel Mae Faircloth and Maurice Campbell.

#2
     Doris Yvonne, the four year old daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. John Laverty submitted to a tonsillectomy
Thursday morning at the Deaconess hospital in 
Marshalltown.

#3
      Doris Yvonne, daughter of Mr. Mrs. John Laverty 
and Yvonne Kathleen, daughter of Mr.  and
Mrs. Harrison Wunn, have been entered  in the baby 
health contest at the Iowa State Fair.

#4
       Miss Doris Laverty of Laurel spending the week-end 
with cousin, Miss Barbara Bueghly, North First Avenue 
(Marshalltown.)
  

LAUREL/LAVERTY EVENTS FROM AGO!

  LAUREL LAVERTYS ALL

RAISING OWN FEEDERS

      Tom Laverty, young Jasper 

county farmer from the Laurel

neighborhood, trucked the Laverty

herd bull into Marshalltown

Wednesday where he was sold as

a butcher bull. The animal wighed 

1,360 pounds on the Laurel scales.

     He was six years old and his service 

with the Laverty Hereford herd was ex- 

tended over a period of two years. He will 

be replaced with a younger sire.

      Tom and his brother, John, farm 650 

acres belonging to T. A. Laverty and Pat 

Laverty, and frankly admit they have a sizable 

job. They have something over 100 head of 

cattle on the farms. For several years they 

have been raising their calves and selling the 

steers off pasture as feeders, but this year they

are keeping their feeders for their own operations,

and now have about 20 on feed.

      Their pasture land includes about 150 acres
which is making possible their extensive
herd development. They have also cribbed more 
than 10,000 bushels of corn from their 
160 acres of corn land and will have ample feed
reserves.

                                                   

STILL LIKE A PRESSED SHIRT!

     Times have obviously changed including our more leisurely way we wear clothes. We see it even at what we wear in attending church. Jeans and T-shirts are more common than a suit, white shirt, and tie. 

       My life style has changed from what it was years ago as I now am semi-retired and have no need to dress more formally most of he time. Actually, I have boxed what ties I have remaining so that someday my grand-kids can have a few chuckles. 

        But, I still like to wear a pressed shirt straight from the cleaners. I am not sure what I will do if the Cleaners in Marengo ever closes. I do own an iron and know how to press a shirt or a pair of pants if I have to. My biggest problem is what to wear or purchase for a big family wedding coming up in October in Chicago! It will give me something to work on!
   

MY OLD MERCURY MARQUIS!

      This past week, I had helped out, on a couple of occasions, customers groceries to their early model cars with the old fashion deep- huge trunks. It reminded me of my first new family auto that I purchased when out of college in 1968.

        That car was a four door hard-top Mercury Marquis. It was a beauty. A brown tone with gold flicks. For the time it was quite impressive. And, the thing that was neat besides all the passenger space and horsepower was the huge and deep space in the trunk. In addition, being a big "Mob" movie fan,  I always loved it that gangsters used these type of autos with the deep trunks. Obviously, they held more bodies if needed! 

THE NEW POLITICAL CATCH PHRASE!

        It seems like there is always some new "catch phrase" or word that pops up in our culture from time to time and then just used to death by the media and those interviewing and being interviewed. 

      The latest one that I have noticed is in the political scene. The phrase is "doubling down!" It seems when a politician is getting into an issue `even more strongly they are going to be "Doubling Down!" If you are a big Black Jack player you have heard this phrase a lot. If not, I guess it is new!

LAUREL SOCIAL EVENTS OF AGO!

       #1
     Harvey Bloom, John and Thomas 
Laverty and Fred and Marvin Buhrow
attended the Savold Nestell fight in 
Des Moines Monday nite. 

      #2
      Victor Mullerof Marshalltown, 
Harvey Bloom and Thomas and John 
Laverty attended theKansas- Iowa 
basketball game in Iowa City, 
Saturday nite.

       #3
      Mr. and Mrs. Burt Dowden, of
Marshalltow, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Laverty Jr. and Miss Louretta Leedom, 
attended the basketball tournament in 
Des Moines, Saturday night.

     #4
     John Laverty, Harvey Bloom, Henry 
Frost, Charley Greer, Harold Wheelen, 
Fred Buhrow, Harry McBroom, John
Forrest, and Diamond Halverson were
among those who attended Strickland-
Paychek fight in Des Moines Monday
night.
      

      

BENNIE & THE JETS--MEETS THE "EXORCIST!"

      In the mid 1970's, after my first divorce, I went to see the movie "The Exorcist" with a friend, Dan Ellitt from Allied Mutual in Des Moines where we both worked. For its time this movie was really scary with heads spinning around and green slime spewing out and about.

       When I went back to my apartment later, I had a tough time sticking around there by myself. OK I was a big "Scared y-Cat!" I decided to go over to Peggy's, the local Drake area pub. I initially put in a dollar's worth of the hit song by Elton John-- "Bennie and the Jets" (25 cents a tune then) and had a few brews until I gained the courage to return to my apartment. Well, it was scary! 

IN LOVING MEMORY/ ALAN PATRICK LAVERTY

Alan Patrick Laverty, 71, passed away in the comfort of his home in Laurel, Iowa on Thursday, August 18, 2016. A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Graceland Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #839 and American Legion Posts in the area. Memorials may be made to the family to be used later date. For condolences, please feel free to contact www. Mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Alan Laverty was born on August 4, 1945 to Paul and Mary (Spence) Laverty in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was raised in Laurel, Iowa and attended Marshalltown Community College. After his college experience, Alan enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country during the Vietnam War, stationed in Phu Bai. After his time spent in the service, Alan settled in Laurel to pursue a life of farming. he married Judy Bloom, also of Laurel and had two children.

      Alan was an outdoor man who enjoyed gardening and fishing. He also enjoyed writing poetry, learning about history, and listening to Bob Dylan and country music. He was also an avid Hawkeyes  fan. 

       Left to cherish Alan's memory are son Patrick (Abbe) Laverty of Phoenix., Arizona and daughter Margaret (Ryan) Laverty of Toledo, Iowa, two granddaughters, Kaylie Lynds and McKenna Rose, and sister Linda Latham.

Alan is preceeded in death by his parents,Paul and Mary Laverty.

Officiant--Pastor Scott Lothe of the Laurel United Methodist Church 

AN ODE TO ALAN

     AN ODE TO ALAN AL MY PAL

Now you can garden in Heaven and write poetry

with the best of them.

Your stories we'll  retell--of family, poems, gardening,

Hawks, Cubs, and Military

So Al, my Pal, I'll remember your kindness and smiling  Irish eyes, too

And like our visits, I'll end with one more, "I love you!"

                                                 written by: cousin- Barbara McMahon Stineman Gaard           

ALAN LAVERTY/BOB DYLAN--STRANGE CONNECTION

      I didn't realize that they were going to play one of Alan's favorite recording artists at his service-Bob Dylan. On the way up from Williamsburg, I had played one of my favorite CD's which is also Bob Dylan. To make it a little strange, I actually went to my favorite song on the CD and played it first. It is called: "It's Not Dark Yet But, It's Getting There."

THANK YOU ALAN LAVERTY'S CLASSMATES!

       We are always saying that it is sad that we have to go to funerals to meet people that we haven't seen for a long time. It was so nice to be able to spend just a little time with some of Alan's classmates at the luncheon after the service for Alan. My special thanks to Tom Campbell, Bruce Schnelle, Carolyn Matya, Barb, McMahon, Tom Schollenbarger. 

(part 2) LAUREL DEMOLISHES BAXTER- 1961

     continued--------

       Still in the first quarter, Hornet quarterback Jim Latham pulled a good fake, then gave it to Campbell, who skirted right end and scored from 37 yards out. This time, his bonus point attempt failed. Laurel settled for a 13-0 advantage for the first quarter of play, but the Hornets doubled the margin by half-time.

      Fullback Larry Murphy, the third prong in the effective Laurel attack, got the third touchdown on a nine-yard spurt and Laverty added the point-after to make it 20-0. Scant minutes later, Laverty set up another Laurel touchdown with his brilliant return of a Baxter punt which he fielded on his own 32 and raced 63 yards to the Baxter five. Three plays later Laverty plunged over from the 2. Campbell was short on this extra point run.

      In the third period the Hornets were allowed only three plays from scrimmage but that was two more than Campbell needed. On the third of those, he charged straight through the middle of the line and squirmed past all Baxter backfield defenders to score on a brilliant 39-yard dash. He also counted the extra point to complete all third quarter scoring.

       Baxter did all the rest of the playing in that quarter but never was able to punch over the payline. After Laurel had scored and then kicked off to the Bulldogs, the visitors labored with19 plays, driving from their own 20 through three first downs to make it to the Laurel 27 where they yielded the ball on downs just as the quarter ended.

       Campbell came up with his 45 yard jewel on the ensuing series of plays. He broke around right end with the help of brilliant blocking, and two idle blockers were left over to accompany him unneeded to the goal line. Laverty added this extra point to end Laurel's scoring at a 40-0 advantage.

      Pyle's perfect pass for the Baxter touchdown came after he had taken a pitchout from Altemeier. He threw it long and straight  into the arms of Flora who was behind all defenders and outran them to the end zone. Pyle darted over for the unimportant bonus point.

Laurel Lineups:

Ends:-Tracy Miiller, Bruce Scnelle, Alan Laverty, Calvin Lyle, Danny Osborne

Tackles: Ed Matya, Mike Stineman, Larry Eibs, Dale Erwin

Guards: Ben Wunn, Tom Schollenbarger, Dave Anderson, LaVerne Paul.

Center: Jerry Roberts

Backs: Gary Campbell, Jim Latham, Dennis Laverty, Larry Murphy, Gary Brindle, Hal Murphy 


       

LAUREL DEMOLISHES BAXTER 1961 part 1

        The following sports story was taken from the Marshalltown Times Republican in the fall of 1961. It was a pleasure to have played with such a talented group of guys for the Laurel Hornets.

LAUREL DEMOLISHES BAXTER IN

TA-MA-JA SHOWDOWN, 40-6

by Bob Whiting

T-R Staff Writer

      

      LAUREL---The swift, shifty running of Gary Campbell and the timely blocking of his team mates made Laurel 40-6 victors over Baxter in a football battle between the two unbeaten arch-rivals here Friday (night) Campbell scampered for four touchdowns and added two extra points to shatter the Times Republican area scoring record set three years ago by Grundy Center's ace fullback Bill Smith.

      Smith had piled up what looked to be a formidable mark of 136  points in the 1958 season, but, Campbell's 26 points Friday night pushed him well past Smith's record with a total of 151 points in just seven games. 

       The speed, versatility and 11 man power of Laurel simply was too much for the Bulldogs to match with their attack which principally was a one-man effort in the power thrusts of Jim Pyle, senior fullback. Pyle carried the ball on 30 plays for a net total of 106 yards. In addition, he passed to end Eugene Flora for the one Baxter touchdown. That fourth quarter play covered 62 yards.

      Pyle's effort was a courageous one when you consider that his charges at the linewere in the face of a Laurel middle line that averaged more than 200 POUNDS. Defensive aces that stopped him on many occasions included big Mike Stineman at 211 pounds, Ed Matya, a 210 pounder, 235 defensive tackle Larry Eibs, guard Ben Wunn at 190 pounds and the 180 pound center Jerry Roberts.

      In leading the Hornets offensively, Campbell toted the ball on 17 occasions for 207 yards. He scored on runs of 19. 37, 39, and 45 yards and he came through on two of his four running tries on extra points. Only once did he fail to score when he got into the Baxter secondary. That came in the waning minutes when he scampered 25 yards to help set up another scoring chance that failed for the want of time.

       His running mate, Dennis Laverty, contributed to the Hornet cause with good runs among them a 19 yard effort in the last drive. He counted one touchdown on a two yard spurt and made other runs of 13, 15, and 10 yards.

      The first of Campbell's zig-zag scoring scampers came the first time the Hornets had the ball after kicking off to the visitors and holding them on their first series. Baxter's punt against a stiff wind dropped dead on the Baxter 25 yard line, carrying only 15 yards. Campbell on his first try, hauled the ball to the 19. On the second play from scrimage, he sprinted untouched to the first tally. He carried the extra point try successfully for the 7-0 lead.

==============to be continued. 

   

       

     

PAUL LAVERTY ILL W/ THE MUMPS!

I found in my family archives a couple of pages of family related social announcements from mostly, I assume, the Marshalltown Times Republican. This was done especially during the first half of the 20th century as a way of letting others who had an interest in events in a particular community or family circle. The following is one of those, but, the exact date cannot be verified as the date of the notice was not saved. Others will be printed in the following week or so. Each post will be titled Laurel Social Events from Ago.

#1

      Paul, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom

Laverty Sr., has been ill at his home

south of Laurel with mumps.

#2

      Henry Miiller and son Victor, 

John and Thomas Laverty, Harry 

Mc Brown and Don Campbell at-

tended the double header baseball

game between the White Sox and 

the Yanks at Chicago Wednesday.

Vic was fortunate enough to catch

a souvenir baseball. 

more to come------------------!

   

ACTUALLY REMEMBERING SOMETHING FROM COLLEGE!

      This afternoon I took up to our local "Advertiser, Williamsburgs answer to a Pennysaver, a new format for an ad that I created with the help of a young lady at the Minuteman print shop in Marshalltown. I wanted to time my new ad with the Labor Day week-end and kick off the fall season when lots of people think about window cleaning.

       The lady at the Advertiser said, off the top of her head, that my timing was good because she knew my ad was expiring this week. I mentioned that I thought it was really good that she could remember when my ad was due without looking it up.

         Her response was "Oh, I remember YOU!" I said something back to her that I guess it didn't matter whether that was a compliment or a criticism, as long as she remembered. I told her I had learned in Advertising 101 at Drake University back in the 1960's the following---"In advertising you want your ad to be extremely liked or extremely dis-liked to be effective!" I guess I don' care either way as long as I have their attention! PS. I think she really likes me!

1961 LAUREL FOOTBALL ARTICLE INCREDIBLE SUCCESS

        I have come to one very important conclusion. With the article about Laurel's football success in 1961 and story about Alan Laverty. Most of us enjoy reading stories involving events and people when we were younger and in our home area. It triggers our own memories of those times. As someone once said: "It's OK to go back as long as you don't stay there!"

        I hope to write more about those innocent times and I encourage any of you to share your stories. Either send your own memories of those early days in the Central Iowa area to  dennismlaverty@gmail.com or send to me at PO Box Williamsburg, Iowa 52361 or simply share them through your own Facebook page. Thank you all!  

DON'T FORGET LOVED ONES IN NEED!

        I learned a valuable lesson growing up from my mother. We had a uncle on her side of the family who lived above the Washer Cafe in Newton, Iowa. His name was Bill Schultz and in later years of his life he live`d in this small dingy dark apartment what was actually over a tavern or bar. He was an alcoholic.

        I remember as a kid, that on an occasion, my mother would go down and have him come and stay with us on our farm for a period of time. She didn't forget him even though there was nothing to gain from looking after him except that he was family and that was what you did.

         Years later when my Grandma Smith was residing at the Southridge nursing home in Marshalltown, I visited her many times. Again, she had nothing to offer monetarily, but, she was family and deserved respect and dignity. She was so special and I loved her so. Besides, she was very sharp in her memory of events and people at her 95 years. 

       She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and she could put any fan to shame with her knowledge of Cub Stats. All I could do was sit there and let her inform me of various batting averages and trade deals with Cubs players. 

         Even my own mother, I was so fortunate to have been with her the night she passed away and had played a hot game of Pepper which she dearly loved to play. The lesson of giving will always serve you well. If you have a loved one or dear friend that could use your caring, get going before it is to late!  

DON'T HIDE YOUR MONEY!

       Here is something I won't do again. Some time ago I put a small amount of cash that I had received and tucked it under some envelopes in my top desk drawer. This past week I was looking for something and to my pleasant surprise was this hidden gift. I have off and on through the years have attempted to stash a little cash away for whatever reason. 

     Never again! If I want to accumulate a little cash for any reason, I'll just put it in a very obvious place. You hear of too many stories of older people stashing cash and relatives finding money all over the place. Years ago,when I had my cleaning service in Marshalltown, one of my employees found $1,000 in $100 bills tucked behind a photo stand on a dresser in a bedroom.  Moral of the story is let the ATM machine keep your money!  

LONG MARRIAGE-STILL SHOWS LOVE!

       There is a couple that comes in to the Burg Grocery on a frequent basis that has a lot of people talking in a good way. They always seem to be holding hands and very caring and attentive of one another. So yours truly asked them this past week was how long they had been married. The answer surprised me as they responded that they had been married 27 years.

I told them that was a pleasant surprise and so nice to see that open affection between a couple in this day and age and maybe any time. It would not have surprised me and would have made a large bet that they probably had met on some dating web-site recently.

          I did mention that I had an aunt and uncle, my uncle Paul and aunt Mary Laverty, that always seemed to be so much in love and seemed to always be showing it. It was just something I remember picking up as a young kid. It is refreshing to see!

CASHEWS-HOT MEMORIES @ KRESGE'S!

       Yesterday at the Burg Grocery, a one pound plus container of Planter's Cashews was reduced significantly due to an expiration date. They were sold out in minutes after the reduction and yours truly was at the right place at the right time. 

      It immediately triggered a fond memory back to a time when I was a young boy in the Kresge's store in Marshalltown, Iowa, on the northeast corner of Center and Main Street. The store at a time, back in the 1950's, had a location somewhat in the center of the store with a glass covered stand that had a variety of hot nuts for sale. My favorite were the cashews and for 25 cents you could purchase a small paper sack full of these hot and salty morsels. There was nothing better! 

LAUREL FOOTBALL 1958 GAME ROSTER

     The following is an old program that I have in my high school archives from 1958. It is from one that I kept from a game with LeGrand. It is fun to check out the weights of the players then.

NAME                             No.                           WT.                           CLASS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Mann                        29                             175                              12
John Smith                        31                             192                              12
Gene Determan                30                             205                              12
Larry Swift                        28                            165                               12
Larry Shollenbarger         21                             132                              12
Larry Good                       25                             180                              11
Bill Brown                         20                             135                              11
Bill Murphy                      23                             156                              11 
Cyril Stalzer                      1                              125                               11
Stuart Preston                  27                             195                               11
Larry Paul                        26                             176                               10
Steve Benskin                 22                             170                                10
Gary Campbell                 2                              130                                  9
Mike Stineman                16                             180                                  9
Ben Wunn                         24                             175                                 9
Jerry Roberts                   12                             150                                 9
Tony Preston                     5                               105                                 9
David Johnston                 11                             135                                 9
Clint Scroggins                  4                               115                                 9
Dennis Laverty                  13                            137                                 9
LaVerne Paul                      14                            148                                 9
Tracy Miiller                       6                              120                                 9
Larry Murphy                      5                              120                                9


*** A footnote. As puny freshman, we had to practice and attempt to block and hit the likes of Gene Determan and Johnny Smith

LAUREL FOOTBALL 1961 CONTINUED!

     Only three teams scored on Laurel during the year and St. Mary's of Marshalltown could manage as many as 14 points. The smallest margin of victory was a 21-0 of Tri-County, while the largest was a 74-0 walk over Gilman. That 21- point, incidentally, marked the only time all year the Hornets were held under 40 points.

      At season's close, Stineman was named to the Times Republican first all-territory team, and Wunn was placed on the second unit. The 1961 performance did not surprise Betz. "We kind of expected them to come along real well this year," he says. "We knew they were going to be tough.

       Betz credits a combination of speed and size, plus good blocking, for the Hornets success. He also emphasizes that team balance, the fact that Laurel had no weak spots, played an important part. The experience, of course, was invaluable, and team depth, which enabled  him to keep his players fresh through liberal substitution, was a contributing factor.

       No coach to grab any glory for himself, he insists that it was good offense (winged-T) which got the job done. "Campbell and Laverty were real good in the open field, particularly Campbell" he points out. "And Stineman and Wunn were standouts. I would say we had two of the best guards in the state in Wunn and Schollenburger. 

       "I didn't think the all conference team did us justice" Betz declares. ( Campbell, Stineman, Miiller, and  Wunn, were first team choices.) "Our center, Jerry Roberts, did us a real good job. And Miiller was one of our best blockers and tacklers." Jim Latham at quarterback did a real good job faking and calling signals."

      Next spring Laurel will graduate 13 seniors off this team, including every regular except Bruce Schnelle, defensive linebacker Dave Anderson and Defensive safteymen Gary Brindle and Danny Osborn. And that's a sigh of relief you hear going through the Ta-Ma-Ja Conference.
     

SPEED, SIZE GIVE VETERAN LAUREL 1ST UNBEATEN YEAR

       
      That was the headline from the Marshalltown Times Republican at the end of the football season in 1961. The following article was written by Larry Dennis T.R. Sports Editor

SPEED, SIZE GIVE VETERAN  LAUREL

FIRST UNBEATEN YEAR

HORNETS AVERAGE 44(points) A GAME

IN WINNING SECOND LOOP TITLE 

      A "Friday night" ball club which wasn't impressive in practice but turned it on for games brought Laurel its first undefeated football campaign in history in 1961. The Hornets smashed through seven opponents to win their second straight Ta-Ma-Ja Conference title, and there never was much doubt about the outcome of any game. 

       Although they played only seven games, their official record was 8-0. Mingo suffered injuries which cut its squad level to nine and was forced to forfeit its final contest to Laurel.

       Laurel coach Leighton Betz, who won the Ta-Ma-Ja crown with a 7-0 mark and a 7-1 over all record in his first season last year, reports that the Hornets attitude on Friday nights was "always real good." "We were a little disappointed in them during the week" he states, "but they were always ready for the games."

       A veteran ball club with 11 lettermen and seven all-conference players returning from 1960. Laurel rolled up 310 points to just 33 for its opponents, averaging 44.3 per game on offence. The Hornets piled up 2,789 yards, 2,549 by rushing, while holding their foes to 557 by running and 328 by passing, a total of 885.  

       Averaging 10.1 yards per offensive play,the Hornets piled up 75 first downs to 44 for opponents. A big line bulwarked by tackle Mike Stineman, guards Tom Schollenburger and Ben Wunn, center Jerry Roberts and end Tracy Miiller gave Laurel the forward wall it needed for its steam-roller tactics. And, scat-backs Gary Campbell and Dennis Laverty spearheaded the Hornets' flashing attack.

        Campbell, a two-time first team member of the Times-Republican's all-territory squad, averaged 14.8 yards per carrying in rolling up 1,257 yards rushing. He also scored 152 points during the campaign, braking the old record of 136, and finished second to Gladbrook's  brilliant Mark Beichley in the point parade. Laverty who carried the ball less, averaged 10.5 yards each time as he gained 695 rushing and scored 91 points. 

----------------------------to be continued

       

ANOTHER ONE LINER FROM HENNY!

"There was a girl knocking on my hotel door all night. I finally let her out!"

FROM HENNY YOUNGMAN!

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading!"

CAN'T WIN THEM ALL!

       Last week-end I went to Iowa City for the Friday night musical event at the Ped Mall. The group that was featured was a "Latin jazz" band. I thought it would be a group more like the MIAMI SOUND MACHINE w/ Gloria Estafan from the 1980's. I thought maybe the local group would be more upbeat with heavy congas and lots of brass. Nope! Just jazz with a Latin twist. I lasted about forty five minutes and headed back to the Burg. On the bright side it was a lovely evening weather wise and all the surroundings and diversity of people. 

A GREAT VISIT WITH CLASSMATES!

       Yogi Berra's famous saying--"deja vu all over again" applied this past week for me. I went to Des Moines and stayed the night with friends Jerry and Judy Roberts and included a Tuesday visit with old classmate, Bob, Baker, in Norwalk. Of course, I had to eat just once at my favorite eatery, Tasty Taco's. I even went out and had a dish of "the best" onion rings at Mama Lacona's restaurant and while there visited with my daughter, La Risa, who is employed there. 

      My intentions, just like last year, was to attend the Iowa State Fair. The difference was last year the entire day it was raining. This year my excuse was after a full evening and day, I would come back and attend the Fair on Thursday. Not quite. The temperature was in the 90's and with heavy humidity. Oh, well! The one big thing I do look forward to is having a Gizmo sandwich at Carl's behind the Administration Building and by the Bill Riley Stage. There will always be next year and besides I have attended the Fair too many times to remember! PS. I can make that Gizmo almost as good!

NO THANK YOU! I'LL STICK W/ COMFORT FOOD!

      This past Monday evening, I had dinner out with friends from Urbandale, Jerry and Judy Roberts. They had left it up to me to choose the restaurant as I don't get back to my old home town area that often. My first choice was Jesse's Embers on Ingersoll Ave as I have always loved dining there and it brings back many memories from years gone past. It was closed for some renovations. Darn!

      We finally drove down the street and it was decided to eat at a Mediterranean restaurant,  the "EATERY A." Judy had eaten there once and it was one of new, trendy, and popular eateries in Des Moines. The interior was very cool. But, where the trouble started was when we had to ask what "Beef Cheeks" was. The response by our server was that it was meat from around the jaw!? The pork entree was something from the diaphragm area! I went for the beef as I was afraid to ask where the fettuccine came from.

     I was told that I should broaden my tastes. No! I have had a lifetime of that and now, I decided about two years ago, is to stick with my wide range of "comfort food!" On the other hand I did give it a shot and it just didn't pan out. The upside was we went to a Dairy Queen in Windsor Heights for dessert. Can't beat a hot fudge sundae!   

  

SPICKS AND SPECKS/ BEE GEES

Where is the sun

That shone on my head

The sun in my life

It is dead

it is dead

Where is the light

That would play

in my streets

And where are the friends

I could meet

I could meet 

Where are the girls

I left all behind

The spicks and specks 

Of the girls on my mind

Where is the sun

That shone on my head

The sun in my life

It is dead 

it is dead

Where are the girls

I left all behind

The spicks and specks

Of the girls on my mind

Where are the girls

I left all behind

The spicks and specks

Of the girls on my mind

Where is the girl I loved 

all along

The girl that I loved

she's gone

she's gone

All of my life

I call yesterday

The spicks and specks

of my life 've gone away

All of my life 

I call yesterday

The spicks and the specks

of my life 've gone away

Spicks and Specks!

COUSIN ALAN LAVERTY/HAPPY I MADE TIME!

     Sadly, I learned from my sister, Deborah, late last night, 8/18/2016, of the passing of our cousin Alan Patrick Laverty of rural Laurel, Iowa. Alan and I were fairly close growing up as kids in that our families lived only a mile from one another on adjoining family farms. 

     As Alan was one year plus younger than I, we drifted apart after our high school days at Laurel Consolidated School. In the last six months, realizing Alan's unfortunate life style, something told me that I needed to "make" the time to visit him more often.

       My last visit at his residence was August 7th, just a few days after his birthday of 8/4//2016. I truly enjoyed driving up and spending a few hours with him reminiscing about family memories and listening to several of his stories of his younger days fishing in Canada, attending sporting events, and musical concerts. His mind was still very sharp on details of names, places, etc. 

      He would always follow me out to my car when it was time to leave and I'm sure he didn't want our visit to end. A good lesson for us all is that if there is a family member, loved one, or friend that you could make a day a little brighter, make the time and reach out. You won't regret it. I never will. Rest in peace cousin and will see you again one day at Graceland.

       

TAKING PICTURES/ IF I AM STEPPING ON TOES!

       Times have changed even the way we take photos. We have gone from taking pictures of loved ones and vacations with cameras that had "film" where you take 12,24, or 36 shots and then would take the film in to a location to be "developed."

          Many,  many years ago, I owned a Minolta 35 mm camera with along distance zoom, wide angle lens, and a power wind for taking photos with rapid speed. I considered myself an amateur/wannabee professional photographer. When taking photos of people I always made sure I was in close, but not too close. Photos of objects, I made sure that before taking the shot, I edged the shot with a tree limb or something to make that photo interesting.

       Today, even with most vacation photos and pictures of loved ones being taken with "smart phones"one thing has still not changed. We still have not learned how to take a good photo! If we are on vacation we seem to think that all that is important is to take a shot of ourselves with someone, a "Selfie,"  where we are vacationing and being able to the object of your trip in the far distance. Let me see it too! Closer! 

       Maybe it is just me, but, for most of you I am happy that you are somewhere really cool and am also happy to see your picture and with a drink in your hands. But, stop and give some thought to taking a better picture of some of the neat places you are visiting. I always hate seeing a sunset and some water with an empty beach. Boring! Put a palm tree in there with something or somebody. If these are your memories to be viewed later, I feel sorry for you. 

NO RESPECT FOR RODNEY!

"THE MANAGER OF MY APARTMENT COMPLEX ASKED ME TO WIPE MY FEET  BEFORE GOING OUT INTO THE HALL!"

ANOTHER RODNEY DANGERFIELD!

GET NO RESPECT--"Last week my house caught fire. My wife told the kids to be quiet and not wake daddy!"

DO YOU EVER NOTICE & WONDER WHY?

     I had to stop by the Burg Grocery for a few items and noticed a slightly older couple, 60's, doing a little shopping together.  Something I have noticed with some men when they are tagging along is this. Some men walk along with their hands behind their back and with one hand then clasped around the other wrist. 

       I have always wondered if that "hands behind the back" walk shows everybody that he is just along to observe with the wife and not really part of the shopping process, or does it show that he is of some importance and acting like a captain on a ship who would walk the "poop deck!" Maybe to be a little more helpful, he should use those hands and push the cart!

      

WRITING W/O PICTURES!

       A few years ago I gave one of my classes on "Motivating Seniors to Write, at the Tama  Genealogy Society in Tama, Iowa. At the time I had put together a book on several of my Personal and Family Related Short Stories. 

       A lady came up to me after my talk was completed to ask some questions. She also browsed through my book. She immediately let me know, while putting the book down, that she would never read my writings because they had no pictures. 

      My first thought was "What are back to Dick and Jane?" Are we to the point where we can't  read anything unless it has pictures. Another lady made that comment at the Burg Grocery recently. The only reason I haven't added pictures to some of my material on my Blog is because I haven't learned HOW to put them on. I have no smart phone and there are added steps to put stuff on the Blog first! Give me time, I will get it figured out with someone's help. In the meantime, I can concentrate on the writing aspect which I truly enjoy!

       

DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' RAIN GAGE!

       With all the rain that we have received this past week, it seems the big question every time I turn around is "How much rain did you get here? In a rural farming community like Williamsburg it is to be expected. My stepdad who was a farmer was always asking me that question even when I was living in Des Moines many years ago. 

        I guess even though being a farm raised guy, I never found it interesting or necessary to keep track of rain. Especially when it gets down to tenths of an inch for crying out loud. Or, to listen to  two old guys arguing or discussing who got the most within a mile or so. It's like "who caught the biggest fish!"

        For me with all the rain we received lately the big question is simply "Do you think we have  enough? Yes or No! Maybe I have been missing something all these years. I am sure I can get one at the local True Value!

ONE MORE FROM RODNEY DANGERFIELD!

GET NO RESPECT---"My family went into the forest and the animals started a fire!"

FROM RODNEY DANGERFIELD!

GET NO RESPECT--"When I was a kid I was so fat that when I got a shoe shine, I had to take the guy's word for it!"

FROM RODNEY DANGERFIELD!

GET NO RESPECT---" I ASKED MY WIFE IF THERE WAS SOMEONE ELSE? SHE SAID: THERE MUST BE!"

YOGI BERRA ONCE SAID!

"A NICKEL AIN'T WORTH A DIME ANYMORE!"

NOBODY PUT A GUN TO YOUR HEAD!

      Yesterday at the Burg Grocery while assisting customers, one mentioned that she was going to play gold that evening in the extreme heat and humidity of the day. "She was just going to hate it!" The other one was someone that HAD to mow their lawn yet that afternoon. Are these people nuts!

      I suppose it is an age thing, but, for me the best thing I can think of is going home, taking a shower, turning the temperature down in the house.and then having a BLT with a little sweet corn. After that,, of course, getting prone and watching my Chicago Cubs! 

DAYS WHEN YOU COULD SMOKE ANYWHERE!

      Looking around while waiting for our food at the Haverhill Social Club, I was reminded of days spent in many a bar and nightclub in my younger days. One thing for the better today is the lack of all the smoke that went hand in hand with drinking in establishments like this. If you were a smoker, I was, you didn't have any concern for other patrons who didn't smoke, little lone the servers or what it was doing to the surfaces in the interior of the establishments. 

        One could smoke anywhere. I was always smoking at work. You didn't give it thought to smoking at home and around your spouse or children. And, stranger yet, no one ever seemed to complain or at least much. Even at a football game you could sit there and smoke away, blowing smoke on other fans around you. 

         The funniest one always seemed to be the smoking and no smoking sections in an airplane. You could be in a smoking section and the guy in the seat just ahead of you could be in the no smoking section. Really stupid! Thank goodness for laws of today. Although, I ran into a restaurant this Spring in Wyoming that allowed smoking. The smell was atrocious little lone the smoke! No thank you! 
       

FRIEND RICK & DAD'S RAMBLER!

      Driving back from the Laurel area Sunday after visiting with my cousin Alan Laverty, I turned on the radio and was listening to my XM 50's station. One of the first songs was one by the Playmates called "Beep Beep!"

       The song is about a race between a Cadillac and  a Nash Rambler. The premise of the song is that it is a race, so you think between the two cars. Of course, the Cadillac can't possibly be beaten by a little old Nash. All the way up 120 MPH when the Rambler pulls along side the Cadillac and the guy asks how to get it out of second gear.

      I always loved that song because my best friend in high school, Rick Patterson, always drove his dad's Nash Rambler around and even though it was never though to be as cool as Chevy or Ford, maybe, his dad had worked the engine over and that car was a real sleeper. Other-words, it could move out. Any body that raced Rick was always in for a real surprise! PS Check out "Beep Beep" if you get a chance. The song is really a stitch!

LOVED THE HAVERHILL SOCIAL CLUB!

     Sunday I drove to Laurel and attended church services with my sister Doris at the United Methodist Church. It was communion Sunday and I always enjoy the service there with the minister Scott Lothe. 

       After the service Doris and I drove to Haverhill for lunch at the Haverhill Social Club. It is in the location where Blum's Grocery and Tavern was located for many years. I had not been there since the late 1990's when Blum's ran it.

        This new place is not what you would ever expect in this small town 10 miles south and west of Marshalltown. The expression "If you build it they will come" applies. It is this open, rustic, large, sports bar and restaurant theme. Their pizza is their specialty as I understand  it, although this particular Sunday they were not serving it. I had a gourmet hot-dog with so heavy in condiments that it was awkward to lift. But, oh so delicious! Doris had a tenderloin sandwich and I heard no complaints. 

      There was so much about this place that I liked and really don't exactly know why. I hope to return again soon and give that pizza, that everyone has been raving about, a try!  If "That Place" near Conrad can do well and out in the sticks, why not another good eatery. They have built it and I think they will keep coming as long as the food and value is good!  

CELTIC/IRISH MUSIC REFRESHING!

     Last night (8-5-2016) I drove to Iowa City an attended the Summer Music Series at the Ped Mall. The group was the Beggarmen, an Irish musical quartet. The instruments were an Irish drum, flutes, fiddle, pipes, and guitar. 

      The music was light and very refreshing from a lo of he music heard today. What was also a very pleasant surprise was one young lady in particular, who was maybe 8 years old, and a student of a local Irish Dance Studio, came up in front of the stage and did several minutes of the Jig to back-up dance tunes by Beggermen. The crowd loved her. What a pleasant evening!  

AUTO DEALERSHIPS/REPUTATIONS!

       This past week I had an appointment with the Marengo Chevrolet dealership for an oil change. Normally I have all my work done my a auto shop here in Williamsburg. But, as I had just purchased my Cruze just a few months ago, I was entitled to two free oil changes.

        My appointment was for 2 PM which I honored promptly. To make this short, the next thing I knew it was 3:20 PM. The service manager's response, even after inquiring after the first one hour, was just one of un-concern!  Never again! 

TRACY MIILLER STORY/FUNNY SAD TRUE!

    This past week I visited with an old Laurel classmate and friend, Tracy Miiller who now resides in northeast Oklahoma. He had mentioned  a story that involved a tenant of his and a contractor who Tracy had hired to do some repair work.  

        The contractor had mentioned, in doing the work, that he tried to be extra cognizant of the fact that the tenant was elderly. It turned out that the tenant was at least four years younger than Tracy. Somehow, I knew what the punch-line to that story was going to be. Just another one of those reminders about "being closer to going out----!" But, you might as well laugh about it. What's the`alternative?  

THOSE DRIVE-IN DAYS!

      A lady that I helped out yesterday apologized for all the stuff in the rear area. Her family had just gone to Newton the night before to the Valle Drive-In. If you live in Central Iowa and want to experience a fond memory of the past, it is worth the time. I did it a few years back and was a lot of fun.

       There aren't that many left in the state of Iowa. There was a time when there were at least five or more in the greater Des Moines area alone. There were three on East 14th Street alone. And, this was in the 1970's and early 1980's. As a teenager my drive-in memories go back to the one on the northwest corner of highway 14 and old 30 in Marshalltown, Iowa. That goes back to the 1950's and 1960's! Just thought that this might bring back some fuzzy memories of your own. 

ANOTHER TIME TO SAY OFF PHONE!

       This past Wednesday a lady was checking out with her one bag of groceries while talking on the telephone. She got just through the doors to go out when she remembered that she had forgotten her groceries! End of story!!

$5,000 FOR LIFE WOULD BE COOL!

      I just saw an ad for Publisher's Clearing House and their $5,000 for life. Don't get me wrong that I wouldn't love winning $400,000 at one pop but! I get my mail at the PO every day and I think it would be a thrill to get into my box every Friday and have that check there for $5,000  week in and week out. Never stopping. And, all of a sudden you realize one week that you are not keeping up spending it fast enough. Oh No! I still have $3,000 left over from last week. Oh what shall I do! 

IF YOU MISS US ON FACEBOOK JUST REMEMBER!

Just remember, if you miss any of the stories told through Facebook, you can always go to dennisnowandago.blogspot.com for previously written personal and family related short stories. Thanks to all who follow us from time to time! All we hope is that they bring back fond memories of your own. 

JUST LIKE LIVING IN MAYBERRY!

       This past week at the rear of our local furniture store, Uhlmann's, they have been doing a lot of digging. It is only about a half block fro the Burg Grocery and from the deli and from the parking lot the activity is quite visible. 

       Every time I would assist someone out with their groceries the topic would come up. What are they doing? No one seemed to know.I was tempted to walk up and simply ask until a guy who is a daily regular at the grocery store and lives next door to the furniture store clued me in.

       They are expanding. Then the conversation shifted to why? No one seemed to ever see that many people in there. Why does anyone need more retail space when, it seems, everybody is buying on-line!

      Every time I go out with a customer until the addition is completed that will be one topic of conversation and the other will still be the WEATHER! When the digging started, I just couldn't help seeing Andy Taylor and Barney Fife talking about the goings on!

WHEN BUYING A NEW CAR WAS EXCITING!

       After stopping in to the Chevrolet Dealer the other day in Marengo, to set up an appointment for a service check, I was reminded of a time when buying an automobile was exciting. Not like today, where you walk in to one of these mega auto dealers with 1000's to choose from and simply pick one out.

 No, I am talking about when auto dealers only had a few "Demo's" for you to test drive and go from there. I am talking about back in the 1950's & 60's when you ordered what you wanted and waited two or three weeks.

      At a time when I can remember, my folks would go to the Chevrolet Dealer in Newton, Iowa, Hawkeye Chevrolet, for purchasing and servicing of their cars. Back then you would decide what type, color, model, and etc. you wanted and then it would be ordered from the factory in, presumably, Detroit. Then you waited.

     When the dealer called and said your new car was in, you couldn't get there fast enough. It was almost as good as Christmas. Going to the dealership and seeing that brand new shiny auto sitting there was quite a thrill. All that chrome and metal. And that smell! Wow! They never have been able to bottle that fragrance. What a great experience!~   

I HAD TO GET THESE "OLD MAN SHOES!"

      Sometimes you just have to "bite the bullet" and do what is best for you and not because of looks. In this case my feet were at issue. Since working at the Burg Grocery, it has been getting harder and harder on my feet walking and standing 6-7 hours, three days a week, on concrete floors. 

      I have tried a little better type of tennis shoe that looked good and stylish, but, just wasn't getting the job done. At night. after work, my feet were really yelling at me. So, while in Marshalltown this week,  I decided it was time to take some real action. 

     I stopped into the Brown's Shoe Fit Company store on Main Street. I told the young guy, C. J., what I needed. After trying on three different brands and styles,if that is what you want to call them, and decided on a black pair of leather shoes-New Balance.

      They really feel good with better than average support, I guess. A little pricey by my standard-$80-90 range. The first day I wore them was yesterday and they passed the test. Hopefully they will work out in the long run. Whatever that means when you are 72! Just never thought I would get to that stage when comfort trumped style. Yep! There goes that old guy "old as dirt" with his "old as' dirt" looking shoes to match.

         I know a lot of you are saying that there is something out there for me! Maybe at Christmas, I'll step it up, no pun intended, and look for style and comfort and be ready to spend more. If a young teenager can find something cool for $150 then maybe there is something out there for an old guy with a little pazazz! 

JUST LIKE MY STEP-DAD SAID-"YOU NEVER KNOW!"

     In helping a lady out with her groceries Monday, I made note about her new plastic trash container laying in the back of her vehicle. She said that after 40 years of using the same one, she thought it time for a new one. Besides, the` old one was "that green color" from the 1970's. I commented that maybe she should clean it up and take it to the local antique store and maybe they would buy it. Ha!

       She indicated that she would probably hang on to it because "you never know!" It seemed like I used to hear that a lot from my step-dad, Maurice Korte. He was that frugal, German, Depression era, kind of guy. So that was just the way it was.

        I have told the story how that kind of thinking backfired one time. He was going to town to get a nut or bolt for something. It was funny in that he had what he wanted somewhere in the many coffee cans where he kept such things. None were marked! End of story!   

LONG'S SWEETCORN ONE OF BEST!

     I don't know how many times I have said in my life that sweetcorn is one food item I have never tired. Last night reminded me how true it still is today. I sat down to a couple of ears that I picked up while in Marshalltown this week from, to me. the best there is around-Long's  

     I know there are a few of you who are fans of Humphrey's "sugar" sweetcorn, but, I tried that one time and it was just too sweet. The corn I had last night were mature kernels and yet so soft to the bite it was heavenly. I have been buying Long's corn since I can't remember from their spot in the K Mart strip mall. Two more tonite with a Muscatine Melon! Life is good! 

NO ONE HAS ANSWERED THE BIG ISSUE!!

      I don't care who your candidate is or who your favorite news commentator or pundit is. The one big issue that is looming like an "elephant in the room" is the the national debt of around 20 TRILLION! Everyone has a way to spend, but, I still haven't heard a concrete way of bringing this debt down. And, what is really scary is that it has taken a long time to get it at that level and it will take time to bring it down!

THE STATE FAIR--ALMOST HERE!

       You may not be the Iowa State Fair lover like yours truly, but, it will be here next week. I am only planning to attend one day and that will probably be the Tuesday of  8/16/2016. I am like a little kid waiting for Christmas! 

HARDER TO REMEMBER THE CLOSER TO GOING OUT!

       The other night I was watching a show on FOX News. They were interviewing young people and showing them flash cards with pictures of past Presidents. Very few knew who Ronald Reagan or the likes of Jimmy Carter were by sight. Sad and pathetic.

      It reminded me that at one time I could start with at least FDR Roosevelt and rattle off every President with the year elected up until the present. So, after I watched that show, I tried to go through them after I had gone to bed. I laid there and realized that I couldn't go through the list like I used to. I actually had to stop and think about other things that were significant at the time to relate. A couple of Presidents I had to think hard if they were in for one or two terms. 

      Maybe it is good that I can still go through the list of Presidents even without my "when I was a younger man" speed! Maybe the important thing is to keep going over them from time` to time. A lot of these tests you see on Facebook are good ways to test your memory skills. One that did make me feel good was a geography quiz that was a blank map of the USA. I was able to identify the states by site. I guess it is true that "If you don't use it you will lose it!"