History: History of Doon 1868-1992; Lyon County, Iowa
******************************************************
USGENWEB ARCHIVES PROJECT NOTICE: These electronic pages may
NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other
organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this
material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal
representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb
archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given
permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently
for free access.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/
******************************************************
The USGenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the
general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that
this material not be used in a commercial manner. All submissions
become part of the permanent collection. This file was contributed for
use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Roseanna Zehner <mslace@netins.net>
December, 2002
______________________________________________________
NOTE: For more information on Lyon County, Iowa
Please visit the Lyon County, IAGenWeb page
at http://iagenweb.org/lyon/
______________________________________________________
History of Doon
Little Bits of Yesterday 1868-1959
Historical bits from the Doon Press files by Galen Lawrence
1868-H.D. Rice pioneer settlement near forks of Little Rock and Big Rock Rivers
which was destined to later develop into the incorporated town of Doon.
1869-Rice erects frame house...First on Rock River...Developed into a stopover
for settlers.
1871-Doon established on 1st mail route through county...State line from LeMars
to Luverne.
1872-First issue of Lyon County Press published by editor L.B. Raymond. It was
claimed by the editor to be the first paper in Lyon County. The publisher goes
into detail explaining why Lyon County was the best county in the 9th
district...Lyon County was organized in January of this year and set off from
Woodbury County... There were three civil townships: Doon, Rock, Lyon... The
present site of Doon was surveyed and platted... 1st County fair held at Doon
October 9th, 10th, and 11th complete with agricultural exhibits and racetrack.
1873-1883-Settlement at standstill as a result of grasshoppers, known as "The
Plague Years."
1879-Omaha Railroad comes to town. Doon is southern terminal.
1880-North Doon is platted.
1881-One of the worst winters in Lyon County...Blinding snow storms and severe
cold...raging floods in the sprng...bridges lost at Rock Rapids and Doon.
1882-Garfield Township organized...Doon Township is divided into two parts,
Garfield being the east half and Doon being the west.
1888-Great blizzard of short duration but of very destructive nature...all the
more so because there were few houses and windbreaks.
1889-Winter must be coming for H.D. Rice has put up the storm porch to the
"Bonnie Doon" and he is one of our oldest inhabitants...The S.C.&N. depot is
enclosed...W.S. Kaufman has now full possession of the Post Office. He is a good
businessman and will no doubt fill the office with credit to himself and
satisfaction to the patrons... More of Doon is platted September 6th by George
Bowers, and Bonnie Doon on November 9th by Mary Hubbard... Lyon County Press
started publications this year. Editor and proprietor B.H. Perkins... Dr. Gurney
is looking after the drug store, which he is erecting here. Doon was fortunate
in securing the doctor and he was also fortunate in escaping the semi-
civilization of Sheldon and Rock Rapids... Mr. Mike Nagel has a horse that is 36
years old and apparently good for 10 more... Many strangers are seen on our
streets lately. Indeed Doon is much visited... The Omaha Company is moving their
stockyards to make room for new streets in our growing town... Duncan is siding
up his meat market himself. We suppose he is what carpenters would call a wood
butcher... Charles Creglow has purchased his books for the Doon Savings Bank,
and they are elegant and complete. Charles will no doubt enjoy having them
balanced to the cent.
1891-The WCTU will give a shadow sociable in the church parlor on Wednesday
next, January 27th, all are invited...
MILK! MILK!! Enquire of B.F. Cogswell on Prospect Hill, south side of Main
Street... Doon is incorporated! It would do no harm to have some of the ice
removed from the sidewalks... The elevator and cleaning house is fast nearing
completion and in a few days our people will hear its 6, 12, and 6 O'Clock
whistle. Doon is going to be a rip-roarer and don't you forget it!... Kaufman
says he has sold 48 lots and all of these will be built on this year... If you
desire a beautiful complexion absolutely free from pimples and blotches, purify
your blood by the use of Sarsaparilla... Loutsch and Scott closed a deal by
which they disposed of their stock of goods to A.E. and F.A. Kahl of Belmond,
Iowa. This is one of our best business firms.
1893-In the show windows of many of the business houses in Doon may be seen fine
samples of corn grown in Lyon County this season, which cannot be beaten in the
world... Louis Shatswell, 10 years old, was found dead in a cornfield from a
bullet wound. The events leading up to the death were not known... John Curtis
made an overland trip to Canton Tuesday... G.W. Holmes has just completed a barn
on his property south of this office.
1894-File missing.
1895-File missing.
1896-Editor observes, "With the present fashions and colors in hats and gowns
some of the garden parties this spring look like a picnic at an insane
asylum"...
May 28, the Baptist will dedicate their new church building in Doon next
Sunday... Water works a sure thing. Material will be shipped soon to begin
construction of Doon's Waterworks system. First the tower and tank will be
built. After 3 elections Doon has decided on the waterworks... Doon High's first
graduating class graduates are-Roy Jenkins, Madge Durham, and Helen Scott.
1897-Mrs. Mary Hubbard attended the inauguration of William McKinley... A grand
Valentine Masquerade Ball will be given at Montgomery Hall February 12-supper
served at Mrs. Kirch's at 50 cents a couple... Doon was cut off from the rest of
the world by floods, bridges washed away, and railroads closed for an indefinite
time. Wagon bridges in all directions yielded to the pressures if water and
ice... Invitations are out for a grand social ball to be given in Doon tonight.
A Sioux City harpist has been secured... Pat Fitzgerald of Rock Valley is doing
mason work at the foundation for the water tower...Doon businessmen have
subscribed for a telephone line between Hoff's drug store and depot... The price
paid for grain in Doon will be as high as any. Doon has, if anything, a little
advantage of shipping facilities and 6 elevators in Doon make for keen
competition.
1898-Commencement exercises will be held June 3rd for Doon High's first
graduating class. The graduates are Roy Jenkins, Madge Dunham, and Helen
Scott... Graham and Clipper built a row boat this week, is intended to be used
as a torpedo boat destroyer in our war with Spain and will be launched in Mud
Creek next week... Doon is considered a mighty lively town. The carpenters
hammer is heard from early morn till dewey eve. No groups of men congregate on
dry goods boxes or sit on the edge of the sidewalk talking idle gossip.
Improvements are going on continually, and one can hardly keep track of the
growth... John Hasche has leased the Zorn meat market... A young woman was asked
why she didn't get married. Her reply will give young fellows forming habits
something to think about. Here it is. "I have considerable money of my own-I
have a parrot that swears, a monkey that chews, and a stove that smokes, so you
see that I am not very badly in need of a husband"... Ramaker finished grinding
this year's crop of sugar cane last Saturday. He made 1,500 gallons of genuine
sorghum this fall and expects to double that quantity next season.
1899-J.R. Kelley has opened a harness shop in the August Kahl building... Local
postmaster Eilers says "NO letters will be delivered until they are received.
And don't blame me if Aunt Minnie didn't write!"...Dr. Brink, C. Ross and
several others will put in telephone lines between their places of business and
residences as soon as spring opens... The Garfield lyceum at the Weatherly
School House Tuesday night was well attended-the question for the next meeting
is resolved-"That there is more pleasure in pursuit than possession." ...$600 of
the latest improved machinery will be added to the Doon Creamery soon. The
farmer will be able to get his butter made for 3 cents a pound... Dr. Brott
arrives in Doon... A Gun Club has recently been organized... A new tin roof has
been put on the Doon Savings Bank... The Old Maids Convention is to be held June
19... A lawn social at the home of A.S. Gillin proved to be very profitable.
1900-The hog market is on the boom. The top price paid at Sioux City Wednesday
was $5.10... A large number of new hitching posts have been placed along Hubbard
Avenue last week... C. Ross supplied his customers with some very beautiful
calendars... A special train was run over the Doon branch to Adrian, Minnesota
for a ball game there. The special pulled 276 passengers... The Catholic Church
is being repaired, a new steeple is being built, and the whole building will be
repainted... 65 teams were counted on the street at one time last Saturday. This
is a good showing and it proves that Doon is strictly it when it comes to
business... Mr. Creglow is having a sidewalk built along his property south of
the Bonnie Doon Hotel. A large gasoline lamp was put up on Main Street. If it
proves satisfactory several more will be put up... The Omaha railroad has put on
a special stock train between here and Luverne to run every Monday night. It
leaves the Doon terminal at 8:30.
1901-The City Meat Market in Doon was closed a few days this week but has
reopened under the management of Mr. Zorn... Doon is to have a brass band. Homer
Skinner, Walter Gurney, Charles Buschane, Chester Harvey, and Charles Carver
have already procured their instruments and enough others have decided to make
it a full band... H.D. Rice is making an efficient landlord, keeping his Bonnie
Doon Hotel in first class style... Charles Rocker was again tried for the murder
of August Schroeder after new evidence had been found. He was found guilty and
sentenced to prison... The firemen have put new gangs on their hose carts...
Marshall's salary raised to $45. M. Rodman hired... Chancy McDowell has severed
his connections with the Omaha Company as agent and is now assisting in the Doon
Savings Bank.
1902-The kangaroo walk is the latest dance step... Cement sidewalks gradually
becoming "the Vogue... Henry Kahl is preparing to open his new dry goods and
grocery store in Doon... Doon mill is running again after being closed for
repairs... The Mann boys sawed a large pile of wood for the Bonnie Doon Hotel
this week.
1903-H.D. Rice passes on to his heavenly reward, his remains were returned to
New York.
1904-The Bonnie Doon Hotel opened with George Jeffers as proprietor and
manager... Summer school has an enrollment of 42. The instructors are B.T. Yowel
who has economics, history, physiology, reading and orthography; W.S. Wilson who
had didactics, civics, arithmetic, physics, and bookkeeping; and A.W. Grisell,
who has algebra, grammar, and orthography... Weddings of interest-Minnie Kahl
and George Cobb; Minnie Drever and William Martin; Margaret Swenning and George
Honert... Dr. C.L. Guerney, long time doctor and drug store operator dies. The
funeral was conducted in the Congregational Church with Rev. Watts
officiating... Jack Collenbaugh says John Curtiss is too affectionate to be a
good liveryman.
1905-Elsie Bowers and A.H. Thompson married... George Graham and crew commenced
the work of remodeling the Woodman Hall on Tuesday. When the hall is completed
Doon will have a neat and comfortable house to hold her entertainments... Otto
Westphal was Santa Claus at the Congregational Church program. Henry Fleck
played the same part at the Baptist Church... More marriages-Sophia Helmers and
George Smith; William Klien and Katie Fink; Herman Witt and Anna Drier... Get
your oilcans filled at George DeBey's Hardware Store with Coad's Oils. Never
smokes the lamp chimney, the safest, and gives the best light... 'Tain't no use
to sit and whine, when no fish get tangled in your line, bait your hook with a
bumble bee, and keep on taking Rocky Mountain Tea--.A. Hoff... Mr. and Mrs.
Michael Nagel celebrated their 25th anniversary. Between three and four hundred
people were present... Cooking exhibition at the DeBey Hardware.
1906-The bowling alley is still the main center of attraction. It's owned by Mr.
Kahre... George Graham and crew are erecting a large barn for Mike Fox... More
weddings take place this year-Wallace Trigg and Mable Flemming; Henry Kahl and
Claudia Fitzgerald; Roy Mann and Matilda Wills; Vera Mead and Clarence
Lamberston... Mike Geraghty arrived in Doon to accept a position in the McKay
Barber Shop... Bridge over the Little Rock, east of Doon, has been newly planked
and fixed up generally... Marshall Searles was ordered to gather up all the
gambling slot machines-which he did... Henry Kahl had a great remodeling sale...
Pupils of Miss Hazel Eilers had a recital in the Congregational Church. Pupils
were-Regina Achatz, Helen Glissman, Laura Harvey, Delia Lulen, Walter House,
Anna Solon, Minnie Dykstra, Alice Bowers, Ella Glissman, Esther Anderson,
Winifred Elelis, Mattie Pickett, Lorena Ross, Mildred Ross, Jenie Harvey, Myrtle
Peterson... Council members this year-C. Ross, Dr. Brott, Fox, Drier, and
Reynolds... Bonnie Doon Hotel to reopen, J.F. Berger new owner... George Keiths
move back from Kansas... Round trip to California via the North Western line--
$56.75... Council orders cement sidewalk built within 30 days from May 31st.
1907-File missing.
1908-Weddings: Effie Grice and Charles Sawyer; Genevieve Solon and Howard
Vosburg... Dr. Chalmers, who recently came to Doon takes a wife-Miss Martha
Jeffer becomes his bride in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George
Jeffers... Editor Fitzgerald predicts someday man will stand on the moon... A
prompt alarm, turned in by Jake Mann, helped in keeping a fire at the Plymouth
Elevator confined to the building. The elevator with 2,000 bushels of grain was
totally destroyed... Doon High graduates-William Van Vhiet, Mable Collenbaugh,
Alice Bowers, Robert Williams, Mable Swening.
1910-Mr. J.A. Hoff, who has been in business in Doon for 17 years, sold his
drugstore to J.C. Becker of Ashton... Pupils in the Garfield Township school who
were neither absent or tardy for the month of January-Walter Hoppe; Alma Weise;
Ida Finck; Faith Reynolds; Conrad Otten; Ralph Otten; Gustav Nagel; Anna
Nagel... George Cobb of Ford Motor Company of Doon announcing sale of superior
Ford cars. Model T Touring car had following accessories and sold for $1,000;
magnets, 3 kerosene lamps, 2 gas lamps, windshield, speedometer, tools, tire
tools, gas lamp generator... Weddings-Minnie Feikema and Samuel Langhout; Minnie
Worth and Floyd Weatherly; Alice Bowers and Arthur White... Doon High graduates-
Henry Glissman, Ruth Achtz, Floyd Ross, Laura Greely, Lawrence Edwards, Ella
Glissman, Fred Collenbaugh, Grace Van Hoogdalen... First Reformed Church of Doon
was solemnly
dedicated. Rev. T. Douwstra presided.
1911-File missing.
1912-Weddings-George Swenning and Stella Rogers; Susan Drier and Willim
Kersbergen; Nellie VanEngen and Henry Kosler; Frances Greely and Henry
VanDallen; Carl Meyers and Hattie Berg; Ella Smith and Charles DeGroot; Gerrit
Kirkvliet and Matilda VanAcken; Jens Rudi and Martha Engleking; Celia Engleking
and Hugo Schlimme... Mayor Bowers called his councilmen to order-Fleck,
McDowell, Schopp and Lewis. Motion carried that Henry Reyelts be allowed to
operate a single ten pin bowling alley on Lot 4, Block 12... New furniture store
opened for business in the Mason building west of the post office by Herman
Johnson... Lou Witt sells Corner Cafe to Will Curtis... Class of 1912-Hazel
Richardson, Donald Hayes, Althy Buschenfeld, Lorena Ross, Mildred Ross, Ethel
Hays, Dena Gillan, Vinal Barrett... Herman Klein, and sister Laura, drown in Big
Rock River. Mrs. W.E. Klein narrowly escapes drowning in attempt to save them.
1913-A jolly bunch of the "Henpecks" and their wives surprised the H.R.
Vosburgs. They came laden with baskets of food... John Case, (Civil War Vet, and
long time resident of Doon,) dies at age of 73... Weddings of note-William
Barton and Matie Sands; Edward Loveless and Pearl Sands; Jesse Searles and Clara
Warne; Andrew Klovstad and Martha Twitt; Mary Achatz and John Becker; Lena Smith
and Roy Penning; George Heine and Alice Johnson; Clinton Vosburg and Ruth
Johnson... While working on the Great Northern Bridge near Fargo, Ed Mann was
involved in an accident, which broke his right arm, right leg and ankle... The
Scholtens, Weatherlys, Nagels, Keiths, Foxes, and Barrets gathered together at
the Maple Grove School for a spooky but happy Halloween evening of fun... New
consistory members at the First Reformed Church were George DeBey, William
Boscaljon, and Mr. Schilt... Graduating class for 1913-Anna VanDaalen, Dale
Buchanan, James Harvey, Howard Reynolds, Esther Anderson, and Hugo Glissman.
1914-Bull Motor tractor for sale. Does the work of 5 horses on drawbar, and 12
horses on belt. Only $395... Doon finally had a number of real auto accidents-
Saturday morning Arie Boscaljon and Ed Moore collided at VanDallen corner. W.S.
Gillan, Andrew Christensen, Henry Reyelts and C.F. Fitzgerald were going to the
Thyne Brothers sale when at the top of a hill a dog took after them and the
machine somehow overturned. No fatalities resulted from either accident...
Bonnie Doon changes hands again. It is now the property of John and M.D.
Swenning, now hotel keepers; G.L. Honert will operate the business for them...
Lancaster Barber Shop will now be known as Lancaster and Bartholomew... George
Lewis meets with serious accident. Death was narrowly avoided when Mr. Lewis was
penned under his overturned car. He was chanced upon almost immediately by Dr.
Chalmers. He, with other neighbors and passersby, finally lifted the car enough
to allow his freedom. Through excellent doctoring and care he is expected to
recover... Doon High graduates-Lillian Ross, Rich Ricke, Lyle Ricke, Wendell
Harvey, Bertha Bunning, Ida Thompson, Sadie Visser, Bessie Visser, Howard Homes,
Vera Minton, Anna Heyne, Alice Kloek, Omme Penning, George Moore, Monte Hodge,
Beatrice Minton, Lena Durnell... Weddings-Frank Achatz and Susan Lamb; Walter
Linton and Alva Hodge; Noah Penning and Elizabeth Johnson.
1915-File missing.
1916-Rich Ricke bought out his partner, Herman Bunge, in the Opera House and
also bought the Cosmo Theater from Frank Achatz and Charles Higgens. Ricke will
own the Cosmo...Doon streets will be dust free. Drayman Mackel has purchased a
sprinkler wagon for this purpose... W.S. Gillen, prominent in the mercantile
business here, died after a lingering illness... The Swenning Brothers sold
their cement block plant to Charles Aardema of Sioux Center... J.L. Weatherly
will conduct services in the Congregational Church here next Sunday... Miss Lulu
Bowen left to teach school again in Park City, Montana... Doon, Alvord and
Lester met on Davis Court to decide the tennis champions of Northwest Iowa...
The Manus Rodmans of Spencer, South Dakota moved into our locality... Col.
Andrew Brower local auctioneer has purchased the Southside Hardware Store...
Livestock shippers November 16th-1 car hogs each: J.H. VanEngen, Henry Kosters,
John Doherty, Ben Witt, Herbert Howen, Mike Johnson, and Peter Schwartz; car
cattle: Henry Reylets, Gerrit Klock.
1918-Farewell party for Dr. and Mrs. Chalmers... Organization of the Lyon County
Farm Bureau completed... Red Cross workshop open... George Bowers doing a good
real estate business... Wedding Bells-Floyd Richardson and Clare Almeda
Lutzke... August Kahl has purchased one half interest in the Cosmo Theater,
Doon's popular playhouse... Boscaljon and Brahm sell repair business at their
garage to Kay and VerDoorn... Bernard Mann is wearing his arm in a sling-result
of trying to crank his father's Ford car... Roy Searles moves here... Many
Veterans served from the Doon area. There were 6 casualties in WWI... Dr. Brott
died suddenly at his home. He had been a fine practicing doctor in Doon for 20
years... C. Ross gave his Sunday school class a treat yesterday by taking them
to the fair... Red Cross Auction brought $3,150. The highest price paid was
$126. for one freshly laid egg. Otto Westphal has been painting many buildings
on Main Street... After October 10th telephone operators will not be permitted
to tell the time of day or whether the train is late or on time... Congo Church
bell rings every morning at 8:15-all people of Doon should lift your hearts in
prayer.
1919-Arthur Clemens moves back to Doon... E.C. Konicek is back at his old job at
the First National Bank after his time in service. Lou Penning is also back at
his rural mail carrier route... Claus Buis is repairing the John DeBey house he
purchased... Gus Ricke sold his 44-acre farm to Otto Westphal for $150 per
acre... White McCauley, of Coal City, Indiana returned to Doon to work for Manus
Rodman... Andrew Flitch sold his quarter 3 miles SW of Doon to a M. Kooima of
Rock Valley, at $300 an acre... Doon's oldest Civil War veteran, John Shatswell,
dies... New clerk at Hoff's is Miss Alma Nagel. Sadie Visser is the new clerk at
the bank... Weddings-Floyd Lehman and Alma Nagel; Cleon Lawrence and Rachel
Reynolds; Ira Noteboom and Alice Mulder; George DeBey and Mrs. A.S. Schilstra;
Elnora Fisher and Vinal Barrett... Gus Ricke purchased the Dr. Chalmers home for
$4,500... Wright Holmes, former lumberyard manager in Doon, dies in Waterloo...
Elmer Mead and George Klock leave for college... Kersbergen sells City Cafe to
T.A. Ross... J.A. Hoff Drug Store to Floyd Ross and Hugo Glissman... Honert
sells Bonnie Doon Hotel to Charles Weibers of White, South Dakota... Carl Nagel
buys ½ interest in Pool Hall and Billiard Parlor... New mail carriers Rich Ricke
and Carl Nagel.
1920-Frank Smith returns to Doon from Illinois... Cornelius and Henry Ross
entertained at a stag party at the C. Ross residence... Dr. Kooiker bought the
Robert DeYoung house one block south of the Congo Church for $8,000... Married-
Frank Smith and Goldie Van Gorkam; Cornelius Bloomendaal and Hattie Bakker;
Cornie DeBondt and Marie Visser; Elsie Kirk and Thomas Norris; Harry Smith and
Mayme Fox; George Scholten and Myrtle Halvorson; Rich Ricke and Laura Shaw...
Doon students win honors in Declamatory Contest-Marian McDowell, Opal Searls,
and Cecelia Klock... Mrs. Richard Ricke was treated at a Sioux Falls hospital
after swallowing a tack... Doon is getting a new sewer... Herman Bunge completed
his new house in the SE part of town... Charles Kohnen started digging the
basement for his new home on Main Street... James Scholten and Peter Decker
bought the KT Cafe... Mrs. A. Hodge received first prize on her butter at the
county fair. Mrs. George Graham got second prize on her angel food cake... Bank
puts in safety deposit vault... Married-Coyla Weatherly and Tim Rohweller;
Clarence Eder and Kathryn Feikema; Fred Johnson and Karoline Finck.
1921-Carl Nagel and Magdalene Laackmann married.
1922-High School Class-Henry Scholten, Arnold Ross, Opal Searles, Beulah Kahl,
Hendrienna Visser, Melvin Swenning, Kathryn Schilstra, Amy Hodge... Married-
Elsie Brinkhouse and Roy Ricke.
1923-The Woodmen held their annual installation. Officers were-M.R. Karpen, C.F.
Krueger, Will Schmidt, C. Ross, Joseph Kleespies, M. Brinkhous, W.F. Schultz,
and George Schmidt... 250 tons of ice put up by Chris Nelson and crew... Hazel
Dewey entered State Normal College at Cedar Falls... Monte Hodge has taken a job
at the City Meat Market... Barn Dance was held at the John Gately farm... Elsie
Klein left for Des Moines to resume nurses training... Married--Anna Frank and
Peter Wiese; Nonie Aardema and Grace Groen; Ralph Ray and Alice Klock; Fred
Brouwer and Wilma Den Hartog; Nick Jacobsma and Bertha Brunning; John Levering
and Hattie Slob; Faith Reynolds and Lester LeVesConte... Dr. E.J. Bild arrived
in Doon and is the new town doctor... The world's Baseball Series started.
Returns are being received at the Glissman Pharmacy, being phoned down from R.R.
where they are received by radio.
1924-Laid to rest-Harry Watke was struck by lightning and killed instantly last
Monday. Funeral at the Lutheran Church in Alvord... We solicit your patronage
Shaves and Haircuts - 10 and 25 cents - Children 15 cents - The Baker Barber
Shop... Bonnie Doon sold at Sheriff's sale. Sale was held to satisfy a judgement
held by John Bunning... High School Grads-Anna Aardema, Sylvia Swenning,
Gertrude Mann, Genevieve Kleespies, Leona Ricke, Elmer Athens, Delmar Honert,
Wallace Trigg... Barn dance at the P.W. Moeller Farm NE of Doon. Music by
stringed trio. All are cordially invited... VanDer Meer opened a new bakery in
town last week. He reports a good patronage... Marriages-Albert Pap and Susie
VanEngen, and at the same ceremony-Dick VanEngen and Henrietta Pap; Jake Gorter
and Lucy Buwalda; Belle Spinden and Newton Davis; Ethel Holtrop and Jacob Boer;
R. Armistead and Lillian Logan.
1926-Eight graduate from High School-Sylvester Buis;, Francis Mann, Clifton
Ross, Alice Johnson, Walter Schultz, Jr., Charles Bild, Clare Hodge, and Arend
Hoff... John Meyer is driving a new Jewett Coach... The city officials made a
deal Monday in which they sold the town hall (the Old Baptist Church Building)
to the Protestant Christian Reformed Church for $1900... A new tennis Club was
organized. Doon will have tennis again!... Marshall Harm Koltoff got a raise of
$10 - His monthly salary is now $90...Contractor A.W. Anderson is starting on a
new barn on the Landman Brothers farm west of Doon... J.A. Mann is driving a new
sport roadster Buick... The "King of Trails" highway which passes through Doon
takes a new name now and is known as US 75.
1927-The cosmo Cafe was packed Saturday evening with Doon Theatre goers who saw
"All Around the Frying Pan"... Egg dealers must start candling eggs May 1st
according to the Department of Agriculture... Hardware owned by the Scholtens
will close, but George Scholten will continue with his efficient plumbing
business... The First English Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Doon was
organized... Officers of the church are-J.F. Kahlen, C. Ross, L.J. Dehn, C.D.
Cornnick, John Hollander and Henry Reyelts... Wed-Gustave Nagel and Edith
Gerdes; Albert Klein and Emilie Tank; Henry Ross and Ruth McCarty... Art Freese
of Sioux Falls buys Drug store from Hugo Glissman.
1928-Melvin Thompson and Dale Hodge motored to Sioux City early Sunday morning
on business. At least that's what Swede says... Junior Class Play-"Cyclone
Sally." The cast included Homer Ross, Velma Chalmers, Elmer Klanderud, Elmer
Bild, Martha Lewis, Dorothy Rodman, Effie Vardou and Florence Bunge... Dale
Hodge sells Corner Cafe to Lou Laackman...
More wedding bells,-Viva Johnson and Otto Berg; Nellie DeGroot and John Pap;
Rudolph Hasche and Alta Childress; Albert Hubers and Grace Bouwer; Albert
VanEngen and Coba Levering; Alice Hoogland and John Hoff, Jr.; Arthur Visser and
Jennie Graham; Robert Zorn and Emma Martens; Harold Zorn and Marie Kruse;
Nicholas Koel and Grace VanEngen; Al Scholten and Thelma Nelson.
1929-Christian School Graduates-Elizabeth Brower, Helen Van Tol, Bernie Faber,
Nick Zwaan, and Bessie VanTol. Sidney Wiersma, Principal.
1930---Christian School Graduates: Sadie Van Engen, Marsha De Boer, Cora Van Tol
and Floyd Fiekema. Sidney Wiersma, Principal.
1931--Christian School Graduates: Katheryn Van Tol, Frieda Faber, Henry De Bie,
Cornie Van Tol, William Bloemendaal, Robert De Jong and Eilert Bloemendaal. Ed
Ver Maat, Principal
1932---Christian School Graduates: Wilhelmina De Bie, Magdalena Van Tol, Anna
Gorter, Elvin Mulder and Ted Faber. Ed Ver Maat, Principal
1933---Doon Press headline: "Let us face 1933 with stout hearts and heads held
high and be glad we are here"...Interstate Commerce Commission recommends
abandonment of the Omaha (Bonnie Doon) line from Doon to Luverne...Bargains from
C. Ross "The Big Store:" apples--2 cents, handerchiefs--1 cent, onions at 1 cent
a pound, 5 pounds oatmeal 11 cents, 8 oz. furniture polish--10 cents---Sheriff
asked to check up on illegal use of slot machines in Lyon County...If you want
to spend a quiet evening at home, buy your wife a jigsaw puzzle---Doon Press---
$1.00 per year if paid strictly in advance... Weddings---Mary Frances Fox and
Charles Young... R.R. Thompson, Press editor, writes, "It is the last issue of
"Doon Press" unless advertising picks up. The Doon Press is Doon's oldest
institution. Must it die?"... Public school graduated: Katherine Reynolds,
Marion Smith, Gervinier Pickett, Viola Ross... Christian School graduates: Rena
Gorter, Irene Faber, Katheryn Terpstra, Gladys Van Engen, Ann Van Bosch, John
Fiekema, Robert Mulder, John Kuiper and Freda Faber. Ed Ver Maat, Principal.
1934---Harold Stearns is new editor of Doon Press. Kenneth "Shine" Mann killed
by a caterpillar tractor overturning on him. Fred Griner is public school
superintendent. E. J. Bild is local doctor...Doon barber Gerrit Van
Surksum...Postmaster General recommends reduction of postage stamp from 3c to
2c...Public high school graduates: Lester Smith, Robert Kersbergen, Alfred
Steinbrook, Frank Whealon, Helen Laackman and Elmer Anderson... Married---Leona
Ricke and James Ter Veer... Christian School graduates: Grace VanTol, Marion
Faber, Esther Faber, Inez Faber, Edna Mulder, Lawrence Gorter and Jennie Zwok.
Arnold Christians, Principal.
1935---Married: Francis Faber and Gertrude Vander Plaats...Christian School
graduates: Fannie Vant Hul, Jennie Bloemendaal, Henrietta Kuiper, Elizabeth
Faber, Josephine Van Engen, Garrett Lems and Lawrence Gorter...Principal, Arnold
Christians... Public high school graduates: Florence Niehous, Elverna Howen.
Smallest graduating class from Doon High School... Weddings: Roy Mulder and Anna
VanOtterlon, Coba Van Sloten and Ted Boersma, Jennie Schuman and Jake Mellema,
Muriel Rogers and Carl Stapenhorst, Dorothy Schilt and John Schurman, Florence
Klock and Jack Stolp... N.W. Bell puts new central office into service in
Doon... Future of Doon band hangs in balance---attendance at next rehearsal will
decide fate... Colored resident of Doon, Joe Lucerne, spins fairy tale of wealth
and achievements...Several Doon residents fall for his story... 200 attend old
settlers picnic...Ira Vail of Canton is new band director... Highway 75 to be
paved from Sioux County line to Lakewood Bridge.
1936---Doon Press editor: Harold Stearns...Fairview band will assist the Doon
band in their regular free band concerts on Saturday evenings...Public school
reports enrollment of 161 students. Christian School 65 students. Weddings;
Edward Hollander and Rose Schuett, Robert DeJong and Hilda Schoon, Ernest Iwen
and Lucille Chester, Donald Mann and Ruth Runge, George Breckle and Emily Ross.
Public High School graduates: Frances Anderson, Florence Mann, Ralph Ross, Jack
Larson, Vincent LeMonds, Evelyn Schemmel, John Kolthoff and Floyd
Feikema...Christian School graduates: Harriet Baron, Theresa Van Den Bosch,,
Francis Faber, Sadie Faber, Peter Bloemendaal, Walter Hockstra and Alfred
Hubers. Arnold Christians, Principal...Severe summer drought---corn yields
running between 0 to 7 bushels per acre. Record snows and cold in winter of
'36...Garfield New Deal political rally...C.B. Reynolds, Chairman---Mrs. Elmer
Haas, announcer...Citizens ask for new addition to public school Doon is only
town in county that does not have a modern, fireproof public school with gym.
1937---Ripley Players in Doon Saturday night presenting "Treasure Island" at
Woodman Hall...Wally Fiesells Brass Rail and moves to George... Rev. Cheney
accepts call to Congregational Church...Fred Griner re-elected as superintendent
of Public School at a salary of $1,650 per year...Doon office of Rock Rapids
State Bank closed...Doon citizens dissatisfied with operation...Valley State
Bank of Rock Valley to open new office soon...Doon band concerts every Saturday
night...Christian School graduates: Antonette Faber, Fannie Bloemendaal, Aida
Hockstra, Nellie Van Engen, John Gorter and Abben Fiekema, Arnold Christians,
Principal. Public High School graduates: Donald Rohweller, Warren Lehman, Rena
Gorter, Carole LeMonds, Mary Hockstra, Mildred Lewis, Irene Faber and Sadie
DeGroot.
1938---Doon High School meets Alvord basketeers on return game. Doon will not
forget the merciless 98-7 drubbing in opening game...
Doon High School wins first game of season over Little Rock by score of 13 to
10...High School music groups present "Bits of Blarney"...Does Doon want a new
public school? Applications must be sent to the Public Works Administration,
Washington, D.C....Doon will get highway 167 paved---credit to good roads
committee and especially C. Ross...Doon citizens vote for a new public school by
a wide margin. Weddings: Wilhelmina Westyn and Julius Levering, Margaret
Erickson and Homer Ross, Catherine Rygg and August Ross, Bertha Tiedeman and
Ivan Anderson, Frances Anderson and Judson Smith, Anna Wiedema and Henry
Zylstra, Elmer Nichaus and Agnes Swench, Inez Faber and John VanEngen...Public
School graduates: Howard Lawrence, Henry Levering, Peter Van Den Oever, Warren
Anderson, Charles Iwen, Henrietta Kolthoff, Ethylene Bennet, Marguerite Scholten
and Mildred Witt...Christian School graduates: Mildred Mulder, Mina Levering,
Margaret Faber, Myrtle Boer, Harvey VanEngen and Julius Stellinga. Arnold
Christians, Principal.
1939---Number of farm tractors is steadily increasing, but first few years of
ownership does not result in saving...C. Ross, pioneer merchant and community
builder taken by death...400 attend funeral...Yvonne Iwen has been selected as
Miss Doon...50 hoboes register at Hobo Park west of Doon...Congregationalists
plan celebration of church's 50th anniversary...Dr. E.J. Bild to leave
Doon...Weddings: Henrietta Kosters and Delbert Faber, Luella Strange and Walter
Tiedeman, Emma Lange and Kenneth Brinkhous, Barbara DeBoer and J.W. VanTol,
Viola Hanzen and Louise Watke,, Grace Scholten and Royce Weatherly, Viola Ross
and Dr. H.W. Schoon, Alice Whealon and A.C. Klimesh...High school graduates
largest class in eight years: Henrietta Kuiper, Charlotte Rohweller, Lorrain
Watt, Francis Penning, Jack Kersbergen, Lloyd Dreier, Harold Dreier, Yvonne
Iwen, Galen Lawrence, Mildred Barb, Henry Stellinga, Francis Bauer and Anna
DeGroot, Fred Griner, Supt. Christian School graduates: Betty Jane DeJong,
Geraldine Lems, Clarence Gorter and Marie Ten Harmsel. Al Spyker, Principal.
1940---President of U.S. approves proposal for new Doon High School...work
starts on new school---36 WPA workers and 13 Doon men employed...Dr. Thayer is
new physician in Doon...Shooting on streets of Doon---three were injured and a
4th taken in custody of sheriff...Recheck of census reveals town still has
population of 576 instead of 542 as first reported...Superintendent Fred Grimer
resigns---C. Arthur Hansen is new school head...Doon trucker, Wade Wells, killed
in car-truck crash near 'million dollar corner.'...Companion Kenneth Larson has
miraculous escape from death...Doon is site of Lyon County corn husking contest
to be held on Dick Van Engen farm...Raging blizzard hits northwest Iowa on
Armistice Day...Weddings; Greta Grandstra and Henry Levering, Gertie Bon and
Henry Hymans, Edna Mulder and Clarence DeJong, Inez Faber and Elvin Mulder, Tena
Nagel and Louise Nagel, and a double wedding: Bernard Faber and Pearl DeJong,
and Bill Faber and Marse VanGooer...Graduating seniors: Betty Lou Nagel, Floyd
Nichous, Ruth Lehman, John VerMaas, Kenneth Larson and Myona Vander
Stowe...Class of eleven largest in history of Christian school graduates Marion
Van Engen, Hermina Kosters, Margaret Bloemendaal, Grace Zwaan, Jeanette
Stelinga, Mildred Gort, Fred Boer, Gerald Van Engen, Edward Bonestroo, Hilbert
Kuiper and Harold Kosters.
1941---Dial telephone system in operation in Doon...Joyce Ray competes in state
driving contest---rated one of 12 best girl drivers in Iowa...U.S. declares war
on Japan...Doon young men register for draft...Doon's new streamlined, modern
school completed at cost of $93,300---to be dedicated August 29th...Woodman Hall
sold for $200 and resold for $225---buyer plans to wreck it and salvage
lumber...High School graduates: James Anderson, Collin LeMonds, Grace Laackman,
George Scholten and Joyce Ray (first class to graduate from new
school)...Christian School graduates: Mary Gorter, Lawrence Gorter, Fred
Holtrop, John Otlen, Bernard Len Harmsel and Leonard Lems. Al Spyker, Principal.
1942---Many more young men reporting for selective service---at least 25 from
Doon---Robert Kersbergen, Raymond Tacke and Lawrence Finck report for duty from
National Guard...Doon to host Lyon County basketball tournament in new high
school gym...Weddings: Marion Mann and Joseph Ryan, Coba TerMaat and John
Mulder, Gertrude Baker and Sam Veldtkamp, Millie Finck and Neal Brower, Renola
Beck and Donald DeGraff, Henrietta Finck and Sargent Ribbentrop, Charlotte
Rohweller and Lee Atward, Marguerite Scholten and William Jolley, Stanley
Whealon and Arlene Kraft, Jack Schultz and Mary McEleny, Henry Stellings and
Dorothy Kelderman...Christian School graduates: Judy VanEngen, Kathryn Dykstra,
Mildred Van Engen, Joan Kuiper, Henry Boer, Leonard Zwaan, Earl VanEngen and
Herbert VanEngen. G. Van Gelder, Principal. High School graduates: Wayne Nebben,
Bob Whealan, Julius Stellings, Gilbert Kohmen, Ralph Kopsay, Florence Veldtkamp,
William Larson, William Kenzer, Helen Mae Penning, Luis Bauer and Opal Smith.
Arthur Hansen, Supt.
1943---Doon Press discontinued...Editor Harold Stearns moves to Inwood...High
School graduates: Duane Lawrence, Jane Lawrence, Thelma File, Geraldine Lems,
Eugene Kohnen, Wanda Nagel and Emmer Smith, Arthur Hansen, Supt...Christian
School graduates: Louise DeBoer, Henrietta Zwaan Hester Otten and Kenneth
Brower. Kathryn Zylstra, Principal.
1944---No newspaper...Public High School graduates: Don Boscaljon, John Freese,
Ellen Hubers, Jeanette Stellings, Donald Bauer and Grace Zwaan. Arthur Hansen,
Supt...Christian School graduates: Corynna Lems, Harriet Faber, Priscilla
Kelderman, Evelyn TerMaat, Henrietta Den Besten...Delmar Otten, Alyda Wielenga
and Nick Bloemendaal. Miss Emma Vander Spoel, Principal.
1945---No newspaper...Public High School graduates: Cris Ten Braak, John Kopsas,
Lawrence Gorter, Freda Brower and john Gort, Supt. Lauver...Christian School
graduates: Lawrne Kelderman, Cliff Brower, Agnes Levering, Joyce Gort, Nella
Faber, Joyce Mulder, Bill Mantel and Don Aardema. Miss Emma Vander Spoel,
Principal.
1946---Doon Bargain Counter published by H. Kuiper...Public High School
graduates: Shirley Hubers, Aric Ver Maas, Muriel Hougeveen, Doris Stengel, Lila
Jean Hass and Leonard Zwaan. Edward Kragt, Supt...Christian School graduates:
Anna MacVande Vegte, Willmanette Kelderman, Henry Van Bemmel, Delphine Van
Engen, Julia Pap, Leo Van Tol, Marion Harmsen, Lenny TeStaa and Gerald Lems.
Miss Emma Vander Spoel, Principal.
1947---Harold Aardema begins publication of Doon Reminder...New sources
unavailable 1947 - 1`957...Doon High School graduates: Gordon Boscaljon,
Gwendolyn Hoogeveen, Elfreda Brinkhous, Irene Nagel, LeRoy Nagel, Ronald Hasche
and Darwin Wrightman. Supt. Taylor...Christian School graduates: Tillie
Hoogland, Theresa Otten, Betty DeGroot, Joawn Van Oort, Henry Kuiper, Gertrude
Van Bemmel and Louise Heinsma. Miss M. Vander Werff, Principal.
1948---Public School graduates: Harold Aardema, Eleanor Nagel, Nadine Helder,
Donna Keegan, Gene Bunch, Martha Timmer, Dorothy Dykstra, Corynna Lems and
Marlys Postma. C.T. Yestness, Supt. Christian School graduates: Marie Van
Bemmel, Nella Pap, Sidney Stellinga, Joe Van Engen, Jim Van Engen and Clifford
Van De Vegte. Miss M. Vander Werff, Principal.
1949---Public High School graduates: Donald Aardema, Joe Keegan, Evelyn DeJong,
Louie Kopsas, Marilyn Dykstra, Agnes Levering, Nella Faber, Bill Mandel, Roland
Ross, Delores Schlotfeldt, Louise Sobl, Marjorie Stellings, Esther Suenjes, Jake
Teunneson, Marianne Wagner and Lois Zorn. This was one of the largest classes to
graduate from the Doon High School. Christian School graduates: Mary Anne
Wielenga, Grace Marie Mantel, Kitty Joy Van Tol, Norma Te Staa, Betty Hoogland,
Mildred Harmsen, Eileen Hockstra, Herman Braxvpprt. Wilber Docksen. and Grace
Blocsmendaal. Mr. G. Besselsen, Principal.
1950---Christian School graduates: Donna Heinsma, Henrietta Van Tol, Marjorie
Gorter, Janice Van Engen, Dale Dykstra, Duane Pap and Leonard Van Bemmel. Mr. G.
Besselsen, Principal. Public High School graduates: Mervin Hasche, Lewis Hobson,
Mary Kirk, Gerald Lems, Ellen Hoppe, LeRoy Te Slaa, James Wells, Don Wightman
and Harriet Zigtema. C.T. Yetness, Supt.
1951---Public High School graduates: Margaret Dykstra, Carol Yestness,
Cynthianne Stiemjes, Alma Jean Lehman, Arlene Tecken, Luetta Nagel, LeMond
Pickett, Madison Kruger, Virgel Schlotteldt, Frank Boon and Willard Boscaljon.
Christian School graduates: Elizabeth Van Tol, Jane Lems, Gilenda Bruxvoort,
Shirley Aardema, Donald Kelderman, Peter Hoogland, Stanley Aardema and Arnold
Van Engen. Mr. G. Besselsen, Principal.
1952---Public High School graduates: Earl Gort, Hank Vlastuin, Sid Stellinga,
Richard Hobson, Norman Bauer, Barbara Ross, Marion Blick, Leland Steltnichs,
Gilbert Teunissen, Bill Sneller, Larry Laackman, Alvin Kelderman, Frederick
Elbert. C.T. Yestness, Superintendent.
Christian School graduates: William Den Besten, Johanna Pap, Joy Van Oort, June
Van Engen, Norma Faber, Gerald Gorter, Donald Pap, Clarence Vander Woude, Irwin
Bruxvoort, Dale Vink, Jun Otten and Harlan Van Engen. G. Besselsen, Principal.
1953---Public High School graduates: Mary Lou Stueven, Norman Hass, Julia
Brower, Arietta Boon, Angela Bauwman, Henry Dykstra, Phyllis Hasche, Giles
Kruger, Leonard Nagel, Arlene Nagel, Lou Ann Ross, Donald Schlofeldt, Theodore
Stientjes, Norma Jean TerSlaa, and Bonnie Wells. C.T. Yestness, Supt...Christian
School graduates: Joan Mantel, Marge Bouma, Iona Mantel, Kathleen Hubers, Ronald
Heinsma, Cornie Hoogland and Cornelius Van Tol. G. Besselsen, Principal.
1954---Christian School graduates: Dorothy Gorter, Gertrude Winnierswyk, Gerdena
Bouma, Judith VanDeWeerd, Betty Van De Vegre, Elroy Van Engen, Dale Van Engen
and Kenneth Postra. G.Besselsen, Principal. Public High School graduates: Starr
Kruger, Crystal Van Dyke, Donald Moget, Marjorie Gorter, Elaine Torker, Jack
Keegan, Hester Van Tol, Virginia Nagel, Roger Hobson, Merlyn Steunichs, Janet
Keegan, Helen Boscaljon and JoAnn Zorn. C.T. Yestness, Supt.
1955---Public High School graduates: Jay Wells, Delores Laackman, Eugene Hoppe,
Dorothea Browerk Lyman Hobson, LaVonne Nagel, Stanley Aardema, Mary Ann Mantel,
Grace Zwaan, Louis Sneller, Shirley Aankema, Grace Mantel, Allen Wightman, Norma
Jean Kirk, Arnold Techen, Jane Lems and Richard Iwen. C.T. Yestness, Supt...
Christian School graduates: Jacob Mantel, Janice Mantel, Cynthia Mantel, Karen
Lems, James Hubers, Alvin Van Bemmel, Henry Zwaain, William Van Tol, Norman Van
Engen Rodney Mulder and Joe Van Tol. G. Besselsen, Principal.
1956: Public High School graduates: Glenda Zigtema, Andrew Ten Braak, Lyle
Stettnichs, James Otten, Edward Nagel, Gus Kopsas, James Hoogeveen, Jack Fiser,
Herman DeJong, Ruby Buss & Marilyn Anderson. F.G. Leaply. Supt... Christian
School graduates: Ardell Gorter, Elaine Faber, Wanda Mulder, Irene Bloemendaal,
Elaine Hoekstra and Greta Van Engen. Ed Vander Pol, Principal.
1957---Christian School graduates: Arthur Van Tol, Harriet Bloemendaal, Marlene
Vander Woude, Wesley Hubers, Roger Pap, Judy Kraayenbrink, Janice Bankespoor and
Robert DeJong. Ed Vander Pol, Principal. Public High School graduates: Iona
Mantel, Marlene Anderson, Joanne Mantel, David Gerritsen and Dale Schmith.
William Lohrs, Principal.
1958---Doon Reminder News---Grand opening of LeMonds Clover Farm grocery store
and locker. Fie's Cafe---just the place for 'eats'...John Otten sells Johnnie's
Service to Case and Ben Teunivsen... 1958 Chevrolet for sale $2195.00...George
Scholten has farm auction...Frederick Manfred visits Doon...Public School
graduates: Richard Bahrenfus, Cornelius Boon, Marjorie Brinkhous, John Buss,
Marilyn DeJong, James DeRuyler, Terrance Flynn, Jodene Hass, Evelyn Nagel,
Julius Roth, Dean Schmith, Bernard Sneller and Louise Tecken. G.W. Bermer,
Supt...Christian School graduates: Arthur Stellinga, John Mantel, Sidney Kaiper,
Vernon Van Oort and Marion Van Benuntel. Ed Vander Pol, Principal.
1959---Frederick Manfred has new book on sale, "Riders of Judgment"...Doon High
School dramatics club presents "The Mystery of Mouldy Manor"...Sam Van Ketell's
Gamble Store is gathering place for Doon men to exchange jokes of local
'news'...Round Our Town
features Rick Ricke, local musician and composer...Country schools are
disappearing from the countryside...Doon joins Rock Rapids in forming Central
Lyon School District. All high school students attend school in Rock Rapids. All
junior high and elementary students south of a line one and one half miles north
of Lakewood (George) blacktop attend school in Doon...Fred Thornton is new Doon
barber...Garfield Mutual Telephone Company goes out of business...sale of
property Friday...Dec 18...Public School graduates: Valeta Siebrands, Darrell
Vande Vegte, Michelle Nagel, Norman Van Engen, Elaine Ver Beck, Karen Lems,
Karen DeJong, Alwayne Vande Kamp, Robert Iwen, Cynthia Mantel, Donald Anderson
and Joe Van Tol. This is the last class to be graduated from the Doon High
School. It served the Doon area well from 1896 to 1959. Christian School
graduates: Hurley Van Bemmel, Wilma Van Engen, Jay Stellings and Clarence Van
Tol. A. De Kam, Principal.