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A glimpse into the past... This building was dedicated January 4, 1874, by Bishop E. B. Kephart with Rev. E. H. Twining as Minister. A Sunday School was formed with J.F. Graham as Superintendent. In 1897 it was found necessary to enlarge the church. A League room was built on the south and two class rooms, pulpit and choir room on the north. A number of beautiful memorial windows were installed. Rev. Chew was the pastor. The church was dedicated October 16, 1898, by Dr. Crippen of Des Moines. In 1915 the church was raised and a complete basement made, which at the present time contains rest-rooms, nursery, Sunday School class rooms, a large room for meetings and dinners, and a complete kitchen. Many changes have been made between 1915 and the present time. The outside basement steps, and main entrance steps on the East, have been removed and a combined entrance made on the south. An oil furnace replaces the old coal and wood furnace, church has been rewired, painted on the inside and outside several times, ceiling tile installed, also terraza flooring, seats refinished and a new electric organ. The south room was remodeled and now contains the minister's office, Chapel, and cloak room and a full balcony. The two class rooms in the north were torn out to make more room for the altar, pulpit and choir. In 1963 a new altar was built and Rev. Potter designed and made three bronze symbols to be placed on the front of the altar. A parsonage was purchased in 1964, at 403 South Green Street, and the old parsonage sold. Many Memorials have been given to the church by members and friends. We are very grateful for them and say "Thanks" to the givers. We have had three members of our church to become ministers: Willard De Yoe, Butler Schreckengast and James Morris. At the present time our worship service is at 9:00 a.m., Sunday School 10:00 a.m. The U.M.W. meet at the church the first Thursday of each month. The Wesleyan Circle meets the second Wednesday of each month in homes. Mrs. Max Wolf is the organist and choir director. We are proud of our large adult choir and enjoy their special music each Sunday morning. January 1, 1973 the Wesley United Methodist Church was joined in a Yokefield Charge with the United Presby-terian Church with Rev. Don Callen as Minister. By Mrs. Tressie Schreckengast.
THE WESLEYAN CIRCLE On October 12, 1966, at 8:00 p.m., 14 ladies gathered at the home of Mary Ann Roegner. Their purpose was to organize a meeting to be held in the evening for anyone who worked or had little children and couldn't attend the regular W.S.C.S. meetings held during the day. The meeting was conducted by Gwynne Herr. Gwynne Herr was elected chairman. Shirley Woods was elected treasurer and Pat Potter was elected membership chairman. Twelve of the 14 present joined the circle. On April 12, 1967, it was decided that everyone should submit a name at their next meeting to be held May 10, 1967, to name the organization. "The Wesleyan Circle " was voted in. By Alice Greiner CHURCH OF CHRIST In July of 1894, a modest little tent was pitched upon Broadway and Evangelist A. F. Sanderson commenced the work of organizing a Church of Christ here. On the 12th day of August a Church was organized with a charter membership of 46. A. E. Stewart donated the two lots situated on the Northwest corner of Washington and Davis streets in Keota, opposite the public school grounds, for Church and parsonage purposes. Contracts were let, the work was immediately begun and the finished product now stands as an embellishment to our already beautiful little city. Such, in brief is the history of the origin of the building which was dedicated, Sunday, February 10, 1895. Until their new Church was completed the Christians used the Advent Church. There are a number of the families of the 46 charter members still living in and around Keota. To name some—Stoutner, Stewart, McNurlen, Longman. In 1910 or 1911 Rev. L. M. Dorreen came to Keota as Minister of the Christian Church and the Church really began to grow. The congregation soon outgrew the building. In May 1915 a new addition was started. The cornerstone
201 A glimpse into the past... for this was laid in September. Rev. Dorreen laid that stone. A metal box containing official papers and a Bible given by W. Teets was sealed within this stone. The new addition was 32 feet making the Church twice as large as the old one with a seating capacity of 650 to 700 people and was dedicated March 26, 1916. During the pastorate of Rev. Dorreen the Church grew by leaps and bounds. There were as many as 27 people baptized in one day. On February 14, 1918, there was a patriotic meeting held at the Christian Church. The main feature of the meeting was the unfurling of the service flag in honor of the boys who had gone out from Keota to fight for their country's honor and World Democracy. This flag was made by the Red Cross Society of Keota and on it were 30 some stars representing the boys who had gone from our town of Keota. Rev. C. F.Hoffman presented this flag to the town and Mayor McNurlen accepted it on behalf of the town. A patriotic lecture was given by Dr. L. G. Herbert who was here as the sixth and last number of Union Lyceum course. Following are names of those boys who were members of the Christian Church and who served their Country in World War I: Warren Statler, Ralph Young, Floyd Maule, Clark Teets, Harold Teets, Howard Stewart, Forest Embree. The Church continued to grow and be very active in all branches of religion. Then in 1941 our nation became involved in another war — World War II — and again the Christian Church gave some fine young men. Those names are as follows: James Mills, William Romine, Wayne Romine, Chester Pence, Dick Hudson, Everett Stoutner, Donald Baumert, Clarence Russell, Boyd Trier, Richard See, Burl Stoutner. In 1955 a service was held commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Church. At this meeting were two of the Charter Members—Mrs. Leo Stoutner and Mrs . Blanche Longman Holmes. In the early 1950's the Minister of the Church was the late C. P. Shepard. He once made this remark to his congregation: "I have been in many Churches in towns much larger than Keota and have never seen such beautiful windows as the ones in this Church." Rev. Shep ard wrote many lovely poems. Following is one written in honor of Keota. Keota the Golden Keota the golden The Buckle, and stay The Jewel on the corn belt Is shining today.
The Harvest is golden The beans and the corn Are pouring in torrents From Plenties great horn.
The Maples are Golden The fields are ablaze With beauty and wonder Of Autumn's rich days.
Keota the Golden God grant her to stand The buckle that fastens The belt of the land.
By Clayton Paul Shepard First Christian Church, Minister 1950 Keota, Iowa In the early '60's during the pastorate of Rev. Don Manwarren, the Church was completely redecorated. After all these years the Christian Church is still a very beautiful Church and a credit to the lovely town of Keota. The members are offering their heartiest congratulations to a town "KEOTA" of which they are very proud and wish the very best for our town for the next 100 years.
202 A glimpse into the past... ADVENT CHURCH Not much is known about the history of this denomination but on September 21, 1878, 16 members were added to the Seventh Day Adventists at a tent meeting held by Elder Pegg. Quoting from The Keota Eagle of October 8, 1881 — The Adventists have bought a lot situated between Mrs. Dryburgs and Rev. Bodkins and commenced to build a church thereon. I have been told that the Advent Church was located north of the Christian Church approximately where the property of Leroy Richardson or Mrs. Hazel Hicks are now located. Still quoting from The Keota Eagle of the above date in 1881 — the church will have a seating capacity for 150. Services are held in the school house while building is being built. December 10, 1881, Elder Pegg dedicated the new Adventist Church. The chairs came from Kulp's Hall. At one time there was quite a controversy going on through the columns of The Keota Eagle which lasted for several weeks - first one person and then another resident of the town taking a whack at Elder Pegg and then his replies. The scrap, as The Eagle put it, was on account of Pegg's painting the Advent Church on Sunday. ST. MARY'S CHURCH The first records of plans for building a Catholic Church in Keota date back to April 9, 1877, when a Rev. P. J. Lynch had mass at Kulp's Hall in Keota. He then proposed to erect a church in Keota the next fall. A "Catholic Fair" was held on the evenings of February 26, 27 and 28, 1878, at Kulp's Hall. On Tuesday evening of the Fair supper was served in the lower north room of the Bank building. The Fair closed at 10 o'clock and then the dance began. The proceeds of the Fair were to be applied toward erecting a Catholic Church in Keota. These plans never materialized. It was in the early 1900's that 18 families of the Catholic Faith of the Keota Community who had been attending church services in Harper and Clear Creek decided to build a church in Keota. Of these charter members only one remains, Mrs. Minnie Stewart, now of Washington, Iowa. A small frame church, 40 x 70 or 80 feet, was built. The corner stone was laid September 1, 1904. "The weather was favorable, perhaps 2,000 people were in attendance." It was dedicated on August 4, 1905, by Bishop Davis of the Davenport Diocese. St. Mary's Church was incorporated in the year 1912 under the guidance of Father N. J. Peiffer, vice-president; Bishop James Davis, president; and Sam Grabner, secretary-treasurer. Rt, Rev. J.T.A. Flannegan and John Ollinger were among the original incorporators. John Ollinger, Lawrence Bohrofen and Harley Harden were the first trustees of the parish. The first resident pastor was Rev. L. Heinen. In the year 1912 the frame rectory, now the sisters' convent, was built during the pastorate of Fr. N. J. Peiffer. In May of 1910 the church in Keota was equipped with a bell, a gift to the church from Elizabeth Fischer. The bell, the same size and weight as the one on the Keota Public School, bore the inscription in plain Roman letters, "Mary Elizabeth. Donated by Elizabeth Fischer dedicated to the Pour Souls." Miss Fischer who donated the bell had the honor of ringing it for the first time on Memorial Day 1910. This first structure served the parish until 1926 when plans had been made to build a new church for the young St. Mary's Parish. In 1926 the old building was torn down and work on a new edifice of brick construction was started. This was the ambition of the late Rev. B. J. Decker, pastor of St. Mary's at that time. However those plans were ended when the basement proper only was completed due to the financial condition of the parishioners. Severe hail storms wiped out all crops in two succeeding years and as a result only the basement of the proposed church was built. The basement was roofed over and church services were conducted in that part of the building. While the original church building was being torn down and the new basement church constructed, church services were held in what was then known as Houck's Hall (now the American Legion Hall). Then the depression and World War II prevented completion of the church. In 1940, when Rev. C. S. Kempker assumed the pastorate of St. Mary's, plans were started to complete the building but soon shortages of material developed due to the war-time demands and the project was again delayed. When material supplies loosened up, and the parish was finally in a position to finish the building, study of the plans showed that the building if completed on these foundations would be too small for the growing parish, which since 1926 had increased considerably and so entirely new plans were drawn up. The present St. Mary's Church and rectory of modified Gothic style architecture was built and furnished in 1949 at a cost of $200,000. It is located on the north end of a half-block bought in 1942 by Fr. C. S. Kempker at a tax sale for $643. The church was completed in 1950 in time for holding Easter Sunday services. The new church was dedicated June 8, 1950. A new Wicks two manual pipe organ, installed in the new church at Christmas time 1951, added much to the solemnity of divine services and marked Christmas 1951 as a memorable event in the history of St. Mary's, Keota. Three members of St. Mary's parish have been ordained to the priesthood. They are Rev. Omer B. Woltering, Rev. Sylvester A. Conrad and Rev. Henry Greiner. The present pastor is Rev. Wm. Snell.
203 A glimpse into the past...
204 A glimpse into the past... First Officers, January 1969: Chairman, Kenneth Jaeger; Vice-Chairman, Raymond Greiner; Secretary-Treasurer, Connie Sieren. All meetings of the Parish Council are open to all members of the parish. The Parish Council was instrumental in helping plan and implement the merger of St. Mary's Keota, and St. Elizabeth's Harper, Schools, forming the Keota-Harper Catholic School. St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society The first recorded activity of St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society was in 1908 with papers dating back to 1915. The pastor at that time was Rev. L. L. Heinen, President was Miss Lena Palm and Mrs. Mike Flander was Secretary and Treasurer. There were 63 dues-paying members in 1915. The Young Ladies Sodality numbered eight that year. The tradition of the Altar and Rosary Society was to have "coffees," "teas" and dinners as money raising projects to help support the church, rectory and school. The 1915 receipts were $971.20 with expenses listed as $841.66. Over the past years this group has continued to have dinners, etc., to assist with the upkeep of the parish. At present there are 133 dues-paying members. It is interesting to note that in 1914 the dues were $1.20 per person and in the 1970's the dues are only $1.00 per person. ST. MARY'S READING CIRCLE St. Mary's Reading Circle, a ladies organization affiliated with St. Mary's Catholic Church, was organized in 1924, during the pastorate of Reverend B. J. Decker, and has existed continuously since that time. The first meeting was held at the home of Mary Charleton and the first officers were Rita Miller and Anna Trier. The number of members, about 20, has remained fairly constant over the past nearly half a century, as new members joined when older ones moved out of the parish or passed away. Its chief purpose was, and is, to stimulate study and understanding of the Church through shared reading and group discussion of Church related subjects. Meetings, which take place in members' homes the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m., are opened and closed with prayer. The Rosary and Litany of the Virgin Mary are prayed by the group at each meeting, followed by the business meeting, and the program of reading and discussion: At the close of the meetings a social period is enjoyed and light refreshments are served by the hostess for which a voluntary token donation is given. No dues are required. Spiritual works of the Circle include having a Mass offered for the living members each May and a Mass for the deceased members each November. Also a Mass is offered by the Circle for a deceased spouse or child of a member. "Get-well" cards signed by members are sent to ill parishioners. The Circle, as a body, prays a Rosary for each deceased member at the funeral home the day before the funeral. Fund raising was never the primary purpose of the Reading Circle but over the years many worthwhile Church and Parish School projects were helped financially, chiefly by voluntary contributions. The Circle regularly contributes for Easter and Christmas flowers for the Church altar, as well as toward the candle fund. Among the major projects was a sizable contribution to the Church organ fund and over the years for Parish School equipment and books and altar linens. Miss Rita Miller, the only Charter member still living , now makes her home in Clinton, Iowa. ST. THERESA'S STUDY CLUB On March 4, 1954, a number of ladies met at the home of Margaret Bower for the purpose of organizing a Catholic Discussion Club, which was later to be known as "St. Theresa's Study Club." Eleven members were on our roll call the first year. Margaret Bower, Margaret Reed, Theresa Conrad and Darlene Flynn are Charter Members. We have donated numerous articles to St. Mary's school and do visiting at the Maplewood Manor rest home. Besides discussions, 15 minutes are spent reading from the Bible. We have two social meetings each year—in June and December—when we have our husbands and Past or as guests. Present members are Mary Fladung, Naomi Huber, Margaret Bower, Darlene Flynn, Rita Vogel, Connie Sieren, Jenny Jaeger, Theresa Conrad, Maurine Peiffer and Margaret Reed. By Margaret Reed HOLINESS CHURCH The Holiness tent was in the Park. This group originated from the early Methodist Church (according to the World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary) that emphasize the doctrine of Christian perfection in faith and work. Mrs. E. E. Neal, wife of Keota's pioneer photographer, was perhaps one of the most prominent members of this group. She is pictured at the tent.
205 A glimpse into the past... KEOTA FEDERATED CHURCH In about the year 1934 union services were begun with the Baptist, United Presbyterian and Presbyterian Churches cooperating and, in view of the spirit and harmony and cooperation, in the year 1938 a permanent Federated Church organization was set up with a set of articles to govern the life and work of the Federated Church. In May of 1958 a merger of the United Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church was consumated. In view of this there are only two denominational groups comprising the Keota Federated Church. The Federated Church building was formerly known as the Baptist Church. The last services in the building were Sunday, June 12, 1960. All members and former members of the congregation were invited to attend this last service. The building was razed so that a new church could be built in its place. Services were held in the Keota Community High School Gym while the new church was being erected. The new church was dedicated September 24, 1961. In about 1967 the Baptist group became affiliated with the United Presbyterians, most of the members transferring their membership. At that time the name Federated was dropped and the denomination is now known as the United Presbyterian Church. In August of 1972 the Wesley United Methodist Church of Keota, the Bethel United Methodist Church and the United Presbyterian Church at Keota began discussions on establishing a "Yokefield" Parish. After a series of meetings through December 1972 and upon receiving approval from the U. P. Des Moines Presbytery and the Iowa Conference of the United Methodists a Yokefield Parish was established. The two denominations maintain their denominational identities and mission support, but are served by one pastor, Rev. Don Callen. Rev. Callen is given full ordination recognition in the United Presbyterian and the United Methodist Churches. The two denominations are now working together to combine their worship services, church school program, men's and women's groups, vacation Bible School and local church projects. Pastors and dates of service since 1934: Vern Butler, 1935-1940 Floyd Smith, 1942-1943 Harold Walker, 1944-1945 H. N. Poston, 1945-1951 R. A. Thampson, D.D., supplied for one year Elmer Bostow, 1952-1957
Russell Lester, 1957-1960 David F. Van Wagner, 1960-1962 Marvin Miller, 1963-1967 James Beatty, 1967-1968 Frank Woodward, 1969-1970 (killed in car wreck) David Reeves, 1971-1972 Don Callen, 1973
November 19, 1925. Rev. W. O. Harper, pastor of the Keota Presbyterian Church, was Buffalo Bill's pastor back in 1906 and 1907, when the Keota minister preached in Cody, Wyoming. Rev. Harper was the first pastor called to the newly organized Presbyterian Church at Cody and remained there almost two years. Colonel Cody at that time spent most of his time with his show, but always spent a portion of each year in the town that was named after him. His friendship for Rev. Harper was evidenced by the gift of a silver spoon that he brought him from Paris one time and also by the fact that the old scout drove 40 miles to hear him preach his farewell sermon. Cody was a wild town in 1906-07, Rev. Harper says. There were eight saloons in one block. It fell to the Keota pastor's lot to conduct services for several victims of debauchery, one of whom had not been inside a church for 40 years and who presented a distinct problem as the subject of a Christian funeral sermon. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS CULTURE CLUB (FORTNIGHTLY) The Culture Club was organized September 14, 1911, with the following members - Philoura Clernona, Harriet Clendenning, Mrs. Lucy Hinsdill, Mrs. A. A. Long, Mrs. Anna Martin and Mrs. Ella Pringle. The first officers of the club were: Pres., Mrs. Long; Vice-Pres., Miss Clemona; Sec. & Treas., Miss Clendenning; Critic, Mrs. Pringle. Members of Committee on Constitution were: Mrs. Hinsdill, Miss Clernona. Mrs. Martin. The time of the meeting: October 1 to April 1, 7:30, April 1 to September 30, 8:00. The objective of this club shall be cultural improvement. The club sponsored the Town Library and as there was no fund for that purpose, they raised money in various ways to build up the library. Several local folks donated books and members of the library board purchased second hand books from Iowa City. Through the years the library has been built up until it is now one the town and community can well be proud of. Some of those who were officers and trustees in the earlier days of the club were Kate Glover, Harriet Clendenning,
206 A glimpse into the past... Lola Gilbert, Grace Hulse, Mae Marr, Daisy Carris, Grace Vincent, Elva Statler, Nellie Littlefield, Jennie Harris, Florence Herr, Bessie Huber, Ruby Helscher, Leo Stoutner, Valburga White. Lulu Randolph, and Theresa Schreckengast. Many others were helpful in the growth and progress of the library. On September 11, 1944, the name "Culture Club" was changed to Fortnightly Club. The club celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1936. Fortnightly has in the past and continues to play a very active role in the interest and maintenance of the local library. As a memorial Fortnightly gives a book to the Library for a deceased member or immediate member of the family with a card being sent to the family of the deceased telling of the book purchased. The club celebrated its 50th anniversary September 25, 1961, with Harriet Clendenning the only living charter member to be present for the occasion. Through the years it has been the custom for the club to have an annual Halloween Potluck Party and also a special Christmas Party for the members, and a club trip to some place of historical interest. The club meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at the members' homes and the program is given by a member. The program includes such things as Book Reviews or articles of interest to the group. Current events follow at the close of the program. The 1971-1972 officers are: Pres., Joye Delong; VicePres., Gladys Chase; Sec., Tress Herr; Treas., Lucille Werning. THE ROLLING GREEN CLUB The Rolling Green Club was started by Mrs. Henry Sheets and she had the first meeting, January 9, 1936. Those present at the first meeting were: Mrs. Lulu Helscher, Mrs. Leota Helscher, Mrs. Maggie Hahn, Mrs. Rose Oswalt and Mrs. Ella Thompson. After each of these ladies had their turn entertaining, Mrs. Stella Bond had her meeting and joined in April and held an all day quilting. They took in Tyrone ladies after this. Rules for the Club were: No Gossip and to serve only one thing and one drink. Those who held an all day meeting were to furnish meat, potatoes, bread and coffee. The purpose of the Club was to have a neighborhood get-to-gether. We embroidered tea towels, quilted quilts and enjoyed visiting as we worked. The Club was named from the Rolling Green School which was then going strong. At one time Irma Hahn was a teacher and has been a member of our Club until recently. There are three original members still in the Club — Mrs. Stella Bond joining in April 1936. Mrs. Mary Sheets joining in May after she graduated, and Mrs. Armorella Miller joined in October of 1936. In the 36 years of the running of our Club there have been 63 members. Some left by death, others by moving away and some by just dropping out. We have yearly dues of $1.00 and each time there was a wedding we gave the couple a blanket. We give new babies a silver spoon and finally a dollar. We had potluck suppers or dinners to include the men; also ice cream socials. We have gone on several tours but took a vote at the last meeting whether a tour or breakfast—9 to 1 in favor of the breakfast. We have visited the Rest Home making bibs, taking games, playing Bingo with them and serving lunch. We have our secret sisters and give a dollar gift for their birthdays and at Christmas. We now have entertainment and games, contests and give favors for high and low winners. There were two sets of twins: Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Sheets, twin boys. Timmy and Tommy; twin daughters to Mr. and Mrs. Denny Dunbar, Janelle and Jeanine. We are very proud of our Rolling Green Club and think it has an outstanding record of having been going for 36 years. There have been four Golden Weddings: Mr. & Mrs. Henry Sheets, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Helscher, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Sheetz and Mr. & Mrs. George Bond who observed their 55th, August 1972. From the 63 members in and out of our Club we now have a membership of 10: Catherine Hahn, Janet Hahn, Vada Hahn, Luella Peiffer, Eunice Walton, Stella Bond, Mary Sheets, Amorelle Miller, JoEllen Eakins and Mabel Helscher. By Mrs. George (Stella) Bond BIRTHDAY CLUB The Birthday Club was organized in 1953 as "The Birthday Dozen," with 12 members, namely, Mrs. Dan Saltzman, Mary Saltzman, Vera Saltzman, Marie Rhodebeck, Marilyn Williams, Maude Smith, Audrey Smith, Anna Valenta, Leo Stoutner, Virginia Rains, Thelma Rhodebeck and Hazel Hicks. This is a Social Club, meetings being held at 7:30 on the 3rd Thursday of the month, hostess to furnish her own entertainment, prizes for games, contests, and refreshments. Secret Sisters are drawn, also months for entertainment; revealing date 3rd Thursday in May. As some of our members moved away and had to drop out, a new member was chosen. We have had many good times together during the years, and still meet same time and dates. Our Club at this time has 11 members: Ann Brower, President; Anna Valenta, Maude Smith, Cora Mattison, Doris George, Myrle Sondag, Pauline Dill, Betty Heisdorffer, Loretta Kent, Lulu Maule and Hazel Hicks. L. G. V. CLUB From 1928 until 1933 Pearl Luers obtained the extension lessons from Iowa State College through the Keokuk County Farm Bureau and presented them to groups of women in Lafayette Township. In 1933 her mother, Mrs. Herman (Tillie) Luers, continued getting and presenting the lessons. At that time the women who lived in the adjacent school districts No. 2 (Green Valley) and No. 5 (Lafayette Center) formed a club named Lafayette Green Valley Club; eventually shorted to L. G. V. Club.
207 A glimpse into the past... Some of the original members were Mrs. George (Lottie) Baumert, Mrs. Herman (Tillie) Luers, Mrs. Michael (Bertha) Adam, Mrs. Mathias (Angela) Gent, Mrs. John (Alma) Hammes, Mrs. Forrest (Florence) Herr, Mrs. Henry (Sylvia) Luers, Mrs. John (Grace) Wade, Mrs. Harold (Alice) Palmer, and Mrs. Ambrose (Rose) Jaeger. During the depression years the lessons were beneficial as well as providing a form of entertainment and a means of bringing the neighborhood women together in a group. Over the years the club evolved into purely a social group. Many members have come and gone over the 40 years of the clubs' existence, Mrs. George Baumert being the only charter member still attending. Several of the younger members of the existing club are now married to the little boys who were hiding behind the skirts of their mothers with whom they attended in the 1930's and 1940's. O. A. O. O. A. O. Club was organized in 1941 in "76" and Limecreek Townships and began with four members. It was named O. A. O. (Our Afternoon Out) and was organized to give mothers with small children an opportunity to visit with their neighbors and compare notes on their children, who always seemed to be in the majority. During the years membership increased and decreased as people moved in and out of the neighborhood. Our activities included entertainment by the hostess, visiting, sewing, educational tours, entertaining at the rest home, picnics and Christmas parties for our families and many interesting demonstrations by guests. At present we have 14 members which includes grandmothers as well as mothers. Our latest project is making lap robes for the rest home. Neoma Huber SEVENTY-SIX COMMUNITY CLUB The Seventy Six Community Club was organized in February, 1931, when a small group of ladies of Seventy Six Township met in the home of Mrs. Bridget Hardin. This meeting stemmed from a desire to get together socially, and as the small group grew in number, it was decided to invite the ladies of the entire township to become members. For quite a few year s they met in the homes until the township trustees offered the use of the old church building for the meetings, and it is still used for most of the club activities. Through the years many family socials were enjoyed, such as the wiener roasts, the pot luck suppers, the family picnics, oyster suppers and ice cream socials with the attendance varying from 50 to 80 people. Ninety-nine names have been listed on the roll since the club was organized over 40 years ago. Many are deceased and some have moved to different localities. One of the original members, Mrs. Elsie Mayer, is still active in the club. Many of the members are mothers of men who have been in military service; Mrs. Myrtle Romine of Cedar Falls (a former member) and Mrs. Clara Rebal are Gold Star Mothers. As the club dues have never been more than $1.00 per year, fund raising occasionally became necessary. Projects for this purpose were the serving of the Annual Breakfast for the public with the only charge a voluntary contribution, and also the sale of lunches at farm sales in the community. Red Cross, Cancer and Heart Funds are contributed to yearly. Also gifts are sent by each member at Christmas time to the children in the University Hospitals at Iowa City. Other donations are always made to worthy causes as the need arises. The Seventy Six Community Club has filled a need in our community in the years past and it is our hope that through the friendliness, cooperation, fellowship and good will, it will continue to carryon in years to come. HOPEWELL SEWING CLUB In January 1935, Mrs. Lottie Kreger, assisted by her daughter, Esther, and Mrs. Mary Nycum invited the ladies of the Hopewell School District and a few others to a quilting to be held at her home. While there it was decided to form a neighborhood club. All agreed and the Club was then organized. We decided on a definite date for our parties, which date was the fourth Tuesday of every month. The name for our Club was the next business feature. Unamimously, it was chosen as "The Hopewell Sewing Club." As the name implied, sewing was the diversion of the meetings, either supplied by the hostess or each individual bringing her own. It was decided to have two eats and a drink or whatever the hostess wished to serve and each guest was expected to wear a print dress. As of today in March, 1973, there are 14 members of which five are charter members. By Mary Aller ALMETTA
CAMP NO. 10235 The camp was instituted June 15, 1927, by District Deputy Almetta Taylor with the following charter members: Dorothy Allen, Ethel Aller, Joella Antes, Edna Bonnarens, Alice Dayton, Grace Dayton, Edith Dunn, Frances Dunn, Gladys Ewing, Eva Fosdick, Bernice Fulton, Clara Gammon, Lauretta Ginther, Hazel Ireland, Sylvia Johnson, Lavina Mattison, Marie Arms, Agnes Reif, Mattie Rickard, Charles Russell, Lucille Russell, Bonnie Schreckengast, Alma Sharp, Agnes Sigler, Nellie Sigler, Mary Singmaster, Gertrude Streit, Maude Teets and Florence Vogel. The Juvenile Camp was instituted and members were initiated by the R. N. A. Camp of Wellman, Iowa, on July 20, 1929. The camp was organized with Mary Singmaster as Juvenile Director with 25 members. Marjorie Chambers Sondag is the only continuous member. The first officers were: Oracle, Ella Russell; Vice-Oracle, Bonnie Schreckengast; Recorder, Maude Teets; Receiver,
208 A glimpse into the past... Clara Gammon; Chancelor, Grace Dayton; Marshall, Edith Dunn; Inner Sentinal, Mary Singmaster; Outer Sentinal, Alma Sharp; Past Oracle, Susie Ireland. Managers, Charles Russell, Marie Arms and Lavina Mattison. Ella Russell and Clara Gammon assisted the deputy in obtaining the members. Ella Russell and Clara Gammon and Bonnie Schreckengast were former R.N.A. members. The name "Alrnetta" was taken in honor of the district deputy. The camp was increased in number mostly by social members because of dances held in the hall. This was done to make money to pay the hall rent and buying regalia for the camp. The camp had only been organized a little over a year when Edna Bonnarens passed away. The promptness of the insurance company in paying the insurance caused the camp to grow in beneficiary membership. In the summer of 1938 it was impossible to keep expenses and pay the hall rent so it was decided to meet in the homes. This has been continued until the present time. On July 29, 1929, the Keokuk County Convention was held in Keota. The convention was again held in Keota the last of Mayor first of June 1937 but no record is had of the convention. Dorothy Allen Chambers and Joella Antes are the only charter members still belonging. PYTHIAN SISTERS Pythian Sisters, Keota Temple No. 164, was instituted May 16th, 1913. Meetings were held the 4th Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m., in the three-story brick building on Broadway. Sixty-six Sisters and 26 Knights were on the roll. The Motto, "Onward and Upward," was carried out by calling on the sick. Altruistic work, wreaths placed on the graves of the deceased members, and many other acts of kindness. This band of Sisters continued their good work until May 2, 1918, when they disbanded for a short period of time. On February 22, 1929, Keota Temple No. 18 was organized. Meetings were held in the Fraternal Building on Broadway. Forty-three members were enrolled at this time. We have continued our work during the years, and at the present time, January 1973, have 22 members on roll. Our meetings at the present time are held in the home of Tressie Schreckengast, on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 8:00 p.m. We have one Charter Member — Mrs. Ruby Helscher. Onward and Upward we hope to carry on. P. E. O. On August 15, 1902, Chapter CM of the P.E.O. Sisterhood was organized in the home of Mrs. Clara Bower. Charter members were: Emma Plevka, Katie Glover, Adla Richardson, Clara Bower, Mary Ritchey, Pearl Ritchey, Molly Carris and Flora Walter. Those first years were busy ones. In addition to semimonthly meetings and social affairs, the members of Chapter CM organized a reading circle. For one and a half years they operated one of the Iowa traveling libraries. Chapter CM presently has 34 active members and nine nonresident members. Mabel Morris, Irene Richardson and Tressie Herr have been members of Chapter CM more than 50 years. As a philanthropic and educational organization, P.E.O. is interested in bringing to women increased opportunities for higher education. The P.E.O. Sisterhood maintains three educational philanthropies: The P.E.O. Educational Fund, a revolving loan fund established in 1907 to lend money to women needing it for education beyond high school; International Peace Scholarship Program, established in 1949 to provide scholarships for foreign students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada; Cottey Junior College for women, a fully accredited liberal arts college at Nevada, Missouri, owned and supported by the P.E.O. Sisterhood since 1927. Chapter CM makes available to the local high school girls information concerning Cottey Junior College and the P.E.O. Educational Fund. By Mrs. Helen G. Mills Butter-nut
Coffee Christmas Club Collection Boxes originated The founder of Butter-nut Coffee was Paul C. Gallagher, who first introduced Butter-nut coffee. At Christmas time he contributed generously to a number of orphanages and Indian missions in the midwest. He asked his customers to share in the Christmas Club activity by sending in the key un-winding strips by which cans of coffee were opened at that time. It was during these early years that Beery's Grocery Store, in Keota, Iowa placed a box for the convenience of customers and friends to bring in the metal strips and jar labels. Many organizations made annual projects in aiding in the collection. Mr. Beery gave credit for his collection of strips and labels to his lodge. It was from Mr. Beery's Collection box idea that the Butternut coffee salesman, L. E. (Nifty) Ellis of Ottumwa, Iowa used the box in other stores in his territory. At Mr. Ellis' suggestion, the Butter-nut Coffee made up collection boxes for distribution to all of the salesmen. The collection box soon became important in every grocery store. The grocer would run the Christmas Club story in his weekly ad to remind his customers to bring in their key strips and labels for the Christmas Club. Following Christmas 1971 a change was made in the procedure of operating the Christmas Club but the good work of the Christmas Club does continue.
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