Little Island Day Care makes plans for expansion - FairBank
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APRIL 7, 2021 VOLUME 2, NO. 4
Little Island Day Care makes
plans for expansion
Fiber-to-the-Home
project starting
Exciting news for residents and businesses in Fairbank
– construction for Little Wapsie Communications was
to begin on Monday, April 5th, 2021, weather permit-
ting, on their Fiber-to-the-Home project. Work crews
plan to work Monday thru Thursday, 7am to 7pm.
We have hired a new technician, Ethan Kleitsch.
Ethan is a Wapsie Valley graduate and is currently
coaching Track at Wapsie Valley. We are excited to
have him as part of our team. Ethan, along with Joe Re-
genold, Clinton Watts, Dan Lundt, and myself, Sharon The Little Island Day Care Cen-
Huck, will be contacting each business and resident for ter in Fairbank opened its doors
permission to put a drop to your home or business. in 2001 to be able to offer day care
Please remember, this is FREE of charge with the ini- services to the many young families
tial build of our fiber to the home project, even if you in the community. They currently
choose not to subscribe to our services at this time. serve approximately 55 families
If you choose to subscribe at a later date, you will be from the surrounding area. Howev-
charged time/material for installing. er, they also have a waiting list with
Please contact our offices with any questions or con- over a year-long wait to get in.
cerns. With Fairbank growing, child-
Oran Mutual Telephone Co. – 319-638-6006 care is in bigger demand than ever.
or RTC Communications – 319-279-3375. Therefore, Little Island Day Care is
Visit our website at www.littlewapsie.com in the beginning phases of a fun-
for more information and to draising project to enable them to
sign up for having a drop installed. add on to the current building as
You may also email: csr@readlyntelco.com well as make some needed updates.
Since they are a non-profit organi-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
City Councilmen Ted Vorwald, Ron Woods
and Tyler Woods put up a large sign in front
of the Little Island Day Care Center that will
show the progress towards the Day Care’s
fundraising goal.
A2 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
How to Grow Hops in Buchanan County!
Come learn about Hops and
how to grow them while checking
out Buchanan County’s new brew-
We are a month closer to summer. I hope many ery! With the popularity of Craft
of you have had the opportunity to be vaccinated for Breweries around the state as well
COVID-19 so you can enjoy summer and the activi- as right her in Buchanan County,
ties it brings. there is one essential element that
Speaking of summer and warmer weather, if you is involved. Hops! Growing Hops
would like to take a survey about having bike paths is an emerging industry within
in Fairbank, there is one on the Fairbank Facebook the state of Iowa. Have you ever
page. You also can call City Hall with your ideas. It wondered if growing hops could
is my hope that any bike path will also be a walking become more than a hobby, but a
path. Two students from the CAP (Center for Ad- full-fledged business opportunity?
vanced Professional Studies) at the high school have Join Buchanan County Eco-
been doing a fantastic job in working to make the nomic Development at 6:30 p.m.,
paths a reality. They are even helping write grants to Thursday, March 25th at Allerton
help with cost. The students are Christopher Tibbetts Brewing Company in downtown
and Sydnie Martin, both who are high school students Independence (110 1st. St. E.) to of my skills, my father’s farming • How to
at Wapsie Valley. I really appreciate all of their hard learn more. background and our love of beer! brew your
work in this endeavor. Our featured speaker is Keri After nearly four years we have own beer at
I have been asked to inform everyone that there is Byrum of the Cedar Falls Hops learned a lot!” Cedar Falls Hops home
a group raising money for lights for the High School Company as she provides insight Keri Byrum
Company currently has 7 acres The Local
softball and baseball fields. It is my understanding to the importance of Hops in the devoted to four different varieties Brew Club
they need about $70,000 to make the lights a reality. development of a quality beer. By- of Iowa hops which they sell pri- of Independence will be provid-
If you are interested in helping, please contact Brent rum is a horticulturist with a de- marily in Iowa. ing samples of beers made with
Sauerbrei, Chad Van Daele, or me. Any assistance gree in Biology from the Univer- Byrum will be talking about the hops grown by Cedar Falls Hops
from the community would be greatly appreciated. sity of Northern Iowa and she also difference between wild and do- Company and Allerton Brewing
At the March 22 City Council Meeting, Ben Dela- holds a Master of Science from mesticated hops as well as how to Company has created a special
gardelle was hired as a Public Works employee for the the University of Delaware. She grow and take care of them. The beer from the hops they will be
city of Fairbank and will be starting the first part of and her husband decided to move agenda for the night is as follows: debuting that night at a discount-
April. This brings Fairbank back to having three peo- back to Iowa to take over her fa- • History and Culture of Hops ed price!
ple in the department. Welcome Ben! ther’s drainage tile business and in • From Roots to Shoots – Un- To sign up for the Growing Hops
My wife and I were very honored to be invited to at- 2017 they established the Cedar derstanding the Anatomy of Hops event go to www.growbuchanan.
tend the Fireman’s Banquet. I would like to congratu- Falls Hops Company. Byrum said • A Year of Hops – Hop plant life com/hops , or call Buchanan
late those who were honored for their service. Most of of her decision, “My background cycle County ISU Extension and Out-
all though, I want to thank all of the members of the is in horticulture and landscap- • Structure of Growing Hops reach, 319-334-7161 to register.
Fairbank Fire and Ambulance Departments. As you ing, so I needed something that I • Caring for Hops For more information contact
know these people gladly volunteer their time so they was passionate about, too. After • Harvesting Hops BCEDC Director Lisa Kremer at
may serve our community. Fairbank is very fortunate some research and making some • The Future of Hops in Iowa director@growbuchanan.com or
in having these volunteers! A BIG THANK YOU TO connections we decided that hops and the Midwest call 319-334-7497.
ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION and SER- seemed like a great combination
VICE to Fairbank and the surrounding area!
As we open up more and start having group meet- LITTLE ISLAND DAYCARE would be moved to the new addi- important to know that child care
ings and social gatherings, please remember to be safe. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tion. will be available when they need it.
Reports are that we may have the virus for quite some zation, they are looking for dona- Day care facilities are an impor- Anyone wishing to help out with
time. Masks and social distancing will continue to be tions and pledges to help with this tant asset for any community – it this project can send a donation
factors in the slow down of Covid. project. makes it possible for parents to directly to: Little Island Child Care
With the Major League Baseball season beginning, The new 40’ x 42’ addition will have a safe and reliable place to Center, P.O. Box 38, Fairbank,
it is time to say, “GO YANKEES”!! be on the north side of the exist- leave their kids and go to their jobs Iowa 50629; or they can drop off
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy ing building. It will add two new or to further their education, etc. their donation at the Center.
rooms. Also, the current kitchen To young families starting out, it’s
SUPPORT THE CAN DRIVE
Just a reminder – the Fairbank Polaris, across from Casey’s. The committee would also like
Days Committee would appreciate ABSOLUTELY NO GLASS to thank their sponsors – Myers
your can donations again this year. should be left at the trailer. Please Polaries for letting them park the
Your empty cans help them put on put redeemable items in bags be- trailer near their building; and
a great Fairbank Island Days fire- fore setting them in the trailer. Chance Beierschmitt for loaning
works show year after year! This makes it easier and cleaner for them the trailer
The can donation trailer is lo- our volunteers and the redemption
cated on the south side of Myers centers also.
FAIRBANK ISLANDER APRIL 7, 2021 - A3
Warrior Way & More
March 2021
The harsh weather of January and February has hopefully
passed and we can continue the spring with more seasonal
weather that includes sunshine. We did partake in our first full
virtual day in February, and this virtual learning day went very
well. We are prepared to continue this mode of learning if needed, to
avoid adding more days onto the end of the school calendar. Wapsie
Valley is hopeful that the March/April weather will not require the district to uti-
lize any additional virtual days.
The Wapsie Valley Community School District is thrilled to see the Covid-19
positivity rates decreasing in all the surrounding counties and at a state level. The
staff at Wapsie Valley CSD who chose to be vaccinated will all have received a first
dose by the first week of March. We are grateful that the availability and admin-
istration of the vaccines has reached school personnel locally. We continue to be
vigilant with our Return to Learn Plans with mitigation precautions and increased
sanitation procedures.
Congratulations to the athletic teams and fine arts members who have com-
peted this past few months. Congratulations to the girls and boys basketball teams,
wrestling team, and fine arts participants for their accomplishments this year. A
particular shout-out goes out to Dawson Schmit and Easton Krall who both quali-
fied for the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament. Dawson earned a 3rd place finish in
Huge thank you to the Fairbank Food Center for
his sophomore year after a 4th place finish last year. Easton wrestled as a freshman sponsoring our Student of the Month Lunch!
in his first state tournament appearance. The Wapsie Valley students are dusting (Back Row:) Hayden Szurley was nominated because “Hayden is helpful to other
off their golf clubs, track shoes, musical instruments, and rehearsal scripts. We students and has a positive attitude!”
have a variety of vocal and musical concerts, speech contests, a musical play, track Dayton Jergens was nominated because “He is always attentive, polite, courteous,
and golf meets to get ready for this spring. Also, we are extremely excited that and helpful to everybody in class. He also asks questions or seeks out help to make
Wapsie Valley will be having a Prom celebration this year! sure he’s doing the best work possible on assignments. Dayton doesn’t have to be
I want to personally thank our school nurse, McKayla Bellis, for her countless told to redo work for a higher assessment - he takes the initiative and does it on his
hours at any time of the day or week helping our staff, students and families navi- own”.
gate the pandemic situation. Her diligent efforts helped to keep consistency in Asa Kelley was nominated because “Congratulations for receiving all division 1
dealing with case by case situations during the past year of the pandemic. ratings from all three judges on their Ensemble Acting script, “Metatheatre”!!”
We wish you a safe and healthy spring season! Chris Tibbott was nominated because “Congratulations for receiving all division
Stay Warrior Strong and Safe, 1 ratings from all three judges on their Ensemble Acting script, “Metatheatre”!!”
Dave Larson - Wapsie Valley CSD Superintendent (Front Row:) Brylee Bellis was nominated because “Brylee is a responsible and
organized student. She always ensures she lets a teacher know if she needs extra
help and communicates well. She is a leader!”
Austin Franck was nominated because “Austin always pushes herself to do her
best work. She’s always willing to help classmates with their work. People can count
on her to be a helpful partner and a good listener.”
Congratulations students!
A4 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
Business and Community Website
Grant Available through Buchanan
County Economic Development
The Buchanan County Economic De- Keeping things local is an important
velopment Commission (BCEDC) has component of this grant. To that end,
created the Business and Community BCEDC has teamed up with Fusion For-
Website Marketing Grant that is available ward to provide special pricing for web-
to small businesses (25 employees or less), sites and website upgrading through this
communities and non-profit organiza- grant. BCEDC will be awarding full and
tions within Buchanan County that have partial grants that can be used for: 1. Web-
been impacted by the COVID-19 pan- site Development, 2. Website redevelop-
demic. ment to make your website user friendly
The pandemic essentially caused the en- and 3. Upgrading a website to make it mo-
tire country to grind to a halt. In-person bile friendly.
sales, meetings and communication be- The grant application period is now
came impossible. This opened the eyes open, and grants must be submitted to
to many businesses, communities, and BCEDC by March 31st, 2021. For more
organizations to the importance of having detailed information and to get a grant
an online presence to be able to communi- application go to www.growbuchanan.
This horse and cart were used, in Fairbank, to go to the Railroad Depot to pick up the mail and bring it
cate to constituents and customers. With com/website-grant/ or click Business and
back to the Post Office each day. Photo courtesy of Maury & Wilma Welsh the prolonged closures it also became es- Community Website Grant under Bul-
sential for businesses to provide a platform letin Board at www.growbuchanan.com.
for selling their goods and services. Those You can also get an application by email-
with these online tools, such as a function- ing BCEDC Executive Director Lisa Kre-
ing, mobile friendly website fared much mer at director@growbuchanan.com or
better than those without. BCEDC has stop into the Buchanan County Economic
developed this grant as a way to help those Development office at 112 1st St. E., Inde-
that do not have an online presence to cre- pendence.
ate one and therefore make them more The grant is made possible by an Iowa
competitive now and more resilient in the Northland Regional Economic Develop-
future if we should ever be faced with a ment Commission (IRREDC) Economic
similar situation. Resiliency Planning and Response Grant.
This board was constructed in the 1940’s to list the names of all those, from Fairbank, who served in
World War II. It stood along Main Street in the lot east of the Post Office. The boy in the picture is point-
ing to his brother’s name “Kenneth Hein”. Photo courtesy of Maury & Wilma Welsh
FAIRBANK ISLANDER APRIL 7, 2021 - A5
Fairbank amends ATV hours
By MIRA SCHMITT-CASH r p.m., revising the proposed ordinance, longest days of the year. It says the sunrise
reporter@oelweindailyregister.com waiving subsequent readings and adopting to sunset will be from 5:40 a.m. to 8:52
The Fairbank City Council heard from it. Councilman Tyler Woods abstained. p.m. on June 21 and 22 this year.
all-terrain and utility vehicle enthusiasts He works for the local small vehicle dealer But multiple ATV enthusiasts said they
such as J.J. Little and others wishing to ex- Myers Polaris. wanted to use the vehicles for practical
tend the operating hours from 5 a.m. to 10 The vehicles must have headlights. purposes outside daylight hours, such as
p.m. at the Feb. 22 council meeting, chal- The former city ATV ordinance only clearing snow or farm work.
lenging an initial council ordinance pro- allowed the vehicles to be driven during Operators already are required to have a
posal that would have set operating hours daylight hours, based on Department of valid driver’s license and abide by regular
Wapsie Valley from 5 a.m. Until 9 p.m.
On Monday, a majority of four council
Natural Resources guidelines. According
to timeanddate.com, the sun sets just be-
driving rules such as “drive sober or get
pulled over.” Drivers are governed by the
CAPS Corner members voted to extend hours until 10 fore 9 p.m. Daylight Saving Time on the most local jurisdiction.
The Wapsie Valley School
District has introduced a new
course offered to current Juniors
and Seniors. This new course is
Wapsie Valley FFA represented well at District Convention
called Center for Advanced Pro- Mary Bodensteiner, Chapter Reporter
fessional Studies (aka, CAPS). On Saturday, March 13th, Wapsie Val-
CAPS offers high school and ley FFA members traveled to the Inde-
college credits to students de- pendence High School to compete at the
spite its “un-class” approach. Northeast District Convention. To attend
The CAPS program was first Districts this year, members had to com-
introduced to the Cedar Falls pete in an event or to serve as their chap-
community school district with ter’s delegates for District officer elections.
the belief that a hard-working Competing at Districts requires count-
and knowledgeable workforce less hours of practice for competition and
is crucial to the development preparation of the three officer books to
of society as a whole. CAPS is be judged.
achieving this goal by taking Our chapter’s President, Kalyee Kleitsch,
students out of their school rou- received first gold in Job Interview Satur-
tine and putting them into the day and is excited about the opportunity
business world. Student associ- to compete at State her senior year. “I am
ates then work together with lo- planning on getting in as much practice as Wapsie Valley FFA Members Attend NE District Convention: Back Row: (Left to Right) Austin Hesse, Brody
cal businesses to work on proj- I can with a lot of mock interviews.” She is Kleistch, Mr. Forsyth, Mary Bodensteiner, Kaylee Kleitsch, Kali Lampe, and Mady Richards Front Row: Lily
ects the businesses set forth. looking forward to seeing how the Con- Schwickerath, Ava VanDaele, Caitlyn Rechkemmer and Reese Pine .
As associates are working they vention will be set up differently, since it
will be held in Des Moines this year rather Chapter Website: Austin Hesse - Gold Treasure’s Book: Ethan Oltrogge - 3rd
develop the four main corner-
than at Iowa State University, as in previ- Conduct of Meetings: Lily Schwickerath, Gold, Alternate to State
stones of CAPS: problem solv-
ous years. Kali Lampe, Reese Pine, Brody Kleitsch, Greenhand Quiz: Kali Lampe - 2nd,
ing, professional skills, innova-
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, all Ava VanDaele, Mady Richards, Caitlyn Mady Richards - 2nd, Livie Shannon - 4th,
tion, and career exploration.
quizzes were taken in Ag classes preced- Rechkemmer - Silver Matilda Miller - 5th, Lily Schwickerath -
CAPS is the connection of busi-
ing the in-person Convention. Everyone Extemporaneous Speaking: Sydney 5th, Reese Pine - 7th, Noah Richards -
ness and education to better the
worked extremely hard and represented Matthias – Silver 8th
workforce of tomorrow.
Wapsie Valley FFA very well! Job Interview: Kaylee Kleitsch - 1st Chapter Quiz: Elle Voy - 6th, Keegon
CAPS is always looking for
Congratulations to all who competed, Gold, Advance to State Brown - 8th
help from the community. If
and good luck to those advancing to the Reporter’s Scrapbook: Mary Boden- Farm Business Management: Brok
you have any projects, or want
State Convention this April! steiner - 2nd Gold, Advance to State Grober and Tylen Heirsh
to help out please contact Hal-
Results from Saturday are listed below: Secretary’s Book: Courtney Schmitz - Delegates: Mary Bodensteiner and Ava
ey Tiedt at htiedt@wapsieval-
3rd Gold, Alternate to State VanDaele
leyschools.org
Deadline for the May issue of the
Fairbank Islander Attention
is Wednesday, April 28th Fairbank Utility Customer!
Submit articles at the Fairbank Library FAIRBANK MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
or e-mail to: f.library@mchsi.com
Resolving Customer Complaints
All of us at Fairbank Municipal Utilities do our
NOTICE best to make sure your utility service is as PET LICENSING
Construction for Little Wapsie good as it can be. So if you have a complaint, REMINDER – All city residents with pets over the
Communications will begin on we’d like to resolve it as quickly as possible. age of four months are required to be licensed by
Monday, April 5th, 2021, weather By calling (319) 635-2869, you can reach a
utility representative qualified to assist in
the city. This license is to be renewed annually.
permitting. Work crews plan to work This license is to be renewed annually. The cost is
resolving complaints as they arise.
Mon-Thurs 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. $10.00 per animal if purchased on or before June
If your complaint is related to service
If you would like a fiber drop installed 30th of each year. On July 1st an additional $5.00
disconnection, safety, or renewable energy,
to your home/business, please and Fairbank Municipal Utilities does not penalty attaches. If the animal is purchased July
complete the authorization form that resolve your complaint, you may request
was sent earlier and return to:
1st or later, the license can be obtained for $10.00
assistance from the:
Please remember, if a fiber drop is not with a dated bill of sale proving the date of
Iowa Utilities Board purchase. Also, to be licensed, you must show
installed during construction and you 1375 E. Court Ave. Room 69
wish to have service at a later date, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0069 proof that the animal has been vaccinated against
you will be charged time/material for 1-877-565-4450 rabies. It is prohibited to have animals running at
installing at that time. or email at: customer@iub.iowa.go large within the city limits.
A6 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
ATOM BOMBERS
4-H MEETS By Wally Kaufman
The Atom Bombers 4-H club met on Sunday, March
14th at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in
Fairbank. The meeting was called at 6:00 by Reese Peine.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Wally Kaufman. Roll
call was what is your favorite thing about spring? The
secretary’s report was given by Destry Peine. The trea-
surer’s report was given by Brody Kleitch.
Reese reviewed the March 4-H newsletter and high-
lighted registration and weight in details for the differ-
ent animals that will be shown at the fair. Also shared for
any 4-H member exhibiting swine, beef cattle, poultry,
dairy cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits at the Buchanan
County Fair will be required to be certified in the Youth
for the Quality Care of Animals. All training will be tak-
en online only.
The club is working to organize ditch clean up in
early May. The 4-H pledge was led by Elle Voy. Wally
Kaufman made a presentation on making a coat rack.
Elle Voy made a presentation on making a shoe rack.
The Kaufmans and the Voys served beverages and
Wapsie FFA members attended Sub-Districts in Waterloo
Back Row: (Left to Right) Mr. Forsyth, Sydney Matthias, Kaylee Kleitsch, Cannon Joerger, Brock Kleitsch, Clayton Hershey, Brody Kleitsch,
snacks. The next meeting will be April 11th, hosted by
and Ava VanDaele Front Row: Mady Richards, Bridget Seemann, Reese Peine, Lily Schwickerath, Kali Lampe, and Caitlyn Rechkemmer the Kleitsch family.
Wapsie Valley FFA Takes on Sub-Districts
By Mary Bodensteiner,
Chapter Reporter
Through FFA, students have
represent their chap-
ter the best that they
can. All their work was
1st Gold, Advance
Public Speaking:
Bridget Seemann - Silver
Add a
the opportunity to be involved in put to the test at Sub- Extemporaneous
numerous career and leadership
events, otherwise known as CDEs
and LDEs. These individual and
Districts on Wednes-
day, February 24th, at
Hawkeye Community
Speaking: Sydney Mat-
thias - 2nd Gold, Ad-
vance
“PS”….
team events require hours of prep- College. Wapsie was Conduct of Meet-
aration to compete at different lev- represented in seven ings: Lily Schwickerath, To help a neighbor
els of competition. It all starts at different events. No other mem- Kali Lampe, Reese Peine, Brody “PS” is Project Share – a program that assists needy
Sub-Districts, where participants bers or spectators were able to at- Kleitsch, Ava VanDaele, Mady households in paying their winter energy bills. You can
can advance on to districts. After tend, due to COVID-19 concerns, Richards, and Caitlyn Rechkem-
help this effort by adding a regular Project Share
that, State Convention, then the unlike in past years. The re- mer - 1st Gold, Advance
best of the best, can move on to sults from Wednesday are listed Ag Sales: Cannon Joerger - Sil-
contribution to your utility payment, or by making a
Nationals in Indianapolis Indiana. below. ver direct donation to Project Share. These funds are
The Wapsie FFA Chapter takes Ag Broadcasting: Clayton Her- Congratulations to all who distributed to your neighbors in need.
competition seriously. Members shey - Gold competed! Good luck to the con-
A local social service agency carefully identifies those
at Wapsie have been working Creed Speaking: Brock Kleitsch testants who moved on to com-
extremely hard before and after - 4th Gold, Alternate pete at Districts on March 13th at residents who qualify, and a local committee oversees
school, for the past few months, to Job Interview: Kaylee Kleitsch - Independence High School! Project Share to guarantee that all contributions are
handled equitably and efficiently.
Adding a “PS” – a Project Share contribution to your
Fairbank City utility payment each month is a simple way to share
some warmth with those who need it.
Yard Waste Rules ----------------------------------------
City of Fairbank
Please make sure items are
going to the designated area. PO Box 447
COMPOST P: 319-635-2869
Grass Clippings
Leaves Yes, I’d like to help a neighbor with a tax-deductible
Flowers/Garden Waste SURVEILLANCE – There are contribution to Project Share.
cameras up to monitor what is
BRUSH PILE being dropped off. If a person is _______________________________________________
Small Branches caught disobeying these rules,
they will be penalized, and they Name
Twigs will be responsible for haul
away fees. _______________________________________________
NOT ALLOWED
Plastic, lumber, furniture, If you have any questions, please Address
bricks, rocks, tree contact City Hall at
_____________________________________________________
stumps, etc. 319-635-2869
City Phone
Thank you for your cooperation!
FAIRBANK ISLANDER APRIL 7, 2021 - A7
History of
Morris Strafford
Hitchcock’s creation
from inception to
conclusion
month. There are numerous spelling and grammatical
errors but they are printed as they appeared. This pro-
vides an interesting snapshot of life in Fairbank in the fall
of 1886.
By: Robert Shields THE FAIRBANK VIEW.
Maurice “Morris” Strafford Hitchcock was born to Ar- Vol. 1.--No. 1.FAIRBANK, IOWA,
son and Susan (Wye) Hitchcock on 2 June, 1828 in Mar- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1886. $1.50 per Year.
shall, Oneida County, New York. Anson Hitchcock was a ISSUES EVERY WEEK BY, M. S. Hitchcock & Son.
deacon of the Hanover Congregational Church in Mar- CHURCH AND SOCIETY DIRECTORY.
shall. Morris was as a strict Congregationalist until he METHODIST EPISCOPAL: Rev. O. K. Maynard pas-
moved to Fairbank, then converted to the Baptist faith. tor. Services, every alternate Sunday at 11 A. M. and
While growing up, Morris’ father and uncles were ac- 7:30 P. M. Sunday School every Sunday at 10 A. M, F. W.
tive pioneers in the temperance and anti-slavery reforms Nichols Supt. Prayer meetings every Thursday evening.
of the day, and Morris became an active member of the FREE WILL BAPTIST: Rev. I. W. Drew, pastor. Ser-
Greenback Party following its inception after the War of vices, every alternate Sunday at 11 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.
the Rebellion, which would later influenced his opinions Prayer meetings every Thursday evening.
as a newspaper editor. Following the completion of his EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN: (German.) Rev. C. Kue-
education in The Marshall School, Morris began teach- ffner, pastor. Services, every Sunday morning.
ing in New York at the age of 18 and later taught several CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEP-
terms in Iowa. Mr. Hitchcock moved to Clayton County, TION: (Catholic) Rev. Father Thomas Murtagh, Priest.
Iowa in the fall of 1854. On 8 December, 1856 he married Services, three Sundays in four, at 10:45 A. M. Services
Catharine H. Humphrey, to them were born six children. Saturday and Sunday evenings.
In 1873, Hitchcock bought a farm in Madison Town- A. F. and A. M.: Fairbank Lodge No. 148, meets every
ship, Buchanan County. He purchased The Independence Friday evening on or before full moon, in Meyers’ Hall.
Advocate in 1880, but his Greenback Party leaning was L. D. Lowell, W. M. tablishing a newspaper here that will be a credit to the
not well liked and the paper suffered. In the summer of A. O. U. W.: Fairbank Lodge No. 222, meets every alter- place and an important factor in developing its business
1886, Morris sold the Advocate and started The Fairbank nate Saturday evening in Higby’s Hall. S. W. Ross, M. W and promoting its growth, yet the citizens of this com-
View in Fairbank, the towns’ first publication. The Fair- G. A. R.: Fairbank Post meets every Saturday evening munity must bear in mind and in no case forget that our
bank View was a weekly newspaper released each Friday on or before full moon in Meyers’ Hall. C. H. Wright, capabilities for no usefulness depend entirely upon the
by “M. S. Hitchcock and Son Publishing.” At the time, Commander. patronage and encouragement which we receive from
The View rivaled in quality with any of the newspapers in Salutatory them. If we are to be of any benefit to them we must have
Northeast Iowa. Morris Hitchcock continued to publish THE VIEW, as a stranger in a new town, salutes the their prompt support. We expect to have it, and already
the paper until his sudden death in 1891. His youngest people of Fairbank and vicinity with its profoundest bow. have material evidence that it will be forthcoming. We
son, William, and daughter, Lillian, then took over the It comes to take up a permanent abode here, to take its hope every citizen who values our enterprise will con-
publication. They installed a new press, expanded the pa- place among the industries and enterprises of this com- stitute himself a committee of one to visit his neighbors
per to six columns, and purchased a gasoline engine in munity and to extend to each a fraternal hand. It comes and awaken their interest and obtain their subscription
Chicago to power the press in June of 1892. to bear a part in developing the latent resources and ca- to THE VIEW.
In the years following Hitchcock’s death and the pass- pabilities of a town and country rich in natural advan- Within one month from this date every citizen within
ing of the publication to his children, The Fairbank View tages, and expects always to encourage and assist by good a radius of five miles each way from this office should be-
went through several changes in terms of ownership, words and helpful deeds every enterprise tending to ad- come a subscriber to THE FAIRBANK VIEW. Of course
production and name. vance the interests of the community or promote the wel- it is impossible for us to see all these people within that
In January 1894, Hitchcock’s children sold The View fare of its citizens. time. We are consequently compelled to rely on the good
to W. S. Steele of Kingsley, Iowa, who sold it to Charles THE VIEW will aim to give its readers the news from will and kind offices of those who are friendly to our en-
Thompson of Fairbank in March of the same year. In an extensive region hitherto destitute of newspaper rep- terprise (and who is not?) to bring the subject up to their
February of 1897 Frank Patterson bought half interest in resentation, and, in addition to the local news of the town friends and canvass each other. The importance of such
the paper, and renamed the business: Thompson and Pat- and surrounding country, will compile for its readers the work cannot be overstated. It is indispensable. Who will
terson Publishing. Dr. Bothwell bought Patterson’s share more important news from the counties of Buchanan, engage in the laudable effort of putting THE VIEW upon
in December of that year and replaced the gas engine Fayette, Bremer, and Blackhawk, thus making its visits the substantial basis of a large subscription list? Recollect,
for the business. In March of 1913, L. D. Truitt becomes desirable to the inhabitants of an extended circuit com- the size of our list will be the test of our usefulness. Who
owner and editor of the publication, and later sold The posed of the contiguous corners of the four counties will bring into this office one, two, three, five or more
View to William A. Alexander. Charles Grantham pur- named. THE VIEW will take no part in partisan poli- subscribers to THE VIEW next week?
chased The Fairbank View, in July of 1921, and changed tics, but, will endeavor to present to truth with candor FAIRBANK: The town of Fairbank is situated on the
the name to, The Four County Advocate. At the time, the and impartiality. If it shall at any time discuss questions east branch of the Wapsipinicon river in the Township
term “Four County” was a popular phrase for the area of public or national importance, it will be from a practi- of Fairbank, the town plat lying “UNREADABLE” rods
where the four counties intersected west of Fairbank. The cal, scientific, or philosophical “UNREADABLE” society. south of the Fayette county line and about a mile and a
phrase “Four County” was also used by other groups in With the above stated purposes in view, THE VIEW half easterly from the county corners of Buchanan, Fay-
the area. Grantham published The Advocate through hopes for the good will and patronage of every citizen ette, Bremer, and Blackhawk. It is in the line of the new
1928 when Ed Kane purchased it. Publishing of the peri- and aims to make its visits welcome and profitable in ev- Chicago, St. Paul, & Kansas City railroad, which is now
odical stopped completely in 1930. ery family and to old and young alike. rapidly approaching completion, and is about 18 miles
The following is printed verbatim from the first page THE FAIRBANK VIEW desires to be greeted with from Independence, 35 miles from West Union, 25 miles
of issue one of the Fairbank View, published October 8, that cordiality which will make success easy and which from Waverly, and 25 miles from Waterloo. It is sur-
1886. Some areas of the paper had trivial damage from will enable it at once to enter upon a career of usefulness rounded by a very rich country of original prairie and
age. “UNREADABLE” is inserted as a place holder for the and profit to the community in which it has taken up its timber, now divided into valuable farms, adorned with
damaged text. I would like to thank Ella Weepie for tran- abode. numerous well-built mansions “UNREADABLE” in
scribing the paper. Printed here is the first half of page While we have no doubt that Fairbank is destined to many cases with large and costly barns.
one and the second half of the page will be printed next be an important town and that we shall succeed in es- Continued next month.
A8 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
Business Directory
“Support Your Local Businesses ~ they're the heartbeat of America”
Financial Decisions Group Fairbank Aquatic Center
Building & Repairs NEIL WILKINSON Insurance 511 W. Main St. Street Fairbank, Iowa
903 N. Frederick Ave. (319) 635-2533
Modern Building Products Oelwein, Iowa 50662
VanDaele Insurance, LLC
RICK & CINDY WOODS
511 N. 4th Street N.E.
(319) 283-1514 office (319) 440-2868 cell
CHAD & AMBER VAN DAELE
119 E. Main St., P.O. Box 467, Fairbank, IA Real Estate
Fairbank, Iowa FSB Premier Wealth (319) 635-2526 Advanced Realtors, LLC
(319) 635-2355 LORI BEIERSCHMITT
Management Ozark National Life Insurance 814 S. Frederick Avenue
Woods Construction Inc. TIFFANY COFFIN, CFP JOE KLEITSCH Oelwein, Iowa 50662
RON, CAROL, Wealth Advisor -~ Financial Planner 319-635-2297 home 319-269-1443 cell (319) 283-2242
COLLIN & CHRIS WOODS (319) 830-8982 joseph.kleitsch@ozark-national.com advancedrealtors@qwestoffice.net
505 2nd Street N.E. Email: TCOFFIN@FSBFS.COM
Fairbank, Iowa Security Mutual Insurance Woods Agency
(319) 635-2308 Food & Restaurants ERNIE BRICKMAN
234 Main St., Readlyn, IA
SHARON, JOHN,
RON & CHRIS WOODS
Dry Crik Construction Fairbank Food Center (319) 279-3893 (319) 267-2035 Fairbank, IA
IVAN A. MAST JENNIFER DAVIS (319) 240-3212
1275 Indiana Ave.
Hazleton, Iowa 50641
102 N. 4th St.
(319) 635-2139
Lawn & Garden Recreation
(319) 283-8871 Davis Lawn Service, LLC AJ’s Camper Rentals
Costa’s Sports Bar & Grill SHAWN DAVIS AMANDA JIPSON
Fairbank Plumbing & Heating 99 E. Main Street 104 Industrial Drive 1080 102nd St., Fairbank, IA
BRAD & ADAM BACHMAN Fairbank, IA Fairbank, IA (319) 404-6475
Fairbank, Iowa (319) 635-2449 (319) 239-5011 ajscamperrentals@gmail.com
(641) 330-1233 (319) 635-2229
Fairbank Locker & Processing Gavin Marine
Family Needs Award Winning Products Machine & Repair SALES – SERVICE - PARTS
TOM HYDE
104 Grove St.
Fairbank, Iowa DHK Welding 101 Industrial Drive, Fairbank, IA
Schmidtke Video Systems LAYNE HILSENBECK
(319) 635-2595 (319) 231-8242
DUANE SCHMIDTKE 2688 Y Avenue, Fairbank, Iowa
303 N. Water St., Myer’s Polaris
Aronia Berry Services of Iowa (563) 608-1400
304 E. Main Street
Fairbank, IA DEAN & DONNA MANGRICH
Fairbank, IA
(319) 238-6114
northeastiowasatellite.getdish.com
Fairbank, IA
(319) 240-4104 (319) 240-5627
Municipal (319) 635-2311
Fairbank Public Library His Hands Food Pantry
Fairbank City Hall
BRITTANY FULLER, City Clerk
Specialty Businesses
212 E. Main Street 5002 Main Street Doese Photography
Fairbank, Iowa 116 E. Main Street
Oran, Iowa DAVID & ELLEN DOESE
(319) 635-2487 Fairbank, Iowa
(319) 638-4357 402 Lakeside Drive
(319) 635-2869
Fairbank Elementary School Fairbank, IA
505 Forest Street Hair & Beauty Fairbank Fire Department
301 Grove Street
(319) 635-2268
Fairbank, Iowa Floral Images & Gifts
(319) 635-2071 Mary Kay Fairbank, Iowa PEGGI SUCKOW
CARMA SCHMIDTKE (319) 635-2981 209 E. Main Street
Wapsie Valley High School Independent Sales Director Emergency: Call 911 Fairbank, IA
2535 Viking Avenue PO Box 189, Fairbank, IA 50629 (319) 635-2037
Fairbank, Iowa (319) 240-2495 Fairbank Police Department
Ph. (319) 638-6711 mkcarma@gmail.com 116 E. Main Woods Funeral Home
Fax (319) 638-7061 Fairbank, Iowa RANDY & JODI WOODS
www.marykay.com/carma
(319) 269-1020 400 Lakeside Drive, Fairbank, Iowa
Fairbank Housing Inc. Visions Salon & Spa Emergency: Call 911 (319) 635-2207
Quality Housing for Senior Citizens and 101-A 4th St. South, Fairbank, IA
Fairbank Sewage, Streets, Lewiston Monuments
Disabled Regardless of Age (319) 635-2547 MITCHELL COFFIN
(319) 635-2124 Water, Electric & Natural Gas (319) 415-2472
Helping Hands Clothing Closet Health & Well Being (319) 635-2869
Fairbank Historical Society
2029 Viking Ave. - Hwy. 58 Fairbank Chiropractic Fairbank Post Office MUSEUM
Sumner, Iowa 201 E. Main Street 103 E. Main Street, Fairbank, IA
DR. NATHAN STEINBRONN, D.C. (319) 269-6795
(see their ad for hours) Fairbank, Iowa
101 South 4th St., Suite C, Fairbank, IA
(319) 635-2772
(310) 849-5155
Financial Steinbronndc@gmail.com
Northeast Security Bank Parkview Assisted Living
120 Main Street 114 Forest St..
Fairbank, Iowa Fairbank, Iowa
(319) 635-2811 (319) 635-2585
www.fairbankparkviewassistedliving.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
DAVID & ELLEN DOESE
“Capturing All Your Special Moments”
BOX 100 • 402 LAKESIDE DR. • FAIRBANK, IOWA 50629 • 319-635-2268
FAIRBANK ISLANDER APRIL 7, 2021 - A9
Wapsie Wrestling Club has an impressive season
The 2020-2021 wrestling season end-
ed on a very positive note for Wapsie’s
youth wrestlers. Numerous members
of the WWC (Wapsie Wrestling Club)
participated in USA State, AAU dis-
tricts, AAU state, Super Pee Wee state
and a few dual tournaments between
the end of January and the end of Feb-
ruary, after a long break due to COVID.
Competing at USA state in Cedar
Rapids, IA, on January 24 were Chase
Ackerman (1st), Kaiden Belinsky, Kip-
tyn Cox, Kanen Decker (6th), Coo-
per Frost, Jonah Frost, Landan Frost,
Jase Jones, Drew Lansing, Ty Martin
(1st), Garrett Miller, Dallas Tisue, Wes
Wangsness and Krayton Zimmerman.
AAU districts are held the first Sun-
day each February at Waverly Shell Practicing till the end…last practice before the
Rock high school for grades 3-8th. big dance in Des Moines!
To advance to the state tournament go arena. Signs were hung up on the
in Des Moines, a wrestler must place doors recognizing the wrestlers and
in the top 4 at his weight. Compet- teammates supported each other over
ing for WWC were Chase Ackerman the course of the three-day tourna-
(1st), Cooper Adair (4th), Kaiden Be- ment. Thankfully there was no limit
linsky (3rd), Kiptyn Cox (2nd), Kanen on spectators so there were plenty of
Decker (2nd), Drew Destival, Cooper fans there to cheer on the boys! WWC
Frost, Jonah Frost, Landan Frost, Re- had five place winners: Chase Acker-
ece Hagenow, Hayden Hilsenbeck, Jase man (1st), Drew Lansing (3rd), Kaiden
Jones (2nd), Sawyer Krall (4th), Evan Belinsky (6th), Ty Martin (4th), and
Kleitsch (2nd), Drew Lansing (1st), Ty Zak Willems (4th). WWC finished in
Martin (1st), Andrew Matthias (2nd), 2nd place for 1A youth teams and 20th
Garrett Miller, Brennan Pagel (2nd), overall, following mostly super club
Wes Wangsness, Zak Willems (3rd), teams that are comprised of kids from Team bonding: Wapsie jr. high wrestlers were able to go to Des Moines and cheer on the high school
Dallas Tisue and Krayton Zimmerman many different school districts. This is state participants.
(3rd). the highest WWC has finished at the
The team had a great time in Des able to practice, a handful of our boys Readlyn second graders Jackson
AAU State tournament! The boys have
Moines the last weekend in February, continued to attend IAWC practices to Brunscheon and Evan Kleitsch also
worked extremely hard over the last
enjoying team/family meals together get better! The coaches continue to be wrestled at Super Pee Wee State in Wa-
year in order to make it to where they
and staying at a hotel near Wells Far- very proud of them and “the future of terloo on March 7, with Evan Kleitsch
are today. Even when Wapsie was un-
Wapsie wrestling looks brighter than taking 1st. Evan is the first WWC
ever!” member to win Super Pee Wee!!
Battle on the Wapsie Dual Team – 2nd place. Jr. High Division Placewinners: Coach Decker, Drew Lansing, Chas Ackerman, Kaiden Belinsky, Coach Cox.
A10 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
2020-2021 Annual Fairbank Firemen’s Banquet
On Saturday evening,
March 27th, the Fairbank
Fire Department held it’s
Annual Banquet at the
Fairbank IC Hall. Every-
one enjoyed a Prime Rib
or Chicken dinner that
was catered by Fairbank
Food Center.
As part of their cel-
ebration, they honored
those members who have
achieved various mile-
stones of their time ser-
vicing the Fairbank com-
munity. Since they were
not able to hold their ban-
quet last year, they also
recognized members who
would have been honored
last year. Other awards in-
cluded their “Firefighter FAIRBANK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: Front Row: Kevin
of the Year” and “EMT Bodensteiner (Ass’t Chief - EMS), Brad Gordon (Chief), Amy
of the Year.” Awards were Kaufman, Cindy Woods, Janice Martins, Alexis Rausch (Sec),
presented by Fire Chief Elaine Zimmerman, Courtney Rochette, Chris West (Ass’t Chief
- Fire). 2nd Row: Connor Jones, Dick Chapman, Dave Ryan, Ja-
Brad Gordon and Roger
son Kayser (President), Fr. Ray Atwood (Chaplin), Ted Vorwald,
Carr, VP of the Iowa Fire-
Cody Kleitsch (Captain), Jake Schwartz (2nd Lt), Rob Gipper
fighter’s Association. (EMS Captain), Tyler Odneal, Brett Cummings, Gabe Oldfather.
Rounding out the eve- 3rd Row: Drake Mangrich, Brian Stark, Shawn Davis, Tim
ning was live entertain- Zimmerman, Ryan Westemeier, Ryan Rausch, Collin Woods,
ment by Travis Granberg, Carson Woods, Chance Beierschmitt, Adam Bachman. Not Pic-
2020 AWARDS: Roger Carr - VP of the Iowa Firefighters Association, Cody Kleitsch (5 yrs.), Chance Beierschmitt (5
guitarist. tured: Jon Kono, Nick Curley (1st Lt), Kyle Odneal (Treasurer).
yrs.), Shawn Davis (10 yrs.), Drake Mangrich (15 yrs.), Rob Gipper (15 yrs.), Brett Cummings (15 yrs.), Dave Ryan (30
~ Photo credit to Doese Photography
yrs.), Brad Gordon – Chief.FAIRBANK ISLANDER APRIL 7, 2021 - A11
2020-2021 Annual Fairbank Firemen’s Banquet
2020 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Brad Gordon; 2020 EMT OF THE YEAR: Ted
2021 AWARDS: Brad Gordon - Chief, Chris West (10 yrs.), Gabe Oldfather (10 yrs.), Cindy Woods (20 yrs.), Christy Kayser (retired after 20
Vorwald; Roger Carr - VP of the Iowa Firefighters Association.
yrs.), Roger Carr - VP of the Iowa Firefighters Association. Not Present: Jon Kono - 5 yrs.
The Community Is So Thankful For Your Service!
Fresh Meat and Produce
Dairy • Frozen • Grocery
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WE OFFER CATERING
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• Nothing too big or too small
Fairbank D e l i - B e s t A r o u n d • Delicious Dinners
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Open 7:30 am-8 pm • 7 Days a Week
Check Out Our Complete Ad At fairbankfoodcenter.comA12 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
Rachel Murray Wenger receives P&S
named Employee Outstanding Achievement in
of the Year Extension and Outreach Award
Rachel Mur- Matthew Wenger, program co- processors, and contributions to
ray was award- ordinator with the Meat Science federally-funded projects for re-
ed the 2020 Extension program in animal sci- search.
Employee of ence, is the recipient of the Profes- Most recently, Wenger initi-
the Year for the sional and Scientific Outstanding ated and coordinated the Pass the
Department of Achievement in Extension and Pork and Beef Up Iowa programs
Radiology at Outreach Award from the College in cooperation with the Iowa De-
the University of Agriculture and Life Sciences at partment of Agriculture and Land
of Iowa Hospi- Iowa State University. Stewardship to provide meat for
tals on Febru- Wenger has been a key player Iowans experiencing food insecu-
ary 13, 2021. in the success of this program, rity as a result of the COVID-19
She works the which includes an extensive vari- pandemic.
weekend shift ety of short course and workshop Wenger is actively involved in
and has been offerings for the meat industry, university and community service.
working for customized training programs for He has been an advisor to the ISU
University Hospitals since 2008. specific client companies in the Block and Bridle Club and ISU
Rachel was nominated by co-workers and voted on by meat industry, collaboration on Cardinal Key. He has also chaired Iowa and served as a member of
a selection committee. Her co-workers had some very grants and support of Iowa food committees for Special Olympics the Special Olympics Iowa Board.
nice personality comments for Rachel as well as her pro-
fessional work ethic as a General Diagnostic Technolo-
gist. Her name will be added to the Radiology Depart-
ment’s Plaque for 2020 Employee of the Year.
Rae, as most people know her by, is a former Fairbank
Days Queen and Wapsie Valley Homecoming Queen of
2002. She is still representing our community and her
new community of Janesville, Iowa very well, along with
her husband Patrick and their three children, Calvin,
Lane and Ryan Jo. Rachael is the daughter of Kelly and
Susan Ryan of Fairbank.
Sharon Woods-BrokerFAIRBANK ISLANDER APRIL 7, 2021 - A13
Speech students shine at State
Wapsie Valley Individual Speech Speech students: Olivia Hershey, Christopher Tibbott, Asa Kelley and
Ronnie Wilcox competed at State Speech Saturday, March 13, hosted by Postville. Students are coached
by Amy Nosbisch. Out of the six acts, four received straight ones! Taking all three ‘Division I’ ratings
were: Asa Kelley in prose - ‘Making Money’; Christopher Tibbott in literary program - ‘Mothers’ and in
acting, ‘Ashes’; and Ronnie Wilcox in after dinner with ‘Mistakes’. Receiving overall ‘Division II’ ratings
were: Olivia Hershey in prose and Asa Kelley in solo musical theater.
Bill Dixon enters the real
estate business
Bill Dixon is a Fairbank native and
recently retired from John Deere. And
now he has his realtors license. Bill spe-
cializes in commercial, residential, farm
and timber - providing guidance and as-
sisting sellers and buyers in marketing
for the right price under the best terms.
With a passion for service in the Fair-
bank area, Bill is ready to help with your
home buying and selling needs. As a
proud member of the Re/Max family,
Bill carries the values of hard work, in-
tegrity, and outstanding client service
into everything he does.
If interested in his service, you can
contact bill at 563-920-0772.A14 - APRIL 7, 2021 FAIRBANK ISLANDER
The Murder of Phoebe Jane Vigoletti
by Betty Brandt Passick the city’s share of activity by the Black Hand.
Most people today have little or no knowledge of the Nancy Bowers is a trained historian and researcher
sensational ‘Gangster Era’ murders captured in Amer- with years of life experiences in writing and criminal
ica’s newspaper headlines at the turn of the Twentieth justice, and administrator for an internet site: www.io-
Century (1920-1930s). Many of which remain un- waunsolvedmurders.org. She cites two shocking mur-
solved--including the murder of Phoebe Jane Vigoletti. ders attributed to the Black Hand in Oelwein—many
Historians point to one cause for the tremendous up- more, if you look at the entire state of Iowa.
heaval in American society: On January 17, 1920, Con- Phoebe Jane Vigoletti, a 46-year-old Italian home-
gress voted to ratify the 18thAmendment to the Consti- maker, was strangled in her home on March 14, 1926.
tution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transport Someone broke down the back door and strangled her
of alcoholic beverages. However, it remained legal to with a rope. The kitchen showed signs of a violent strug-
drink and buy liquor. So began the era of Prohibition gle. Her body was removed from the house, taken across
which created one hell of a mess. the back yard, hoisted over a fence, and dragged or car-
The ink was barely dry on the document when shad- ried a considerable distance, then dumped on the same
owy criminal organizations, like the Black Hand gang site as that of an unnamed Italian male, who had been
imported from Italy, rose up to meet the nation’s insatia- stabbed 84 times in 1919.
ble thirst for alcohol. Italians were the last ethnic groups Both murders have remained cold cases, a strong in-
to immigrate to America, ranking just above the Irish dicator of how much people feared retaliation by mem-
and African slaves on the food chain. (Irish and Jewish bers of the Black Hand.
mobsters had their own organized crime groups to har- Murders like Vigoletti’s fed the doctrine of nativism
ness the huge alcohol production in the United States—resulting in a widespread attitude
industry.) that rejected alien persons, or culture, and led to xeno-
Frankie Yale (also known as Francesco Ioele or Frankie phobia, the irrational fear of foreigners leading to rac-
Uale) was in his early twenties when he became the Big ism and ethnic conflict…when all Italians became ste-
Boss of the Italian colonies in Brooklyn and New York’s reotyped as killers.
east side—then, director of the first Black Hand gang in Americans pressured Leg- Interviewing Oelwein Italians was part of my research
America. In subsequent years, hundreds of Black Hand islators to bar them from for writing the historical novel, Gangster in our Midst
gangs organized throughout the country. coming into the country. The (2017). Each had been a young child when first over-
Even in Oelwein, Iowa. Immigration Act of 1924 ef- hearing hushed conversations about the Black Hand,
According to the Oelwein Chamber of Commerce, fectively closed the ‘Golden who commonly used threats of violence and murder in
the Chicago Great Western Railroad hub drew thou- Door’ to America to Italians, an attempt to extort wealthy Italian Americans, and oth-
sands of new Italian immigrants to Oelwein. By the even though the vast major- ers. Receipt of a threatening letter and a coal-blackened
early 1900s, Oelwein’s population was 7,000--and one of ity were good, honest work- handprint left on a victim’s door meant--pay up or suffer
three major settlements of Italians in Iowa. In 1915, the ing people and not criminals. the consequences. “We’re not gonna pay for protection!”
Italian community grew to five hundred. With it came CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
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MURDER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
one recalled his father had said.
Eventually, the thugs were run out of
town—but not for many years.
On September 30, 1933, police followed
six bandits after two persons were shot in
an attempted holdup of the First National
Bank in Oelwein. The six men traveling
in a large automobile were traced to Cen-
ter Grove, Iowa, but eluded four squads
of police armed with machine guns. A
short time later the trail was picked up
south of Dubuque and police sped on the
Dubuque-Davenport highway in pursuit.
The gunmen were never captured, and
police were never able to confirm the
men were part of the Black Hand.
Black Hand members allegedly hung
out at the Italian-owned Club 190 at the
junction of Highways 190 and 150 south lated trades—while Kingpins made mil- one wishes to write a memoir of under
of Oelwein. Some people I spoke with be- lions each year, and loansharking became 10 pages—or 400 pages, like mine, your
lieved the club was owned by the mafia. a major industry. family will treasure it just as much. You
It had been renamed Club Savoy--owned ~ Before Prohibition, many states re- can say a lot in a few pages. My books are
by Pete Greco and Tony Rubino--when lied heavily on excise taxes in liquor sales available at the Fairbank Public Library
it caught fire and burned to the ground to fund their budgets. In New York, al- and the Fairbank Historical Society.
in February 1957. The cause of the blaze: most 75 percent of the state’s revenue was Gangster in Our Midst (221 pages) is
unknown. Stiles Supermarket, also south derived from liquor taxes. The most last- described by one reader on Amazon as:
of Oelwein on Highway 150, had been ing consequence was many states and the “Very Road to Perdition in style and peri-
destroyed by fire two weeks earlier. federal government would come to rely od.” The historical crime novel won a 2019
When the Italian American Louie La on income tax revenue to fund their bud- Notable 100 Indie Book Award from Shelf
Cava arrived in Fairbank in the early gets going forward. Unbound book review magazine. The 2nd
1920s, residents stopped to take notice. ~ The greatest unintended conse- book in the ‘gangster’ trilogy will be avail-
He stood out with his olive skin among quence of Prohibition, however, was the able spring 2021.
the Germans, Irish, Scandinavians, and plainest to see. For over a decade, the law I interview and write articles about
Swedes. Plus, he had the mannerisms of that was meant to foster temperance in- long-time residents (town & farm) from
a gangster: drove a big fancy black car, stead fostered intemperance and excess. the Fairbank area for publication in the
smoked fat Cuban cigars, and wore Prohibition had made the problem even Fairbank Islander. Please contact me to
expensive suits with a nice fedora atop worse. nominate yourself, or someone else: bb-
his head. ~ The term ‘organized crime’ hadn’t passickauthor@comcast.net.
Over time, La Cava confessed he really existed in the United States before
worked for Chicago Kingpin Al ‘Scarface’ 1920. Prohibition became the catalyst for
Capone as bookkeeper, but only for the sourcing and distributing alcohol and
Anniversaries, Weddings, Birthdays, Thank You's,
good side of his business—his charities. drugs as an interstate and even inter- Fundraising Events, and more . . . .
He likely said that to quell their nerves national enterprise. Before Prohibition, We print them in the Islander“FREE” of charge!
a bit. La Cava (and his wife, a Fairbank criminal gangs were local menaces. Submit articles at Library or email f.library@mchsi
area girl he’d married in Chicago) contin- Finally, no one seemingly kept a run-
ued to frequent the town off and on for ning body count during the great moral
the next sixty years. They built a summer experiment of Prohibition.
home in Fairbank in the 1960s. According to one source, the U.S.
La Cava spent considerable time with Government ordered over 92 percent of
the Oelwein Italians, too—such that one ‘hooch’ poisoned during the last 7 years
1936 Oelwein newspaper announced: of Prohibition, and an estimated 10,000
“Louie La Cava has returned to the area.” Americans probably died from the poi-
What locals didn’t know was he had been soning program. Arrests for drunken-
in hiding in Ohio for a lengthy time be- ness and disorderly conduct increased 21
fore the Feds found and served him with percent, and arrests for drunken driving
a subpoena to testify at Johnny ‘The Fox’ jumped by 81 percent. During the first
Torrio’s trial on income tax evasion. La ten years of Prohibition, the murder rate
Cava had been Torrio’s bookkeeper, too. climbed 78 percent across the country.
Prohibition was repealed in 1933. The In Chicago alone, almost 800 gangsters
biggest gangs shifted their operations died.
away from alcohol and into secondary Nationally, the homicide rate per
businesses like drugs, gambling, and 100,000 people rose almost two-thirds.
prostitution. They also profited greatly Phoebe Jane Vigoletti was one of them.
from the Great Depression. *******
Prohibition’s supporters were initially I have loved writing since a young girl
surprised by what did not come to pass growing up in the house across from the
during the dry era. On the whole, the ini- Baptist church in Fairbank. Having kept
tial economic effects of Prohibition were a journal at one point of my life for sev-
largely negative. enteen years, I now enjoy going to grade
~ The closing of breweries, distilleries schools to talk about “Journaling.” My
and saloons led to the elimination of largest workshop by far has been “Writing
thousands of jobs, and in turn thousands a Memoir.” I wrote our family’s book of his-
more jobs were eliminated for barrel tory, We Are Eight, a Memoriam (2015),
makers, truckers, waiters, and other re- after five years of research. Whether some-You can also read
