The 4ths of yesteryear

Rick Wimer

I’ve celebrated the 4th of July in many places all over the United States. Whether it was in Iowa, Ute and Storm Lake, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Houston, Anchorage, or San Jose, Beverly Hills and Barstow, in California; there have been no better memories of it than here, in Storm Lake.

After moving here in late 1954, 1955 was the very first time I experienced it. I watched the fireworks on the back porch of our home on West Third Street.  From that time on I watched it from the banks of the Indian trails at Chautauqua Park where I got the advantage of seeing not only the fireworks, but the magic of their reflection on the lake; diamond-like explosions of awesome beauty.

My most enjoyable memories of the 4th celebration have always been the parades. After we moved to the 500 block of Hudson Street, especially in my teenage years, I enjoyed wandering down to the parade route with many of the people who had parked on all the streets. I often joined many of them and chatted until we arrived at Hudson and Lakeshore Drive.

I would hang out there until some friends like the Steinkamps, the Wolffs, the Domayers, the Mains, and other schoolmates gathered. We all hung out there talking about who knows what, until the parade of floats, many of which were tractors pulling wagons filled with various groups of Storm Lake’s past high school classes, BV College, community groups and clubs.

Interspersed were fancy cars and pickups, some filled with local dignitaries, like Mayor Bridge, horsemen and families and of course, the Storm Lake and other towns’ police departments, fire departments, ambulances and especially the Storm Lake High School band along with bands from surrounding towns strutting by and playing a variety of patriotic tunes, all reminding you that you were indeed, watching the 4th of July parade.

Applause for the Class of 1963

However, my favorite part of the parade was after it had passed by. I would cross over to the Chautauqua sidewalk that led west all the way to Sunset Park. On every parade I ever attended from that time on, I would casually stroll all the way to Sunset Park and back. I would always encounter people who I hadn’t seen or communicated with for years. Many were classmates from both Saint Mary’s and Storm Lake High School, others; paper route customers who I had interacted with in my youth.

Multiple names cascade through my memory bank: Bates, Laird, Fitzpatrick, Yocum, Hartwell, Mittelstadt, Houchins, Tevepaugh, Moritz, Pigott, Erickson, Dirkx, Knebel, Bridge, Buntrock, Miller, Overmohle, Cox, Naughton, Struck, Shaeffer, Lewis, Konradi, Keenan, Steffen, Renshaw, Cornish, Martin, Jessen, Dick, Johnson, Illum, Lindsey, Meyer, Zubradt, Gaffney, Statz, Stille, Kennedy, Hunzelman, George, Nitzke, Spooner, Wissink, Korwes, Neuroth, Jorgenson, Bosley  and on and on and on.

I could share a memory with each named and we would reminisce when and if we met each other on my 4th of July walks. On my walk this year in my 80th year, I am sure I will meet less of them but will have many great memories of the rest. 

My Class of ’63 has always returned for a class reunion every five years since graduation. On three or four occasions we had our reunion on the week of the 4th of July celebration where we held our gatherings mostly at the Steak House or at the Harbor House or the Embers Lounge on Lake Avenue.

At one of those parades, a classmate, Dennis Moriarity, in full dress Scottish regalia, including kilts and sporran, led a group of Scottish bagpipers in the parade. The sound of the bagpipes filled the air, and Dennis was so adept as their leader. I can still hear them playing.

One another occasion, Steve Neuroth arranged for our class of ’63 to ride on a wagon with bales of hay for seating. It was so much fun for us all waving and greeting and receiving cheers from the parade crowd. On both sides of the front of the wagon was Ardan Dirkx and Dennis Moriarity each holding a sign reading “Applaud.” Once the spectators saw it there was always a grand round of applause. At the back of the trailer, Steve Neuroth flashed all those who were applauding “if you are using Viagra!” All of their applause stopped instantaneously. Lots of laughs!! Way to go Steve!

During this same parade, I spotted Jim Bauer walking with his mom, Pat. I yelled out “Hi Pat” and they waved back. At another time in the future, Jim approached me and told me how appreciative his mom was of that brief moment of attention. I always looked up to her with great respect, so Jim’s comment and the warm fuzzy feelings it gave me have remained with me at every parade I have attended since.

Capping it off with a bang

The evening was all about the fireworks. On the one or two times I spent on a boat on the lake I concluded that it was “the” place to watch. It always created nothing but chills up and down my back and big ole goosebumps. What a perfect end to a perfect day. Thanks, Storm Lake.

Having moved back to Storm Lake after a lifetime absence, I am anxiously looking forward to this year’s parade, especially the “Parade of Nations” that were absent in my past parades.  

For me, the 4th of July (Independence Day) is all about the pride for, patriotism due and the people of all walks of life in these United States of America to celebrate the freedom and independence that is provided by living here.

In Storm Lake it has grown into the awesome “Star Spangled Spectacular that celebrate it all.  This year, while my goal is to attend as many events as possible, my walk down memory lane will be my first and highest priority. “I’m proud to be an American” in Storm Lake, Iowa. “God bless the USA!”