Get to Know: Jasper County Emergency Management
Agency Director Jamey Robinson
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to Jasper County:
I am married to my wonderful and supportive wife, MJ, and together, we have five children and an amazing little granddaughter. My wife has been a dedicated hospitalist at MercyOne Newton for several years, which has given me a deep appreciation for the healthcare community here.
In my previous job, I had the privilege of collaborating with some of Jasper County’s outstanding leaders, including Sheriff Halferty, Chief Deputy Rozendaal, Lt. Brad Shutts, Chief Wellik and Deputy Chief Heisdorffer. These experiences gave me valuable insights into the county’s strengths and the remarkable individuals driving its progress.
When Director Sparks retired, I saw a tremendous opportunity to contribute to Jasper County’s future. I was excited to bring my experience and passion to this vibrant community and build on the solid foundation laid by its exceptional leaders. How did you become interested in emergency management?
My background includes being a paramedic, firefighter and reserve deputy, which has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of emergency response. My interest in emergency management began when I witnessed the profound impact of a
natural disaster on my community. Seeing emergency responders’ coordination, dedication and resilience inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a tangible difference in people’s lives during their most critical moments.
The combination of strategic planning, crisis management and the opportunity to serve my community has kept me deeply engaged in this field. Every day, I am motivated by the chance to improve preparedness, enhance response efforts and contribute to the safety and resilience of the community.
What is the most challenging part of the job? What is the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of the job is managing the unpredictability of disasters and ensuring that all stakeholders are prepared and coordinated. Each incident is unique, requiring tailored responses and quick, critical decision-making under pressure.
Conversely, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the positive impact of our efforts on the community. When plans come together, and lives are saved, it reaffirms the importance of our work. Additionally, witnessing the resilience and gratitude of those affected by emergencies is incredibly fulfilling.
What incident has stayed with you the most and why?
One incident that has stayed with me is
the response to a major flood in our region. The scale of the disaster was unprecedented, and the community’s response was nothing short of inspiring. Volunteers from all walks of life came together, offering their time, resources, and support. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and unity that can emerge in the face of adversity.
During this flood, I had the opportunity to help a wonderful lady named Mary. With no family to assist her, Mary remained in her home despite two feet of water flooding it. I had to go in and convince her to leave for her safety. Not only did I help her evacuate, but I also rounded up her cats and ensured they were safe. We were able to work on a long-term plan for her. I am committed to providing sustained assistance until issues are fully resolved, rather than offering short-term help and walking away. This experience reinforced my dedication to serving and protecting our community.
The flood response highlighted the critical role of effective emergency management in harnessing and coordinating efforts to maximize impact. It demonstrated how, through collective effort and strong leadership, we can overcome even the most challenging situations and ensure the safety and well-being of our community members.
Courtesy of Jasper County
L to R: Carl Cable, Evan Husak, Tanner Spurlin, Mitch Stogdill, Jaden Reeves, Sonny Swank, Kristen Reeves, Jack Reeves, Tim Clark
Mariposa
Park is home to a new cabin available for rent that provides homey comforts and easy accessibility to outdoor recreation
Mariposa Park has both primitive campgrounds and modern-style campgrounds for those who want to spend their nights in tents or a decked out RV, but the park’s latest addition allows for an entirely new kind of camping for guests who want all the comforts of home but also want to enjoy the outdoor amenities.
Known as Coneflower Cottage, the cabin was built with families in mind and is now available for rent at Mariposa Park. Equipped with a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, a bunkbed in the other bedroom and a pullout couch in the living space, there is enough room for seven to enjoy.
Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation, said as a family-oriented organization it was important to have the cabin cater to families who wanted to stay longer at Mariposa Park. Not all families like “roughing it” in the primitive camps, and not all have a camper to use at Bison Ridge Campgrounds.
With the cabin’s proximity to the lake, it also allows for easy kayaking and boating (keep in mind it’s a “no wake” lake). The waters have been stocked with all kinds of fish, and the
trails also offer a fair bit of hiking. And the kiddos can take advantage of the nature playscape and playgrounds nearby.
Jasper County Conservation has another year-round cabin available for rent at the Uhlenhopp Arboretum, and Van Zante said it is equally as beautiful. But its character and setup are much different than the Coneflower Cottage. Staff have also prepared room for another cabin to be built next to the one at Mariposa.
“We’ve put a septic tank in for the two cabins and have the electrical stubbed in, so it’s all ready for the next one when we get funding for that,” Van Zante said. “We’re excited to have our regular users using it and the new people who are looking for a different experience.”
Two weeks after the Coneflower Cottage became available for rent, Van Zante said someone had already contacted her and was excited to book a stay with their family this summer. To her, it is nice to see people who may not have even considered coming to Jasper County be excited for this new amenity.
For 3 years, Max’s Coffee has served up caffeinated treats to community members
Since opening in 2021, Max’s Coffee has grown a loyal following at its daily stops. Whether in Monroe, Prairie City, Colfax or at a special event, a line is sure to form at the coffee truck to get a delicious caffeinated drink.
“My love for coffee started well before the pandemic with dabbling in roasting my own beans and always checking out coffee shops,” owner Amy Schreiber-Bierbaum said. “When the pandemic hit, though, I was in the same boat as most people and was working from home. That gave me a lot more time to think about what I wanted to do in life and what direction I really wanted to take.”
She found that when she was having a bad day, good day or just needed a break, coffee was her go-to pick-me-up. With the supply harder to come by working from home, she started the process that eventually turned into Max’s Coffee.
Through trial and error, a lot of hard work and some friends who were more than willing to test out her drinks, Schreiber-Bierbaum narrowed down what her coffee shop would serve. At the same time, she started work on her mobile coffee truck.
“We decided what to serve after lots of
trial and error. We worked with one of the roasters who has been open for more than 30 years to help with questions on products, research on the internet, and I also attended Texas Coffee School prior to getting started to gain more knowledge on products,” she said. “I liked the idea of being able to go to where the people are versus waiting for people to come to me, especially when just getting started. It also helps keep the overhead lower so I can hopefully invest in a brick and mortar some day. Plus, having a mobile business has given me the chance to do events and meet people I would otherwise never meet.”
Now in her third year, Schreiber-Bierbaum has seen a lot of growth, from what she serves to who’s in the truck with her. From a variety of coffees and lotus drinks to smoothies and baked treats, she is sure to quench your thirst and give you a little kick to keep going through the day.
“Business has been going well! We’ve been steadily getting busier and busier this year, which has been great to see,” Schreiber-Bierbaum said. “The most popular item we’ve added is the new stuffed cookies from Oh High Cookies in Des Moines. We just started carrying them a few weeks
ago and so far they have been a big hit. They have rotating flavors each week, so we’ll be carrying a few staple flavors regularly, while adding a few rotational flavors each week for people to try.”
As the business progresses, new challenges arise for Schreiber-Bierbaum. Whether it is how often to be open or what items are working or not working, decisions have to be made to make it the best it can be.
“A constant challenge we have faced since we started is figuring out how much do we want to take on. Being mobile, you get asked to come to a lot of different places and events,” Schreiber-Bierbaum said. “Our first year we kind of took on almost everything that could fit into our schedule to see what worked and what didn’t. It was like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. My biggest challenge from all of that was accepting that I can’t take on everything that came my way. On the flip side, my biggest lesson learned has been I don’t need to take on everything. It’s helped me work smarter, not harder and to keep mine and my husband’s sanity.”
CONTINUED 30
Courtesy of Max’s Coffee
We have moved locations, but our dedication to Jasper County remains the same. For more that 121 years, we have been delivering news and information to the residents of Jasper County.
We will continue to provide the information you, our community needs utilizing all platforms that we have available. Whether you prefer the traditionally printed newspaper, a computer, a tablet or phone, Facebook or Twitter, we strive to provide you with the information you want to know.
South Skunk Blues Society preserves, celebrates and educates blues music with events like Bowlful of Blues and Blues Under the Blue Roof
Jasper County may be more than 800 miles away from Mississippi — the state where many believe blues music originated — but there is a dedicated group of blues enthusiasts who believe in preserving the genre that gave birth to all other forms of music. They call themselves the South Skunk Blues Society.
It’s a fitting name, too, since the Skunk River flows right into the Mississippi River. In a way, the group acts as a sort of pipeline to the blues motherland. So long as there is a connector between the two and there are people around who are willing to put in the work, then there is hope for the blues after all.
Formed in the ’90s by devoted blues lovers, the South Skunk Blues Society keeps that passion for music preservation by regularly holding community events and the ever-popular Bowlful of Blues in Maytag Park. It takes place every Labor Day Week-
end, and organizers always fill the stage with kick-ass blues artists.
Mike Cooling joined the group in 2001, and for the past four years he has served as president of the South Skunk Blues Society. In addition to the Bowlful of Blues, he said the group regularly holds Blues Under the Blue Roof at the Newton Public Library and other blues-related education in schools.
“We have had an artist come in, or several artists, into Newton schools, Colfax-Mingo schools, Baxter schools,” Cooling said. “I think it’s great because it exposes kids to different things they might not normally have access to growing up. The monthly Blues Under the Blue Roof has turned into a big thing, too.”
Oftentimes the South Skunk Blues Society brings an artist in that will explain what
blues means to them, giving audiences not only a show but a chance to learn someone else’s perspective and experience with music. Of course the biggest contribution the society brings is the annual Bowlful of Blues.
Using the Maytag Bowl as the perfect endof-summer backdrop, the Bowlful of Blues has been going steady for as long as the society has been around. It is an annual concert spanning most of the day, and its accommodations of letting people bring their own food and beverages has always been welcomed.
It’s Cooling’s favorite day of the year. As a transplant to the community, he is bewildered when he finds someone in town or in the area who has never even heard of the South Skunk Blues Society or the Bowlful of Blues. It boggles his mind. But it also tells him the society needs to get the word out. All it will take is one blues show and
CONTINUED 29
NEED FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT
As a volunteer based 501©3 organization, community support is essential to the continued success and sustainability of Newton Main Street. Without financial and volunteer support the district would not be able to accomplish the great things listed in the annual report and coming year’s priorities.
Be a part of something BIG!
BECOME AN INVESTOR
How your support of the Newton Main Street programs, small businesses and a growing historic commercial core that is the center of the life and activity in Newton. Newton Main Street has seen many improvements since becoming a designated Main Street in 2014. Help to keep that momentum going through monetary contributions. Operations are funded through donations from businesses, local governing bodies, and individuals that are passionate about seeing Main Street thrive and succeed. See the investors levels located on the tear out sheet below. Supporters are recognized in print and digital materials throughout the year.
INVEST YOUR TIME
The total volunteer hours dedicated to Newton Main Streets programs and services each year equals about 1/3 of the total operating budget. Volunteers are a huge asset to the organization and form a community of leaders within Newton. Be a part of the action by dedicating your time and talents to fun projects and events. Each of the Newton Main Street 4 committees aligns with one of the 4 points of approach list on the previous page. Contact the program executive director Erin Yeager, today to get involved.
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY AND REVITALIZATION. MAIN STREET GIVES US OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW AND PROSPER OUR LOCAL DISTRICT. - LAURIE MOFFITT
Name/Business: ___________________________
Billing Address: ____________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Like virtually every city and town (even village) in 19th Century Iowa, Newton already had an opera house, Union Hall, on the east side of the square, when talk of building a new and grander one began to be heard.
From The Newton Journal, April 7, 1881: “If any one tells you that Mr. R. Johnson has determined to build an Opera House in Newton this summer, tell him no, but numerous are the petitions of our citizens that he may finally do so.”
I have been unable to identify the Mr. Johnson in question. I wonder if it could have been Hiram Johnson, proprietor of the Delmonico House, at the northwest corner of McDonald and Vine Streets (now N. 2nd Ave. W. and W. 3rd St. N.), whose guests would have benefitted from some culture and diversion while in town.
William Lister, who came to Newton from London, England in 1872 with the intention of engaging in the coal business, admitted that he was interested in such an enterprise.
Ralph Robinson, editor of the Journal, “had the privilege of examining the plans specifications” of what was to be called Lister’s Opera House in June of 1884.
“The plans contemplate a building on the corner east of the Delmonico, 66x100 feet. The
ground floor to be divided into three stores, with entrances at either end. The second floor to be devoted to the Opera House, with a parquette [sic] on the floor, dress circle surrounding this, with gallery above, allowing ample space for stage, private boxes, etc., with entrance at the back for the companies and employes.
“Altogether the plan seems to us an excellent one, and if built according to it, would give Newton one of the best arranged, the best appearing and most commodious Opera Houses in the state. Mr. Lister will probably not build this season, but the fact that he has gone to the expense of procuring detailed plans and specifications is evidence that it is his intention to do so in the near future. The sooner, the better.”
“We again hear talk of a new Opera House to be erected in this city, during the coming summer,” the Journal informed its readers on February 18, 1885. “We hope to see the enterprise take definite shape.”
At a March 2, 1885 meeting of interested citizens at the courthouse the building of Lister’s Opera House was considered. “Rattling and spirited speeches” were made by Col. David Ryan, Geo. T. Anderson, Samuel Richards, R. Dixon, Maj. S. S. Patterson, and others. It was decided the opera house would be an ornament
to the city, and Hiram Johnson proposed a $1,000 bonus for Mr. Lister if he would build.
At another meeting at the courthouse, Newton attorney A. K. Campbell, a former newspaper man, asserted that the “public improvements we have are all first-class ... But we need more of them, and the opera house now proposed to be built is in the line of improvements needed.”
Work on the new building progressed through the summer and fall, and by December was nearly ready for occupancy.
The ground floor had been prepared for business rooms. In January 1886, Stephen Clement moved his restaurant to the opera house’s “new and elegant west room.” Tom Dennis’ billiard hall and the Newton Cigar Factory-C. B. Ritter & Son occupied the other two spaces.
Stella McCord years later recalled some of the “name” entertainers booked for Lister’s, namely, Walker Whiteside as Hamlet (1895); Claude Gillingwater, with the Chase-Lister Theater Company (1895); George Kennan, “the great Russian explorer” (1900), and others. (She claimed Otis Skinner played here but I could not verify this.)
The Chase-Lister Company was organized in Newton in 1895 by Glenn F. Chase, formerly of the Chase-Wells Company, and Will
By Larry Hurto Newton Historic Preservation Commission & Main Street Design Committee
T. Lister. They presented their repertoire of plays and vaudeville acts in opera houses and theatrical tents throughout the Midwest.
Besides Gillingwater, the Chase-Lister Company included such renowned stars of stage and (later) screen as Clint and Bessie Robbins, Bayonne Whipple, Al and Loie Bridge, and Lyle Talbot.
The 1886 debut of Miss Emma Mershon, “recently home from California, where for several years she has been perfecting herself in music,” in a benefit for the W. C. T. U. Reading Room, was a highlight. But the outstanding musical program in McCord’s opinion was Miss Emma’s return in 1894 as Mme. de Konschine. The Newton native was by this time world-acclaimed, having made a “most brilliant debut in high opera” in 1889.
Newton audiences were also able to see “Blind” Boone, the black pianist and composer of ragtime music, at Lister’s in 1894. His concert was “well attended and enjoyed.”
Roney’s Boys, a Chicago touring concert group, presented “a most pleasing entertainment” to Newton theatergoers.
But all was not smooth sailing — as any theater manager would tell you.
Not long after Lister’s Opera
Lister’s Opera House, built in 1885, was located at the corner of McDonald and Vine Streets (now N. 2nd Ave. W. and W. 3rd St. N.). It was razed in 1936. (Craig Wade)
How have you seen communities respond during emergency events?
I have had the opportunity to manage various emergencies, including previous floods and tornadoes, but the recent disasters, such as the flooding in Kellogg and the extensive damages across Jasper County, have indeed highlighted the resilience and solidarity of our communities. During these recent events, neighbors helped neighbors, embodying the spirit of cooperation and support.
Communities often exhibit remarkable resilience and solidarity during emergency events. People unite to support one another, demonstrating incredible acts of kindness and cooperation. Local businesses, organizations and individuals frequently offer resources and assistance, showcasing the community’s collective strength. It’s heartening to see how adversity can bring out the best in people, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
What are you looking forward to in the future for EMA?
I am thrilled about the advancements in technology and data analytics that are transforming emergency management. These innovations are paving the way for
CONTINUED 7
improved preparedness, response and recovery efforts, and I am eager to see how they will continue to enhance our capabilities.
One of my key priorities is the development of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This initiative aims to equip our residents with the essential skills and knowledge to assist during emergencies. Additionally, school preparedness is at the forefront of our agenda, ensuring that our children and educators are safe and well-prepared for emergencies. Soon, we will offer quarterly CPR classes, Stop the Bleed training and other vital programs to better prepare our citizens.
Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with the community is crucial. I am committed to fostering clear, effective communication to ensure everyone is informed and involved. Furthermore, I am dedicated to engaging and empowering communities to participate in their own safety and resilience.
The future holds great promise for more efficient, effective and inclusive emergency management strategies. I am excited to be part of this journey, working together to build a safer and more resilient Jasper County.
— Jamee A. Pierson
they will be hooked for life.
“Truthfully, I was never a blues fan until I heard it live for the very first time,” he said. “And that was at Maytag Bowl in Newton. From that point on I was hooked. They say if you listen to live blues music and you don’t want to get up and move, then something’s dead in ya. It’s a primal thing.”
Bowlful of Blues attracts visitors from all across the state and all over the country. Cooling said a lot of credit goes to the sponsors of Bowlful of Blues who always help the South Skunk Blues Society year after year. The nonprofit gets to continue doing what it does best.
There have been times when the South Skunk Blues Society has contemplated calling it quits and saying goodbye to the Bowlful of Blues, or possibly even turning it over to another group. But when they learned the festival would only persist for a few years, the group dug in its heels and kept mov-
ing forward.
Stubbornness is a common trait among members of the South Skunk Blues Society, and Cooling said it’s partly why the group has stayed around for so long.
“We were at a point where we going to disband … It didn’t happen,” he said. “I’d like to see someone younger step up, take charge and make sure it keeps going. Anybody is welcome at the South Skunk Blues Society. All we want is somebody to continue what we do and keep the blues going.”
Performing at this year’s Bowlful of Blues is headliner Avey Grouws Band, Brandon Santini, Steve E. George Band and The Sears Band. Clayton Ryan will be onstage in between sets. The concert will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 at Maytag Park. Tickets will be available soon.
Follow the South Skunk Blues Society on Facebook. Interested in joining? Call Mike Cooling at 641-4850809.
— Christopher Braunschweig
Jade Read, office manager for Jasper County Conservation, was pivotal in getting the cabin information available on MyCountyParks.com, a website that allows people to book their stays in parks all across Iowa. Read is also able to help individuals book over the phone by calling 641-7929780.
Several people have already booked their stays in the conservation cabins, including the brand new Coneflower Cottage, which may be Read’s favorite. It reminds her of a warm and inviting English cottage, a place she can see herself — and others — sipping a cup of tea on the back porch and admiring the view.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “I wanted it to reflect that homey feel and that’s kind of what I was going for when I helped put it together.”
Ethan Vander Pol, maintenance technician for Jasper County Conservation, took on most of the construction work, which was completed in roughly six months. He said the conservation board had been wanting a cabin out at Mariposa Park for some time, so to finally see it come to fruition is gratifying and exciting.
“The vision was this was kind of a cool spot down here,” Vander Pol said in an interview with Newton News while on the back deck of the cabin, which overlooks the lake. “It’s a spot for people who don’t want to camp or don’t have a camper. They can come stay here and use the park and benefit from all of this.”
Read hopes visitors not only enjoy their stay at the cabin but also enjoy being closer to nature.
“When you sit out on that deck you’re completely surrounded by trees and birds
and water,” she said. “It’s a chance to unwind and relax and unplug. I want it to be a place for people to have family memories and enjoy each other and enjoy time at a time where we’re so focused on our phones and ourselves.”
As Americans, we have a fast-paced lifestyle. Read said we oftentimes need reminders to slow down and enjoy what is around us every once in a while.
“That’s what I want people to do is to just enjoy their time, because we don’t always have a lot of time,” Read said. “We should spend it meaningfully.”
The construction of the Coneflower Cottage was made possible thanks to a Land & Water Conservation Grant and the American Rescue Plan Act funds provided by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.
— Christopher Braunschweig
While some challenges might not be very fun, one that she loves it finding new drink ideas. Whether it is for an event, holiday or just to freshen up the menu, creating is a challenge she loves to take on.
“Whether it’s doing research online or just trial and error while working. I’m always excited to try new flavors. Sometimes it doesn’t work out as I thought. Other times we come up with a great drink that turns into a special for that next season,” Schreiber-Bierbaum said. “If you see me at the grocery store intensely thinking in the spice aisle, don’t mind me, I’m just trying to think of my next latte idea.”
With a name like Max’s Coffee, one might
CONTINUED 27
House opened, the Boston Quintette Club did not appear due to the fact that the manager had “decamped.”
And some of the acts that were booked to play here proved less than stellar. A Ten Nights in a Bar Room company that “played to a fair sized audience” in 1900 “was rotten and some of the actors positively disgusting,” a local paper reported. The Gay Morning Glories show “was not rank – just poor.”
There was a time when Arthur Lister, who became the manager in 1899, had difficulty in controlling rowdies. Not a good thing.
Lister’s Opera House hosted all manner of speakers. Besides George Kennan, many others lectured over the years on various topics.
Geo. R. Wendling delivered his lecture on the Man of Galilee in 1901. Rev. James Roe Mershon, Miss Emma’s father, lectured on his European travels during the time his daughter was studying voice there. George D. Herron, professor of Applied Christianity at Grinnell College where he attracted nationwide attention for his radical (Christian Socialist) statements, lectured in the opera house in 1899.
In 1886, two Unitarian ministers were scheduled to preach at Lister’s: Rev. S. S. Hunting, of
ask: “Who is Max?” That’s a fun answer for Schreiber-Bierbaum to give and one that gives more meaning to the purpose behind her coffee truck.
“I wanted to give back and feel good about what I was doing. I wanted a purpose behind the coffee and my mind kept going to animals. I’ve always been a big softy when it comes to animals, and if I could have 100 dogs I probably would, much to my husband’s dismay,” Schreiber-Bierbaum said. “We adopted our dog Max and I wanted to give back to rescues that are helping animals like Max have a second chance. They do so much with what little they have, so I wanted to do whatever little bit I can to help.”
To fulfill that purpose, each quarter she
Des Moines, who reportedly disappointed 1,000 persons lined up to hear him by failing to show up; and Rev. Oscar Clute, of Iowa City.
Evangelistic services were held here in 1928. Aimee Semple McPherson was one of the last figures of a national reputation to appear at the old opera house.
Political rallies and speakers also were billed at Lister’s.
Gen. James B. Weaver, Iowa’s Greenback Congressman, spoke in 1887 on just about every topic except the one folks wanted to hear about - the new Union Labor Party.
Former Rep. Walt H. Butler (D-IA), “one of the best public speakers in the state,” spoke at a rally in 1901. A. U. Coates, of Des Moines, the Prohibition candidate for governor, also spoke at Lister’s Opera House that year.
Iowa Governors A. B. Cummins and B. F. Carroll spoke to their Republican supporters on political issues of the day.
Educational programs and events took place at the opera house. Class plays were put on by Newton High School students on the 64-foot wide by 20-foot deep stage.
Graduation exercises were held there starting in 1886. The last NHS graduating class to use the opera house was the Class of 1914.
As early as December of 1902,
picks a different rescue to donate to. Along with making her feel good about her work, she said it’s been great to see how happy people are to support the cause. And she loves the visits from the many dogs that stop by for a “pup cup.”
“We’ve been open long enough now we have a good following and people are willing to come find us wherever we might be,” Schreiber-Bierbaum said.
If you, or your pup, are looking for a tasty drink, just look for the truck with the bright red door and portrait of Max throughout the area each week. For more information about Max’s Coffee and where it will be, visit the business’s Facebook page. — Jamee A. Pierson
the theatergoing public was shown moving pictures at Lister’s. In 1916, when the opera house was under the management of Charles L. Coons, Newton residents saw such renowned silent movies as “The Birth of a Nation” (1915) and “Cabiria” (Italian; 1914).
There were even wrestling matches.
Former American Heavyweight Champion Martin “Farmer” Burns wrestled Wm. Murry, of Cincinnati, at the opera house in 1902. A wrestling exhibition between Burns and Frank Gotch, of Humboldt, was announced later, with Geo. Turner, of Turner, and three or four others also participating.
Marion Brantner saw Middleweight Champion of the World Ralph Parcaut, of Newton, wrestle about 1935.
Other activities held at the opera house over the years included mind readers, minstrel shows, a husking bee, hypnotists, and a séance.
Perhaps the most remarkable act I was able to find was that of a Miss Lena Loeb who gave exhibitions as THE ELECTRIC GIRL (!). An account of her as an exhibitor appeared in the Journal of October 17, 1888.
“Some endeavor has been made to explain the great exhibitions of apparent strength she gave by saying that they are
merely mechanical. We have done our best to discover any such development but failed. Dr. [J. R.] Gorrell, weighing 200 lbs. was stood up on a chair, and by means of a pole run through the rounds, eight men could not force the back rounds of the chair to the floor, Miss Loeb holding it clear of her body, by her hands at the back. Nine men had in their hands a fork handle on one side and Miss Loeb on the other, and she twisted, and pulled and pushed the men about with ease.”
In addition, this young lady’s ability as a mind reader “was simply wonderful and the best exhibition of the kind we have ever witnessed.”
Remarkable stuff indeed!
The interior of the opera house was redecorated in 1911. Early in 1916, a Deputy Fire Marshal was in town and inspected the Lister property. He was reported to have said “it is in better shape than the average opera house.”
On September 1, 1936, E. H. Maytag, the owner of the building, announced that the old opera house would be taken down “because of its old age.” Tenants at that time were the Culver Furniture Store, R. G. Allen Printing Co., Grant Smith’s repair shop, and the Gresham shoe shop.
The Rialto Theatre, 1st Ave. E., which opened in 1917, took over some of the functions of Lister’s Opera House.
L-R: Ryan Dannen, Scott Perry, Isaac Wickliff
