Verein's of Previous Years
(From 1983 Schuetzen Verein Centennial book.)

Farmers Union Community Hall
Arcadia, IA

The Farmers Union Community Hall was located 4 1/2 Miles north of Arcadia, Iowa, on the Martin Frank farm, in a grove of mulberry, maple, willow and eatalpa trees. 

The building was erected in 1927 by a group of farmers for use as a meeting place and a dance hall.  It became a popular Saturday night place during the 30's.  Dances were well attended to bands like Lawrence Welk, Peter Kuhl and His Seven Aces, The Harmony Boys, as well as some local bands like Cecelia and Her Little Giants, Leo Dages, Al Thure.

When the hall was first opened is was during prohibition and they sold (non-alcoholic) or near beer and pop.  It was also known as the "Sticks.  It cost $.50 to $.75 to get into the dance, the ladies were admitted free.  Sometimes the dance only charged $.10, depending on the band.  Farmers Union Community Hall folded in the 1940's

Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Schroeder purchased the farm in the 1950's and operated it until 1973.  During this time the Hall was converted into a larger machine shed.  In 1979 a windstorm destroyed it, only memories of the good ode days remain.

The farm is now owned and operated by the Dennis Sander Family.

Wall Lake Schuetzen Verein
Wall Lake, Iowa
(From the book, A Century of Living in Wall Lake, 1877-1977)

The Wall Lake Schuetzen Verein was formed between the years 1878 and 1890.  A fire destroyed the first building along with its records.

In 1891 a new building was build north of town.  The same size as the one that burned.  Shares of stock were sold to raise the necessary funds for the new building.

The Wall Lake Schuetzen Verein provided entertainment for the members and their guests.  Target shooting for the men and women was one source of entertainment.  Women received dishes for their prizes.  One prize for the men was a gold tipped cane, which was won by Bill Wolleson

Children's day was held once a year with target shooting for the boys and a contest call Putslawn.  The girl was blindfolded, turned two or three times and then she was to hit the pan with a stick.  The winners, the King and Queen, led the Grand March in the evening, and their families.

Many dances and parties were held during the years with good music and other entertainment, such as wrestling and boxing matches in the 1940's

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