Odds & Ends
by MYRTLE HEIDEMAN
After re-reading some of the reports of the tragic fire that destroyed Club 21, I realized that the Cowan family was not included in the loss of property and income. Mike Cowan, manager of Club 21 and his wife, Pat and part-time cook, son, Jason, all lost part of their livelihood as well as freezers, coolers and kitchen utilities. Many of the people who came to dance and enjoy a cool one also enjoyed the delicious hamburgers and fries and on Thursday nights the wonderful steaks that were served. It was known as “steak night” and some nights extra tables and chairs had to be set up to accommodate the crowd. Then there were Cliff, Cindy and Jan, as well as security and those who helped clean up. Club 21 was not only a place of entertainment and eating, it also provided income for several people.
The old, but beautiful bar was installed in the “bar” by Mr. A. F. (August) Garbarcht in 1893 when he built the saloon. I was informed the bar came from Germany. According to my information, the hall was added in 1910 and Mr. Garbrecht also built his home next door that year. In the late 30s and early 40s it served as a gym. I was one of the members of the team that played there, although I sat on the bench most of the time. Those years the girls played half court, maybe the boys did too. Ray cannot remember.
We wish the Cowan family a better future and hopefully it will be in the food business. We also wish the other employees a good future. William and Barbara Ilse also have our heartfelt best wishes. They did a good job all these years.
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St. John Lutheran Church observed Reformation Sunday with Ron Salewsky leading the service. The message was entitled “We are Justified by His Grace as a Gift,” taken from Romans 3:23-24. During the service a letter of resignation was read submitted by Pastor Carlson Jakubik.
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A surprise 60th birthday party for Danny Joe Blaske was held at Charlie’s shop Saturday afternoon. Many of the group that attended came in their vintage cars. All brought snacks and one baked a birthday cake with 60 candles. The party was a true surprise. As they came over the hill into Uhland, Danny Joe exclaimed, “What is going on in Uhland now!” (Not quite his words). Happy birthday and better health, Danny Joe.
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Adelene Wisian and Ellie Schawe of San Marcos visited with Raymond and Myrtle Heideman Monday afternoon after viewing the remains of Club 21.
On Thursday evening, Leonard and Blanche Kramer of New Braunfels, Clarence Heideman of San Marcos and Daniel and Sharon Heideman visited with Raymond and Myrtle. They all enjoyed homemade tamales, chili, chicken fajitas, Spanish rice and a delicious pecan pie. Thanks Leonard and Blanche. Lots of recalling the good old days, well at least those we could remember.
Speaking of remembering, don’t forget to set your clocks Sunday, November 7. Fall back one hour.
Members of St. John Lutheran Church are also asked to mark your calendar for Nov. 14 for a congregation meeting after morning worship. A community Thanksgiving dinner will also be held at the Rec Center next to the church on Nov. 14th. After church and the meeting, there will be plenty of turkey and dressing. You may want to bring a side dish or dessert. Bring a friend and/or neighbor or even a relative.
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Hope the spooks did not get you. No trick or treaters at our house.
Oh, by the way, thanks to all who called to wish Raymond and me a happy 67th anniversary.
Thanks also to the Free Press for the wonderful picture coverage of the Harvest Festival. It is greatly appreciated by the members of the Guild and also members of St. John. Thanks, Cyndy.
Dorothy Schneider and Betty Moczygemba were among the guests at a Halloween party honoring Joseph Tobias on his 15th birthday on Saturday. The party was at his father Rick Tobias’ home.
Dorothy Schneider gave a “thank you” party for those who helped with her 80th birthday party. Coming to enjoy the supper was Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Schulle and family, Alvin and Betty Moczygemba, Becky and Joshua Loucke, Sharon Jordan and Kathie, Margie Greaf, Bruce Schneider and family, Marie and Ernie Schneider, Janice Sassman, Michael and Nathan Boitnott, Gary Schneider, Cheryl Williams and Trish Jones.
