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Spencer Pioneer Jeweler 82 Years OldHERMAN KUNATHHerman Kunath, veteran Spencer jeweler and familiar and esteemed personage In entertainment and social circles both here and at the lakes for the past 54 years, celebrated his 82nd birthday anniversary Saturday at his home, 28 South Main street, in health as robust and perception as keen as in his more active days.On that day, Mr, Kunath and Mrs. Karl Siegele, whose natal date was Saturday also, were honored guests at a surprise evening event at the Siegele home, East Riverside drive. Visiting and cards were enjoyed until late when the table was set for a lovely midnight lunch.Gifts for HonoreesA bowl of American Beauty and tea roses and a lovely birthday cake, illumined with, candles, graced the table. Mrs. Miller Dalsgaard was donor of the cake, which came from her kitchen. Gifts were presented both honorees. In addition, Mr. Kunath was the recipient of 35 greeting cards, three special delivery and air mall letters and a telegram, which arrived at his home during the day.The guest list included besides Mr. and Mrs. Siegele and Mr. Kunath, Mies Cleo Kunath, Mr. and Mrs. Miller Dalsgaard, Mr. .and Mrs. Emil Rittamaier, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Bertelson, Miss Nell Brown, Miss Irene Siegele, and Leo Plunkett, all of Spencer, and Jay Elliott of Sioux City.On Tuesday evening of last week a group of friends from Gillett Grove met at the Kunath home to surprise Mr. Kunath on the event of his birthday.Born in MichiganMr. Kunath was born on Kunath's island, Ontonagan river, near Rockland, Mich., February 16, 18B3. His father was a civil engineer, working for the government In the exploring of Upper Peninsular of north Michigan copper mines. As a child he encountered many unusual experiences that linger vividly in his memory. He recalls that during the family's residence on the isle, the river ran so high during the spring, that the house had to be chained to adjacent trees, and the members of the family moved into the second story of the house. For provisions during these critical times, exit from the home was gained through the second story windows, where a boat was tied.The family moved to Rockland when he was a child, and his people ran a hotel there,. His father was killed in an accident when Mr. Kunath was about 10 years old,Apprentice JewelerAbout two years later they moved to Detroit, and lived there a year before moving to Calumet, Mich. There the mother and her six children, three boys and three girls, conducted a boarding house. They invested money in the Calu-met-Hecla copper mines, which were worth a great deal, but they never realized a profit, as they were “frozen out” of their shares.When Mr, Kunath was 14 years of age, they moved to Austin, Minn. When 18 years of age, he started to learn the jeWelry business at Owatonna. Two years later he worked as an apprentice in a Minneapolis store.In the spring of 1881, Mr, Kunath came to Spencer to manage the jewelry department of the Page Drug and Jewelry company, and the same fall bought out the jewelry department. This store was located on the present Farmers Trust and Savings bank site. He was in business in several different locations before purchasing and moving into a building where the present Scott store is situated.Arcade LocationHe maintained a thriving jewelry business there for many years. Five years ago when the building was remodeled the jewelry equipment was moved into the present Eurr store structure, and after, the fire of 1931 in with the Jones Music House, where the business was conducted until the Arcade building was completed, when the stock and equipment was moved into the new, modern building.Mr. Kunath, who about two years ago, gave up active management of the store to his son, Sumner Kunath, is on the job every afternoon and on Saturdays, personally supervising the repair of clocks. He takes the same keen interest in his work that he did years ago. He is ever gracious in the meeting of old friends and in the acquiring of new ones. The physical stamina hehas maintained through advancing years ia remarkable. Many times he haa put into play a mental attitude and perseverance which has saved him from illness and at one instance from possible permanent injury.Directed PlaysBesides being prominent in the molding of early business life in Spencer, Mr. Kunath has had his finger in a number of “community pies” which had proved beneficial. Talented in a number of ways, Mr. Kunath was as active after closing hours of his store, as he was when customers asked of his time.He helped direct many home talent plays and local entertainments, helng an actor in his own right He was always in demand as an entertainer on the national jewelers conventions aa well as Elk conventions. He has performed in Chicago, New York City, Omaha and Des Moines, giving tap dancing and clogging numbers. Mr. Kunath retains to this day an agility in dancing seldom seen in a person many years his junior.Arnolds Park EnthusiastHe was tfie first man known to broadcast tapping and jigging over the radio, this event taking placeut the Trianon ballroom in Chicago in 1920. Ho was familiarly known as the “dancing jeweler of Spencer.Mr. Kunath also had an Integralpart in the early building of Arnolds Park. He was a personal friend of B. W. Arnold, founder of the park, and worker with him In many ways on Bpecial events to draw summer visitors to the lake region. Through his influence train excursions to the park were made popular.Held Bicycle RecordAgain his interest in dancing as a means of entertainment was in evidence, and ho assisted in the starting of dancing at the lakes. Through his persuasion late trains would be held over to accommodate dancers wishing to return that evening to their places of residence.When bicycling was popular, Mr. Kunath hold the speed record from here to Arnolds Park, setting a time of 50 minutes. One Sunday morning he bicycled to Mason City, arriving there in time for dinner. He was head of the Spencer Bicycle club. Mr, Kunath is charter and also one of two Spencer life members of the Knights of Pythias. He is also an Elk and an Odd Fellow.Has Six ChildrenHis marriage to Leona Frances Woodruff took place in 1883. Mrs. Kunath, who was musically talented In no small degree, passed away in September of 1902. Mr. Kunath makes hla home with his daughter, Miss Cleo Kunath, at the South Main street address. Other children besides Sumner Kunath ofSpencer are Mrs. John Caaey of Tacoma, Wash., Mrs, E, J. Stanley of Dubuque, Iowa, Otto Kunath of South Bend, Ind., and Mrs, C. B« Barnard of Gillett Grove. There are seven grandchildren. N.-H. -
Newspaper Details
Spencer News Herald
Spencer, Iowa, US
Fri, Feb 22, 1935
Page 10
Full Page
Clipped by
Molly L.
USA 22 Oct 2020
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