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The Carson Strawberry Tree I louserf#This was the latticed trimmed elevatedpatio to which Mr. ( arson invited customersfor a serving of fresh straw be fries - fore runner of today’s outdoor drive-in.BPW Club 42 Years OldThe Creston Business andProfessional Women's Club wasorganized October 10, 1927,under the sponsorship of Dr.Theresa Bums with a membership of 50. Dr. Bums was an osteopathic physician and former teacher whose more than 35 years of public service at thattime set a favorable atmospherefor the club.The first officers were Hazel Bums, president; Dayse Beld-y. V s ye.5 - ’mil. *ing Gaylord, vice-president; May Ward, secretary and Elizabeth Kelly, treasurer.When the club celebrated its 40th anniversary nine charter members were present: Dayse B. Gaylord, Jennie Belle McFee, Viva Peterson, Mary Edabum, Elizabeth Kelly, Lulu Hartson, Myra Heeron, Anne Olson and Mary Keating. Besides stressing the need for an alert citizenry, each club is urged to maintain an active interest in community affairs; and in this the Creston club has always participated. Through an educational loan fund established early in its history, many area girls have received assistance in furthering their education. Various types of scholarships have been awarded wor-recreation center of southwest Iowa by selling metal auto plates and acting as hostesses at thepark each Sunday.The first blood mobile wasbrought to Creston through theefforts of the health and safetycommittee headed by AliceScanlan and Arlenna Norris.Through her friendship withDr. Bums and efforts of the local club, a former resident, Mrs. Frank Phillips, became interested in a proposal to e-rect a memorial to her mother. From this beginning came the Matilda Gibson library.During the war period, the club took an active part in Red Cross sewing projects, salvage drives, first aid projects and for many years they have handled the Christmas seal campaign in Creston for tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Much financial aid has been provided the city in the past years for milk fund, firemen's toy shop and city rest room.The shelter house at Rainbow park was erected by the club through funds from chuck wagon dinners. The new hospital was the most recent project — cash as well as a sizable memorial were contributed.Presidents of the club have been: Hazel Burns, Nina H. McGraw, Clara Scullen, Gertrude Mullin, May Ward, Ber-na Berry, Jennie Belle McFee, Gladys Beecher, Mary Kelly, Zelma Clayton, Mamie Reed, Ethel Simonson, Elsie Hammer, Mertle Brunson, Ethel Wilder, Hilda Hiatt, Irene Sterrett, Rose Derry, Neva Grandfield, Fern Young, Geraldine Heessel and Garland Townsend.Recognitions have been received on district and state levels by Dr. Bums, Clara Scullen, Jessie Camp, May Ward, Elizabeth Kelly, Edith Brown, Ellen Jackson, Fern Young and Mamie Reed - the latter also received national honors.Strawberry Carson was the familiar name to many Creston-ians in the 1920-30 era.The name meant just what it said - strawberries - because that was his business.And there was some pioneering in his makeup tot). For Strawberry Carson - William H. Carson - provided w hat might be termed the first drive-in service. Though his was more accurately known as the walk-in service. Note picture accompanying this story.He raised a lot of strawberries on his acreage northeast of Creston and had a good market for them. But to add a little glamour to the proceedings, heerected what he called a tree house in which he would serve ice cream and fresh strawberries to customers. The tree house actually was an elevated outdoor patio, set up on posts. And one walked up to the deck or platform by a small stairs.Located under a nice shade treeit was the thing to do in strawberry season - visit the CarsonMr. Carson and boxes of freshly picked strawberries. He picked them by the case.tree house and enjoy a round of strawberries.When the season hit full peak, he would peddle berries aboutthe city via horse and wagon, his crop was so bountiful.
Newspaper Details
Creston News Advertiser
Creston, Iowa, US
Wed, Jul 02, 1969
Page 20
Full Page
Clipped by
Sarah B.
USA 26 Mar 2019
Other Publications Near Creston, Iowa
Creston Evening News
Creston Daily Advertiser
Creston News Advertiser
Creston Morning American
Standard Atlas of Union County Iowa
