COUNTY
EDITOR
ComeFly
A Flight of Fancy Gripped the City 82 Years Ago How Webster City Got Its Airport
By Robert E. Oliver
The large advertisement in the March 26, 1943, edition of The Daily Freeman-Journal carried a simple headline: “Symbol Of the Times . . . wings over America are the Might of Our Nation.”
The sponsor was the Webster City Airport Planning Committee, a group of volunteers committed to the idea that an airport was essential to the growth of the city in the post World War II era.
The United States had been fighting World War II only a little more than 15 months at the time the advertisement appeared. Britain and France had been at war against Nazi Germany for three and a half years by then. In that short time, aviation had captured the imagination of the American people and, in fact, the entire world.
After all, wasn’t it an aerial attack by the Japanese air force that devastated the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor?
And wasn’t it the brave pilots of Britain’s Royal Air Force, in their Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft, that defeated the German Luftwaffe with more than three times as many planes?
Now, America wondered, what role aviation would play in its own future?
In Webster City, the ballot for the regular city election of March 29, 1943, asked voters to approve $65,000 in bonds to establish a new airport. The Airport Planning Committee felt sure the entire cost of the project — land acquisition, a rudimentary hangar and office, seeding of a new grass runway, and a reserve to cover operating expenses — wouldn’t exceed $65,000.
In plain terms, taxpayers could expect their overall taxes to increase by about 2% if the airport bonds were approved. If the measure passed, the mayor would appoint three airport commissioners to buy the land, build the airport and operate it as a separate entity from any city government agency.
When asked if an airport would help “the average man” in Webster City, the Planning Committee said this:
“Every person has a part in the future of Webster City. The airport will assure Webster City its proper place
in the air, and a part of the coming network of statewide air transportation. It will help the city grow and assure property values. What helps Webster City, will help you.”
The true motivation behind building an airport was the belief, really little more than a well-circulated rumor, that airlines, which had been carrying the U.S. Mail since the 1920s, were going to expand dramatically after the end of World War II. Cities with airports were in a far stronger position to secure regularly scheduled air service.
In the 1940s, there were relatively few official “air lanes” established in the United States. Webster City was located along the Minneapolis to Kansas City air lane and also on a new air lane linking Chicago with Sioux City. Thus, Webster City felt it would become a natural junction for planes on the two routes and a likely place for passengers to change airlines and planes enroute to their final destination.
In much the same way, Blairsburg once dreamed of being “the true crossroads of America” for the fact that U.S. Highways 20 and 69 crossed at “Blairsburg Corners” just south of the
Hamilton County town. In fact, before I-35 was constructed, Blairsburg Corners was one of the busiest rural intersections in Iowa. If you drive through the Corners today, you can see the abandoned buildings built to take advantage of the hopedfor business bonanza.
In the end, it was the fond belief that airlines would make Webster City an important crossroads that caused the good people of Webster City to overwhelmingly vote in favor of building an airport.
By 1948, it was clear that commercial airline service in Webster City wasn’t a realistic possibility. That year, as spring broke over the Iowa prairie, Webster City began building an airport south of U.S. Highway 20 with the idea of providing up-to-date service for small planes, what we today know as general aviation.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bradley Johnson, with Bravo Co. 1/171, out of Davinport, explains the Chinook to Deloris and Lee Ayers of Webster City.
A CH-47 Chinook Helicopter from Bravo Company, 7th Bat., 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) flies back to Kandahar dropping troops off in support of operation Mountain Sweep, in this photo dated Aug. 19, 2002. (AP Photo/Warren Zinn, Army Times, Pool)
Webster City Municipal Airport
History Ride the Rails with FDR’s Funeral Train of
An epic look back at one of the most consequential times in U.S. history
By Lori Berglund
Seven letters, two words. It was the shortest NEWS FLASH ever sent out by the Associated Press and when it flew over newswires 80 years ago this month, on April 12, 1945, it sent shock and sadness around the globe.
FDR DEAD
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had long looked older and frailer than his 63 years. His death shouldn’t have been a shock, but to a nation who had found in him a comforting, fearless leader through first the Great Depression, and then through most of World War II, the loss of this man was overwhelming. For a generation of children, he was the only president they had never known.
Robert Klara in his 2010 book, ‘FDR’s Funeral Train’ memorably tells the story of the days leading up to FDR’s death in Warm Spring, GA, and the subsequent transition of power to Vice President Harry S. Truman. It was without a doubt the most consequential transfer of power since the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
I have to admit that most people look at me a bit funny when I tell them I’m reading a book titled FDR’s Funeral Train. I can almost hear them thinking: FDR, well, he’s ancient history to many. A funeral, no one wants to read about funerals. And trains, well, a lot of people don’t care about trains any more. But this book is so much more.
The book’s subtitle aptly foretells some of the intrigue to be found within the pages: ‘A Betrayed Widow, A Soviet Spy, And A Presidency In The Balance.’
It is the ‘Presidency In The Balance’ theme that I find most important, and most thought-provoking. It’s remarkable to consider that both FDR’s vice president and Lincoln’s vice president were both brand new to the job when they unexpectedly assumed the mantle of the presidency.
Both Andrew Johnson and Harry Truman replaced sitting vice presidents on their respective tickets. Johnson had been vice president barely a month when Lincoln was assassinated. Truman had only a few more months on the job. Both men had very big shoes to fill.
FDR’s Funeral Train begins in late March 1945. FDR is exhausted, his doctors have been recording his blood pressure in the stratosphere, 250 over 150; the top number was even estimated as high as 350 by the time of his fatal cerebral hemorrhage. There was little to no treatment for hypertension at the time, and his physicians basically knew what was coming, but FDR, who had so masterfully hidden his wheelchair from the nation, was not about to worry the nation over a little thing high blood pressure.
FDR was tired, but upbeat as multiple railroad companies pulled together to clear track and make way for his presidential train to take him away for a rest at his favorite retreat.
“When I’m worn out, I will come back to Warm Springs. In a few days, I’ll be like new again,” he had told his doctors decades earlier. Until the spring of 1945, Warm Springs had always done that for the president.
For train enthusiasts, this book wonderfully details the incredible logistics of moving the presidential train the relatively short distance from Washington, D.C., to Warm Springs, GA. The train was essentially Air Force One, except that it ran on a series of privately owned tracks. Imagine moving the president today from airline to airline, and you get the idea.
Klara beautifully brings FDR’s private rail car, the Ferdinand Magellan, to life. Built in 1929 as a standard Pullman, it was stripped down and reinforced to protect a president at war, christened in 1942. Roosevelt’s dog, Fala, was said to prefer the plush arm chairs of the Ferdinand Magellan. And Fala went absolutely everywhere with the president.
The presidential train was just seven to 10 cars for most excursions, but the hefty weight of the Ferdinand Magellan — 142 tons, compared to 80 tons for a standard Pullman — required two engines to pull. The Magellan included an observation lounge and four staterooms.
There is something always romantic about
train travel, but First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt must have felt nothing of romance on the journey. First, she would have to get down to Warm Springs from the White House, for she had not gone along on the retreat. A skeleton crew of staff, friends, Fala, and just three pool reporters had travelled with the president. Others would join him later during the respite.
Mrs. Roosevelt, always humble and austere who, with her husband had helped see the nation through the Great Depression, had planned to take another train to bring his body home. (The presidential train was still parked in Georgia.) But, as Klara noted, Truman immediately put her at ease.
“In what was probably his first official act as president — made before he’d even been sworn in — Harry Truman had ordered a DC-7 Skytrain to fly the first lady from Washington National Airport to Fort Benning, Georgia, gently dismissing her concern that the use of the plane might be seen as extravagant,” Klara wrote. The public would understand, Truman assured.
This book will take the reader through Mrs. Roosevelt arriving to see her husband’s body still in the little cottage he so loved at Warm Springs. It’s here that she began putting things together. For the last several hours, railroad workers had been getting the presidential train ready and in place to carry the president’s body back to Washington. This long journey will give her time to think.
When the train was ready to pull out the next morning, Mrs. Roosevelt would go to her private car with her knitting needles. She would sit… and knit… and think, as Klara described. The question on her mind addresses the first portion of the book’s subtitle, ‘A Betrayed Widow.’ Let’s just say that Eleanor Roosevelt was one smart cookie. I think I will leave it at that.
After a surprisingly brief and simple funeral at The White House, the presidential train hits the rails again, this time heading for Hyde Park, N.Y., where the president would be buried. Onboard now along with Eleanor Roosevelt, is President Harry Truman, Cabinet members, and the highest officials of the United States government.
While railroad officials had originally planned to ‘high ball’ it back to Washington at 60 mph, Mrs. Roosevelt requested, “run slow, run silent.” Engineers would hold the iron horses to 25
mph or less, a wise decision as they encountered crowds of mourners lining the tracks, first from Georgia to D.C., and then from D.C. to New York.
Spontaneously, ordinary Americans gathered along the tracks, with tears on their faces and hands over their hearts, they bade farewell to a beloved man who had put the needs of the nation above his own needs.
As the train lumbered along, Truman knew he must balance the grief of the nation with the imperative need to assume the role of wartime leader. He cannot skip a beat, for the survival of freedom and democracy has passed to his shoulders, and he must not falter. Truman used this time to outline and write his first address to the nation.
The entire world will be watching for any sign of weakness from the new leader. This unknown, one-time haberdasher from Missouri, will let the world know that America is more than just one remarkable man. Truman will grieve with the nation, and then he will lead onward to the future.
In today’s world, when funerals are scheduled long after a death, it’s almost unbelievable how fast things moved. FDR died on April 12, 1945. His funeral and burial were held on April 15, 1945.
Truman gave his first address to Congress on April 16, 1945. If that sounds disrespectful, it was not. Truman knew he had to stand strong and let the world — friend and foe — know that in the United States of America, we exercise a peaceful transition of power, regardless of the depth of our grief. The War
effort would go on, even as Truman was just now learning how it might be ended with a new, more powerful weapon.
If you want to read about men, presidents, who put the good of the nation before their own needs, I can highly recommend this book. If you want to read about the beautiful era of magnificent train travel, I can highly recommend this book. There is history and intrigue beautifully told in these pages.
“I loved him so much,” one of the young patients of the polio clinic FDR founded at Warm Springs told a reporter as the hearse carrying the body of the president passed by. Mrs. Roosevelt had requested the drive-by of the clinic, for she knew how much her husband had loved the children there and visited them often. The boy had tears in his eyes, and it’s fair to guess that the reporter did as well.
Klara takes the reader back in time with a message that endures for today.
CITY SCENE
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION & AWARDS BREAKFAST
March 21, 2025
Attendance Award:
From left to right: Denise Haglund, Breanne Lesher, Rick Peterson, Mark Glascock. Second row: Dodie Wolfgram, Charles Stansfield, Ian Holcombe, Steven Thumma, Brandon Bahrenfuss. Not present for photo: Ann Smith, Douglas McCollough, Andrew Sowle JR.
On this day, we showed appreciation for our employees, but every day we are grateful to have them on our team!
The city’s success is a direct result of their efforts. We hope they know how valuable and important they are to the City of Webster City’s mission!
The City of Webster City, thanks our employees for always going the extra mile and stepping up whenever needed. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Their dedication and commitment to the City of Webster City is highly inspiring, and we are so lucky to have them on our team.
Years of Service Award:
5 Years: Deb Rush, Dalton Mourlam, Nicholas Knowles
15 Years: Todd Chambers, Kirby Winter, Eric McKinley
20 Years: Clint Houge - Not present for photo.
25 Years: Marty Parkhill
30 Years: Mark Glascock
CITY SCENE CITY SCENE
New Team Members:
From left to right: Sherry Simmons and Roy Berven. Not present for photo: Julie Coleman, Josh McFarland
Sweeten the day with peaches
Although many desserts make for a sweet ending to delicious meals, there’s something so inviting about a moist and tender cobbler to add that yum factor. Cobbler consists of a fruit filling covered in a biscuit batter of sorts. When baked, the ingredients blend together to form a spoonable treat that is tender but with the right amount of bite.
Enjoy this recipe for “Peach Cobbler” courtesy of Taste Better From Scratch and contributor Lauren Allen.
Peach Cobbler
Servings: 9
1. Add the sliced peaches, sugar and salt to a saucepan and stir to combine. If using canned peaches, skip steps 1 and 2 and follow the directions starting at step 3.
2. Cook on medium heat for just a few minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and helps to bring out juices from the peaches. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Slice butter into pieces and add to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place the pan in the oven while it preheats, to allow the butter to melt. Once melted, remove the pan from the oven.
5 peaches, peeled, cored and sliced (about 4 cups)
3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
For the batter:
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup milk
Ground cinnamon
4. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, just until combined. Pour the mixture into the pan, over the melted butter and smooth it into an even layer.
5. Spoon the peaches and juice (or canned peaches, if using) over the batter. Sprinkle cinnamon generously over the top.
6. Bake at 350 F for about 38 to 40 minutes. Serve warm, with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.
LANDMARKS
How well DO YOU know Hamilton County?
Look at these photos and see if you can identify these local landmarks.
Three lucky winners: Marlin Smith, Glenn Tjaden and Lois Larson
Photo No. 1: Daily Freeman-Journal press room, 720 Second Street.
Photo No. 2: Lotus Treasures, 707 Second Street.
Photo #1
Photo
SAVVY SENIOR
by Jim Miller
Where Solo Agers Can Find Help
Dear Savvy Senior ,
I’m a divorced 68-year-old childless cat lady and have been thinking a lot lately about who will look after me when I get older and my health falters. What resources are available to solo seniors like me, and where can I turn to find a reliable person to be my emergency contact, as well as lookout for my health, financial matters and living arrangements in my elder years?
Dear Solo,
This is a very common concern for the 22 million solo agers across the United States who don’t have adult children or other family they can depend on to watch out for their well-being. Here are some tips and resources that can help you plan ahead.
Choosing Helpers & Decision Makers
While older adults who have children or are married usually name offspring or spouses as proxies/decision makers, solo agers most often choose a sibling, niece or nephew, or rely on a trusted friend or neighbor. Whomever you choose, talk to them first to make sure they’re up for the task.
If, however, you don’t have anyone you feel comfortable with, or who is willing to take on that responsibility, you can hire someone.
One of the best resources for this is an aging life care manager. These are trained professionals in the area of geriatric care who often have backgrounds in nursing or social work and can serve as your emergency contact, oversee your care and even act as your executor. They can also connect you with professional legal and financial services in your area that can help you manage your affairs.
Aging life care managers typically charge anywhere from $100 to $300 an hour, depending on their location and experience. To search for an expert near you, visit aginglifecare.org.
If you can’t afford this, there are other reliable sources you can turn to for specific help. For example, if you haven’t already done so, you need to prepare a basic estate plan (including a power of attorney, advance directive and a will) to ensure your wishes are carried out if you become incapacitated and when you die.
To help you prepare these documents, your best option is to hire an experienced estate planning attorney, which can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. He or she may also be able to act as your power of attorney or executor, or help you locate a professional in your area that can.
To locate someone, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org) and National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (naepc.org) have online directories to help you search.
If you need help with bill-paying there are services like SilverBills (silverbills.com), or you can work with a daily money manager (aadmm.com) who, in addition to paying bills, can handle tasks like balancing your checkbook and organizing tax information. And to help you navigate care and senior housing options there are certified senior advisors (csa.us).
It’s also a good idea to meet with a financial adviser to help figure out what services and living arrangements you can afford and what steps you can take to ensure that your financial resources last your lifetime. If you don’t have an adviser, you can find a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner trough the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors at napfa.org.
Some other helpful resources you can turn to include Aging Alone Together (dorotusa.org/ agingalonetogether), a program offered by DOROT, which is a nonprofit social services organization that provides practical ways to help solo agers prepare for the future. They are offering a free, six-session virtual workshop (offered weekly) via Zoom starting April 24th.
Also see Navigating Solo (navigatingsolo.com), a national clearinghouse of resources for solo agers and information about solo-ager groups in the U.S.
Parting
Shot
Seeing patients in the clinic, and performing surgeries in the hospital, Dr Willis treats the following conditions:
Foot and ankle pain / sprains / fractures
Plantar Fasciitis
Tendonitis
Bunions / Hammer toes
Biomechanics / Orthotics
Wound care
Foot and ankle surgery
Dermatological issues
Podiatrist Dr. Willis has the experience and knowledge to help you feel better from your toes up. He specializes in the diagnosis, and medical/surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremities. 515.832.7800