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HISTORY OF THE
BLUE GRASS
COMMUNITY CENTER

The story of the Blue Grass Community Center — built by neighbors, sustained by volunteers, and serving Blue Grass, Iowa since 1946.

A LEGACY IN BLUE GRASS, IOWA

The Blue Grass Community Center traces its roots back to 1946, when community members formed the Blue Grass Commercial Club to bring people together and honor returning World War II veterans. What began as a civic effort quickly grew into a long-term commitment to creating shared spaces and traditions that strengthen Blue Grass, Iowa.

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In the years that followed, the community secured park land and helped establish what would become the Community Hall—an anchor for weddings, fundraisers, meetings, youth activities, and community celebrations. When the future of the building was uncertain, local supporters stepped forward to ensure it stayed in community hands.

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Today, the Blue Grass Community Club continues that mission through volunteer leadership and local support. From maintaining the hall and park to supporting local traditions like Blue Grass Days, the Center remains a place where Blue Grass gathers—generation after generation.

Blue Grass Community Center when it was known as Blue Grass Community Hall

TIMELINE OF KEY MOMENTS

A chronological look at major milestones, improvements, and community investments in Blue Grass, Iowa.

1946

Blue Grass Commercial Club formed to organize Homecoming celebrations honoring returning WWII veterans; incorporated in Iowa.

1947

Approximately 8 acres purchased to establish the community park.

1948

Membership expands beyond businessmen to include broader community participation

 

1949

Community Recreation, Inc. formed to finance a new hall; hall site within the park deeded for construction.

1951

Community Hall completed.

 

1978

Community Recreation, Inc. dissolves; Blue Grass Commercial Club purchases the hall to keep it in community hands.

1979 - 1980

Facility improvements (ceilings, lighting, downspouts and other updates).

1981

Memory plaque installed honoring donors/shareholders who supported the hall’s preservation.

1982

Name changed to Blue Grass Community Club; bylaws updated; Board structure established.

1985

Major addition completed (bar, restrooms, furnace room, storage); kitchen improvements/remodeling.

1986

Accessibility and building upgrades (including ramp and other improvements).

1987

Ball diamond upgraded with new lights.

1997

Pavilion project completed and playground equipment upgraded.

1998

Baseball field scoreboard installed and additional park improvements supported by grants.

2001

Main hall kitchen improvements.

2024

Main hall bathrooms upgrades.

Some community contributions and purchases were made over many years as needs arose and may not be tied to a single date in historical records.

Blue Grass Community Center Presidents

Thank you to the volunteers who have helped lead and sustain the Community Center .

Year
President
1946
Fred E. Kautz
1947
Alfred Schnare
1948
John Tangen
1949
Don O. Farley
1950
Verne Helbie
1951
Ed Hoffbauer
1952
Clarence Dietz
1953
Elmer Untridt
1954
Hans Stoffers, Sr.
1955
Dr. W.T. Huis
1956
Fred W. Spies
1957
Harry Steffen
1958
Ray Tangen
1959
Tick Duncan
1960
Paul Ehrecke
1961
William Koellner
1962
Don Hollmer
1963
Charles Moore
1964
Terry Ousley
1965
Bob Christy
1966
George Rock
1967
Darrell Lobdell
1968
Joe Frack
1969
1970
John Olson
1971
Clyde M. Huston
1972
Dan Littleton
1973
John Busch
1974
Richard Thiessen
1975
Rex Beadle
1976
John Olsen
1977-78
George Rittmanic
1979-80
Thomas D. Pickett
1981
Garry J. Rhoades
1982-85
Thomas D. Pickett
1986-87
Austin Bronson
1988-89
Thomas D. Pickett
1990
David Nettleton
1991-2002
Ray Willson
2003-06
Delmar Meyer
2007-09
James Morrissey
2010
Arron Lorenz
2011-2012
Randy Lorenz
2013
James Morrissey
2014-2015
Tammy Stoffers
2016-2017
Kathy Scherer
2018-2022
Wayne Beck
2023
Randy Lorenz
2024
Cody Dorgan
2025
Heather Voss
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