

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.

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 |
