Surf Ballroom Developer
Carl J. Fox, born in 1895, grew up on a farm north of Laurens, Iowa, and went to the same rural school that Emma, his wife-to-be, attended. After his service in World War I, Emma and Carl began operating roller skating rinks in several different locations. They came to Clear Lake and built and operated a rink for several summers. They could see the potential for success for a dance hall in Clear Lake, and proceeded to build the first Surf on the north shore of the lake.
The Surf got its name from a desire by the Fox’s to create a ballroom that resembled an ocean beach club. Its whole ambiance was that of a South Sea island, complete with floating clouds overhead & palm trees decorating the ballroom.
By 1933, despite a nation-wide depression, the Surf Ballroom was attracting famous and well-known bands to play, and large crowds to dance. Fox was also operating the Terp Ballroom in Austin, Minnesota, and the Prom in St. Paul.
That first ballroom was completely destroyed by fire in 1947. The larger and more famous Surf was constructed across the street from the original, and it has become a national landmark where many, many people have danced, perhaps met their mates, and enjoyed the music of the best-known dance bands of the entire era, from the 1930’s into this new century.
Carl Fox sold the Surf Ballroom as well as the Terp and the Prom in 1946, while he continued to own and operate a bowling alley in Austin and held business interests in Joplin, Missouri. He passed away in 1966 while on a business trip to Joplin.
Except for brief periods of time, the Surf has been in operation continuously for over 70 years. In more recent years, the Surf has gained notoriety when fans from around the world have come to Clear Lake to honor the memory of famous “Rock ‘n Rollers,” Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the “Big Bopper” Richardson. They were killed in a plane crash immediately following a concert at the Surf.
In that “Big Band” Era, Carl Fox had an idea that has brought pleasure and recognition to Clear Lake and over 4 generations of Americans and will continue to do so into the future.