IDELO

This week we explore the life of one of our community members which included providing a community center for Clear Lake. Robert Silas Young was born in Lena, IL in 1859. He came to the Clear Lake area in 1875. He began as a farmer but was more successful in his real estate career. He moved into town with his wife Alice & family in 1892. They lived in a lovely home constructed on 200 N. Shore Drive. The home is still standing and can be seen in the photo taken by your author. Young was active in the community and was elected mayor of Clear Lake by the largest recorded margin, gaining 80% of the votes.

During his career, he also hired well-known Clear Lake contractor, George P. Peterson to construct an interesting building in 1909. The “Idelo” was located at 114 N. Lakeview Dr., just south of the famous Lake Shore Hotel. The view of the lake from the Idelo was amazing, but Young had many interesting ideas for the building’s use besides a good view. The photo below, taken by local photographer Phil Mench, shows the construction crew busy on the building which was completed for use by 1910.

The Idelo had a ballroom and stage. The location was initially known for its Ragtime music and excited regulars would step off the CL-MC Interurban train which stopped right at the front door. Everyone loved dancing on the amazing wood floor. However, tastes in music changed and newer dance halls were being constructed in the community to meets the desires of the new generation. Young then decided to designate the Idelo as a community center. It was widely used, but with entirely new ventures – here are a few of the new uses:

1) It was the gymnasium used by the 1920s CLHS boys’ basketball teams for practice. The boys would put on their practice uniforms and run from the high school to the Idelo for a good practice area. Keep in mind that the high school was close to downtown and the boys only ran about ½ mile.

2) Clear Lake’s local summer softball league teams practiced in the Idelo during the winter months to prepare for spring/summer games.

3) During the Great Depression, free community talent shows were held there.

4) The “Green Tea Room” operated in the Idelo for a short time offering visitors tea, coffee and finger sandwiches.

5) A “duck pin “bowling alley used the space for a time and by the early 1940s, the Idelo was the home of a roller-skating rink complete with a calliope for music.

6) With outbreak of WW II, the Idelo took on a new role. As we discovered in a previous Throwback Thursday article, we know that there was a significant shortage of rope for the U.S. military. The Cerro Gordo County hemp industry was in full operation east of town. However, there was still a need for wire hardware. Yes, the Idelo became the location of the Hawkeye Wire Company, making products for the war effort. The company closed following the war and the Idelo became silent.

The next big change for the Idelo came in 1948 when Mr. T.L. Sears purchased the prime corner lot overlooking the lake and hired Peter O. Peterson (son of George P. Peterson who had built the Idelo) to construct a new home for him and his family. Peterson built the Sears’ home INSIDE of the vacant Idelo. The former dancehall was torn down only after the house was totally completed and ready for the family. Peterson’s workers were fortunate to spend the winter inside the Idelo while building the Sears house. The house continues to stand on the lot today, with some upgrades over time. One wonders if Mr. R. S. Young ever dreamed that his building would have so many stories to tell.