100 YEARS OLD
CENTENNIAL 1855-1955

One evening in May of 1960, five men sat talking on the front porch of the home of Neil Hoekstra. As the conversation progressed, an idea began to emerge. 

The five men were Hoekstra, his brother Wendell Hoekstra, Robert Finger, Heine Eckhoff, and Wally Heffelmeier. 

Enthusiasm in the idea of a club grew as word spread around the area. A few nights later 15 men gathered on the bank of the Iowa River, and the idea was expanded to what would be the founding of a club. 

At first the emphasis was on boating, and the club was named the Steamboat Rock Boat Club. A name that still persists with many even though the name was later changed. The first elected board consisted of Thomas H. Kruse, Sr., president: Neil Hoekstra, secretary-treasurer and Robert Finger, Wendell Hoekstra, Walter Harms, and Hollis Havens as directors.

Membership in the club grew rapidly, and soon numbered 50. A meeting place was now needed and an offer was made by Jim Potgeter for an old barn on his property. Potgeter’s stipulation was that the club tear down the barn and remove the lumber from his property. 

A club house was erected on the west bank of the Iowa River, upstream from the dam on farm property owned by Heine Eckhoff. Boat docks were constructed, mooring stalls erected, and soon boats lined the river. Interest was growing in the project. 

A Boy Scout troop was organized with boat club as it’s sponsoring organization. Members served as committeemen and troop leaders. The clubhouse was used as their meeting place, and provided storage for the Scouting equipment. 

In order to raise operating funds Fourth of July, and Labor Day, chicken and sweet corn dinners were held. All of the food being prepared by the members. These became great crowd pleasers, and drew people from miles around. A record 1800 hungry people were fed at one holiday event. Boat rides and waterfront activities were organized. The George Kappel band always provided music during the dinner and supper hour. 

The year following it’s organization due to the ever increasing membership, concern of increasing public liability prompted the club to adopt a formal name and incorporate as a non-profit organization. The name Iowa River Conservation and Improvement Club was adopted and a certificate of incorporation was received. 

More permanent arrangements for the property were made with a lease entered into with Heine Eckhoff, for $50 annual rental. In the following two years, the organization grew to the point that the club decided to purchase the entire 150 acre farm from Eckhoff. 

With the purchase of the property, the club moved forward with plans to install a camping area, an artificial lake, a winter sports area, and shooting range. Ryken Engineering was brought in to survey the area. New lodge plans were drawn and a map of the camping area planned. 

A loan was secured from the Farmers Home Administration and many board, committee and membership meetings later work was actually begun. There was much to be done. Old buildings were torn down, brush and trees removed and the foundation of the new lodge was poured. Wendell hoekstra laid the block for the basement of the lodge, and Folkerts & Eckel Construction handled the building. Havens Electric completed the plumbing and heating, Asher Electric the wiring and every member of the club contributed many hours of labor. 

At the same time an election was held with Tom Kruse continuing as president; Bob Finger, secretary-treasurer; Hollis Havens, Harold Lindaman, Ralph Harms, Orville Asher, and Merle Johns as directors. 

In 1966 the project was completed, the lake filled with water and stocked with fish. Trees and shrubs were planted on the hills overlooking the lake. The lodge had opened earlier and to this day is a popular meeting place. Wedding receptions, reunions and much more are held there. The campgrounds were opened, and a beautiful ski area with a rope tow was opened. The original lodge was moved to the foot of the ski hill as a ski lodge. 

The dream of the five men, had become a reality and more.