SRHS
Steamboat Rock Historical Society
100 YEARS OLD
CENTENNIAL 1855-1955
LOOKING BACK
James Potgeter
As the twenty-first century dawned there was great anticipation of the future for everyone.
Looking back on Steamboat Rock’s rich history there were many successes that took place in this small community. doctors, lawyers, successful business persons, ministers, and teachers all graduated from the fine school Steamboat Rock provided.
Small towns everywhere were victims of advanced communications and travel. Malls sprang up on the edge of cities and hurt small town business and in town city businesses alike. With businesses in the small towns suffering some of the local young people went on and built empires in other places, but their roots were in Steamboat Rock.
Ray Taylor
Two State Senators were elected from Steamboat Rock. James Potgeter served from 1968-1972, and Ray Taylor from 1981 to 1994.
When Royce Luiken retired, the Kramers took over the Luiken’s business. Brothers Jerry and Jim Kramer and cousin Randy Karmer share the business today. They like the Luikens have proved that success is where you make it.