From the University of Okoboji...
Breaking News...
Milford, Ia.
Breaking News.
The University of Okoboji now offers accreditation to those who complete Julie Gammack's Okoboji Writers' Retreat. The event will be September 20-22 in the Iowa Lakes Region. Okoboji Writers’ Retreat
Not an Iowan? Stay with me.
The University of Okoboji headquarters is in Milford, Iowa. It's the Tooth Fairy of higher education. The founders were brothers Herman and Emil Richter who opened a clothing store in the Iowa Great Lakes area, and who, way back in the 1960s, affixed a University of Okoboji logo on clothing just for fun. Customers bought them like a hungry walleye, hook-line-sinker. Fast forward to present day and the University of Okoboji logo is slapped on hats, drinking glasses, sweatshirts, blankets, etc. And the store, The Three Sons, is still going strong.
Last week I walked into The Three Sons braced for change, but looking for a University of Okoboji visor and academic credentials for my writers’ retreat. It is the headquarters for the mythical university. I haven't been in the rickety building for four decades, so I didn't know what or whom to expect.
It felt like walking into a time machine. The pictures and posters on the wall might have changed, but probably not. There were face masks for sale, a rare nod to present times. Otherwise, the unlikely distribution point for Patagonia, Sperry, Vineyard Vines and other high-end clothing brands remains unchanged.
My heart lurched when I saw a tall, young man at the check-out spot. He wasn't Herman. Or Emil Richter.
I was afraid to ask about the brothers.
It was a relief to learn the young man at the counter was Matt Richter, son of Herman and Paula! I was thrilled. The next-Gen means continuity—something in short supply in these ever-changing times.
I hadn't lived in Iowa for 20 years. It's been twice that long since I've spent time in Okoboji. Richard is humoring me in this nostalgic reconnection, although when we first drove by the Three Sons building, he took one look at the ‘understated’ exterior and didn't see a reason to stop. It would be days later when he agreed to accompany me to the Three Sons to seek the blessing of the Richters on the writers' retreat.
There comes a time in life when we ask how so-and-so is, and half the time, the answer is: he died. So it was with great relief when I asked Matt how Herman was that he said: "He's great! Here he comes now!"
In came Herman. The familiar shock of strawberry blonde hair has turned white, but even though we were both wearing face masks, when I said, "Herman?" he said, "Julie?" we melted into a hug of recognition (yes, we're all vaccinated).
Covering the shenanigans of the University of Okoboji has been a go-to story for Des Moines Register columnists since my dad, Gordon Gammack, wrote about the Richters in a Sunday column, August 24, 1969. Ask for it, and the Richters will reach into a box and hand you a reprint of the column.
“Iowa Boy” Chuck Offenburger, another former Des Moines Register columnist, is the school’s “Director of Communications” and later the “Okoboji School of Journalism” was named after him.
“It’s the highest honor of my career,” said Offenburger in a 2014 story in the Dickinson County News.
When it was my turn at the keyboard for the paper, I talked The Register into being a sponsor of a bike ride around the lake. Since then, the Richters were a driving force behind building a magnificent bike path that allows visitors to experience the area in an eco-friendly way.
Richard is starting to see why those connected to the Iowa Great Lakes area of Okoboji feel tethered to the place. It's a community. It's Herman Richter, and now his son, Matt, placed right where they were when we were young enough to ride the Arnolds Park rollercoaster.
It's a summer destination drawing from Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, and Des Moines. The magnet is the lake, of course, but it's also the nostalgia. Sure, many of the grand old drafty summer homes with wrap-around screen porches of years ago have been torn down and $1mm homes built in their place, but thanks to generous benefactors, the Arnolds Park amusement center still stands, spruced up and ready for summer.
Oh, Clara's Clutter Closet has changed hands. Instead of picking up used housewares, jeans, and books, you can throw an ax at a target. Check out The Throwing Post where closed toe shoes are a requirement. https://www.thethrowingpost.com
The mighty Queen II is ready for you. Just like the Richters.
And the University of Okoboji. May we never graduate!
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Have you attended the University of Okoboji? Tell me about it in the comment section, please. For extra credit, include a picture.
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Do you know about my Okoboji Writers’ Retreat? There’s a story in everyone, just waiting to be told. Come let us help you tell it.
https://okobojiwritersretreat.com
Please forward this column to someone you think might like to come. We are already halfway to capacity and the early bird discount ends July 15.
Another accomplishment at the University of Okoboji is when the Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and then the Tri-athelete Race- swim, bike, and run has been hosted. I began jogging on the lake roads, and made a commitment to myself to train, and prepare for the Half-Marathon. One can go at their own speed-- it was much, much better to FINNISH than be a 'speedster'. The most miles I had ever jogged was 9 and a Half Marathon is 13.5 miles. The day of the race- I felt ready to "do this!" I kept at my own pace and did not try to "keep up with anyone else." I remember the ending of the race the MOST-- as I rounded the hill by the Emporium and then heading down-- there were folks cheering, and clapping. Colorful flags showing the finish-- and the best part--was when the announcer got my number on my shirt- He announced, "And here comes runner Joyce Kaiser into our finish of the Half-Marathon,. lets give her a wild, loud Iowa Cheer.
WOW...my Mom was there, 4 cousins, one other Aunt--and many friends. What a GLORIOUS DAY
EXCITING: for one and all--- University Of Okoboji also hosts a neat Bike Ride around the Okoboji lakes. It usually begins at the park areas in Milford. You can "speed or crawl" whatever your fancy is. I had a very good friend Georgia Sheely is a sister for Herman and family- My friend has passed--she was a fabulous support for the U of O and played on the slow-pitch team. She was a definite "spunky spirit" yes, I do know Okoboji well and the University. Great times to remember.