Ground was broken by Quakerdale's Executive Director, M.R. Whitehead, and Mayor Gary Knueven on July 27, 1989, for two cottages and an administration building. Excitement filled the air as Quakerdale was expanding its services for troubled youth and families in Manning. People who were instrumental in bringing Quakerdale to Manning included Claus Bunz, Richard Crandall, Wayne Curlile, Ruth Ohde, Joan Phillips, Don Ringgenberg, the Manning City Council, and the Manning Development Corporation.

Funds to construct the two cottages, each housing ten youth, came from a number of sources. Grants for the project included a Community Development Block Grant which totaled $300,000. An additional $175,000 to fund the construction of the administration building came from a state supplemental grant. Other sources of income included $100,000 which was donated by the Manning Municipal Gas Company and $25,000 of in-kind services which was provided by the City of Manning.

Residents began arriving as soon as the first cottage opened on April 2, 1990. The first houseparents included Bryan and Cindy Herrin as well as Bill and Jan Lahndorf. Bryan and Cindy served dual roles as houseparents and social workers until both cottages opened on June 1, 1990.

Quakerdale was warmly welcomed to the community of Manning in many ways. First of all, "A Gift from the Heart" was a campaign organized by Barb Carr. This campaign gave members of the Manning community a chance to buy home furnishings and personal supplies for the youth of Quakerdale.

Secondly, the Manning Community School District quickly integrated the residents into their educational program despite the youth entering school late in the second semester. The youth were scheduled into their appropriate classes and were well integrated into school.

After beginning to serve youth on April 2, additional staff began arriving to begin their duties. Harold Renshaw began as Campus Director on March 23, 1990. Carole Johnson, Recreational Therapist/Education Coordinator, started getting acquainted with her position on May 29. Three new couples serving as houseparents began their duties at nearly the same time. These houseparents included Tammy and Duane Eberly, Bill and Michelle Meyer, as well as Tom and Theresa Pelican. Office Manager Sandra Hass, Maintenance Director Paul Testroet, and Health Care Coordinator Lynna Miller all joined the Quakerdale staff in June. Chris Secrist-Mertz, residential family therapist, also became a part of the Quakerdale team later that fall.

Other staff who joined the team in 1991 included E. Joyce Schulte, Campus Director; Dave Tyner, In-home Family Therapist/Foster Family Specialist; and Pat Naland, Residential Family Therapist. Bill and Becky Williams, as Resident Counselors, joined the staff also in 1991, as well as the Rev. David Rauch.

George Becker operated a dray line in Manning in the early 1900's. He had different kinds of vehicles for transporting passengers and for hauling freight. He would meet the freight trains and the passenger trains and dispense his passengers wherever they needed to go.

The passengers were often salesmen who would want to go to various towns in the area. George would take them after they called on their Manning customers. Doctors in those days made house calls, even in rural areas, and he took them to their patients, too, often waiting hours if a baby was having a hard time coming into this world.

His daughter, Ruth Becker Heydt of Austin, Minnesota, tells of her excitement if her dad would take her along if the trip was not too long.

George had beautiful horses and when he bought a farm in southerri Minnesota he took them with him. He left Manning in either 1913 or 1914.

Ruth Becker Heydt

I recall when people parked their cars on Main Street on Saturday afternoon to assure a place to sit and watch the people shopping, visiting and just walking around.

Drivers and Senior Citizens have put many miles on the original red bus purchased in 1979 and it is still a sense of pride for the Seniors. The red bus is a familiar sight around Manning as Senior Citizens ride to the M.C.S. Senior Citizen Center to participate in the Congregate Meal Program. The bus is also available to take them for appointments to beauty shops, health clinics, grocery and medical stores and social events, etc.

However, many short trips about the city, picking up passengers and delivering meals to the homebound, have made it necessary for plans for a new van to replace the red bus.

In 1987, a savings account was started toward the purchase of a new vehicle and currently over $7,000.00 has been raised.

When Henry Koester retired as the driver, Gilbert Peters took over the duties. Currently, Alvin Jensen and Orren Ramsey are the drivers. Other drivers have been Joe Sonksen and Hugo (Shorty) Dammann.

Long-time assistants on the van were Clinton Moore, Ralph Grundmeier, Joe Sonksen, Amos (Skip) Lohmeier and currently, Hugo (Shorty) Dammann.

Congregate Meals have been held at the M.C.S. Senior Citizen Center since February, 1980.

Senior Citizens themselves have donated thousands, and thousands of volunteer hours for the success of the program.

Participants are drawn to the Senior Center because of the nutritious meals; however, the social activities also bring them there.

The current staff consists of: cooks - Esther Williams, Bernadette Peters, Betty Potthoff and Erma Lohrmann; site managers - Marian Long and Dorothy Schultz.

Dorothy Kusel has been the volunteer book keeper since 1976.

The M.C.S. Senior Citizen Center has been the location of the Congregate Meals and the depot for the M.C.S. Red Van since February, 1980.

The center was dedicated by Senator Tom Harkin in March of 1980.

Many volunteers have responded to the invitation for caring and sharing these past years and an annual volunteer recognition observance is held. Between 70 and 80 people are honored each year.

Volunteers help with the meal program, grounds, and building maintenance, book work, and food delivery to shut-ins, etc.

Governor Terry Branstad recognized two Manning Area Citizens for their volunteer work with the M.C.S. Senior Center and all related programs; Dorothy Kusel in 1990 and David Kusel in 1991.

The almost country' atmosphere has been a great attraction for tenants living at The Elm Crest Apartments since 1975. Colorful flowers planted and tended by the residents make this a beautiful place to live.

The exterior and interior painting of the units and the "C Building has been completed and more improvements are planned.

Helen Horn is the only original tenant still residing in these apartments.

The Terrace Apartments have been happy homes for many elderly since they were first occupied in August, 1971.

Modernization programs and government grants have made it possible to constantly remodel the units through the years for continued comfortable living. Closeness to Main Street and the hospital, etc. make `The Terrace' an ideal place to live.

Malinda Lerssen is the only original tenant still residing in these apartments.

Current Low Rent Housing Agency Commissioners are: Lila Schroeder, Gene Case, Joe Neil Sr., Dick Weiss and Pamela Nath.

Dorothy Kusel continues to hold the position of Executive Director.

Manning General Hospital

In August 1991, the hospital renovated and installed state-of-the-art X-ray equipment. Lois Hill is pictured with the Toshiba X-ray equipment.

Since 1981, the healthcare industry has undergone tremendous change. Manning General Hospital has also experienced many changes to continue to provide quality healthcare services.

In September, 1986, building renovation began on the hospital annex. The annex was remodeled to accommodate the administrative offices and a new doctors' lounge with a private restroom/ shower and area for medical transcription.

A major renovation of the acute care nurses station was completed in 1990. Included in the changes were a larger pharmacy room, separate food/snack preparation counter, new patient chart cart, Laminar flow hood to mix medications and chemotherapy.

In September, 1986, Manning General Hospital Board announced the signing of an affiliation agreement with Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. This agreement allows the hospital to retain control while purchasing services, such as medical education, management services and outpatient physician services.

Mercy Hospital was awarded a grant of $750,000 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety in 1990 to conduct a cancer control project for Iowa farmers. The Demonstration Cancer Control Project included Manning General Hospital and its service area.

Outpatient Services developed and expanded, too, as a result of the Mercy Hospital affiliation. At this time, 11 consulting physicians conduct

clinics at Manning General Hospital on a monthly basis. Manning General Hospital offered to serve as a site for the monthly Carroll County Immunization Clinic in 1990.

Consulting staff personnel are: CARDIOLOGY, Craig Stevens, M.D.; ALLERGY & DERMATOLOGY, Ahmad AI-Shash, M.D.; EARS, NOSE & THROAT, Phillip Linquist, D.O.; ORTHOPEDICS, Marshall Flapan, M.D.; PODIATRY, David Groen, D.P.M.; ONCOLOGY, Roy Molina, M.D.; UROLOGY, James Greenwell, M.D.; AUDIOLOGY,

Sheryl Neal, Audiologist; INTERNAL MEDICINE, Eric Paulson, M.D.; NEUROLOGY, Behrous Rassekh, M.D.

Mobile Services: Several firms provide mobile services which are also available on a weekly or monthly basis. Mammography, CT Scan, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

To keep pace with changing technology the hospital purchased many new pieces of equipment. Often, the Hospital/Plaza Auxiliary provided the necessary funds. Some of the items include: June, 1982 a new Ventilator; June, 1986 a new Pulmonary Function Testing Machine; August, 1986, an Echocardiogram machine; September, 1986 the OB department purchased a birthing bed for expectant mothers to use in delivering their babies; November, 1986 an Arrhythmia Detection monitor.

Installation of Lifeline, a personal response emergency system, began in the Manning Area in January 1987.

In August, 1991, the hospital renovated and installed state-of-the-art X-ray Equipment. A new Toshiba Radiographic and Flouoroscopic Room is now being utilized. The equipment was the most sophisticated on the market at that time. September 1991, a MultispiroBreese machine was purchased for Respiratory Therapy. The hospital also purchased laparoscopic surgical equipment in 1992.

Manning General Hospital submitted an application for a 12-bed substance abuse treatment unit in July 1982. This unit will provide a 28 day inpatient treatment program with detox and rehabilitation services. The application was approved in September 1982 and on January 16, 1983 Carl Eller, former Minnesota Viking football player spoke at the open house/dedication of the Unit.

Greenleaf, a management firm, began the first program in 1982, but that relationship was discontinued in 1986. MGH implemented an

Outreach Counselor Program to provide treatment service to a 15 county area in 1986. The outpatient SAT Unit at Denison moved to Manning in 1987, and an Employee Assistance Program service was added during that year. Outreach offices are located in Carroll, Denison, Ida Grove and Lake View.

The SATU changed its name to the Manning Family Recovery Center in 1990 and Denny Garvis was named director. In August, 1991, MFRC received 2-year license from Iowa Department of Substance Abuse because of their quality of service.

During the 1980's, the number of family practice physicians continued to decline in rural areas and the Manning area -also experienced this decline.

Dr. J.P. McNerney was recruited in 1981 and practiced in Wall Lake. He closed his practice in October 1991 to join a group practice in Fairfield, Iowa. Dr. Mary Pat Rosman was recruited in 1985 and practiced in Manilla. She left her practice in 1988 to join a practice in Dyersville, Iowa.

Dr. Clem J. Madsen was recruited in 1985 and left in 1986. Dr. Greg Morford was recruited in 1987 to practice in Lake View and left the practice in June 1990 and moved to Utah.

February 1, 1987, Dr. W.J. Nichols retired after 32 years of service. Dr. John Edgerton died July 1, 1987. He began his practice in 1956 and was a member of the Medical Staff at Manning General Hospital for over 30 years.

August, 1991, Dr. Hunter Hansen took over the practice of Dr. J.M. Hennessey in Manilla. Dr. Hennessey retired after 45 years of service.

Members of the active medical staff are P.L. Myer, D.O. and Hunter Hansen, D.O. Members of the surgical staff are Dennis W. Crabb, M.D.; Ronald A. Dierwechter, M.D.; Francis X. McCabe, M.D.; Norman Rose, D.O. and Keith Swanson, M.D. Laurence J. Hanigan, M.D. is the radiologist and Pacifico C. Ramon, M.D. and Gregory S. Severson, M.D. are pathologists.

Emily Scheldorf retired in March, 1983 after 32 years of service to the hospital. She had held many positions within the hospital, including administrator from 1957 to 1974.

Darrell Vondrak resigned, effective May, 1983 to take a position at Palo-Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg.

Greg Hansen was hired June 1, 1983 and resigned in June, 1989 to take a position in North Dakota. Ed Hackman became Administrator in August, 1989. He resigned in August, 1990 to accept a similar position in Atchinson, Kansas.

Mike Didier was hired September, 1990 and came from a small hospital in North Dakota.

The Manning Plaza continued to provide good, individual care and remain progressive to meet the challenges of the 80's and 90's. Many of the residents now cared for suffer from multiple chronic illnesses that interfere with independent living. Programs were developed to meet changing resident needs and give the residents the best care possible.

June 1991 the Manning Plaza celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an open house and entertainment for the public. At that time there were 58 residents and about 40 employees at the Plaza.

Hospital/Plaza Board: Gib Phillips, William Ohde, Jerry Rasmussen, Randy Behrens, Duane Monson

Community Hospital Association Board: Joe Kotval, Erwin Hansen, Gib Phillips, Wm. F. Ohde, Wm. G. Ohde, Keith Kelderman, Jerry Rasmussen, Duane Monson, Art Rix

Physician Recruitment Committee: Gib Phillips, Wayne Curlile, Duane Monson, Jerry Rasmussen, Joan Phillips, Mike Didier, Pastor Riggert, Warren Puck, Ron Morlok, Dr. Myer, Ruth Ohde, Bob Stessman

Housing Committee: Dorothy Grundmeier, Sue Puck, Pastor Henry Jensen, Dick Crandall, Randy Behrens, Amanda Lamp, Mike Didier, Ron Morlok, Denise Doyel

Members of the Auxiliary continued to bake for and work in the Snack Bar which is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. Annual Easter and Christmas Bake Sales were also held. Money raised from these projects was used to purchase equipment for the hospital and Plaza.

Equipment purchased included: patient education video projector, 1982; outside signs for hospital, 1983; Arjo Bath system, 1984; fetal heart monitor, 1985; seven Lifeline Units and hematology analyzer, 1987-88; pressure monitor and nerve stimulator, 1989; poet II anesthesia machine, 1989-90; and Kodak film developer (xray) and two Lifeline units, 1990-91.

In November, 1991 the Auxiliary made the decision to support the Invest In Your Future Campaign by pledging their support with a $25,000, five-year pledge.

Presently there are 200 members, 125 active and 75 contributing members. Board Members in 1991 - 1992 are; President, Lorraine Kruse; VicePresident, Bev Grundmeier; Second VicePresident, Amanda Lamp; Secretary, Janet Myer; Alt. Secretary, Ruth Hiatt; Treasurer, Bernice Ohde; Historian, Jenotte Venner. At large board members include Bernice Nielsen, Helen Heithoff and Edith Stoberl.

July 5, 1984 Orval Fink was honored for 50 years of Pharmacy service to the hospital and surrounding area.

Dr. Frank E. Greteman, optometrist, opened a branch of his Carroll clinic in Manning on August 1, 1986. It is staffed three days a week. In July, 1987, the Board of Directors, Manning General Hospital, approved a resolution to grant Allied Health Professional privileges to doctors of chiropractic. Dr. R.H. Vonnahme applied for privileges in 1987.

Robert and Lois Stessman purchased Crabb's Pharmacy in September, 1988 and moved to Manning from LeMars, Iowa. Tom Crabb who owned the pharmacy since 1977 moved to Des Moines to continue his education.

Dr. John Hornberger retired in June, 1989, after 39 years of service. Dr. William Bender began his practice in July 1989.

The Board of Directors was established in 1990 with the purpose of supporting the rural healthcare system in this area.

A capital campaign was conducted in 1991-92 and was successful in raising over $1 million in cash and pledges to fund the building of a healthcare clinic and the recruitment of more physicians in the area.

Present Board members are: Ruth Ohde, Kevin Boyle, Duane Boersma, Clyde Thomson, Tom Horbach, Gaylin Ranniger, Kenneth Puck, Amanda Lamp, Bill Ohde, Gib Phillips, Dr. Myer and Dr. Hansen. Foundation staff are Gail Kotval, Executive Director and Jane Thiedeman, Administrative Assistant.

In May of 1988 an automatic defibrillator was purchased for $9,300.00.

Volunteers are Sondra Christensen, Pete Croghan, Kurt Hass, Bob Merriemen, Maxine Neil, Joe Neil, Merlin Rohe, Dave Rauch, Richard Schmitt, Mike Vogl, Chuck Coleman, and Doug Ramsey.

In 1989 Dr. Robert H. Vonnahme became the first chiropractor to receive hospital privileges in the State of Iowa, at Manning General Hospital.

On May 10, 1990 Dr. Vonnahme ended his association with Dr. Blankenbaker and Dr. Kraus. Full time office hours at 714 3rd Street in Manning are 9 - 5 Monday through Friday, with Thursday afternoon's closed.

Dr. Vonnahme is a member of the Iowa Chiropractic Society and on the Board of Directors for six years. Dr. Vonnahme has completed three hundred hours of orthopedic study. He has also earned one hundred hours of Sports Orthopedics and is certified.

Presently Dr. Vonnahme has two employees. Becki Ehlers has been with the Manning office six years. Lois Ramsey joined the offices in Manning, March, 1992.

I can remember when local household or furniture auctions were always held on the vacant lot now the site of the Manning General Hospital. The lot in early days was the site of a livery stable which through the years was owned by various individuals, including Jacob Ohde. In 1916 when the stable was under the management of the Hilton Brothers it was completely destroyed by fire and the lot remained vacant until the original Wyatt hospital was built in 1927.

The sales were help on Saturday afternoon since Saturdays were the biggest Manning trading days and brought the largest crowds. Most of the stores remained open until eleven p.m. and later. Sale items were brought to the grounds and just before sale time, usually two p.m., a young lad would be hired for a quarter to go up and down Main Street clanging a hand bell and announcing, "Furniture Sale at the Ohde lots right away!".