Recently an ad appeared in the Knoxville shopper. It said an entire chapter of a book was devoted to the nightclub. You can read about it at this web site: smokeysmith.webs. com. The book has 320 pages and lots of photos it says. Book cost is $30 and it is autographed. When at the website click on Smokey’s general store and scroll down . You will find a 2CD set of live music recorded at the Ponderosa Club in Lovilia. Cost is $20 plus $3 for shipping. Smokey’s biography is on the site too. He booked famous performers at the club including Carl Perkins, Marty Robbins, and Little Jimmy Dickens. Remember them from grand ole opry fame? If anyone saw them at the Ponderosa I would love to have you email me about the show.
The State Historical Society presented a pubic exhibit in 2011 about Smokey’s career as a musician, radio DJ, recording artist, and tour promoter.
He is known to have booked Elvis Presley’s first Iowa concert in 1956. Did any of my reader’s get a ticket for that one? That was not in Lovilia but in Iowa just the same. I am sure that means he was in Iowa before he appeared on TV’s Ed Sullivan show. Hoorah Iowa and good for you Smokey!
If you get the CDs or book let me know what you think of them. I think I want both. What a great snippet of history and it happened in Lovilia.
WWII Cannon Restoration at Gibson Park
Gerald Sofranko and Billy Barnes have been working through government red tape for a year to get permission and help to restore the cannon. They hope soon to sandblast it. Have paint supplied by military to paint it and have the painting done to restore it.
Gerald is also trying to get new guns for the legion men who fire the gun salutes at funerals, etc. They are quite old and updates would help the salutes go more smoothly without reloading.
We appreciate these men’s volunteer efforts to honor our veterans. If you see them downtown, I hope you will thank them too.
First Communion at St. Peter’s April 14, 2012
We had one first communion celebrant this year. Logan Stalzer. He is the son of Brad and Mindy Stalzer and grandson of Joe and Kathy Welsh of rural Lovilia. Congratulations Logan, may you always stay close to God and may he always hold you in the Palm of His Hand.
Morning Coffee at Community Building-all welcome!
Community Betterment committee is sponsoring coffee at 8:30am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They will do this through Memorial Day weekend too so visitors to the cemetery can use the rest rooms in the building and sit and rest with a hot cup of coffee. It is free and all are welcome.
St. Peter’s Bulletin news
Starting May 6 mass will be on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. This schedule will continue through September.
May crowning will be May 6th sponsored by Altar and Rosary Society who will provide the flowers.
Annual Bake Sale Saturday, May 5
Bake sale will be held during the Lovilia city wide Garage sale. Ladies will bake and donate items for the sale which will be at the usual location north of the post office in front of the Geno building. Sales will be from 8am-10am. Don’t miss a chance to get these homemade treats!
May 5 Lovilia Community Wide Yard Sales
Come shop for fun and bargains and get treats at the bake sale. See you there!