So sorry to lose Tex Dean
he was the drummer for
Everett Boyer, Stardusters,
Al Welsh, Sentimential Swing,
One of the Best
He was one of the first to win
on the Ted Mack Show.
He was also the drummer for
Pat Boone many years ago.
Our hearts go out to
their families.
A lot of fond memories in remembering them out here dancing.
72 Years for Wilma
with the Ballroom.
Wilma married Pete Bess
in 1944. (Previous owners.)
.... but She started
dancing at the Ballroom
in '37 or '38 In her
high school years.
(that's 79 years)
With a little help from our Friends (Actually a lot of help)
The crowds have been small, but they're looking better.
The bands had agreed to lower their
fee until we can get more people.
100 a night & they get their
regular pay... & don't they deserve it ..
THEY have been GREAT! Let's help them out .. Bring some more friends !
We also went up a $1 on the door.
in hopes that we can make enough
to cover expenses & ride out the virus. We're getting there. Thank you ...
for all that have helped.
We really have some
GREAT & WONDERFUL
people out here! Thank you so much
it really means a lot
to us that you care
Thank You!
Wilma with good friends, Marge, Judy, & Helen
26726 150th St
Woodward, IA 50276
515-438-2305
Yes .... There was a Lake.
Mr. Robbins made a man-made lake
put an 8 sided cabin on it with a board walk.
This was in the beginning of 1920's.
He started building the Ballroom in 1929
It opened November 11, 1931.
Herbie Kay out of Chicago was the
Orchestra. His female vocalist was
Dorothy Lamour.
She was 17 years old.
We will be Celebrating the Ballroom's
90th Anniversary
with our All Star Band
Sunday Nov. 14, 2021
(actual date is 11/11/1931)
We have Perry Como's autograph
from when he sang out here with
the Ted Weems Orchestra
We know Ronald Regan danced out
here when he worked for WHO .................
10 more years & we'll be 100 years
UPDATE ... after
2/7/2021 Midnite
Masks are not required.
After a lot of input we have decided to ask you to keep wearing masks except at your tables & dancing. If you prefer to keep them on while dancing that's fine.. Please respect each others view. We want to be safe & feel safe.
Thank you
(Let's have fun!)
Helen Bush
April 9, 1919 - Feb. 21, 2019 *************
Our Ticket Lady for 81 3/4 - 82years
We heard Everett Boyer
passed away in June 2019
What a great lost. His first job with his band was at Lake Robbins. He told me he was always greatful to Wilma for given his band a chance.
His band was always one of the favorites at the Ballroom. We sure have missed his wonderful music.
RESERVATIONS
We do take reservations
On regular dances you may call in or let us know. We do not guarantee a certain table but will try to get you close to the area you like.
We have employees taking reservations all the time & sometimes the table may already be spoken for & we're not aware of it.
Reservations are 1st come 1st serve bases.
Some of our regular dancers have favorite tables
& have let the waitresses know they are coming.
They usually get the same table all the time.
On Special Events (Some events we do NOT take reservations)
There are no regular tables. If you want a table you need to reserve. We need to know you are coming. It is 1st to reserve gets the table. So if you have a favorite it is best to reserve early. (Weeks ahead).
Some special events are reservations only with advanced tickets. The day before or day of
will not get you close to the dance floor.
My dancers reserve early to get the best tables.
We are trying hard to be fair with reservations & we have had some big screw ups & we're sorry it happened. Please be patient we are trying to make it better. We have had some big nights, but we have never ran out of room. So please don't let not having a reservation stop you from coming. We will find you a table.
She was
105
We are so sorry to lose
more Friends
Al Godfredsen 2/6/15
Pinky Redman - 2/17/15 Al Welsh Orchestra's drummer for 60 years.
Del Martin 1/2015
Helen Cunningham 11/18/2014
Johnny Saunders 2/8/2015
Gary Grant 2/20/2015
Vince Morris 2/21/2015
Eleanore Meier 8/3/2015
Lou Greco 8/17/2015
Marilyn Meyer 8/31/2015
Howard Clemons 9/ /2015
Jack Vierling 11/3/2015
Josephine Thiel 11/7/2015
Robert Ziesman 12/4/2015
Larry Schultze 12/6/2015
Bill Cardwell 1/7/2016
Reta Williams 1/28/2016
Alice Jenkins 2/21/2016
Lester Menke 3/5/2016
Karen Swenson 6/11/16
Conrad John 6/17/16
Wilma Jean Bess 7/2/2016 (Previous Owner)
Arlene Hendrixson 7/17/16A
Duane (Bud) Young 7/23/16
Jeanne Robbins Phillips 9/17/16 ( Father & Grandfather built Lake Robbins)
Charles Heinz 10/16
Dick Smith 11/26/16
Norman Gore 1/29/17
Arlyce Nichols 3/2/17
Jeanette Ziesman 3/6/17
Don Kinnison 5/16/17
Michael Westaby 5/17/17 (Gloria & Marlo's son)
Gary "Hatch" Hatcher 6/30/17
Patsy Capen 7/1/17
Belle Maring 8/31/17
Tim Dawson 10/13/17
Nada Shannon 11/24/17
Betty Greif - Feldmann 2/13/18
Anoka Stratton 4/25/18
Noah Bess 5/14/2018 (Wilma & Pete's son)
Bryan Idso 7/9/18 (Karon's son & our PT Cook)
Howard Hammond 7/23/18
Maggie Radebaugh 7/27/18
Velma Bailey 9/17/18 (one of the Bouton ladies who helped us.)
Charles Radke 10/12/18 (keyboard in Al Welsh & Everett Boyer's bands)
Horace Young 10/19/18
Wendall Eike 11/6/2018
Gordie Strain 2/9/19 (with Midwest Rock & Soul Revue Band)
Helen Bush 2/21/19
Jon Stafford 3/13/19 (According to Hoyle Band)
Ross Leeper 4/11/19 (Al Welsh & Everett Boyer's Bands)
Joan Lindner 4/14/19
Everett Boyer 6/2019 (his 1st job with his band was here at Lake Robbins)
Maxine Martens 7/4/19
Nancy Dean 8/28/19 (Tex Dean's wife)
Keith Knight 10/2/19
Owen 10/6/19
Jack West 10/22/19
Nadine Christensen 12/4/19
Carol Reeves 4/12/20 (She was a great help .. kitchen & serving)
Loren Roiger 4/25/20
Tex Dean 6/2020 (Drummer for Everett Boyer, Stardusters, Sentimential Swing)
Russell Dent 6/23/20
Noel Friday 7/2020
Mary Louise McLain 9/21/20
Don (Beans) Welder 10/2020
Jerry Stenstrom 12/2020 (Played Trumpet for Everett Boyer)
Gloria Westaby 1/9/21
Alvin Cole 1/12/21
I'm not sure what year this was taken but this is the north side of the Ballroom. It's changed a bit.
This Ballroom was Built for Dancing!
Hit the
SCHEDULE
button for
Band listings
Available for Weddings & In House Catering
See our Wedding page
************************
AED
the Automated
HEART SAVER - DEFIBULATOR
A specialThank Youto our Dancers, Bands & Friends
for the Contributions so that we can have one here at the Ballroom. A Very Special THANK YOU
for the ones who promoted & made it happen.
What can I say .... we have the best !
We are in the middle of corn fields.
We are 2 miles south
& 2 miles west of
Woodward
(1 mile South of Hwy 141 from the North Side)
A little over 2 miles west of Hwy 141
from the East side)
Memorial Day Weekend
Picnic Special
Sat. 5/29 .. Exit 113 .. Oldies/R'nR
Sun. 5/30 .. the Kenastons ..CW
Mon. 5/31.. Gaylin Sudik & Friends
Big Band/Variety
You will find more dance dates on the Schedule page.
WE ARE Dancing!
We are dancing ...
the Crowds are small .. But getting better!
plenty of social distancing ...
Tables are still apart ..
We can have 100 people on the
floor & still be 6ft apart!
We need more people
to keep us open .... just hoping
to pay the overhead
We want you to be safe so only
come if you feel comfortable.
It is nice to see people out again!
And isn't it FUN!
Feb. 1, 1923 - July 2, 2016
Bryan Idso
July 24, 1986 -July 9, 2018
Karon's son & our Friend
He also was our part time cook/bartender
............................................................
We are so sorry to lose some more of
our old friends & dancers.
Ray Duffee 2/23/14
Jean Zmolek 3/30/14
Dave Barnes 5/15/14
Margaret Lee 5/18/14
Coloma (Kip) Shannon 6/21/14 (our ticket Lady)
Max Wheelwright 6/28/14
Joseph Book 7/30/2014
Evelyn Dagnillo 9/16/14
Rhonda Armstrong 11/28/14
Ouch!*! Sharon
So sorry about your fall
& fractured knee. But
We knew you couldn't
stay away toooo long!
So Goood to see you out. We're all hoping for a Speedy recovery
NOTE CHANGE
Starting MAY 1st Saturday hours
Dance Lessons: $5
CW 2-Step .. 5:30 - 6:30
Instructor:
William Paugh
Doors: 6 pm
Dance: 7 - 11 .. $10
Sundays
will stay 5 - 8:30 .. $13
Lessons still
3:30 - 4:30 .. $5
Jitterbug Swing
FOOD is always available when open
May 1 Sat.
Lonesome Fugitive .. CW .. 7 - 11 ..$10
*DANCE LESSONS*
Saturdays ... all of May
* CW 2-Step .. 5:30 - 6:30 .. $5
Sundays ... all of May
* Jitterbug Swing ... 3:30 - 4:30 pm .. $5
Instructor - William Paugh .. Lesson - Beginners
MAY 2... Al Godfredsen
Big Band 5 - 8:30 ... $13