New Book Offers Fascinating Look at Waterloo’s Past

Saturday, October 12th, 2019 | Books | 2 Comments

“Stars in Waterloo” is the name of Mike’s latest book, which was co-written with Don Huff. Over the past 120 years or so, many famous persons in all walks of life— politics, sports, movies, music and more — have visited the Waterloo area.  A total of 13 presidents have have been to the city, beginning with William McKinley in 1899, as well as Billy Sunday, the most famous evangelist of the early 20^th century, and Dr. Martin Luther King. Amelia Earhart gave a speech there just one year prior to beginning her fatal flight around the world in 1937, and Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in World War II who became a major movie star, was there in 1953.

“Don and I wanted to offer a look at this fascinating history of our hometown,” said Mike. “We worked on the book for nearly three years and we hope it will be a wonderful addition to the collective history of the community. We are very proud that Farmers State Bank wanted to sponsor the book.”

Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, true icons of the Old West, came to Waterloo in 1901 and many famous western movie stars followed. Tom Mix, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers each found their way to the area at one time or another. Actress Julie Adams was born there and actor Nick Nolte lived in Waterloo for several years before arriving in Hollywood.

The book also offers stories of iconic Waterloo military figures Fred Becker, Carl Chapman, the Sullivan brothers, Admiral James Ramage and General Curly Hultman.

Top entertainers like Buddy Holly, Charley Pride and Bob Hope came to the city at various times, as did many famous baseball players on their way to the major leagues.

The book talks about Waterloo’s professional basketball, football and hockey teams, and the many successful athletes that came from here – including Olympians Dan Gable, Chuck Yagla, Bob Buzzard, wrestlers, and diver Zoe Ann Olsen. Also profiled are NFL stars Don Perkins and Reggie Roby and Rich Folkers, who spent eight years in the major leagues.

“We think readers will be amazed at the number of famous people that have come to Waterloo through the decades,” said Huff. “Not only is the book entertaining, but we believe it will be viewed as a great educational tool, as well.”

Retired from a 35-year newspaper career, Mike Chapman is a native of Waterloo who is the author of 30 books and gives speeches about Iowa history around the state. He is considered by many the nation’s leading authority on wrestling history. He and his wife, Bev, created the Dan Gable Museum and brought it to Waterloo in 2008.

Don Huff was born and raised in Waterloo and is a retired educator who was head wrestling coach at West High for many years. He and Chapman teamed up to write the biography of Bob Siddens, West High’s legendry wrestling coach, in 2012.

The cost of the book is $15 with $5 S&H, and is available by calling 641-791-3072.

Tags: Waterloo

Speech in Waterloo for Veterans, August 10

Monday, June 17th, 2019 | Speaking | No Comments

Mike will be the featured speaker at a special event being held in Waterloo to recognize the 100^th year anniversary of the American Legion all across our great country. The event will be held at the Electric Park on August 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Mike will talk about Fred Becker and Carl Chapman, two Waterloo legends who lost their lives fighting in World War I.

In 1916, Becker, an East High graduate, became the first All-American football player in the history of the University of Iowa and two years later, on July 18, 1918, he was killed in heroic action in France. Chapman was a standout athlete at West High before attending Amherst College in Massachusetts. He was the first Iowa aviator to die in the war, being shot down in heavy action on May 3, 1918.

Mike has written extensively about Becker’s heroics and has been on numerous radio talk shows to tell about his career. He was also the catalyst behind the naming of Fred H. Becker Elementary School in 2013. Mike has a new book coming out soon called “Stars in Waterloo” that talks about Becker and Chapman, as well as many other famous citizens of Waterloo.

The event is sponsored by Becker-Chapman A.L. Post 138, with all proceeds going to the post. The cost is $25.00 and includes a catered meal by Randall’s of Hudson and live music. For more information, call the Becker-Chapman AL Post at 319-234-8511.

Tags: Fred Becker, Waterloo