(Editor’s note: Sunday is Montezuma resident Lois Douglass’ 94th birthday. You remember the “Looking Back 50 Years” column by Al Rabenold. This is one he wrote about Louis a few years back . .)
By Al Rabenold
WHERE WERE YOU IN 1928?
In 1928, cartoon star Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in a film produced by Walt Disney. The Yo-yo Manufacturing Company opened for business. Bubble gum was invented. The Summer Olympics were held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Native Iowan Herbert Hoover was elected President of the United States. . . and Lois Miller was born.
Born January 16, 1928, Lois became a “Hilltopper” or a “Mountaineer” (take your pick) — attending school on top of a hill in Searsboro before transferring to Montezuma. At the time MHS did not have a girls’ basketball team so Lois traded in her black Converse shoes for a skirt, becoming a cheerleader, graduating from MHS in 1945.
Soon after graduation, Lois married Gene Douglass and they raised two sons, Stephen and David. In the ‘60s, Lois and Gene ran the Standard Station which was located on the corner of where Casey’s is today.
MHS hired Lois as a school cook here in the late ‘50s where she became a favorite of the students while serving meals from the steam table in the northwest corner of the “old gym” and later in the high school cafeteria/study hall where Mr. Nolton’s Art classes are today.
After several years as a cook in the school kitchen, Lois served as a loyal, long-time secretary in 1969 for Elementary & Jr. High principal Mr. Tom Erickson. Mr. Erickson’s office was located upstairs in the 1928 building where Carrie Stockman’s Spanish classroom is located today.
Prior to the 1969-70 girls’ basketball season Lois took over as girls basketball chaperone, not just for the high school girls but the Junior High girls as well. Her dedication and loyal service to the Bravettes was legendary. The girls were her “daughters” and they lovingly referred to her as “Mom”.
“With Lois’ help” the Bravettes repeated as State Champions in 1970. Lois was front and center, handing out fresh orange slices at half-time and supplying chewing gum for the players as the Blue & White ran their consecutive winning streak to a state record 89 games.
Lois was not only a big hit with the girls’ basketball team but the boys’ team as well. Prior to tournament time the Braves installed a special play and named it “Big Lo”.
Still a fiercely loyal, devoted fan of Montezuma Schools, Lois proudly wears her Montezuma School jacket wherever she goes, answering to both “Mom’ and “Big Lo”.
Searsboro’s loss was Montezuma’s gain. We are grateful for the positive impact she has made on many young people for many decades.
Happy 94th Birthday Lois! We wish you many more!
