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I had the chance to make it to the Dodger Bowl for Bob McNeill's 90th birthday celebration. Bob, of course is of Bob's Electric in Dodgeville fame. He began business in Hollandale in 1947 and came to Dodgeville in the mid 1950's, located at what is now Bob Kratochwill's apartments on North Iowa Street. That building was once Dodgeville Monument too! Anyway, when I arrived at around 1:30 for the 1:00 start of the party, the parking lot at Dodger Bowl was overfilled with the McCutchin's Sports area filled too. There wasn't a seat left in the banquet hall and there were still about 80 people to be greeted by Bob as they entered. The line went from just inside the banquet hall all the way to the far wall in the dining room. I can't tell you how much food was picked up through the buffet line and how many large sheet cakes, bars and cookies were gone through. See above photo!
Bob had been in the hospital since mid week suffering from vertigo problems, but like the trooper he is, he made it through the 3+ hours of the reception.
The family showed slides of him from the time he was born up to now. Included was a great "commercial" by the Brother's Main from Madison where they talked about Bob and how people shouldn't buy from a "Rat" like Bob, but should come to them! There were clips from a "roast" of Bob that included people like Ron Dentinger, Tuffy Leffler, Mike Crubaugh, Then Mayor Jim McCaulley and a bunch more (oh, I was even part of the roast)! I remember selling Bob advertising when I was in middle school - I would walk from the Chronicle to his shop!
McCaulley had a great talk. He said he mother told him if he didn't have anything good to say about anyone, he shouldn't say anything. At that point he said "thank you" and went to sit down!
Bob told one of his favorite jokes: In school he sat behind Helen (late wife) and during a test he copied her answers. After the test the teacher called him up and said she failed him. He said he had the right answers except for one. She replied that was true and so did Helen, who was sitting in front of him, but for the final answer Helen wrote "I don't know the answer." On his test the final question was answered "I don't know either"!
Bob really was overwhelmed by the number of people who came to his celebration!
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The really good news of late is that the laundromat at Casey's General Store (former CITGO) will remain open. I'm not sure for how long, but it will be open for quite some time!
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There's a new store opening in downtown Dodgeville next to Helin Appraisals. Watch for the unveiling!
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Don't forget the Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce still needs volunteers for the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championships to be held at Harris Park Saturday, April 28. Stop at or call the chamber (935-9200) to do so. They need help setting up all day Thursday plus all day Saturday. There will be another kick-off event, featuring several cheesemakers with talks by 8-12 cheesemakers, samples, cheese for sale, prizes, two free drinks (with admission ticket), accordion polka music and more on Friday night, April 27 at Dodger Bowl. Check out the chamber website at www.dodgeville.com Tickets are available for $20 from any chamber board member or at the chamber office.