Star Ballroom, Dakota City, IA
Iowa Ballroom Project • Active Ballrooms • Past Ballrooms • The People • Home •
from IRRMA web site (2005)
Otto Schultz was born and raised in Humboldt County, Iowa with 12 brothers and sisters. In 1946 he opened a Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth dealership in Dakota City, IA. He also built many of the other brick buildings that line Main Street and many houses in Dakota City that still stand today. In the fifties he built the Star Ballroom next door to his dealership. There were connecting doors so he could take care of car customers while working in the ballroom. When the brick structure first opened it also housed the Star Bowling Lanes managed by Max Gibson in the basement with the ballroom and balcony on the main floor. The dance floor was designed and constructed to float so it wouldn’t ripple during high humidity times. The Grand Opening was held on St. Valentine’s Day; Saturday, Feb. 14, 1954. The Lynn Kerns Orchestra played. A free rose was given to each lady who attended. From 11-11:30 that evening there was a live broadcast on KVFD TV. The bowing alley was later closed and the basement became a place to socialize during the dances. The Star Ballroom boasts having legendary bands including Louis Armstrong, Ray Anthony, Blue Barron, Eddie Skeets, and the Stan Kenton Orchestra. With the rock & roll era arriving, the “Star” hosted many young local bands at the Sunday night teen hops. Included in these bands were the Fabulous Uniques, the Suades, the Rumbles, the Fabulous Flippers and many others. RJ Myers of the Suades grew up four blocks from the “Star”. He recalls, “When camping out in a pup tent in my backyard, I would walk to the ballroom and listen to some of the bands. I remember seeing Louie Armstrong unloading into the side entrance and he said ‘Hello little pops.’ My parents liked to watch them unload so that’s where I got the interest in the logistics of the process of putting on a show.” The Star Ballroom even had its own DJ. Dick Hake from KWMT Radio in Ft. Dodge would spin the tunes while the bands were on break. The ballroom was also host to the annual Fireman’s balls & charity balls. The dances at the "Star" drew hundreds of dancers from all over the county and adjoining area. When asked why he built the ballroom, Otto Schultz replied, “I wanted a place close to home to dance.” Otto never married. This made the ballroom more precious as he considered all who came through the doors part of his “family”. When ever you would see Otto on the street he would be attired in a suit (with suspenders) a long sleeve white shirt, and a tie. Otto Schultz sold the Star Ballroom to Al & Lib Hadar in 1975 but remained active in the management for a few more years. The last dance was held in 1992. The building still stands on the main street of Dakota City. The front of the building has changed. The big red stars on the 2 sets of double doors are no longer there. You can still hear music coming from the inside. However, instead of a ballroom, it is now a school of dance. |