Frisbie House Annual Reunion

An ISU alumni group which has been meeting together annually for over fifty years; eight men lived in an off campus housing center (Frisbie House) during the late 1940’s, and most married ISU women. This may be the largest and longest annual gathering of the same group of people from ISU. Although most are over 80 years of age, they are active in their communities and the only dissolved marriages were by death of a spouse. We think it is special that the group who met in college has continued to enjoy yearly meeting for over half a century. A few years of togetherness at ISU turned into a lifetime of friendships for a dozen families!

Over the years, the Frisbie group sent many descendents to ISU. One example is our grandson Jess Larsen Boysen B.S. 2001. He was preceded by all four of his grandparents (the Larsens and Boysens of Frisbie house years). Both of Jess’ parents are alumni, Robert Boysen –M.S. 1974, and Jacquelyn Larsen B.S., and 1974 M.S. Added to these were all his aunts and uncles, Karen Boysen Rowe, and the Larsens; Ron, Judy, Jennifer, Jenean, and Rick, plus numerous cousins throughout the years. His ancestors from generations in the first decades of 1900, had a number of ISU alumni. From the Wright-Boysen side were his great aunt (Florence Stacy) and great uncles ( Burton , William, and Donald Stacy). From the Christensen-Larsen side his great grandfather Christensen had been a classmate of William Stacy. Jess has continued his education to receive a Medical Doctor degree this spring.

There was a great increase in enrollment at all universities after W.W. II ended and by 1946 living areas were scarce at Iowa State College. Eight young men eager to use their G. I. Bill of Rights had the good fortune to secure comfortable living quarters close to campus in Frisbie House, a student meeting center located across Lincolnway from Lake Laverne . This was a three story building provided by the Congregational church, so the men were expected to cooperate in keeping the center neat and presentable to the public, to attend some fellowship experiences including ushering in the church, and to pose for Frisbie pictures for the BOMB (boost our memory book – 1946-p. 146, 1947-p. 165, 1948-p.159).

Through their activities the men became acquainted with other students who participated in Frisbie events. These included church affiliated young women who had been gathering in the meeting room and in House Mother, “Mom Grave’s” living quarters throughout their college years. Most of the men have now been married over 50 years to wives from the fellowship group. Other women active in the organizations of Frisbie house had been courted by men living elsewhere. All were instrumental in organizing and continuing yearly reunions. These friendships have lasted well over half a century.

Gatherings for the “Frisbie Picnic” began around 1950. For years the second Sunday in July was set aside to bring packed picnic baskets and young families in tow and drive to a designated state park or back yard around Iowa or southern Minnesota . Those who gathered welcomed new babies, noted children’s growth, reported on family trips, new enterprises and mutual hobbies. Children looked forward to seeing friends from previous picnics, to swim in lakes, or play on swings and slides, while parents caught up on the year’s events. Later a change was made to meet in restaurants or enjoy catered meals in a home. Last fall these men and their wives, all now around eighty years of age, gathered on a beautiful September 2004 weekend at Marshalltown , Iowa for their annual reunion. Since autumn is now a more convenient meeting time, plans are made for September 2005 for the group to meet in Amana restaurant.

Among those attending are the original Frisbie House occupants and wives:
Bill Baltisberger and Barb (Benson) Marhsalltown, IA
Bob Entorf and Marge (Goetzke) Albert Lea , MN
Don Pederson and Audrey (May) Grinnell , IA
Jim Pilgrim ( Doris dec,) Clinton , IA
Dick Pilgrim and Shirley (Hesson) Nevada , IA
Bob Worth and Donna, Des Moines , IA
Harold Boulton and Billie, (1 st wife Grace Betty Clark dec.) Wapello , IA
A. J. Boysen and Dorothy (Wright) Wapello, IA

Others active in Frisbie Fellowship programs and organizing the yearly reunions are;
Mel Larsen and Darlene (Christensen), Ames , IA
Vaugh Speer and Meg (Graf) Ames , IA
(Morris dec.) and Bernita (Meier) Walker, Tipton , IA
Myron and Esther (Secor) Wilson , Cedar Rapids , IA