Tales from the Aisles
Charley and Evelyn Kent
I first met Charley and Evelyn Kent in the mid-50s when I called a hoedown square dance, accompanied by the Noel Boles band, at Chevy Garage. The Kents encouraged me to learn western-style square dancing that features singing calls and complicated routines. They introduced my wife Betty and I to Marian Ashby, who taught western-style square dancing at Humeston. Charley and Evelyn Kent continued square dancing until very recently.
Charley and Evelyn Page met at Playland Roller Skating Rink in Osceola in 1951. The skating rink was owned by “Vic” Shipright and was located at the west end of Garfield Street near the present high school athletic fields. Evelyn Kent’s parents were Pearl and Maxine Page, who lived on a farm two miles east and a mile south of Osceola near U.S. Highway 34. Pearl Page was nicknamed “Pug.” Evelyn Page attended Osceola rural school No. 4 and graduated from Osceola High School in 1952. Her first job out of school was with Soil Conservation Service. Besides farming, her father hauled rock and lime. Older citizens may remember that Pug Page had a stock car racetrack on his farm in the early 50s. Some of the stock car owners were Galen Benbow, “Jiggs” Davidson and Jim Penick. Pop was kept cool in stock tanks iced by block ice from Osceola Ice House.
Charley Kent was raised in Lucas County. His parents were Melville and Fern Kent. Charley lived most of his early years with his grandparents, Albert and Amelia Kent, who farmed three miles west of Lucas. Charley attended Spring Hill rural school and graduated from Lucas High School in 1949.
Charley and Evelyn were married in 1954. They rented farmland for 10 years in Lucas County. Charley remembers banking at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Lucas, which was one of only two private banks in Iowa. The bank was not backed by government insurance and was void of government supervision. Only blank counter checks were used and no statements or overdrafts were mailed. Charley remembers that he could purchase cattle before getting a loan approval.
The Kents moved to their farm at 2544 Kansas St. in 1966. Kansas Street is a graveled extension of East Clay Street. Their home, which is just beyond the railroad overpass, was bought from the highway department and moved to its present location. They own and farm 268 acres, which includes the Pug Page farm. Charley hauled lime for his father-in-law for 25 years.
Although she never applied for a job, Evelyn has been employed most of her married life. Most of her work responsibilities are conducted from her home. She worked 10 years for the County Extension office and has helped at many county fairs. Evelyn worked for Clarke County Rural Water Association for 25 years, billing and collecting water-usage fees, until the organization became controlled by Southern Iowa Rural Water Association (SIRWA). She has been secretary and bookkeeper for Clarke County Landfill since 1985.
Charley Kent was active in Sheriff’s Posse from 1966 until its discontinuance. He remembers riding horseback as he directed the parking for thousands of patrons at Hopeville Music Reunions. In contrast, there was the sad experience of searching for the drowning victims from the Squaw Creek flood of July 3, 1981. After his posse days, he became state certified in the Sheriff’s Reserve and served until he reached the age limit. Charley supervised the reserved seating section for handicapped spectators at the Fourth of July parades for many years.
Charley and Evelyn Kent have two sons, Greg and Jay Kent; and a daughter, Darcia Lange, who live in Promise City. Their extended family includes three grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and 13 great-step-grandchildren. Charley Kent has a sister, Donna Jean Tjelmeland, who lives in Chariton. Evelyn’s brother, Robert Page, is deceased.
Charley said, “I’ve slowed down, but Evelyn is still going strong.”
