LONE STARS

LONE STARS. In 1970 Dubuque introduced its second girls' drill team, the Lone Stars. Composed of Dubuque girls aged 11 to 16, the 42-member group was organized in 1969 by Jim Kraus, who worked previously with the DUBUQUETTES, and Mrs. Sue Simanek. (1)

The Lone Stars wore western-style red, white and black uniforms in competition. The cost of the uniforms was donated by the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workman Local 150. Trip sponsors included WILLIAM C. BROWN PUBLISHERS and FONDELL AND SONS EXCAVATING CONTRACTORS. (2)

They appeared first at the Dyersville Drum and Bugle Corps Contest and in a Memorial Day parade in Dubuque. Their first competition was held in Rockford, Illinois where they won a first-place trophy. (3) Practice sessions of about four hours per week were planned during the summer. (4)

In 1971 the Lone Stars were state drill-team champions.

Kraus moved out of Iowa in 1974 and could not find adults to take his place. (5)

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Source:

1. "And So Are the Lone Stars," Telegraph-Herald, July 3, 1970, p. 8

2. Ibid.

3. "Lone Stars Exhibition," Telegraph-Herald, July 22, 1970, p. 12

4. "And So Are..."

5. "Whatever Happened to...?" Telegraph-Herald, March 30, 1975, p. 10