USAWA

I hope you guys will get your entries in for Nationals! This addition of the Dukum will make for a nice awards ceremony and banquet.

Here’s a couple of side stories to the place. For one, it’s part of the location of the legendary “Dancing Chad” story that involves Chad Ullom. Second, this place used to be about a quarter it’s current size, but the owner has extended it while keeping it looking like the place is as old as it is. What’s really cool is that the tables and bar from the OLD bar that was there from decades ago was moved to the upstairs area where it’s now kind of a time warp back to the old days. You will feel like you stepped back in time in this place….I know I did when I saw that old bar and the 50’s style tables that were in there from when I was a kid……Not to mention they’ll have all your favorite beverages. Finally, the guy that owns this place is on the Chamber of Commerce and it’s because of him we got a small grant to help make this Nationals extra special. If he’s around, be sure and thank him. Thom

Oh, one more thing. The place was the Dukum Inn, a funny play on words. There’s also the Dukum out (an outdoor patio area) and the Dukum up where we’ll have our private party. He even has a wheelchair….some of us might need that at the end of the day!!! haha

Thanks, guys. Al, actually where you are thinking about is just down a couple doors down at the old “Journal Printing Building”. That place is pretty cool as well. The “JPB” was a local print shop that also housed the local switch board upstairs for many years. The top floor was loaded with switch boards. A friend of mine’s mom (who is now in her 80’s) worked there for many years. The “JPB” is owned by the “Wooden Nickle” across the street from the Dukum which used to be the “Smoke Shop”. Ironically, the “Smoke shop” was better know as the local pool hall, with sawdust on the floors and everything. They did sell tobacco there, too….and liquour….and GUNS! haha. Gotta love that!

Tully, Vae Mafuli played in Kirksville, he was a powerlifter and Pro strongman, I think he won a ADFPA Nationals back in the 90’s. There was a guy named Puni (spelling?) and then a third one. That was when I was going to school there.

Vae was a gentle giant, but Puni got in some vicious fights while he was in town. I liked all three, but knew Vae the best. He was a monster of a man.

My wife has her degree from NMSU and she hates the name change, too. It’s a totally different school. Not sure how I feel about it some days.

thanks Ben, I got your entry today. I am going to hopefully make you feel like you got your money’s worth! I’m talking to my “shirt” guy wednesday.