Rapp, 'kids' reunite at service station By JOHN MOLSEED them a place to spend time and jo/ln_molseedOwcleouri.com learn about cars. "You were a big influence on CEDAR FALLS - In the 19505, John us:' said Thm Otto, club member. Rapp had trouble getting rid of the "Sorry it took 50 years, but we've kids who used to hang out at his never been very quick about doing service station on . things!' so he let them stay. Club members recalled how "J'dlct them work the pit next to the station would around there at fl ood before a garage was built night;' he said. next to it ill lQo3. Rapp recalled a More than 50 wet muskrat trying to scramble years later, he still into a flat · bottom boat one of can't get rid of the the members was fO\'v-ing on the "kids!' floodwaters. "I still call them JohA Rapp One member recalled spraying kids," said Rapp, the water hose at bugs collecting 84, who still lives in Cedar Falls. all the station's outdoor lights. "To me, they'll always be kids?' Rapp recalled threatening to make RICK Tl880n f Couner SI3I1 PlloloGraphcr The "kids:' who arc now retire­ a kid replace his light bulbs. Pacers Automotive Club members gather SabJrday at the fonner Rapp service ment age, started the Pacers Auto­ Ji m Fogdall, club member and station for a reunion with fonner owner John Rapp. motive Club in 1958. The club, owner of Fogdall RV, said Rapp's which still is all active automotive station, originally located at 14th "None of them stuck me:' he 15 cents per hour. He took over enthusiasts' group, on Saturday Street and Waterloo Road, was one said. managing the station in 1950 and honored Rapp at his former station of the only destinations for a kid Rapp said he isn't sure why he bought it in lQoO. Rapp closed the - now a museum and welcome living on that end of town. allowed the bds to hang out at his station in 1990 when Waterloo center at First and Clay streets in "He kind of inspired us," club business. Rood underwent reconstmction. Cedar Falb. Members presented member Steve Hill sald. "I don't know why J did:' he said. "If they hadn't rebllilt Waterloo him with a plaque of appreciation Rapp also e." tended credit to "I guess t hat's why I got so many Rood, I might still be there:' Rapp in the shade of the old station. the club members, something the friends!' said. Club members said the group youngsters had neve r experienced. The station opened in lQ25. Rapp The city bought the building and wouldn't exist ifRapp hadn'tgiven 1Z.1P Psald it wasn't a bad risk. began working there in lQ43 for moved it downtown in 1993.

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