Sociologists have said that the way a community treats children tells much about the quality of life in that community. In past decades, Conquest youngsters have been fortunate to have the care and concern of many adult leaders and mentors.

In the '50s active Boy Scout troops and 4-H clubs sponsored formal activities - weekly meetings, leadership training and camping opportunities. Play days, the Big Six Picnic, Talent Shows and demonstrations fostered important occasions for meeting other young people and developing presentation skills. The annual get together at Shine's Theater gave all a fantastic movie adventure! Scouting hikes, skill demonstrations and den meetings encouraged hobbies some still continued as adults. Andy Pisetta's wilderness camp seemed an exotic place to spend a weekend. Sports centered around baseball and softball - the field in back of Parker's house was available for a pick-up game or formal Little League contests. Basketball games in Lincoln's big barn were always an option if you were sure to follow the “no smoking” rules. Street dances on the four corners or Burke's tarmac were popular weekend activities for the “big kids.” Church activities included Youth Fellowship hayrides and parties, Sunday School and a two-week Vacation Bible School. Waterman's car was often packed with teenagers going to a sub-district or district youth event. Swimming across Duck Lake measured skill and piling in the car for a Fair Haven picnic was a summertime treat.

In the '60s under Walt Rubenau's leadership, youth activities became more of a town-sponsored affair. The baseball field - by the town highway building, with the backstop perched on the edge of the gravel pile - soon was moved to our “new recreation field” on land donated by Bob Howell. Ernie Stoneburg and Jim Brewster were two of the coaches who spent hours encouraging young hitters and fielders; moms popped gallons of popcorn to sell at the games and scrubbed grass-stained uniforms while dads built dugouts and bleachers. Pastor Dan Benedict assisted Walt with Boy Scout activities - many of those young men ascribe their success to mentoring from what they experienced while learning to tie knots and build campfires. There were still “pick-up” games in front and back yards, and kids could always find someone to play catch or a game of tag with. Roadsides were safe, and it was not unusual to hop on your bike and ride to Springlake or Emerson from Conquest four corners. “Spending over-night” with a friend was a first opportunity at independence, and if you got homesick, mom was only a few doors away for a rescue.

In the '70s the church sponsored a Teen Center at the former Methodist Church in Conquest - local adults chaperoned basketball, volleyball and dances in the spacious sanctuary. One memorable fundraising dance featured the round and square dancing talents of Milt Doty; it was Easter Eve and Kathy and Mark were persuaded to dress up in rabbit suits and lead the Bunny Hop! At another time, there was a Teen-Kan-Teen in the old store on Conquest four corners. Senior citizens also met there, and it was a great place to meet friends, have a game of Scrabble or just hang out. Neighbors were frequently chaperones and no one seemed to care if the rock 'n' roll was loud as long as the lights were out by midnight! Leona Ames was the Countryside Church Youth Group leader. The kids made great parade floats, learned leadership skills and how to get along with each other while participating in community clean-up days and church activities.

A memorable treat was going up the road to Crowells for ice-cream cones, the crispest fall apples and sweetest cider.

I have just mentioned a few of the many, many adults who gave time and energy to benefit the young people of Conquest - every business, family and farm contributed to the myriad of activities available - we thank them all.

Joni Lincoln is the town of Conquest historian