South of Jefferson, at the northwest corner of the old Panora Speedway (now S. Mulberry St/Neola Ave) and 250th St, there once was a small zoo called Totem Acres.
The wooded site was developed in the 1960s by Carl Daubendiek, founder of the Jefferson Telephone Co., as nature retreat for his employees, according to Jefferson publc library director Jane Millard.
Millard will tell the complete story of Totem Acres at a Greene County Historical Society program Friday, April 10, at 12:45 pm at the Jefferson Presbyterian Church, 208 W. State St.
“There were many different species of trees and a fishing pond where the employees and their families could enjoy nature,” said Millard. “And the small zoo, which had a buffalo, peacocks and other birds, a deer and three bear cubs, all visible from the road.”
As a child, she and her friends often rode their bicycles to Totem Acres, hoping to see the peacocks fan out their iridescent tail feathers.
The zoo, where a real Alaskan totem pole stood, was tended by William “Bill” Daubendiek, a son of Carl and Bertha Daubendiek.
“Threaded through the Daubendiek family is a respect for forestry and wild animals, and an interest in preserving native plantings,” said Millard. The free program will be preceded by a noon lunch, served by members of the church. Cost is $12. To reserve a seat at the lunch table, call 515-370-4799 by Tuesday, April 7.
