Everly Cattlefeeders











	This website is not officially affiliated with the City of Everly, Iowa nor any of its officers or representatives. This is a fan site only and any opinions expressed are solely those of contributors to the site. All care is taken to be accurate, informative and fair.

In the 1930s, the Everly community undertook a fund raising drive to buy new uniforms for the school baseball team. When a local cattle farmer named John Jeldon was asked to donate funds, he agreed to give $50 to the cause if the school would agree to name the team the Everly Cattlefeeders. The name stuck for nearly 60 years and the Cattlefeeders became one of Iowa’s best known mascots.

The Everly Cattlefeeders officially began their journey into Iowa sports history during the latter years of the Great Depression in the high school building that is still used today.

Prior to that, however, the first Everly School was built in 1888, and is now a part of the house formerly owned by Bernice Krogh near the south end of Main Street. In 1889 a two-story school was built just south of the Fire Station. More room was needed so a larger school was built where the present building now stands.

In 1902 two students were the first class to complete a three year high school course. From 1902 -1913 only three year courses were offered and students had to attend high school eleswhere for the fourth year or attend summer school sessions to obtain a diploma for a four year high school course.

The Cattlefeeder logo as it appeared on the cover of PUNCH, the yearbook

The old Everly School building just
prior to the building that stands now.

In 1915 Lone Tree Township residents voted to consolidate with Everly. Children 7th grade and up attended school in Everly - lower grades remained in the six rural one-room schools which were under the supervision of the Everly Superintendent. Basketball practice, games, plays and other activities were held in Northside Hall.

In 1925 the rural schools were closed and children were transported to Everly by bus. The EHS class of 1928 was first class to graduate from the new school, which is still used today.

In 1990, Everly started whole-grade sharing with Clay Central (Royal, Rossie and Greenville). In 1991, the mascot name was changed to the Mavericks. The two schools consolidated on July 1, 1993.

Thus the Cattlefeeder legend was retired to the history books, becoming another step in the evolution toward modern-day rural school consolidations and the new identities that accompany such mergers.

While the Everly folk have gracefully made the transition from Cattlefeeders to Mavericks with equal enthusiasm for their renamed teams, fond memories of a bygone era are still there for those old enough to remember. There was something truly special about being part of the Everly Cattlefeeder days. One obvious aspect, of course, was the comraderie gained through fending off the inevitable teasing from others about our rather unorthodox team mascot. Cattlefeeders, however, would just grin, and then do their utmost to win. This was not arrogance by any means - Cattlefeeders really believed in the power of strong will, hard work, ethical behavior and practice, practice, practice. And it paid off, time and time again. The record books don’t lie.

Please visit the Sports page for more history and information about the six decades of teams who played under the Cattlefeeder monicker. The Star ‘Feeders page highlights some of the outstanding Cattlefeeders over the years who have been officially recognized for their athletic achievements.