07/28/2026
Summer 2026
Volume 9, Issue 3r5
The Wave Watcher
Clear Lake has been home to many restaurants, cafes, cottages and motels. In this copy of The Wave Watcher, we check into a favorite stop for many residents and visitors to Clear Lake, Billy’s Casino and Shoreline Motel on S. Shore. First let’s look at the owner of this famous stop in Clear Lake. H. William Schober from Indiana was well recognized across the country as the Middleweight Champion Wrestler during the 1920s. Moving to Clear Lake in 1922, Schober participated in numerous wrestling matches.
By the 1930s Billy left wrestling and turned his energy to running his renowned casino and motel on S. Shore Dr.
Billy’s original nightclub was built in 1929 and had to be completely rebuilt after a devastating fire destroyed the casino the morning of Feb. 8, 1939. Fighting the fire was a challenge considering the strong winds coming of the lake and the near zero temperature. The Clear Lake Fire Department responded but could only attach hoses to one hydrant 2 blocks away. Billy had excellent insurance coverage on his building and Clear Lake anxiously awaited the completion of the new buildings. Billy’s Shoreline Motel offered comfortable air-conditioned rooms with a private swimming area for guests. The Casino showcased a 46’ picture window providing a great view of the lake. Billy’s was known for great streaks, Bar-B-Q Ribs and Seafood. Seating for up to 325 people could be found on both levels of the casino The casino was also home to the only revolving bar in Iowa. The bar could seat 25 people and completed a “once around” every 7 minutes. Billy passed away in March of 1958 at his home. Billy’s Casino and Shoreline Motel, which served 1000s of people for decades, was completely razed in 1978 to make room for the Landing
Condominium.
The Wave Watcher Page 2 Summer 2026
Volume 9, Issue 3
Mark calendars for Saturday, August 8th at 2:00 pm. The Clear Lake Historical Society will be hosting its Annual Meeting in Room B of the Clear Lake Public Library. Program by Beth Ann Schumacher on the tragedy of the “Starving
Time” at the Jamestown Colony. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Be sure to check out the new joint website of the Clear Lake Historical Society & Clear Lake Public Library History Room! http://www.clearlakeiahistory.org
Ahoy all lovers of history! There is still time to become a member
Membership in the Clear Lake Historical Society lasts for a calendar year, that is January through December. We hope that you have renewed your membership, but it not there is still time to become a member of the Clear Lake Historical Society, which is a non-profit organization. Levels of membership are listed below and your check made payable to the Clear Lake Historical Society, can be mailed to our address below. A membership form can be found on our website; the address is below.
We operate based on the devoted work of volunteers, fees collected through memberships and generous donations. We often also apply for grants to accomplish specific large projects, but membership fees cover our day-to-day costs. No one in our organization receives a paycheck. Membership dollars are crucial for us maintain and update exhibits and programs.
We value our members greatly and thank those of you who have already become members of the Clear Lake Historical Society and have joined our group of dedicated volunteers of all ages who are passionate about learning, preserving and sharing Clear Lake history. Jump in, the water is fine!
Bowman (students and seniors) $15.00 Pilot $100.00
1st Mate $25.00 Captain $250.00
Crew (family) $60.00 Navigator $1,000.00
Clear Lake Historical Society
P.O Box 252
Clear Lake, IA 50428
Website: http://www.clearlakeiahistory.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClearLakeHistoricalSociety
Wave Watcher Editor: Beth Ann Schumacher
Step into Clear Lake History Connect With Traditions People, Places and Events Discover Clear Lake’s Story Explore our Archives and Collections Our Mission & Partnership The Clear Lake Historical Society and the Clear Lake Library History Room, collect, preserve, interpret, and present the history...
