Issue # 20 (Oct 1, 1958) Nissen Trampoline Invades Hollywood

Last month's "great trampoline tour of Europe" is finally over.

Just in time, because it's getting busy again all across America.

Interesting update on Frank LaDue: During his recent military stint in Germany, Frankie fell in love with physical therapist Sabine Pfauter and asked her to marry him! Their wedding was held in Ludwigsburg, West Germany (photos will be in next month's issue)
after which they flew to New York, so that Frank could introduce Sabine to his family...then,
they flew to Cedar Rapids where Frank joined Nissen's as General Sales Manager
(and Dad's right hand man!).  Sounds like Frankie learned a few of Dad's globe hopping tricks!

The following photos capture the public's growing excitement with trampolines.

We also meet University of Iowa star trampolinist Walter Patterson. Walt joined the famous flying act The Zacchini's...and traveled the world being shot out of a canon!
Plus, my father giving trampoline lessons to "Madman Muntz." LINK to a bit of Madman's history!

This page contains one of my favorite photos: it's of my grandparents (Oma & Opa), Frankie, Mom and me. My grandparents lived in Amsterdam, Holland but they were able to join us in Brussels and watched my mother and father perform on the trampoline at the World Fair.

Trampolines always made for fun parade floats throughout the years...and in 1958 a trampoline in a parade was still a very unique sight! Here we see the Koehler's performing in Flint, Michigan.

The rest of the page is filled with all the news of the factory and office employees traveling, visiting and hosting relatives and otherwise having a great time on their weekends off.

Do these newsletters spark a memory? You are invited to share your own stories and comments below.

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"Nissen's - - A Great Place to Work!"