By William Smith
Despite being a Wisconsin native, Mary Krohlow loved Burlington.
She taught here. She researched here. She produced stirring works of drama here.
Most Burlingtonians recognized Krohlow by her elbow-length hair, which turned silver in her later years. Aside from that, though, Krohlow mostly avoided the spotlight. She preferred the focus to be on Burlington — the town she loved and had written about all her life.
“Mary was the first non-Hawk Eye employee I met when I moved into town,” said Dale Alison, former managing editor of The Hawk Eye.
Krohlow passed away at her home on Jan. 28 at the age of 80. She was constantly at The Hawk Eye, often visiting with late city editor Randy Miller about various local issues. She even wrote a book, “Streets of Hope,” detailing parts of Burlington’s history.
Former Hawk Eye Lifestyles editor Craig Neises said Mary often stopped by his desk to chat. That eventually led to her book.
“Mary’s book originated as a Friday feature in The Hawk Eye’s then-Currents section, dubbed, “They Oughta Name a Street,’” Neises said.
Mary wrote the weekly column on which the book was based. Among her many talents, she was a top-notch researcher. That’s how many in the community knew her.
“She was the obvious choice to recruit as its writer. Mary was a little hesitant at first, and who could blame her? I was asking her to make a big commitment to research the history behind the names on the street signs and write about them each week for an entire year. And, of course, there was no budget to pay her,” Neises said.
Mary stuck to her word and later compiled the columns into her book.
“It was a popular feature in the paper that year, so it was hardly a surprise when the book was a hit,” Neises said.
Krohlow was heavily involved in several Burlington organizations — notably, the Des Moines County Historical Society and Players Workshop.
Krohlow was an active member of Players Workshop for over 50 years and directed 21 plays. She co-directed one play, was the assistant director for eight plays, and produced six more.
She worked at the box office and managed season tickets for decades. After her passing, Players Workshop paid tribute to Krohlow on their Facebook page.
“She served on the board of directors for many years, was committee chair of many committees involving such things as re-writing bylaws, Production Committee, planning special events, and most recently, serving as the chair of the Archives Committee from its inception to her death,” Players Workshop said in its statement.
Krohlow began writing a complete workshop history before her death.
A Wisconsin native, Krohlow lived another life before arriving in Burlington. She graduated from Seymour High School as the valedictorian of her class in 1962.
She continued her education and graduated from Wartburg College, starting her career teaching English at Burlington High School in 1966.
During her time at the school, she served as the staff advisor for the "The Purple and Gray” newspaper and the “Pathfinder” yearbook.
Mary had many adventures as she traveled the world for the Benner Tea Company and Aldi. She served on the Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees and the Regional Southeast Iowa Libraries Board of Trustees. She was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the present public library building.
Telling the truth was always of paramount importance to Krohlow. She would have it no other way. She continued to tell Burlington’s true story until the day she died.
“She deserved all the praise that came her way,” Neises said.
Mary’s celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Mary.