Jeff Hajny

    On Sept. 16, Utica said good-bye to a historical landmark.
     The Flying V Ballroom held an auction where thousands of pieces of equipment and fixtures were sold.
     The ground for the ballroom was purchased in 1968 by Kenneth and Estella Volzke. The Volzkes started working on the building in 1969. It was finished in 1971.
     In 1982, Estella Volzke recounted the building's history in the history book, Seward County, NE, which was published in 1982.
     "I spend full days between the Volzke Corporation in town and the Flying V," Estella wrote. "I book all the parties and dance bands, and order all the food and supplies for the restaurant. I also do all the hiring – we have over 40 employees."
     The building included a ballroom, party room, restaurant, lounge, hangar and a lighted concrete runway for Kenneth's plane, with which he offered flying lessons.
     The ballroom hosted many holiday parties, weddings, anniversaries and business meetings.
     "Being big dance fans, Kenneth and I had a desire for a ballroom where the big bands would play and our dream came true," Estella wrote.
     Along with this, many famous musicians, including Lawrence Welk, Don Hoy, Al Pierson, Russ Morgan, Tommy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo and Russ Carlyle, performed at the Flying V.
     "We did not have much time for outside activities as we are always planning for our customers," Estella wrote. "We do enjoy traveling when we get the chance. We believe there is no place like Utica."