Crown him with many (corn husking) crowns ....

Back in the day when Iowa's corn crop was harvested by hand, husking contests --- county level encounters qualifying contenders to compete for the state championship --- were much anticipated events during late October across Hawkeyeland.

During 1933, the Lucas County contest drew 11 contestants and a crowd of roughly 500 to the Raymond Pim farm near Lucas on Oct. 17. The winner that year was George A. Pfrimmer (left), as reported in The Herald-Patriot of Oct. 19:

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Lucas county's corn husking crown today rests upon the brow of George A. Pfrimmer who Tuesday sent more "clean" corn thudding against the bang board of his wagon than any of the other 10 entries who competed at the Raymond Pim farm near Lucas.

Pfrimmer finished the 80-minute drive through the field with 1,800 pounds of corn and had deductions of only 27 points for a net score of 1,773 pounds. His net weight was 45.5 pounds higher than that of the second place winner, Tony Polich.

Dewey Spiker, champion in 1931 and 1932, finished eighth. The former champion was handicapped by illness in Tuesday's contest, but his mark of last year was 225.5 pounds below that set by Pfrimmer Tuesday.

Rain, which fell during Monday night, and occasional showers during the day made the corn difficult for the title seekers to "break." In spite of threatening clouds and cold, however, approximately 500 fans followed the progress of the battle and waited as results were tallied.

Winners of the first six places received prizes from Lucas merchants. Following Pfrimmer and Tony Polich were Herman DeBok, Stephen Polich, G.A. Snuggs and Jake Vincent.

Pfrimmer also was awarded the Chariton Leader and Herald Patriot loving cup, presented annually, and gained the right to enter the state contest at Audubon Nov. 3. A collection was taken to send him to the state tourney.

Stephen Polich husked more corn that any other competitor, 1,830 pounds. Heavy deductions for husks and gleanings marred his final record.

Seventh place in the contest went to Earl Wolverton, eighth to Dewey Spiker, ninth to Earl Pettinger, tenth to Wendell Skinner and eleven to John Deming.

The Lucas band furnished entertainment while W. E. Drips of Wallace's Farmer, County Agent Sterling Martin and Lester Clapp, district soils agent, figured results.

The new champion lives northeast of Lucas. The contest Tuesday was his second. A year ago he placed fourth.

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While Pfrimmer made it to Audubon to observe the state championship, he was not selected as one of 25 finalists so watched from the sidelines. Clarence Bockes of Conrad won the championship with a net load of 2,263.5 pounds.