A message from our president
As most of us know the Polka Club of Iowa (PCI) started in 1975 by accordionist Duane Pichelman. The PCI expanded to 3 chapters in 1978. As time when on, it was decided that the PCI wanted to establish and Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame. So in 1982 the Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame was formed and was located in the Bavarian Haus Restaurant in Des Moines. The Bavarian Haus closed in 2000. Duane Pichelman stored the display at his house until a contract was signed in May 2005 with Hessen haus with an all-Polka Club dedication ceremony and party at Hessen Haus at 2PM on November 2, 2005, with Duane Pichelman providing musical enternaintment. All 3 chapters were represented in the approximately 25 people who were able to attend this dedication ceremony.
The Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame was on display at the Hessen Haus until 2018. The Hessen Haus decided to change their venue and will no longer cater to polka, waltz, and old time polka bands. The search for a new location was under way. After a short while the new location was considered. The new location will be the Duncan Community Hall in Duncan, Iowa.
Present at the dedication was state president, Tim Westemer, and his wife, Kathy Hulse, along with the Hall of Famer Bob Malek. Bob's Dad, Syl, was one of the first Malek's to be nominated. Late in years, Bob and Eric Malek were nominated making the 3rd generation of Malek's band members elected into the Hall of Fame.
The Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame will be on display at the Duncan Community Hall, in Duncan Iowa. Viewing of this display will be during all dances scheduled at the hall.
— Tim Westemeyer