Vivian Snook had many and varied interests.  Among these were big, powerful convertibles, horses, and dogs.  In 1930, she bought a seven-generation pedigreed golden brindle Great Dane that was imported from Germany.  He was a massive animal, 36 inches high at the shoulder and weighing 160 pounds.  Named Durban von der Gartenstadt, he eventually was “adopted” by the Iowa State College football team as its mascot.  Called Cy, Durban wore a custom-made cardinal and gold blanket, which he wore draped over his back, as he was paraded before football games.  Unfortunately, Durban took sick unexpectedly and died at the Iowa State College veterinary hospital at the age of five years.

Vivian was married to Olav Smedal on August 1, 1937, in her parents’ home at 828 Wilson Ave.  Olav’s father, Pastor Gotfred Smedal, officiated at the ceremony. Olav and Vivian  lived in Ames from the end of World War II until their deaths in 1993 and 1996, respectively, at the age of 88 years.