From Our Files

• June 21, 1945

The supply of Coca-Cola in Hartley and community would definitely be affected by further curtailment of the supply of sugar, because the manufacturer of the popular drink would not compromise with the use of substitutes. However, an equitable system of rationing would be maintained.

The Hartley Public School tentatively set up three bus routes to be operated during 1945-46, to service chiefly non-resident high school students. In the event a rural school was unable to secure teachers or was closed, those grade students could be transported.

Sewer inspectors from Spencer were engaged to investigate the sewage system of Hartley and see what defects could be found. Early results indicated that flood conditions were due to the inadequacy in size of the mains rather than in any defects.

• June 18, 1970

Wilferd Schmeling, Hartley light plant superintendent, resigned his position as of July 15. He had accepted a similar position at Denison.

Registrations numbered 48 at the first day of the Aero Space Reading Club at the library. Club pins were presented to all in attendance and bookmarks were given to those checking out books.

There was a good turnout at the first fishing contest held at the Bruegmann pit east of Hartley. The contest was sponsored by the Hartley Gun Club and prizes were donated by local merchants.

The Mike Burley residence in southwest Hartley was badly damaged by fire of unknown origin. The fire had already gained some headway by the time it was reported, as no one was home at the time and the house was closed up in anticipation of rain. The house would have to be completely redecorated.

• June 22, 1995

The children and grandchildren of Eleanor Bremer invited friends and relatives to a celebration of her 100th birthday. Eleanor was born on July 4, 1895, and had the distinction at that time of being the oldest living person born in Ocheyedan.

Results of a report prepared through the Rural Development Initiative Project showed that 92 percent of local residents felt “at home” in Hartley. Eighty percent of respondents said they would be sorry to move from the community. The three major reasons for living here that were identified by the 122 respondents were: 1. Close to job; 2. Grew up here; and 3. Strong school system. The loss of family farms and loss of small businesses were considered serious threats by almost half of the survey respondents.

“From Our Files” is compiled by Sentinel-News sports editor/staff writer Mike Petersen.