From Our Files

• Dec. 20, 1945

Despite the bitter cold a good crowd was on hand to greet Santa Claus. Even Santa thought Main Street was a little too chilly for his headquarters, so the entertainment was moved to the Legion Hall.

Carl Ruby, of Sheldon, purchased the building and lot owned by LuVerne Sartorius, just west of the Capitol Theatre, where he was opening a John Deere agency. It was to feature a full line of John Deere parts and machinery. Mr. Ruby was with the John Deere agency at Sioux Falls for five years prior to his entry into the service.

The first meeting of the Hartley Girl Scouts was held at the Harry Ketelsen home. The main business was election of officers. They included Alice Mencke, president; Marlys Hein, vice president; Janet Ketelsen, secretary; and Patricia Rahn, treasurer.

• Dec. 17, 1970

Mrs. Carroll Dass, of Hartley, was presented the keys to a new Ford Pinto by Ed Rons of Koele’s Foodland. Mrs. Dass won the car in a contest conducted by 11 Foodland stores.

Clarence Smith, Jr., of rural Hartley, was chosen as an honorary 4-H member in O’Brien County because of his several contributions to the 4-H program. He had served as a volunteer 4-H leader for 13 years and was O’Brien County Fair board president.

O’Brien County 4-H leaders recognized for five years of service included Mrs. Robert Gable and Mrs. Moris Gonnerman. Moris Gonnerman was recognized for 10 years of service as a 4-H leader.

Street carolers from local churches were adding to the Christmas activities by singing for holiday shoppers in the business district.

• Dec. 21, 1995

Knights of Columbus Hartley-Sanborn Council 7900 presented monetary gifts to area institutions. A total of $1,300 was raised through the annual Knights of Columbus telethon. Recipients were Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Village Northwest Unlimited at Sheldon, Hope Haven Center at Rock Valley, the Sioux City Catholic Diocese and the staff office of the Knights of Columbus.

Monetary donations for the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School’s penny drive totaled nearly $800. The cash and change contributed by the students filled a fish tank and another container. The total received far exceeded the goal of $300. The funds were designated to assist the family of Bethany Engelkes, who was suffering from a serious heart condition.

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