From Our Files

• Feb. 14, 1946

A group of businessmen met with Col. Don Johnston, representative of the National Aeronautics Association, to discuss the possibility of organizing a chapter in Hartley. A committee was delegated the task of signing up 25 charter members to organize the local chapter.

Joining the new cars on display in Hartley was the 1946 Plymouth, which was featured at Bartelson’s Sales and Service. The new 1946 Hudson was also on display at Thorne’s Sales and Service. Both featured improvements that prospective buyers were encouraged to check out.

A very interesting Boy Scout event took place in the school gymnasium at which a number of awards were given to the boys. Several boys received their Tenderfoot badges and were initiated by their companions. Two boys, Jim Chrysler and Robert Cashman, received their Star badges.

• Feb. 11, 1971

O’Brien County’s official population in the 1970 census was 17,522, down 7.0 percent from the figure of 18,840. The census counted 17,509 white persons in the county, 99.9 percent of the total, and 13 residents of other races. The population was classified as 25.9 percent urban and 74.1 percent rural.

Joe Esselman, of Omaha, Neb., a mediator for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, requested a meeting between union representatives and representatives of Spencer Foods, Inc. About 350 union members striked the Spencer Foods plants at Spencer and Hartley on Jan. 18.

Hartley students selected to participate in the Northwest Iowa Choral Festival were Randi Selby, soprano; Shelley O’Brien, alto; Phillip Sweeney, tenor; and Keith Koele, baritone. The students were under the direction of Robert Lindgren.

• Feb. 15, 1996

David Treimer, representing the Hartley Betterment Club, presented H-M-S Athletic Director Jim Thomas with a check for $650. The funds, which were raised at a benefit basketball game, were to be used for the purchase of freshman and JV volleyball uniform tops and varsity track meet running suits.

Fifty-three percent of the 1,410 voters supported the $2.29 million bond issue sought by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School. That total fell short of the 60 percent required for passage. Yes votes totaled 748 while no votes numbered 622.

Donald Harson, of Hartley, was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Club International. Harson was a charter member of the Hartley Lions Club, had served on the board and in several offices, including president, and was willing to assist with any club project.

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