From Our Files

• Nov. 28, 1946

V.C. Mussman, owner of the new Marshall-Wells store, announced that he would hold a grand opening. The new store was located in the Sartorius building just north of the Capitol Theatre. The interior of the building was remodeled and new shelves and tables were installed.

An outstanding corn yield of 120.80 bushels per acre won the 1946 O’Brien County championship for A. Bousema, of Sanborn, in the National DeKalb Corn Growing Contest. Other yields reported from the county included Earl Ramsey, of Hartley, 103.39 bushels per acre.

Approximately 200 4-H members and guests attended the annual 4-H party at the Primghar school. The evening entertainment consisted of square dancing, various relay games, circle folk games and refreshments. Numerous awards were given to both boys’ and girls’ 4-H clubs for outstanding work.

• Dec, 2, 1971

Milo Peters, president of the Hartley school board, presented a plaque to Dr. J.C. Peterson, Jr. denoting 17 years of service on the board. Dr. Peterson had retired from the board and was replaced by John Van Olst, who was elected earlier in the fall.

Owners Gary and Nancy Brazle announced that the Capitol Theatre had been closed. Free shows scheduled in December by the Chamber of Commerce would be shown but there would be no more regular weekend shows.

A top favorite with youngsters in this area, Captain 11 of Sioux Falls television fame was scheduled to be in Hartley as part of the pre-Christmas activities sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, a free shown was to be shown at the theatre, gift certificates were being awarded and Santa Claus was planning to make a stop in Hartley.

• Dec. 5, 1996

MC & R Pools, of Sioux Falls, S.D., was the successful bidder to complete repairs to Hartley’s swimming pool. The city council approved the primary contract and two of the four proposed options for a total bid of $108,400. Replacement of the pool decking and drain piping, installation of a 600,000 BTU heater and a 4,200 gallon surge tank were included in the proposal. The electric, water and sewer utilities would help fund the repairs.

Nine Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School instrumentalists successfully auditioned to participate in the Northwest Iowa Honor Band Festival. Students chosen to perform were Debi Douma, Stacy Havlik and Ethanie Wallinga, flute; Becky Gerritson and Jennifer Harms, clarinet; Jillian Scheerhoorn, oboe; Christa Funke, French horn; Ryan Christenson, trombone; and Rory Marra, baritone horn.

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