From Our Files

• April 10, 1947

The summer recreation program moved one step nearer to completion with the hiring of Harold Church, teacher and coach at the Hartley Public School, as the full time director. The program was to begin June 2 and continue through Aug. 16.

To provide a place for young people to gather under supervision and participate in wholesome recreation, the Hartley American Legion granted the use of its building as a recreation center for Wednesday and Saturday night activities.

Den No. 2 of the Hartley Cub Scouts, with Mrs. Harold Bryant as Den Mother, gave the entertainment for the monthly pack meeting. The boys made their own puppets and skits, which were manipulated on a lighted puppet theater.

Another interesting tidbit about the giant egg brought to the Sentinel by Ed Meehlhause was that when it was broken apart, another complete egg was found inside.

• April 6, 1972

William (Doug) Magnussen was appointed postmaster of the Hartley Post Office. He had been the postmaster at Royal since 1961. An Air Force veteran, Magnussen’s family included his wife, Macel, and two daughters.

General Telephone Co. customers in O’Brien and Osceola counties had long distance dialing available to them for the first time. All callers had to do was dial “1”, the area code and number of the party they were calling.

The Hartley boys’ track team won the Class B state indoor meet title for the second consecutive year. Hartley won the championship over Manning by the narrowest of margins, 23-22. Gary Vetter was champion of the 880-yard run and runner-up in the 440-yard dash. The mile relay team of Mark Tanner, Greg Paulsen, Phil Sweeney and Rick Arends also placed second. The Hawks were coached by Glenn Wehrkamp.

• April 10, 1997

O’Brien County Pony Express Riders raised $1,286 for Camp Sunnyside through a waffle breakfast and donations given on ride day. Local participants were Bonnie Remmers, who was Northwest Regional Vice President, Moris Gonnerman, Tom Gonnerman and Randy Guggisberg.

Three Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn speech students participated in the All-State Festival of Individual Events at Cedar Falls. Those who were among the top speech talent in Iowa were Mike Wallinga, Review; Shelby Groen, Radio; and Ryan Christenson, Storytelling.

Two Hartley police officers submitted their resignations at the same city council meeting. Officer Mark Warburton was leaving the department to accept a position at Spencer, and part-time officer Keven Van Meeteren was going to be a deputy with the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office.

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