From Our Files

• May 27, 1948

Hartley ranked among the highest of any community of its size in the amount of sales tax collected. The amount collected during the fourth quarter of 1947 was $15,947. The total amount of retail business could be determined by multiplying the amount of tax collected by 50.

Thirteen entries were submitted to the Slogan Contest Committee. Chairman Abel Anderson announced that the winning entry was “Hartley, the City of Opportunities,” which was submitted by Mrs. Herman Johnson. She received a prize of $12.50.

Captain Herbster, Commanding Officer of the Spencer National Guard field artillery battery, spoke at the regular meeting of the Hartley Chamber of Commerce. The former Royal Air Force and United States Army officer related his experiences while serving in the RAF.

• May 24, 1973

The final production of the Hartley Drama Club was scheduled for June 2-3. Plays to be presented were “Consolation,” a modern comedy; “Infanta,” a dramatic adaptation of a short story by Oscar Wilde; and “If Men Played Cards as Women Do,” a 15-minute spoof.

Rev. Keith Scott, pastor of the Hartley United Methodist Church since 1966, was assigned to the Wesley United Methodist Church at Mason City. His successor was to be Rev. R.A. McBlain, who was pastor of a Methodist church in Des Moines.

Fourteen young people of Trinity United Church of Christ canvassed the town of Hartley for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The door-to-door solicitation was well-received and the response was generous, with $214 being collected.

• May 28, 1998

Amber Laubach, Alma Donkersloot and Stephanie Van Tol, students at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, were accepted to participate in Business Horizons. The educational business camp offered students hands-on experience with the real business world.

Pastor Paul Johnson was settling into his role as the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. He previously had served as an interim pastor of a church in New Mexico. He moved to the area for several reasons, including the opportunity to live closer to his mother.

The Hartley City Council was considering a major repaving project for Central Avenue, from Highway 18 south to the railroad tracks. In conjunction with that project, the council was also looking into the option of replacing the existing curbs and gutters.

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