From Our Files

• Dec. 2, 1948

The local Kiwanis Club was formulating plans for their charter night. Although the club had been active for quite some time, the charter night would make the Hartley chapter an official member of the International Kiwanis Clubs. Hartley was one of the smallest towns in the country with the privilege of having a Kiwanis chapter.

An attractive Christmas painting was placed on the former servicemen’s honor roll board, which was located west of the telephone office. Christmas music was presented from that location during the holiday season.

Three Hartley athletes received recognition on Jack North’s all-state football team. Roger Luedke was placed as a halfback on the all-state first team, the first time such an honor had gone to a Hartley athlete. Kenneth Weber, fullback, and Gordon Luedke, end, were given honorable mention.

• Nov. 29, 1973

Redecorating changes at the Baumgarten Funeral Home made it possible for a complete chapel service to be held there. The west room of the funeral home, which had formerly been a dining room, was converted into a second visitation room.

Elmer Johnson, of Hartley, was hired as a driver for the O’Brien County Transportation Program. Countywide routes were followed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the van provided transportation for one of the six larger communities of the county on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

A two-level apartment and three smaller apartments being constructed by Don Hagen were nearing completion. Walls were also going up for three townhouses which faced First Avenue East. The complex was located across the street from the Hartley Public Library.

• Dec. 3, 1998

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School students had “a ton of fun collecting a ton of food” during an eight-day food drive. The goal of 2,000 pounds was met on the final day of the drive when more than 700 pounds were collected. The food was taken to the Upper Des Moines Opportunity office at Sheldon. As an incentive, Principal Jerry Raymond agreed to allow four students to throw pies in his face if the food drive goal was reached.

Doug Gathman was honored for his 41 years of service to the Farmers Co-op Elevator, including 21 years as manager. Gathman was presented with an original composite drawing showing all seven elevator branches and his wife, Marilyn, received a gold necklace for her many services on behalf of the cooperative. Board Chairman Wendell Williams then introduced Doug Jones as the new manager of Farmers Co-op Elevator.

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