From Our Files

• Dec. 30, 1948

Reburial services for Pvt. Edward R. Magee were conducted at the Legion Hall by Amvet Post No. 61. Pvt. Magee died in Germany on July 21, 1945, at the age of 24. He entered military service on Oct. 7, 1942, and was serving in a heavy truck company at the time of his death.

A committee of farmers comprised of Paul Linder, Edwin Philiph and Edward Olhausen judged the Hartley holiday home decorating contest. The top winners were Dr. J.C. Peterson, Jr., first, and George Anderson, second.

Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Burns, longtime and respected residents of the Hartley community, were observing their 50th wedding anniversary. E.E. Burns and Effie Wilson were married on Jan. 4, 1899, at Beresford, S.D. After farming near Hartley for four years and then buying stock with his brother, Burns established one of the first automobile agencies in Hartley. He was the oldest active businessman at the time of the couple’s anniversary.

• Dec. 27, 1973

Income for Iowa’s 103 county and district fairs was up sharply in 1973, to a total of $2.8 million. But rising expenses wiped out the profit, as the fairs had a net loss of $231,664. The O’Brien County Fair had attendance of 10,000 and a gain of $2,298. The Clay County Fair had attendance of 223,000 and a net gain from operations of $86,664.

Faced with the possible loss of his lease on Jan. 7, Arlo Snider announced he was closing out all merchandise at Arlo’s Gulf Service on Highway 18.

The Hartley United Methodist Church was joining in the observance of the Worldwide Prayer Vigil on New Year’s Eve. Beginning at noon for 30-minute vigils and continuing until midnight, members could listen to a cassette recording from religious leaders around the world and spend a quiet time in the chapel of the church.

• Dec. 31, 1998

Twenty-one members of the Hartley Volunteer Fire Department were among the first in O’Brien County to complete an initial response training course. The eight-week course, offered through the State Fire Marshal’s Office, began in late October and continued through December. According to Chief Doug Hoaglund, the course provided initial training for new volunteers and a refresher course for long-term members.

Duane Kolpin, of Farmers Mutual Insurance Association of O’Brien County, was presented the PRIME Award at the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa convention. PRIME (Personal Recognition Involving Mutual Endeavors) recognized Kolpin for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of the mutual insurance industry and especially the Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa.

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