From Our Files

• Sept. 22, 1949

Thirty large storage bins were set up on the former Luedke property in north Hartley. The bins were to be filled by the local elevators. The government leased an acre of land on which the bins were located. Both elevators also had approximately 15 bins of their own located along the railroad right-of-way.

Dr. I.L. Knapp, of Hartley, was one of a group of optometrists from this section of Iowa who attended a district meeting of the Iowa Optometric Association. Included on the program was discussion of a free vision testing program for Iowa school children.

The O’Brien County Farm Bureau announced plans to construct an office building in the spring of 1950. The Farm Bureau purchased lots on Highway 59 in Primghar as the site. The organization’s office was then located above the First National Bank of Primghar.

• Sept. 26, 1974

Hartley firemen were called to the city dump when burning debris became too hot. Firemen used 12-13 truckloads of water and worked for over five hours to control the blaze and keep it from spreading into adjacent corn and bean fields.

John Struck, of the Hartley High School faculty, presented to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors a proposed on-the-job training program for high school seniors who did not plan to go to college. The directors invited Struck to present the proposal at the Chamber’s general meeting in October.

• Sept. 30, 1999

Ron Hennings, who farmed southeast of Hartley, was harvesting his soybeans with a 1953 tractor and combine. The Farmall Super M was purchased by Hennings’ father, Harry Hennings, from The Goetsch Co. in Hartley. The Massey-Harris #60 combine was purchased new by Louis Buhrmann, who also farmed in that vicinity. The holding tank of the combine had a 25-bushel capacity.

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary’s motto, “Where the Best Begins,” became more visible with the installation of a new sign in front of the building. The 4x6-foot sign was suspended between two brick pillars. It was purchased with the proceeds of box tops from General Mills cereal products.

Shane Elgersma and Karmen Smith were crowned Homecoming king and queen during the coronation ceremony held near the fire station.

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