From Our Files

• Nov. 10, 1949

The strong wind that caused untold loss to Iowa farmers was a boon to youngsters of the community. School children were employed by farmers to pick corn off the ground. In some areas as much as 20 bushels to the acre were gleaned, and some youngsters made as much as $6-$7 per day.

Rehearsals were underway for “Laff It Off,” the big home talent show sponsored by the American Legion Post and Auxiliary. The show was being held to raise funds for the youth center and tennis courts, as well as the Boy Scouts of Hartley. The cast included about 100 local people.

The Hartley Chamber of Commerce announced that Arthur F. (Art) Bries, humorist, writer and public relations counselor, of Hot Springs, Ark., would be the guest speaker at the annual dinner. His announced subject was “Skullduggery at the Old Crossroads.”

• Nov. 7, 1974

Carl Ebel submitted his resignation as Hartley’s street commissioner. Stanley Warburton was named temporary foreman of the street department and Robert Anderson was appointed cemetery sexton. The city council urged both men to work together in whatever projects needed attention.

The computer system in use by the State Division of Motor Vehicle Registration changed the method of identifying Iowa motor vehicle license plates. As a result, car owners could no longer make arrangements with their county treasurer to reserve a certain license number.

Republicans carried all the offices in O’Brien County, and voters re-elected Ingwer Hansen and Lester Menke to the Iowa Legislature. Incumbent Congressman Wiley Mayne was defeated. Democrats also gained control of the Iowa Legislature but Gov. Robert Ray, a Republican, was re-elected.

• Nov. 11, 1999

Hartley Area Meals on Wheels held its annual meeting, at which time Janet Roos and Elaine Heilman were elected to serve three-year terms on the board. Lyle Shinkle was named president. Over 2,800 meals were delivered during the preceding 12 months.

Hartley firemen responded to a call at the Northwest Iowa Management Apartments. Firemen found a mattress on fire in one of the apartments and quickly disposed of it out the window. According to the report, the cause of the fire was a juvenile playing with matches.

All of Hartley’s elected officials expressed support for the joint telecommunications system slated to be built in 2000. Financing of the project was discussed with Tom Mehl, of Ruan Securities. Hartley’s share was estimated to be $2.6 million.

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