From Our Files

• Nov. 24, 1949

O’Brien County 4-H’ers went on the air at their annual banquet. That was the result of the committee securing Mason Dixon, of radio station KICD, as guest speaker and master of ceremonies. The program was broadcast for one hour with John Meiske, Jr., county boys’ club president, as toastmaster.

Bob Mayer, of Hartley, had the evidence to show for a day’s fishing at West Okoboji. He landed walleye weighing eight and four pounds and his limit of perch to make the day a most successful one.

Vacuum salesmen were becoming a problem in Hartley. The salesmen apparently gained admittance to households on the pretext of merely wanting to see what type of vacuum cleaner was being used and then proclaiming it unfit for further use. The cleaner was taken and either never returned or an exorbitant charge was made for a minor adjustment.

• Nov. 21, 1974

A legal notice from O’Brien County advertised that Lots 18-25, Block 1, in Plessis would be sold at public auction at the courthouse. Unique about the sale was that Plessis was known as the site of an elevator for many years and nothing else. Few residents were aware that the community was once divided into blocks and lots.

Representatives of the women’s clubs in Hartley met to continue their cooperative efforts in the Community Improvement Project contest. Various projects discussed included the appearance of the parking lot on Central Avenue, a four-way stop for the medical center corner, snow removal and a skating rink.

Mayor Earl Norton cut the ribbon signifying the opening of Eilers Sports on Highway 18. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Eilers were owners of the business. The ribbon cutting was completed prior to grand opening festivities that weekend.

• Nov. 25, 1999

Mrs. Carol McDowell’s third grade class at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary was already in the holiday spirit, having made Christmas tree decorations in their art class. Their creations were used to decorate a tree in the lobby of Security State Bank.

Master calendars for 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 were adopted by the H-M-S School Board. According to Superintendent Stephen Litts, the calendars mirrored each other with 179 student contact days and 197 staff contract days.

Two H-M-S Middle School students were selected to perform at the state honor choir festival. Kalyn Van Engen was a member of the 7/8 girls’ choir, having been selected to participate in the honor choir for the third time. Andrew Klumpp was selected as a member of the 5/6 choir.

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