1996: May City marks Iowa’s 150th birthday with party at new park
• July 4, 1946
A statement issued by the Hartley Chamber of Commerce pointed out that all merchants were requested to maintain prices at federal Office of Price Administration levels as long as humanly possible. The Chamber emphasized that there would be no profiteering here at the expense of customers in the trade area. A large number of Hartley merchants had pledged themselves to that policy.
The Hartley Aviation Club, an affiliate of the National Aeronautical Association, was organized with 43 members on the charter roll. The organization had as its purpose the fostering of aviation in this community. F.E. Parker was president of the local club.
“More Neon for Hartley”: Workmen were busy putting up a new neon sign for the Coast-to-Coast store on Central Avenue.
• July 1, 1971
Loren Newkirk, 6-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Newkirk, of rural Hartley, was presented a $25 savings bond on the Captain 11 program over KELO TV, Sioux Falls. Loren had entered a contest in which he had to write a slogan of 10 words or less why a child should buy a savings bond. His winning slogan was “A Savings Bond is more security than my Teddy Bear.”
More than 140 persons took part in “Salesmen’s Day” at Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club. Fifty-five businesses from 29 towns were represented.
Paint in every color, barrels of all sizes and paint-splattered clothes filled the street in front of the Hartley Community Building for the C.I.P. litter barrel painting contest. Approximately 10 barrels were painted, with the cash prizes going to the Rainbow Girls and the Catholics. The litter barrels were to be placed around Hartley.
• July 4, 1996
Additional loads of fine sand were brought in and leveled on the two sand volleyball courts located near the shelter house at Neebel Park. The city hauled the sand, which was donated by Beef Specialists of Iowa. There was hope of establishing a volleyball league in Hartley.
May City was one community that was joining in the celebration of Iowa’s Sesquicentennial. Events for the kids were a Little League tournament and a kiddie parade. In keeping with the 150th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood, historical events included a quilt and memorabilia show and tours featuring highlights of history of the area, including the Mennonite settlement area. Other events were a sesquicentennial tree planting in the new May City park, a picnic, old-fashioned games for all ages and the firemen’s pork supper.
“From Our Files” is compiled by Sentinel-News sports editor/staff writer Mike Petersen.