• Aug. 1, 1946

Ground was broken just south of the Hartley municipal light plant for construction of a new storage building by the Hartley Creamery. The new structure of cement block and laminated beam construction would be used to house creamery trucks and for storage of egg crates, butter cartons and other materials. The creamery management hoped to have the building completed before cold weather set in.

Leonard Jurgens purchased and took possession of the north Cities Service station, which had been operated for many years by Lem Rickabaugh.

Hartley residents were enthusiastic in advertising the community at other celebrations. A large caravan invaded Everly, adding a lot to their celebration until a “blackout” ended the evening’s festivities. Another large group took in a celebration at Ocheyedan and Hartley boosters planned a future trip to Calumet.

• July 29, 1971

Robert Hoper, of Hartley, caught a walleyed pike at Lake Okoboji that weighed 9 pounds, 7 ounces. It had been the largest walleyed pike recorded at the Iowa Great Lakes during the season.

The Iowa State Highway Commission reconsidered its design of Iowa 10 in O’Brien County to include a closed ditch section near an old cottonwood tree west of Sutherland. The possible removal of the tree, estimated to be 100 to possibly 140 years old, generated the interest of local citizens and officials to retain the tree as a landmark.

Members of the senior youth fellowship of the Hartley United Methodist Church and their leaders were leaving for a mission work camp at Charlevoix, Mich. They would be working at the Greensky Hill Indian Church. The group also planned to stop at points of interest in Michigan and Chicago, Ill. during their 10-day trip.

• Aug. 1, 1996

A plow that was displayed at the O’Brien County Fair was used by William Bohan to break prairie west of Sanborn in 1882. It was believed to be the first plow used in the county. Other antique equipment was also on display as part of the Iowa Sesquicentennial celebration.

The May City Mosquitoes took third place at the Ireton Kemper pee-wee tournament. Sixteen teams of players in grades 4-6 participated in the single elimination tournament. Josh Ahrenstorff brought home the best hitting trophy and Tyler Mohr won the best defensive player trophy.

A plant that was not supposed to survive northwest Iowa’s harsh climate was thriving along the west side of the Hartley home of Darold “Mick” and Arlys Rost. The Asian lily not only came through another winter, but it also developed three beautiful white speckled flowers.

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