From Our Files
1946: Chicken pox epidemic hits Hartley
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• Dec. 26, 1946
Every boy and girl in Hartley who wasn’t “enjoying” chickenpox descended on the American Legion Hall to greet Santa Claus and his entertainment group. All agreed they had a very fine time and were looking forward to Santa’s return visit on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas concert presented by the choir members of Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church was heard by a record crowd. Opening the week of special Christmas services, the evening’s offering was devoted to well-known carols, spirituals and other Christmas music.
A very fine crowd attended the grade school play. Although the teachers and play cast were seriously hampered by the epidemic of chickenpox which had hit Hartley for a few weeks, the evening’s entertainment was well-rehearsed and presented in a most professional manner.
• Dec, 23, 1971
Representatives of various clubs and organizations in Hartley met to organize a board of directors for the Hartley Area Meals on Wheels, Inc. From the group, six members were elected to the board: Lyle Shinkle, president; Esther Rachuy, vice president; Berniece Belz, secretary; Neva Peterson, treasurer; Hobart Putnam and Dee Kolpin. Representatives from the other groups would serve as advisors to the board.
After serving Hartley and its surrounding community for 30 years, Mrs. Merle Griffith decided to retire and her establishment, the Modern Dry Cleaners, would close on Dec. 24. Mr. and Mrs. Merle (Mick) Griffith purchased the business in 1941 and operated it jointly until illness forced the retirement of Mr. Griffith. Mrs. Griffith continued to operate the cleaning shop alone until her retirement at the age of 76.
• Dec. 26, 1996
Approximately 20 students at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School shared a very special gift of life when they donated blood during a visit of the Red Cross bloodmobile. The student council actively encouraged students to donate blood. It was the highest number of students to date to donate blood during a bloodmobile visit.
The “Gifts from the Heart” tree located at Salon West was overflowing with special Christmas gifts from Hartley area people. Because of the tremendous response, there was not enough room to display all the packages.
In conjunction with a mini-unit on citizenship and democracy, State Senator Wilmer Rensink visited the seventh grade social studies class at H-M-S Middle School. Students had written letters to various state legislators asking questions concerning many issues. Rensink was impressed with the students’ questions.
“From Our Files” is compiled by Sentinel-News sports editor/staff writer Mike Petersen.
