• April 22, 1948

Desiring a break from the run-of-the-mill summer celebration, the Hartley Chamber of Commerce decided to hold a Kinderfest, probably in the latter part of June. Kinderfest was an old German celebration which had been enjoyed in this vicinity in the past. It was primarily a day for children with contests and the crowning of a king and queen.

The Hartley FFA Chapter held its first Parent and Son Banquet, which was attended by approximately 170 people. Mr. Hall from the state vocational agriculture office in Des Moines gave a talk on the possibilities of FFA and vocational agriculture in a community.

The Security Loan Drive, peacetime counterpart to the well-known War Loan drives, was underway nationwide. O’Brien County’s quota was $1,012,931, of which Hartley’s share was $124,692.

• April 19, 1973

Dr. Ivan E. Brown asked the city council to consider constructing a hard surface runway at the municipal airport. He stated that a decision of another doctor to locate to Hartley would be influenced by surfacing the runway. The council responded favorably to the request and instructed the engineering firm of Kruse, Cate and Nelson to prepare a preliminary report for the May meeting.

Gold Certificates were presented to those who had continuous membership in the American Legion for 50 years or more. Those present to accept their certificates from Commander Merlyn Hennings were John Brandt, Will Hesse, Walter Hirt, Louis Jensen, Harry Lynam, Herman Miller, Forrest Newcomer, Henry Wieditz, Martin Sonksen, Hobart Putnam and Lloyd Pearson.

• April 23, 1998

Hartley residents were among those who were recognized during the O’Brien County Legion Banquet, which honored women in the armed services. The honorees included Marian Amundson and Betty Eeten. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 288 President Pearl Lyman, Acting Commander and County Legion Chaplain Norman Jobes and County Auxiliary Chaplain Jane Jobes were among the participants.

Rodd Holtkamp, Vice President of Primghar Savings Bank, Community Memorial Health Center Administrator Jeannine Bunge and Board President Wayne Rossman participated in a mortgage burning ceremony. The $322,000 loan had been paid off six years early. Other CMHC board members were Mary Jo Cuttell, Deb Getting, Sue Schulz, Kevin Snider, David Treimer and Keith Weber.

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