From Our Files

• Sept. 9, 1948

Five members of the Rock Rapids Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, landed at the Hartley airport. They were met by Forrest Newcomer, who was also an officer of the Rock Rapids Civil Air Patrol squadron. The group of pilots was served a “flying breakfast” at the Newcomer home.

A good neighbor deed was carried out on Labor Day at the Glen Recher farm, which was northeast of Hartley. Recher, age 27, was in a Sioux City hospital for treatment of polio. Thirty-seven neighbors and relatives gathered to plow and dig rock from 60 acres, cut and shock 10 acres of cane, and bale some hay and put it in the barn. The ladies served dinner and lunch to the group.

An 80-acre farm belonging to the William Schaffer estate sold at auction for $326 per acre. The farm, which was located near Melvin, was purchased by Lloyd Idso, who lived south of Archer.

• Sept. 7, 1973

Judging by the crowds that swarmed between the Community Building and the lot next to the library, there was no question that the Tri-Y carnival sponsored by the Tritonia Club and the Y’Adnom Club was a huge success. School children were standing in line waiting for admission when the doors opened and they continued to throng into the building until closing time. The proceeds were to be used for the Neebel Park kiddie area.

Enrollment at the Hartley Community School declined, but the total number of students in school was more than was anticipated prior to final registrations. The 1973-74 enrollment of 671 compared to the count of 698 at the close of the prior year.

Cook Industries approached the City of Hartley regarding electricity for the new grain terminal that was to be built. The terminal would double the amount of electricity purchased from the city. An engineering firm was contacted to start drawing plans for new transformers, one of which was needed without the additional load.

• Sept. 10, 1998

Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post No. 288, American Legion, paid off the mortgage for construction of the new Legion Building. Post Commander Dave Schroeder and several building committee members participated in the mortgage burning ceremony in recognition of the accomplishment.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Ladies Aid hosted a guest day with the theme of “Hats.” Women from all Hartley churches and the Lutheran churches at May City and Sanborn were invited. Those present enjoyed the “Hats Off Day” dessert luncheon and the program on hats by Jane Rasmus.

DeWild Grant Reckert and Associates was chosen to provide engineering services for the Central Avenue street improvement project. The Rock Rapids firm was to engineer the replacement of curb and gutter and asphalt resurfacing of Central Avenue, from Highway 18 south to the railroad tracks.

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