From Our Files
1999: Holiday blizzard shuts down NWI area
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• Jan. 6, 1949
During the annual meeting of the Hartley Fire Department, Myrle Peters was named local fire chief for the coming year. He succeeded Harry Stoterau who declined the position after ably serving for three years.
Though a near-record crowd turned out to celebrate the coming of the New Year at Neebel’s Danceland and at various house parties throughout the community, 1949 was ushered in very peacefully. Dancers were already crowding into Neebel’s Danceland at 7:15 p.m. and filling the available booths, attesting to the popularity of the local fun spot.
Over 300 farmers and their families crowded into the Capitol Theatre to witness the movies presented for John Deere Day by the Ruby Implement Co. A toy tractor was given to the youngest farmer present, Eugene Struve, 1-1/2 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Struve.
• Jan. 3, 1974
A new avenue of lights was erected along Highway 18 in Hartley, from east of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to the intersection near the bowling alley. The lighting, which was badly needed for pedestrians attending school functions, was ordered before the critical energy shortage. Some of the highway lighting in the eastern part of town was cut down so there would be little change in total energy used.
Wally Petersen was negotiating with the Gulf Oil Corporation to purchase the Gulf bulk plant in Hartley. He continued to serve his local and area customers, and was distributing Gulf products as an independent operator.
Mr. and Mrs. Orlin Popp, of Hartley, were operating the Cat’s I Restaurant and Lounge at Primghar. They had been associated with the Hartley Community Hospital.
• Jan. 7, 1999
The Storehouse of Sheldon (SOS) Charity was nominated by Heartland Ag Industries in Hartley to receive 100 pounds of free hams. The Enjoy Pork Now Hams for Charity event was organized by Kent Feeds, Inc.
Paintings by Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School art students were on display at the Hartley Public Library. The acrylic and watercolor paintings represented the students’ work during the first semester.
Following five inches of snow a few days earlier, another 6-8 inches fell on New Year’s Day. Winds also began to pick up which caused extremely poor visibility. Many rural roads became impassable. Temperatures dropped to -18 degrees, but H-M-S students were able to resume classes after the holiday break. One year earlier, temperatures had been in the 40s and 50s, and golfers were trying their luck at Meadowbrook Golf Club.
From Our Files” is compiled by Sentinel-News sports editor/staff writer Mike Petersen.
