125 YEARS AGO: 1893
Dr. Magelsen of Rushford says that after careful observation, extending through a period of several weeks, he is persuaded “that some misfortune must have overtaken the English sparrow, as not one can now be found where hundreds were seen but a short time ago.” The opinion is respectfully referred to the member who contemplates gaining renown this winter by introducing legislation for the English sparrow’s suppression.
Sylvan Remedy Co. recommended that women purchase a box of the Laxative Gum Drops. “How many a poor woman has broken down under the strain and lost her mind! It is terrible to think of. Constipation has wrecked many a home by taking the life of the mother. This is a thing that many people from a false sense of delicacy suffer with for years. They should be taught that it is not a light thing but something of grave import.”
Ten thousand women in Boston took the trouble to register so as to ensure their right to vote at the school elections.
No old maids can be found in Japan. If a woman there is not married by a certain age, the authorities pick out a man who they compel her to marry.
100 YEARS AGO: 1918
A big crowd of relatives and friends of the 27 Hutchinson “boys” in Battery C, 151st USFA, in the first regiment of the Rainbow Division, viewed the newsreels at the theater. The pictures were taken somewhere in France, and are the very height of movie art. As the reel sped along, Manager Jake stood on the stage pointing out the different Hutchinson boys and talking to them just as he might were they there in the living flesh.
Verne Benjamin gave his finest White Plymouth Rock cockerel a bath in preparation for shipment to the state poultry show, but the bird didn’t do a thing but begin the new year by turning his pink toes up to the daisies.
A balloon sailing 1,000 to 1,500 feet above the Earth was seen by Albert Wendorff, Otto Schmeling, Will Magdanz and dozens of others in Acoma. There were two men in the basket and one blew a horn. It is supposed to be from the Aviation Corps of Dunwoody Institute but nobody knows for sure. Later in the day, the balloon landed at Sartell. It contained five men from the Omaha training camp.
75 YEARS AGO: 1943
Farmers and businessmen of McLeod County will meet in a Farm Mobilization Day Rally in Biscay on Jan. 12. This is part of a nationwide effort launching a drive for bigger production during the coming year.
Truckers who have received their Certificates of War Necessity and are asking for an appeal for additional mileage and gasoline may do so now with Gust Linder, chairman of the Farm Transportation Committee.
Sen. Ancher Nelsen of this district has been named to nine committees, including some of the most important in the lawmaking body.
Gov. Harold Stassen stated in his inaugural address to the Minnesota Legislature he has a comprehensive program, which will reach many fields and aid in the fight for Victory. His proposals will help Minnesota farmers, returning veterans of the present war and other groups to meet the serious problems resulting from the war’s impact.
50 YEARS AGO: 1968
Police and fire officials reported a quiet holiday weekend in Hutchinson. McLeod and Meeker sheriff departments also said the weekend was quiet throughout both counties.
John Victor Arlt was the first baby born in 1968. He was the son of Victor and Lucille Arlt. He was born on New Year’s Day.
25 YEARS: 1993
The assessed value of tillable land in McLeod County has been adjusted upward an average of 4.6 percent for 1993 on 1994 tax statements. County Assessor Tony Victorian last month told McLeod County Commissioners the increase is necessary to meet assessment standards required by the Minnesota Legislature and Department of Revenue, which require a level of assessment between 90 and 105 percent of market value for all types of property.
If all goes according to plan, McLeod County should have a permanent site for the collection of paints, garden chemicals and other household hazardous wastes by August. The McLeod County Board of Commissioners gave unanimous approval to a recommendation from the county’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee to establish the permanent site for the collection and disposal of wastes.
3M’s efforts to protect the environment were the focus of a presentation company officials made to newly elected Second District Congressman David Minge. Minge visited the two Hutchinson plants Dec. 21 and learned the company has a goal of reducing its air emissions through the use of thermal oxidizers and solvent recovery systems.
