Column - 1962: Parents get answers to questions on parties, dating

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The following is a collection of stories and other items that were included in Alexandria newspapers over the years.

100 YEARS AGO

DECEMBER 1912

Farmers in the Melby area are taking advantage of the fine weather and good roads and have hauled out their grain. One day, 47 loads were taken to the Johnson-Palmquist Elevator… John Lind has been working on the Villard schoolhouse all summer and boarding at Mrs. Kellerman’s. Friday night, he got up in his sleep and walked out the upstairs window. Dr. Givin did not find any broken bones, but Lind does have crutches so he can walk… False teeth: We make false teeth of quality – the kind that look like real teeth and give you perfect service. Take the teeth and try them for 60 days. If you are not satisfied, bring them back and get your money. Dr. E.E. Buell

50 YEARS AGO

DECEMBER 1962

Mrs. Ida Gresty of Osakis displayed her collection of United States coin glass. The rare glass produced in 1892 was in circulation only five months before being recalled. The Treasury Department called it counterfeiting… Thirteen-year-old Margaret Sargent of Osakis won first place in the Pyrofax Gas Teenage Baking contest. She received Samsonite luggage and a trip to the finals… About 200 parents who attended a special PTA- sponsored discussion, got plenty of answers to their questions on junior high dance parties and dating. The majority disapproved of dating in 7th and 8th grades, and gave approval of junior high dance parties and dancing classes in physical education classes. The moderators said the dance steps taught are “not the dance steps you see on American Bandstand.”

25 YEARS AGO

DECEMBER 1987

The $4.5 million approved by voters for an elementary school was sold by School District 206 at 7.25 percent interest to Norwest Investment Services, Inc. Construction for the school will not begin until spring. The money will be reinvested at First Bank of Alexandria to earn close to $350,000 in one year… Soda sippers in this area are benefiting from the low prices on beverages during the recent “Pop Wars.” The war between Coke and Pepsi, coupled with the battle between Alexandria’s five supermarkets, has put prices on the skids, some as low as $2.48 a 12-pack. Since our Coke plant moved to St. Cloud (where Pepsi is also located) both companies are fighting hard for the Alexandria market.

10 YEARS AGO

DECEMBER 2002

Looking for a Big Ole bobble-head? He’s available exclusively at the Runestone Museum for $19.94 while supplies last… The city of Alexandria is proposing a tax levy of 5.9 percent for 2003; 1.4 percent less than what was being considered three months ago… Minnesota officials gulped Wednesday when they learned the state faces a $4.6 million budget deficit they must solve by the fiscal year-end on June 30… After serving as club pro at Alexandria Golf Club, John Basten announced his retirement. He will move to Arizona to become assistant pro at Tonto Verde Golf Club in Mesa… Tom Lehman turned in a strong performance in spite of terrible weather to help the Americans win the UBS Warburg Cup at the Sea Island Golf Course in Georgia.

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Marge Van Gorp of Alexandria is a regular contributing columnist to the Echo Press Opinion page.

Tags: opinion, columns