Column - 1910: Blindfolded, enraged bull runs amok through town

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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

November 1910

A cement block root cellar measuring 8x10x7 feet deep is being constructed on the school farm… A blindfolded and enraged bull headed for market broke away and ran through the window of the George Whitcomb house where Mrs. Whitcomb was sewing. The men in charge of the bull quickly grabbed the rope attached to its nose ring and tied it to a tree. After several lunges, the bull left the house the same way he had entered, and led a wild chase through the neighborhood until he ran into the stone foundation of the Congregational Church. He got the blindfold off and dashed down Main Street. It was impossible to capture the beast and the men killed him south of town with a rifle.

50 YEARS AGO

November 1960

Alexandria Cardinals won their final football game of the season with a 52-6 win over Wheaton. Gary Nelson and John Erickson stood out as pass receivers, and Steve “Flying Finn” Alto chalked up two of the touchdowns. Other touchdowns were made by John Erickson, Billy Carlson, Glen Gustafson, John McClellan, Steve Longfellow and Merle Hall… The harvest theme was carried out for the Calvary Smorgasbord that brought 1,600 people to the tables… The new 1961 Ramblers at Noonan Motors priced at $1,845 carry a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty, whichever occurs first… 187 schools were represented at the first Minnesota Association of Student Councils Convention ever held in Alexandria… Since the inception of National Selective Service 20 years ago, 3,603 young men have been inducted from Douglas County and 636 others enlisted.

25 YEARS AGO

November 1985

Jefferson High School debater Jennifer McNelly earned the “Top Speaker Award” among 92 debaters at the annual competition in Fargo… A ribbon was cut, signifying the official opening of a new public access on Lake Carlos. A DNR representative assisted County Commissioner Ann Malmgren at the ceremony… The Great Northern Depot, which has been converted into Depot Express, is the first of five properties featured in the Douglas County Historical Society Heritage column because of its recent inclusion in the Register of Historic Places… Lawrence Dero delivered his 1,000th vehicle sale since joining Steinbring Chevrolet seven years ago. Pictured with him was Brian Pat Steidl of Miltona, the young man who purchased the car… Jane Schuneman received the prestigious “Thornton Award,” the highest award that can be achieved by a Douglas County 4-H member.

10 YEARS AGO

November 2000

Rural Cellular Corporation, Bursch Travel, Inc. and Bremer Bank are being recognized as participants in the Minnesota Keystone Program, a program that commits to giving at least 2 to 5 percent of its pre-tax earnings to the community needs… The Black Cat Bakery (formerly Carlos Bakery), specializing in custom and novelty breads, has opened its doors on 12th and Broadway… “Cap” Paciotti shared experiences of his 4-1/2 years of living and breathing World War II, saying, “In combat you have no idea what the big picture is. You’re fighting your own little war.”… The first slippery snowfall of the season sent 12 cars into ditches and produced plenty more fender benders. Remember: This is winter in Minnesota. Slow down and drive carefully!

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

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