Column - 1912: No beer in Alexandria

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

100 YEARS AGO

MARCH 1912

M.L. Prescott of Minneapolis, former operator of the Letson House, is making plans to build a three-story, 30-room hotel, perhaps on 6th and Jefferson. Each of the 30 rooms would have hot and cold running water… The Douglas County Fair Board voted to allow farmers to enter produce at the fair without charge. Premiums would be paid for quality and best display… Alexandria was “dry” for 16 years before going “wet” last year. Since this past election, they are dry again. Carlos voted to stay wet. There are no laws against bringing beer “by the case” into Alexandria, so Hamm’s Brewing Company has plans to build a warehouse in Carlos so Alexandrians can legally buy their beer to enjoy at home.

50 YEARS AGO

MARCH 1962

Arlen Nelson posted a 260 score in a 640 series. His partner, Paul Bergien, rolled a 568 series, giving them a doubles’ score of 1206… Chamber of Commerce officers were pictured inspecting the cover of the new Runestone comic book to be published for the 60th anniversary of the famous stone… The Alexandria Co-op Creamery Association announced that for the first time the creamery topped the $1 million mark in marketing return… Alexandria Telephone dial men are installing new equipment in the new building that, when completed, will change out the “Viking” numbers in the Lake, Carlos and Nelson exchanges… County Agent Elden Rost announced that USDA plans for a combination shelter-storage building is available… A heart attack claimed the life of John Stone, manager of Park Region Publishing.

25 YEARS AGO

MARCH 1987

Ed Hephart was pictured in his Ammo-Pak office after receiving an award from the North American Hunting Club for his invention, the “Shell Shucker,” a device that stores and dispenses .22 caliber shells… Jerry and Margaret Van Kempen have opened Marine Warehouse, their new retail store on Highway 27 East… Rande Gustafson, a recreation and psychology major, is the manager of the Alexandria Youth Center, scheduled to open May 1… Bob Jones, woodcarver and former assistant superintendent of District 206, was pictured painting the finishing touches on a songbird… Gregory Allen Schlosser was selected as one of the Outstanding Men of America for 1986. An accident left him paralyzed several years ago, and he now attends U of M medical school and volunteers at Gillette Children’s Hospital.

10 YEARS AGO

MARCH 2002

Williams Brothers Pipeline officials not only accepted the fundraising idea that employee Henry Mingo conceived for United Way, they pledged to match any funds generated by the plan. The idea was to project the names of people and businesses that donate substantially on the side of a fuel tank. By the end of the week, more than $80,000 had been raised. Williams officials in Tulsa presented Mingo with an award for “Most Innovative Fundraiser”… A 34-year-old armed fugitive from North Dakota, driving a stolen vehicle, was taken into custody by Minnesota State Troopers as he entered the Alexandria area from I-94.

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

Tags: opinion