Column - 1912: Lots on Lake Darling priced from $75 to $300

Talk about it

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

100 YEARS AGO

JUNE 1912

A large casting on a job press broke down at the Citizen News office, leaving them without a press until a replacement was made. That could take a week if ordered from the Cities. Fortunately, Bailey and Donner Auto Company recently installed a machine for welding cast iron and the job was successfully done in one day… Lakeshore lots are priced at $75 to $300 on Lake Darling with only $5 to $25 down… The new 240-seat Howard Theater has opened with the added appeal of improved lighting, electric fans and a raised floor. Movies will change each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and each will be accompanied by live music.

50 YEARS AGO

JUNE 1962

Roger Schultz and Robert Abbott will represent American Legion Post 87 at Boys’ State this year and Julie Loken will attend Girls’ State throughout the four-day event… The “60 and older” Senior Citizens’ Band, organized by “Rusty” Rustad and directed by Dr. Paul Hanson, had their first rehearsal this week… Activities throughout Viking Days include the 600th Runestone Anniversary Parade with 700 horses marching down Broadway on Saturday. Paul Harvey will crown the Viking Queen and King Magnus III, preceding the Coronation Ball with the Clem Brau Orchestra at the Ballroom without a Name… Viking Motel and Restaurant will hold an open house with free coffee and doughnuts this weekend. Reservations are required for Saturday night’s dinner and style show with live music on Saturday night.

25 YEARS AGO

JUNE 1987

Larry Johnson of Evansville and Monique Koep of Parkers Prairie were honored for never having missed one day of school since starting kindergarten. Larry was also recognized for never having been tardy… Three fourth-grade students turned ordinary objects into award winning inventions. Karen Hart created the “Safety Saver,” a magnetic strip for the bottom of a carpet sweeper for picking up needles and pins. Amanda Petefish used Saran Wrap, a piece of clay and a rubber band for a “Spill Proof” vase for transporting fresh cut flowers without spilling water. Nikki Lock invented the “Match Lock,” a childproof container with 72 kitchen matches and sandpaper on the bottom for striking the matches. All students are eligible to complete in the Inventor’s Congress in June.

10 YEARS AGO

JUNE 2002

A kickoff party named “Summer Explosion” attracted hundreds of local youth to celebrate the opening of the skateboard venue at Dean Melton Fillmore Park… Emotions ran high as 345 Jefferson High School graduating seniors turned their tassels and said goodbye to their high school days on Sunday… Senator Paul Wellstone talked to a group of concerned citizens about education and other issues at the Daily Grind this week… The Internal Revenue Service authorized consumers to claim a $2,000 tax reduction this year from the purchase of gasoline-electric (hybrid) automobiles… Clint Larson graduated from Staples Community College after two years in robotics and auto mated systems. His father Donald is a first-year student in the same program… Dan Gladden will throw out the first pitch at the Beetles season opener.

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

Tags: opinion, columns