1920, 100 years ago: Every indication points to the nomination of Dr. Henrik Shipstead as the Republican candidate for Governor at the state primary election on June 21. Dr. Shipstead and those associated with him on the farmer-labor ticket have been speaking to thousands of people every day, confining their talks to discussions and issues in which the voters are interested..
Good “goods” in the grocery line at McClellan’s – Everybody knows that is just what you get at McClellan’s – the Sixth Avenue Grocer, Alexandria, Minn.
1970, 50 years ago: Kathy Netterval was crowned the Douglas County Dairy Princess at Garden Center. She was sponsored by the Evansville Co-op Creamery. 1969 Princess, Debbie Olson of Evansville, placed the crown on the winner.
Alexandria Township residents overwhelmingly rejected the Sunday liquor issue as they voted nearly 2-1 against the measure. The vote: 130 No – 77 Yes. This means that the Alexandria Golf Club, which is the only dining facility in the township eligible for such a license, will not be able to serve liquor on Sunday. Club President Don Jones stated that they will try again to get the issue passed.
An Army OH-6A helicopter was one of many different aircraft seen at Alexandria during the Civil Air Patrol “Fly-In Breakfast.” The chopper is powered by a jet engine.
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1995, 25 years ago: The Alexandria City Council awarded slightly over $1 million worth of bids for building a new city hall. The city accepted 40 different sub-contracts, also authorizing the construction manager for the city hall project to negotiate terms on some of the smaller contracts and agreed to call for re-bids on some of the other work involved. The new city hall will be built at the old police and fire station at 704 Broadway.
Midway Mall Cinema 7 has installed the newest development in theater sound: the Dolby CP65 Cinema Processor and the DA20 Digital Film Sound Processor. Sound will be digitally tracked through 14 speakers located in the theater, giving “a greater sense of being there” says owner John Perino. Perino said there are only six systems like this in the Upper Midwest area.
2010, 10 years ago: The Alexandria area is building a reputation as one of the fastest growing “micropolitans” in the nation. The distinction is given to rural cities with populations of more than 10,000 but less than 50,000 that are largely self-sufficient and have a regional economy.
Despite more opposition than support, Douglas County commissioners voted 3-2 to restrict the channel access between Lake Geneva and Victoria. The commissioners also decided – in a 5-0 vote – to restrict boat access between Lakes Cowdry and Darling.
The Alexandria city council accepted a bid of $624,804 from Central Specialties of Alexandria to provide the overlay work for city streets and municipal state aid roads this summer. It was the only bid submitted.
Just for fun – 1970 – 50 years ago: Lenore and Tony Osterberg re-opened their restaurant recently after a remodeling period. The plushy surroundings, complete with carpeting, is truly a transformation.
Theatre L’Homme Dieu, St. Cloud State College’s summer theater near Alexandria, opens its 10th season with the powerful drama, “A Man for All Seasons” with a company of 40, including 20 students. Administrative director Dale Swanson calls this season balanced with seven plays and a multi-cultural happening involving music, theater and art.
Sports trivia 1970 – 50 years ago: For Kurt Sieve, the 1970 collegiate baseball campaign at Moorhead State College closed in fitting fashion. The former Alexandria and Long Prairie prep star, a sophomore at Moorhead State, was summoned to relieve starter Mark Untiedt with three runs in and two out in the first inning against Bemidji State. Sieve retired the side out and went on to work 6 1/3 innings to gain the 6-3 win, allowing but one hit and fanning 10. It was the strongest single pitching performance of the year for the Dragons.
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Rachel Barduson of Alexandria is a regular contributing columnist to the Echo Press Opinion page.
