This Week in 1972 – 50 years ago: The Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to give the Airport Commission authority to draw plans for an early bid opening for an airport terminal. Also present were members of the Airport Commission, Alexandria Developers, County Commission and several city and county offices. Cost of the new terminal structure could be in the $10,000 to $15,000 neighborhood. Money would come from funds budgeted the past two years for terminal improvements.
1972, 50 years ago: After 50 years in business, Engstrom Furniture will close its doors. Originally operated by five brothers, there are two—Ed and Les—who are still active in the business. The closing of the store will be followed by a remodeling for the building’s new tenant, Peder Engh, who bought the building and intends to move his Gambles store to the Engstrom building.
Three area women enlisted in the United State Women’s Army Corps and left for training. The three are Rita Ziegelmann, Pam Johnson and Doreen Duecker. All three women are presently undergoing basic training at the U.S. Women’s Army Corps Training Center at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
1997, 25 years ago: The Alexandria City Council was unable to hold its Monday night meeting because it did not have enough members attending. Long-time city officials can’t recall a time when this has ever happened. Alexandria’s charter requires a quorum of at least three of the five voting council members to conduct business. Only two were in attendance: Harvey Weisel and Dave Benson. The other three members were on vacation out of state.
A call for bids for computer equipment was authorized by the Alexandria School Board. The district plans to create another computer lab at the senior high school with IBM compatible equipment. School officials are meeting with local businesses that have expressed interest in sharing funding in the project. The businesses could then use the lab to train employees in computer skills at the lab during off-school hours. Total cost of the equipment is estimated at $68,000.
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2012, 10 years ago: A new water tower was put in place near the intersection of Front Street and Nelson Avenue in Brandon. The new tower will provide residents with clean drinking water and better pressure. Brandon received a $1,685,000 loan and a $957,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s water and environmental programs for the project. The old water tower will be dismantled and hauled away.
A five-county public health department is being explored by Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse counties. The Horizon Community Health Board aims to integrate three public health departments included in the five counties.
Just for fun,1912 – 110 years ago: Lakeshore lots are priced at $75 to $300 on Lake Darling with only $5 to $25 down.
1972 – 50 years ago: Teen dance at the Barrett Pavilion. “America” will be playing. $1.75 admission.
The Resorters Golf Tournament is already filled to capacity with 328 registrations.
Sports Trivia, 1972 – 50 years ago: The Brandon Fin and Feather Club will begin banding ring-neck pheasants to help determine possible reasons for the death of some of the released birds and their movements. The birds are being provided by the Fin and Feather Club and the Brandon FFA for a total of about 600 birds. It is hoped that bands found on dead birds will be sent to the Fin and Feather Club along with possible cause of death.
1997 – 25 years ago: Roger Bakewell of Alexandria finished 30th in the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail Champion Midwest Pro-Am event held on Leech Lake near Walker. The local optometrist hooked a total of five walleye during the event weighing in at 15.24 pounds.
Rachel Barduson of Alexandria is a regular contributing columnist to the Echo Press Opinion page.
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