From the Mascot Files: 75, 50, and 25 years ago
75 Years Ago-May 21, 1943
Silver Dollar
A.J. “Red” Engels, proprietor of the Silver Dollar bar in Ghent, announces that effective may 30th, the bar will be open from Wednesday noon until Saturday night only. The “prohibition” is made necessary by rationing and shortages of supplies, as well as a help shortage. The Silver Dollar was the first bar in Minnesota to receive a state liquor permit after the repeal of prohibition in 1933.
Tennis court sold
Five lots in block 9, known as the “Tennis Court” in summer and the skating rink in winter, were parcelled and sold last week by the village council to Dr. E.J. Kerr, who bought lots 17, 18, and 19 and to Walter Buysse, lots 20 and 21. The lots were presented to the village some years ago by the graduating classes of the Minneota high school for recreation purposes for young people.
Farm fire
A fire brought considerable damage to the farm property of Mr. and Mrs. William Gislason in Westerheim township, destroying the car, granary and brooder house along with 350 baby chicks.
All out for war
Ten members of the John Wigness family are in service or war work, while Mrs. Wigness cares for two grandchildren while their mothers work. Mrs. Vivian Spanton is employed at the dry egg plant in Marshall; Warren works in the California shipyards, and his wife is employed at Douglas Aircraft; Gloria (Mrs. Elmer Meade) is employed by a defense plant in Slayton; Orville is employed at Consolidated Aircraft, San Diego; Pfc. Arby Wigness is at Fort Cook, Nebr., and Marcus enlisted in the navy last week.
50 Years Ago-May 23, 1968
School Voters elect Tillemans, Tomasek
School district voters, the 215 who took the trouble to go to the polls Tuesday evening, re-elected Bernard Tillemans, veteran member, to another term on the board of education and elected a new member, Dennis Tomasek.
Dead Coon ‘Whale’
Bruce, 12 year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Verdin Mikkelson, was a mighty proud boy Sunday afternoon when he returned from a fishing trip to Dead Coon lake bringing with him a 20-pound Northern he caught from the lakeshore. The monster Bruce caught was measured at 42 inches. He landed the “whale” with the help of Donald Fox, who broke his landing net in the process and when he tried to weigh it on an 18 pound scale, belonging to Donald Sanow, he wrecked that, too. The bait young Mikkelson used was a dead smelt.
Helgesons married 68 years
Mr. and Mrs. H.K. Helgeson noted their 68th wedding anniversary last Thursday, May 16. They were married at her parents’ farm home, May 16, 1900, and have lived ever since on the farm they now occupy - Mr. Helgeson has lived there for 90 years. Twelve children were born to the Helgesons of which 10 are now living. They also have 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Engaged
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Coequyt announce the engagement of their daughter Joan, to Joseph D. Nelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nelson, Sr. of Minneapolis. A June 15th wedding is planned.
Golf Auxiliary Names officers
The women’s auxiliary of the Countryside golf club held their annual meeting on May 9. Election of officers was held and the new officers are: president, Mrs. John Boerboom; vice-president Mrs. Harry Stassen; secretary, Mrs. Allan Josephson; treasurer last year and again this year is Mrs. Pearl Jones. Elected to the board were Mrs. Dan Verkinderen, Mrs. Harry Stassen and Mrs. Don Venne.
25 Years Ago-May 19, 1993
GMT women elect new officers
The Ghent-Minneota-Taunton branch of the Women of Today held a meeting this past week, and announced their new officers for 1993-1994. Vice-president Jennifer Gregoire-Swedzinski, State Delegate Sue Buysse, Treasurer Missy Hennen, President Barb Okrina and Secretary Arlene Buysse.
Poetry winners named at St. Edward school
Three students at St. Edward Catholic School were named winners in the annual Catholic Daughters of America poetry contest. Kathy Lozinski presented the students with their prizes on Friday. The winners were Jodi Timmerman, Chris DeSutter, and Chrissi Boulton.
And the winner is...
Dora Kesteloot of Minneota was the lucky winner of a Jim Meger, who is a former Minneota resident, donated the print to the school, and raffle was used to raise funds for upcoming school events. Presenting the framed picture of loons on a placid lake in front of the country church to Dora Kesteloot is Principal Carol DeSmet.