From the Mascot Files: 75, 50, and 25 years ago
75 Years Ago-May 19, 1944
West side flooded
Minneota’s west side was flooded this morning when the creek just west of that part of the village overflowed the banks. Water was flowing over Highway 68, for half mile on each side of the bridge, located near the railroad watertank, at a height even with the top of the guard posts along the side of the highway. Residents who live near the highway were forced to leave their homes as water rose. The river had backed up far into the village, covering Jefferson street for half a block north and south of the Edward Finnegan residence. Basement all over town were flooded.
Johnson-Sigurdson
Miss Doris Sigurdson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Sigurdson, and Leonard Johnson, son of Mrs. Esther Johnson of Minneapolis, were united in marriage in St. Paul’s Lutheran church here on Saturday, May 13.
Rehkamp and Bourgeois Funeral home
Rehkamp and Bourgeois, local funeral directors, who purchased the furniture and funeral directing business from D. H. Deen the first of February this year, announce the opening of the funeral home, which is located in what is known as the Josephson house. The firm’s funeral coach is convertible and can be used as an ambulance. Part of the residence will be occupied by Mr. Bourgeios and his family.
50 Years Ago-May 22, 1969
Leading Senior scholars named
Lois Josefson, with an academic average of 95.9 is valedictorian of the class of 1969. Lois is the daughter of Senator and Mrs. J.A. Josefson. Gene Broughton, with an average of 94.9, is salutatorian. Gene is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Broughton. Graduation with “High Honors”, seniors with averages of 92 and above, are Nancy Claeys, Francis DeCock, Janet Kompelien, Susan Orsen, Catherine O’Neal, Alan Geiwitz, Suzanne Eichens and Cathy Josephson. Honor students with academic averages of 90 and above are Joseph Schulte, Bill Pennings, Paulette Regnier, Barbara Buysse, Ruth Jeremiason and Jason Traen.
FFA Sweetheart
Margie DeSmet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William DeSmet of rural Minneota, was introduced at last Thursday night’s FFA banquet as the chapter’s sweetheart.
Posters for contest
Phyllis Downing, Michelle Koppien and David Josephson, public school sixth grade students, prepared posters for the contest which the American Legion Auxiliary is staging to publicize its annual Poppy Sale.
25 Years Ago-May 18, 1994
St. Eloi Catholic School closing
St. Eloi Catholic School in Ghent will be “closing its doors” at the end of this school year. The Ghent parish decided to close the school due to lack of students in the Parish. The school, which has been in existence for 92 years, was originally known as St. Agnes Convent School and later was changed to St. Eloi School.
Leaving the “City crew”
Joe Tillemans, who has been employed by the City of Minneota for the past 17 years, was given a “farewell” party last Friday afternoon at the City of Minneota Community Meeting Room. Joe was presented a commemorative watch by Mayor Paul Larson.
Golf team place third in Camden
The Camden Conference Tournament was held at Tyler on Monday afternoon. The team scores were quite close, with Minneota placing third in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
Over 100 trees and shrubs planted
Over 100 trees and shrubs were planted last Friday at a new nursery site located at the old wastewater treatment plant in Minneota by members of local Boy Scout troops. The Boys Scout troops are Ted Bottelberghe, Luke Moorse, Jake Bottelberghe, Jeff Hettling, Rustin Buysse, Nathan Hasert, Seth Hasert, Nathan Gratz.