Days Gone By

Talk about it

“Thanks, but no thanks. That’s what local school representatives say to a state-mandated school year start of Sept. 1 or later.” Fortunately, the mandate, pushed by Gov. Tommy Thompson and the tourism lobby, offered an escape clause so school boards can set their own starting times.

With November being Adoption Month, the Slimak and Naylor families were featured in the Journal with their stories of adoption.

Women’s hockey finally gained varsity status at UW-River Falls, with former club members honored during special pre-game ceremonies.

High school junior Kelly Wanner took first place in 50-year freestyle event at conference.

Named to the Big Rivers All-Conference football team were Dave Hirstein, Mark Lynch, Jim Jackman, Chris Baschnagel and Dan Purfeerst.

For 30 years local “can man” 84-year-old Herman Fritsch had been turning aluminum cans into cash for charities.

Tammy Hintzman and Ellen John won first place in a Poppy Poster contest.

Doctors on staff at River Falls Area Hospital included J. R. Beix, D. W. Dohnalek, F. O. Grassl, R. M. Hammer, P. S. Haskins, F. H. Hollar, R. B. Johnson. V. A. Montemarano, J. C. Palmquist, G. M. Pope, and D. M. Woeste.

Warren Richardson became the first member of the River Falls Moose Lodge to be robed a pilgrim.

St. Croix Sheriff Charlie Grant asked parents to warn their children of dangers of shooting out insulators on telephone lines.

Wigs, falls and wiglets were now available at Addie’s Beauty Salon, 518 E. Walnut St., with an open house scheduled to showcase the products.

50 YEARS AGO, NOV. 5, 1959

In the “Name the New River Falls Addition” contest, winners Chuck Foster, Al Soli and Marilyn McKeeth all submitted the name “Falcon Heights.”

The debate team of Judith Harmon, Anita Munson, Arlo Miller and John Rice tied for first place in the opening match held at St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

In order to relieve pigeon problems in town, Scouts were to be paid 15 cents by the city for each bird trapped.

Tom Linehan was named most valuable player at the Quarterback Club meeting and Claire Murphy chosen captain of the football squad for next year.

70 YEARS AGO, NOV. 9, 1939

W. A. Chapman and Godfried Huppert were re-elected to the board of directors of the Production Credit Association.

In order for folks to observe the anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in the World War, Mayor W.M. Sutherland called upon all citizens for patriotic observance of Armistice Day, Nov. 11. Among the activities planned were a siren call signaling two-minute silent period, high school band marching on Main Street, short prayer, “Taps” to be blown, and flag to be raised at the small park downtown.

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