By Roz Weis,
Back in 1925, mid-January meant it was time to return to high school classes after Christmas vacation. For rural students, this often meant packing up for months and moving to town. Bad roads and inclement weather were roadblocks for those country schoolers wanting to make it into high school on any given day. A major consideration for farm families was the matter of weather and roads. Bad roads were a problem. Those students living in rural areas (especially north of Decorah) required boarding in town, when autos or horses couldn’t make the trip. That’s why rural high schoolers would rent rooms in Decorah for much of the school year, enabling them to make it to their classes. Many renters provided room and board for help around their houses or businesses. When researching the archives from the 1920s, it was common to list the names of those rural students moving back to their rentals in town in January. For instance, in 1925, it is reported that some of the Burr Oak area students returning to town for high school at this time of year included: Harry Van Vleit, Verna Newhouse, Sherman Erickson, Allen Darling and Melvin Underbakke.
On to some other highlights from the past:
100 YEARS AGO – 1925: The stork is more partial to homes of Iowa farmers, and makes the fewest calls at homes of architects, dentists, physicians and surgeons. This information was recently disclosed by the U.S. department of Commerce. These statistics were part of a most unique birth study in recent years. The results were recently shared at a local ag meeting. Farmers lead in Iowa births, but coal miners are close behind.
…The orchestra of the United Lutheran Church of Decorah went out to the Aase Haugen Old Peoples Home on New Years and rendered a number of pieces. A fine lunch was served. There are now 55 residing at the home.
…An unfortunate accident occurred last Saturday afternoon about 4:15 at the John Matter home three miles north of Decorah. Sons Rodger and Elmer were riding two horses to water when they crossed the road into the barnyard. A truck crashed into Rodger’s horse, fatally injuring the animal. Rodger was thrown but escaped serious injury. The horse that was killed was a fine animal, and a valuable one.
…The Boys Rural Life Club will meet near Frankville with Lynn and Leslie Birrell later this month.
…News from Fort Atkinson area: Ed Macal has sold his 150-acre farm to Andrew Hageman at a price of $145 an acre.
…Nearly 100 miles of Iowa highways were paved in the last year, and officials report more than 500 miles of the state’s primary road system are now hard surfaced!
…Auto drivers are reminded that “stop signs” are now being placed along certain streets. To those unfamiliar with the concept – “stop your car when approaching the signs.” Leniency has been granted so far, but the law must now be enforced. Safe yourself the expense of a fine, and perhaps more, by paying attention to these news signs. That’s the message from Mayor F.W. Conover.
…FOR SALE: Saw dust is available for packing ice. Some locals have had as good luck with this dust as with any dust shipped here at twice or three times the price!
…The price of a loaf of bread is now 4 cents. Shop Geo. Bernatz Sons.
…Street Commissioner Mike Musser and his crew had a hard time removing the deep snow along city streets last week. Numerous autos were parked along the streets, hindering their work. The cars were locked, and the only way to move them was to lift them – so the grading crew lifted the cars bodily from the curbing, placing them on the sidewalks. The autos are still on the sidewalks a week later.
…Snow removal on the county roads has proved difficult this month. A tractor is being used to pull the county plow and another tractor is being used to push it along its route. The county has rented a state plow for a time, but the state highway commission is busing using it currently. The county hopes to rent it again as soon as possible.
90 YEARS AGO – 1935: All families on the relief rolls in the county who are operating motor vehicles and who cannot show a good reason, will be dropped from the relief rolls immediately.
…A wild deer was seen recently near the road just north of the Yellow River Bridge near Marquette. There is plenty of territory along these parts where deer would thrive if left alone, and it is hoped that this section contains no individuals mean enough to molest any deer that might have taken up their home here.
…Contractor C.B. Taylor and employees are pouring the concrete for the final pierce of the West Decorah Bridge across the Oneota River this week. The new bridge could be completed by May 1.
…There are now 200 men employed crushing rock to be placed on secondary roads of the county.
…HELP WANTED: A typist clerk for general office work. Starting salary is $100 per month.
…MEN’S SUITS: Dry cleaned and pressed. Price: 75 cents each. Delivery ensured.
…Call McCord Coal Company for high quality coal. $7 per ton.
…A prominent businessman has a plea for the city: “protection for child coasters!” He has asked the city to rope off a number of hilly streets in the city to make it safe for children sledding in the area.
…Those on the relief rolls in the area are reminded they must prove the use of any auto is for good reason – connected to employment opportunities only.
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