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May 13, 1974

                  The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Monday night voted to urge the city council to purchase two parcels of land along Hwy. 53 north of town. The land, which is owned by the state, could possibly be used as parks in the future.

May 13, 1960

                  A petition by the town of Northfield electors asking for detachment from the Hixton high school district and attachment to the Whitehall district was resubmitted to the Jackson County school committee Friday by Floren Hegge of Whitehall, attorney for the petitioners. A public hearing on the petition will be held June 7.

May 13, 1946

                  About 65 men and Boy Scouts worked on the Memorial Forest hillside Monday. The heavy growth of hazel brush, sumac and scrub oak was cleaned out of much of the forest.

May 13, 1936

                  The Blue Eagle Homemakers will meet Wednesday night at the Sidney Gilbertson home with Mrs. Eugene Harlow as assisting hostess.

May 13, 1922

                  Northfield — Several from here attended the home talent play given by the Taylor folks at the York hall Saturday eve. All report it just fine.

May 13, 1912

                  Herman Briggs commenced working at the local creamery again Monday.

May 13, 1903

                  B.F. Heath of Hale purchased a corn planter and cream separator from Hulberg & Nelson of Whitehall.  Ed Hulberg has purchased the phone that was in Heath’s store and will have it removed to his residence.

May 13, 1887

                  Corn planted a week ago in this section has not sprouted on account of drought.

May 13, 1877

                  Dan. Camp has secured Mr. Jas. Briscoe, a careful and competent prescription clerk and a pleasant and agreeable fellow to deal with.

May 12, 1973

                  Bicycle inspection will be held in Whitehall Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the City Garage. All bicycles must be inspected in order to obtain 1973-74 licenses.

May 12, 1958

                  The senior class of Whitehall High School will present the musical “Annie, Get Your Gun” this Monday and Tuesday. Directed by William Dahl, the cast features Delores Klebig as Annie Oakley, Ellsworth Hagen as Buffalo Bill, Conrad Phillipson as Frank Butler and Gerald Schaefer as Chief Sitting Bull.

May 12, 1948

                  Mrs. Jack Dundas was elected president of the Mothers club of the Whitehall school at the annual meeting Wednesday evening. She succeeds Mrs. Keil Blank. Mrs. Joel Jackson was chosen vice president to succeed Mrs. C.B. Platz. Mrs. Grant Klebig was elected secretary to succeed Mrs. G.C. Boll, and Mrs. Cornel Hagen was chosen treasurer, succeeding Mrs. Lester Brennom. Mrs. Dundas will appoint a flower committee to take care of flowers for the school next fall.

May 12, 1938

            The Times’ prophecy of a few weeks ago, that Whitehall would experience the largest building boom in years, is proving true. Attorney Burr Tarrant is excavating for a seven-room, two-story residence on Park Drive. Knut Amble, jeweler, has started work on a bungalow-type residence, also on Park Drive. Ben Lien, county highway employee, is building a cottage for his mother on a lot in East Whitehall, directly west of the Einar Kildahl home.

May 12, 1925

                  The commencement exercises of the Whitehall training school for nurses were held in the Village Hall Tuesday evening, the hall being packed to capacity. It is estimated that more than 200 persons were unable to obtain seats. The graduates were the Misses Katherine Sylla, Myrtle Engen, Stella Heggen, Eleanore Skroch and Mildred Riphenburg.

May 12, 1910

                  Lewis Hanson has sold one of his workhorses that was too high-lifed to suit him, and has bought another more to his liking.

May 12, 1896

                  During the thunderstorm Tuesday night, lightning struck the belfry of the Methodist Episcopal church, shattering the spire and setting fire to the rafters and roof boards, affording a capital opportunity of demonstrating the efficiency of the new water system, and the energy and ability of the fire company. The prompt action of the fire boys and the excellent working of the water system enabled them to promptly save not only then church, but also the nearby town hall.

May 12, 1886

                  Miss Blanche Getts was thrown from a pony she was riding, belonging to Will Allen, yesterday, striking violently on the head and left shoulder upon the ground and sustaining severe bruises and sprains. She was carried home insensible and it was an hour before consciousness was restored. It was a very unfortunate mishap, and should teach Will a lesson not to entice others to ride his vicious ponies in the future.

May 11, 1971

                  Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion Post Tuesday discussed the second and third phases of its conservatory project in the area near the Whitehall dam.

May 11, 1961

                  Mr. and Mrs. Olger Mickelson of York, Town of Northfield, are among Jackson County’s most successful trappers. This season the pair trapped two beaver and 144 fox. Now that spring is here, they have turned to their favorite sport–trout fishing.

May 11, 1951

                  Seventh and eighth-graders from the surrounding rural schools were invited to Whitehall High School for orientation day Friday. The schools represented were Bruce Valley, Coral City, Carpenter, Caswell, Daggett Coulee, Eimon, Fitch Coulee, Fly Creek, Fuller Coulee, Huskelhus, Irvin Coulee, North Branch, Pigeon Falls, Pike, Pleasantville and Warner.

May 11, 1939

                  Albert Engen, who was awarded the contract to build a new station for the Wadhams Oil Co., started work with his crew of men this week. The station is operated by Lewis Hanson and son Lester.

May 11, 1929

                  Miss Margaret Hensel, who is attending Miss Wood’s School of Kindergarten at Minneapolis, spent last weekend at her home here. She was accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Odell and son Raymond and Miss Dorothy Clark, Margaret’s roommate. They made the trip by automobile.

May 11, 1916

                  Theodore B. Olson of Pigeon Falls has purchased the cement block factory of Finstad Bros. and has already taken possession of the plant.

May 11, 1906

                  Miss Fannie Gibson closed a successful term of school in district number one, Hale, last Friday with a program in the afternoon.

May 11, 1893

                  Miss Anna Samuelstad has opened a dressmaking establishment in the Rogers residence, where she will be pleased to see the ladies and take their orders.

May 11, 1880

                  F. A. Rising, of Winona, was in town yesterday.

May 10, 1973

                  New, tougher federal guidelines covering sewage disposal are threatening the agreement between the city of Whitehall and the Whitehall Packing Co. to build a new wastewater treatment facility capable of handling the local plant’s heavy waste load.

May 10, 1962

                  Members of the Whitehall volunteer fire department were guests Thursday evening at a banquet given in their honor by the John O. Melby and Co. Bank. P.M. Paulson, Adolph Gilbertson and Joe Wilczek — members of the department, respectively, since 1911, 1918 and 1948 — were given honorary life memberships by Fire Chief Louie Boehm.

May 10, 1948

                  The zoning ordinance of the city of Whitehall was amended by the city council Monday night to include lots 18 to 27 in Block three of the Oak Park addition in the commercial area. These lots, located on the east side west from the Whitehall Packing Co., have been purchased by Mayor Herbert J. Holtan for the erection of a veneer factory. At the same meeting, a building permit was granted to Mr. Holtan for a factory-type, concrete-block, one-story building to be built on the above lots. Other building permits were also granted to Truman Jacobson for a private garage on his on his residence premises on Scranton street; to Polly Mlynek for a frame residence on the east side, and to Otis Burt for a one-story building and parking area for a drive-in stand opposite the Whitehall Floral & Nursey Co. on Hwy. 53.

May 10, 1937

                  Walter Hauge and A.R. Stuve were engaged as marshals by the village board at the regular meeting Monday night. Each will receive a salary of $75 per month. Mr. Hauge succeeds Bert Thompson.

May 10, 1923

                  S.B. Scott has leased all but 40 acres of his farm and expects to be relieved of the heaviest portion of farm duties the coming year. He will plant several acres of corn, and incidentally raise a large number of chickens.

May 10, 1911

            Two big windows have been put in on the north side of the John O. Melby and Co. Bank building — a decided improvement.

May 10, 1900

                  Richard Mattson has the contract for the construction of a tenement building for John O. Melby on North Dewey Street, on the lot adjoining the residence property of H.L. Ekern, which is to be occupied by F.E. Beach. Contractor Mattson is having rock drawn for its foundation.

May 10, 1888

                  Excepting one or two days, we have had continuing, drizzling rain for two weeks.

May 10, 1876

                  From $200 to $500 should be laid out in opening new roads, and putting in good shape the roads leading out of the village in a northerly and westerly direction.

May 9, 1973

                  The Ninth District Federated Club’s 55th-annual convention was held recently at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. The Whitehall Women’s Study Club hosted the event, assisted by the Whitehall L.A.M.P.C and clubs from Blair and Ettrick. General chairmen were Mrs. Alyn Larson, Mrs. Lester Brennom and Mrs. Keil Blank.

May 9, 1963

                  Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Harnisch of Northfield, new operators of the A&W Drive-in in Whitehall, have announced that they will open for the season today.

May 9, 1950

                  Born May 9 at Whitehall Community Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Earl Nelson, Whitehall, a daughter.

May 9, 1936

                  Class night was held at the Pigeon Falls Community club. The following eighth-graders took part in the program: Verna Olson, introduction and announcer; Elaine Ringlien, "Welcome”; Robert Jacobson, "Class History”; Donna Johnstad, prophecies; Audrey Larson, class will; David Larson, class poem; Donald Larson, "Thank You”; and Solveig Sletteland, "Farewell.” Evelyn Nelson put the class song words to the music of "O What a Beautiful Morning.” Other numbers included a reading by Wilbert Herbert, a cornet solo by Lanis Thorson and a vocal duet by the Rev. and Mrs. C. K. Malmin. A joint graduation for all neighboring rural schools will be held May 23 in Pigeon Falls.

May 9, 1919

                  Mesdames A.J. Lamberson, R.H. Holtan, J.F. Hager, J.E. Rhode and J.M. Ingalls heard Miss Wilson at Blair Friday afternoon. She was there in the interest of the community nurse.

May 9, 1907

                  Oscar Gabriel is employed by August Ringstad laying cement walks.

May 9, 1891

                  Blair — Charley Southworth of Coral City was seen May 9 following the public highway in the direction of Blair with two of the finest fat cows in charge that have been brought to our market for many a day. Charley says that he did not get what they were really worth, but realized $82 for them, Woodhull and Co. of Hixton being the buyers.

May 9, 1877

                  The road leading past J. Augustine’s house is being grubbed and put into shape for public travel. This road leads directly to the tannery, where Mr. Fossegaard can always be found, and full of business.

May 8, 1972

                  The Whitehall city council Monday approved building permits for: Gordon Shepherd, 10 by 10-foot steel building on his lot; Fred Gutow, to construction a new residence in the Fredrickson Addition; Lloyd Thompson, for a metal storage shedl Larson Building Materials, Inc., for a new store front; Mrs. Esther McDonald, to construct a 12- by 16-foot screen porch on her residence; Ed Ausderau, to construct a garage; Lester Berg, to build a tool house; and Ed Woyhik, for a metal tool shed.

May 8, 1959

                  Mrs. Everett Guse was honored at a meeting of the Pigeon Falls School Club Friday evening on her retirement after 31 years as a teacher. Mrs. Guse has taught in nine schools, including the past nine years at Pigeon Falls.

May 8, 1947

                  Colonel Larson, manager of the Pix Theatre, is looking for barn dance talent to take part in an amateur program that will be presented at the theatre on May 21. He has already received applications from Taylor High Schools student Bernice Skaar, who styles herself the “Prairie Sweetheart”; Lillian Joten of Taylor, whose stage name is the “Skutley Coulee Cow Girl”; “Happy Hank,” formerly of radio station WTMJ in Milwaukee, who will be master of ceremonies; and from the “Fly Creek Sod Busters,” otherwise known as the Oliver Brothers.

May 8, 1937

                  The Whitehall High School golf team won the Mississippi Valley Conference  tournament held Saturday at Arcadia, scoring an aggregate total of 312 strokes to lead Arcadia, the next lowest team, by 44 strokes. Robert Van Sickle of Whitehall had the low 18-hole total, a 78, and George Hegge was second with an 81. Alvin Windjue was fifth with an 85.

May 13, 1926

                  James Maloney, the big farmer of the town of Hale, was a business visitor at Whitehall Saturday. Mr. Maloney is not only the biggest farmer in his town, but we think we are safe in saying that he also owns and operates the largest farm in Trempealeau County. In addition to his extensive holdings here, he owns an 800-acre farm in Texas.

May 8, 1913

            John Skogstad has moved his shoe repair outfit to the building formerly leased by the old soldiers as a whist room.

May 8, 1902

                  D. Wood is having an artesian well put down on his farm. Arne Thompson is doing the work. He is down 118 feet.

May 8, 1890

                  Mads Knudson has put up a substantial shed on his lot in the north ward.

May 8, 1880

                  Misses Cora Kribs and Carrie Brooks were visiting friends in town, last Saturday.

May 7, 1972

            Don Reck of Whitehall made the first hole-in-one of the season at the Whitehall Country Club Sunday, acing the par-three third hole while golfing with Peyton Johnson.

May 7, 1959

            Scouter awards were presented to Edward Ausderau, Peter Bieri, Dr. S.B. Ivers and Arnold Olson of Whithall, and Ray Nereng of Blair, during the 38th-annual meeting of the Gateway Area Boy Scout Council meeting Thursday in La Crosse. The Mmes. Edward Ausderau, Peter Bieri and Dr. S.B. Ivers received training awards for serving as den mothers for at least two years and attending training meetings.

May 7, 1948

            R.J. Herman is erecting a two-car garage at the rear of his east-side residence. The structure is of concrete blocks.

May 7, 1936

            A birthday party was given in honor of Mrs. Edward Hagen on her 71st birthday Thursday. The birthday club presented Mrs. Hagen a gift. She also was honored Sunday afternoon.

May 7, 1925

            Theo. B. Olson has secured the agency for the Chevrolet car, and drives as a demonstrator a new four-door sedan.

May 7, 1912

            John Hovre, the Iduna merchant, dropped in for a chat Tuesday while over with a load of eggs.

May 7, 1902

      Cullen A. Thomas pleaded guilty before Judge Odell yesterday to the charge of adultery with Mrs. E.C. Emrath and was fined $200, which he paid. 

May 7, 1891

            In a recent shipment of cattle by the Whitehall and Pigeon Trading Association, there were several steers that netted the farmers four cents a pound. The farmers are now getting all there is in their stock.

May 7, 1880

            Geo. Quackenbush had a valuable cow killed by lightning last Friday morning. She was feeding near the house at the time. Mrs. Quackenbush and daughter experienced quite a severe shock, as did the children at the school house, but a few yards distant. This is the fourth time the destructive element has scooped down upon this particular hill side. The first and second time trees were struck, the third time the school building was slapped on the north end, and the fourth advent has resulted in the killing of a cow. Sheriff Hagestad says there’s some kind of minerals there that attract lightning, and in the afternoon he came around and wanted to know our charges for advertising village property for sale.

May 6, 1971

            The Whitehall swimming pool building fund has grown to $670.87, following a recent gift of $130 from the Whitehall Happy Homemakers.

May 6, 1960

            Five county school committees voted 15 to 12 Friday night to deny a resolution, adopted by the Jackson County school committee, which would dissolve the Hixton school district and divide it among the Whitehall, Osseo, Black River Falls and Alma Center districts.

May 6, 1949

            Philip Johnson and Vernon Eid of Whitehall were among the Eau Claire State Teachers College student who were recently initiated into Alpha Phi Omega, a national fraternity of college men who have had Boy Scout training.

May 6, 1937

            Miss Charlotte McCarty, domestic science teacher at the high school, underwent surgery for appendicitis Thursday at the Owen hospital. An hour after her operation, her father died in the same hospital from injuries suffered when he was kicked by a horse that morning.

May 6, 1926

            Donald Owen and Ernest Gilbertson, who went to Chicago a few weeks past, have employment in the mail department of the new Palmer Hotel in that city. The hotel is said to be the finest in Chicago.

May 6, 1915

            The old bandstand has been torn down and will soon be replaced by a fine new concrete structure. A.E. Wood staked out the grounds last week for the bandstand, and August Ringstad and H.B. Munson are doing the cement construction work.

May 11, 1905

            F.A. George of Hale was at Whitehall last Saturday and purchased a new buggy.

May 6, 1897

            W.J. Webb has the frame of his new residence up. It is of mammoth proportions, and when the dwelling is finished, it will be one of the most costly in the county.

May 6, 1880

            The dance at Independence, last Thursday evening, given by Ira Smith of the International, was largely attended. Whitehall was well represented, and reports of good time come in from all sources.

May 5, 1970

                  Area residents named to the second-semester director’s list of highest distinction at Western Wisconsin Technical Institute are Kermit Hanvold, Constance Kastad, Melvin Lee, Cheryl Olson and Sharon Sosalla.

May 5, 1960

                  Among the 62 seniors who will graduate from Whitehall High on Friday, May 27, there are two sets of twins, all boys. They are John and James Nelson, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Nelson of Pleasantville, and James and Gerald Schansberg, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Odell Schansberg of Whitehall. This is probably the first time in the history of Whitehall High School that there have been two sets of twins in the graduating class.

                  Lt. Col. Henry Thoreson of the U.S. Army Reserve is currently at Lansing, Mich., taking a special two-week course. His wife expects him back in Whitehall about May 15. Col. Thoreson joined the National Guard at Stanley as a lad of 16. In 1940 he left the Guard for the Army and active service.

                  Mr. and Mrs. Emery Haugen and son Tom of La Crosse are operating Hagen’s A&W Drive-In this year, opening for the season Wednesday. They have rented it from Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hagen.

May 5, 1949

                  L.D. Anderson, proprietor of the Men’s store, and William A. Johnson, undertaker, have purchased the former Harlow Egg Service building at the corner of Main and Scranton streets from Mitchel Robin of Chicago. Mr. Anderson will move his men’s furnishing store into the north end of the building and Mr. Johnson will put in a stock of furniture in the south part. Clarence H. Johnson has purchased the Adolph Hanson building just north of the Anderson-Johnson business place.

May 5, 1936

                  Mrs. Walter Nordquist, Whitehall, substituted for Miss Anderson Monday and Tuesday at the Pigeon Falls school.

May 5, 1921

                  The U.S. Census Bureau has sent out its 14th census report, which shows the population of Trempealeau County as 24,506. Of the municipalities in the county, the town of the Arcadia, with a population of 2,585, is the largest; the village of Arcadia is the largest incorporated municipality, with 1,418. Whitehall’s population is 851.

May 5, 1910

                  Nels Nelson of Pigeon accidentally shot himself through the foot Thursday last while carelessly handling a 22-caliber rifle.

May 5, 1898

                  Whitehall citizens are patriotic. Flags are floating from many of our public buildings and private residences, while “Old Glory” floats daily over Main Street.

May 5, 1884

                  Gilbert Gilbertson was arrested and arraigned before Justice Scott Monday, charged with selling liquor to a minor last September and with selling liquor without a license this April and May. He pleaded not guilty to both charges, and his request to adjourn the case until tomorrow (Friday) was granted.

May 4, 1972

                  Andy Johnson, who shot scores of 41, 43, 41 and 39 in the first four Whitehall High golf meets of the season, has been named winner of the Norse-Week Award.

May 4, 1962

                  Whitehall’s chapter of the American Field Service became official May 4, according to James Olson, Whitehall High School principal. This authorizes the local chapter to bring a foreign student to spend the school term here beginning next fall. Officers of the chapter are: Olson, president; Mrs. Lester Brennom, members for homes and adjustment; Keil Blank, finances; Mrs. Shirley Luebker, school advisor; Mrs. Lyle Pavek, Americans Abroad coordinator; Arnold Thoreson, student representative; Carl Nordhagen, projects; Mrs. Robert Gauger, publicity; Mrs. Thurman Fremstad, secretary; and Mmes. Vernon Nehring and Everett Guse, members.

May 4, 1952

                  T.O. Stensby, who recently moved to Whitehall, was pleasantly surprised Sunday when seven of his nine sisters came to remind him of his birthday. 

May 4, 1942

                  Members of the junior class at Whitehall High went to Hatfield Monday, where they spent the day roller skating and engaging in other sports at that popular recreation center.

May 4, 1932

                  Mrs. Carsten Linnerud will lead the Irvin Coulee Industrious Clover Leaf Club, which was recently organized. The officers for this club include; Miss Irene Anderson, president; Miss Luella Nelson, vice president; Miss Emeline Thompson, secretary and treasurer; and Miss Edna Johnson, club reporter.

May 4, 1917

                  John Julson of Hale called Friday. He commences sawing there with his portable mill this week. He will not move the mill over here this season.

May 4, 1907

                  Anton Fremstad reports that, at a meeting in the Fuller Coulee schoolhouse Saturday evening, it was decided to extend the farmers’ telephone line up that valley, where about 14 farmers will install phones.

May 4, 1893

                  Miss Anna Samuelstad has opened a dressmaking establishment in the Rogers residence, where she will be pleased to see the ladies and take their orders.

May 4, 1877

                  On Friday night, the young ladies and gentlemen of this place, gave to Miss Hattie Pratt a surprise party at Camp’s House. They had music and supper, and they all report having a “splendid” time.

May 3, 1973

                  Miss Andrea Granlund, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Granlund, Whitehall, has been named Badger Girls State representative at Whitehall High School. Alternate delegate is Miss Kathy Klimek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Klimek, Whitehall.

May 3, 1959

                  Dr. and Mrs. S.B. Ivers and children Susan and Bradley were supper guests Sunday at the Aldon Lokken home in Eau Claire. The Lokkens have purchased a lot for a cottage next to the lot where the Iverses’ cottage will be located on the shores of Shell Lake in Washburn County.

May 3, 1945

                  Thirty-eight Whitehall High seniors will graduate at the commencement exercises to be held May 24. One of them, Carroll Gunem, who is in the Navy, will not be present to receive his diploma.

May 3, 1934

                  Mrs. Thurman Van Tassel and children moved to Madison today to join their husband and father, who is employed in the Sears Roebuck retail store in that city. The Van Tassels have rented a lakeside home.

May 3, 1923

                  The clean-up campaign has been well observed in Whitehall. The pavement on Main and Dewey streets has been swept, the gutters cleaned and dirt hauled away, and the pavement well sprinkled to settle the dust. The residence district has had a thorough going over, and the many bond fires cast off sufficient smoke to make the atmosphere hazy for several days. The lawns are again of a greenish hue, the trees are budding and the birds singing, together with the balmy spring breezes, forces us to appreciate, after a long winter, the really wonderful changes in the coming of spring.

                  A deal was closed recently whereby the Inter-State Oil Co. of La Crosse become owners of the local Manley Oil Station. The Kins Bros., through whose efforts the filling station was erected, will continue to operate the station under the new firm, and will give the public the same congenial service as in the past.

                  Janitor Hans Haugh has given the courthouse square its spring cleaning, and is again busy with the lawnmower. Hans keeps the county property in excellent condition, which adds greatly to the beauty of our village.

                  Oscar Elstad has purchased the corner lot and barn of A.E. Van Sickle, with the intention of erecting a house thereon at some future time.

May 3, 1913

                  R.R. Cooper, said to hail from Minneapolis, was arrested between 11 p.m. and midnight Saturday, on the complaint of R.H. Holtan, village president, and charged with committing adultery with a city woman, who was also arrested. Cooper was arraigned Monday, but the hearing was continued to May 12 to allow the state to secure witnesses. The defendant was remanded to the county jail in default of his $1,000 bail.

May 3, 1900

                  Pigeon Falls — Ole C. Foss is doing a good business in his meat shop. The people seem to appreciate the convenience of not being obliged to go farther for this staple commodity.

May 3, 1888

                  A man with a hammer and 10 minutes’ leisure time can save a whole grist full of swear words by driving down the nails in the sidewalk about his property. If he has a board walk, the nails are liable to cause accidents, and are damaging to the shoes.

May 3, 1876

                  Don’t forget to set out shade trees this spring, and by the way our citizens should turn out generally and set out trees around our school building. Let every person young and old plant his tree this Centennial year, and if every one would set out a bed of strawberries if not over 4 X 8, it would be a very pleasant reminder of the year, also a small patch of cream and sugar would be a nice thing to help worry down the strawberries. Try it.

May 2, 1974

                  A total of $46, out of the estimated cost of $400 to $500, has been donated towards the fireworks display planned for the Fourth of July.

May 2, 1963

                  The Our Saviour’s American Lutheran Churchwomen will meet in the church parlors May 2 at 2 p.m. Mrs. C.F. Meyer, Independence, will show pictures she took while living in Japan. The Mmes. Keil Blank, Allen Knudtson, Donald Warner, Clarence Briggs, Arnold Olson, Harold Arneson and Clarence H. Johnson will serve.

May 2, 1953

                  The rain kept many anglers from the streams on the opening day of trout season Saturday. There were very few fish caught by those who did brave the rain and cold. Abner Phillipson of Coral City became a member of the “Lunker Club” by landing a nice brown that measured 19 inches and weighed over two pounds. There wasn’t a fisherman in this vicinity that caught the limit.

May 2, 1940

                  Joe Moen has a bed of strawberries which came nicely through the winter, and appear to be in thrifty condition. With favorable weather, Joe is looking forward to a good yield of berries with which to supply the local market.

May 2, 1930

                  Two men and two women were apprehended by Sheriff Immell Saturday night charged with vagrancy. The travelers arrived at Whitehall Friday afternoon and it is said that they slept in the open near the Lowe place east of town that night. The four spent Saturday night in the county jail and Sunday morning Sheriff Immell took the men out of town a few miles and told them to leave the county, which they did. The women gave their names as a Mrs. Davenport of Prentice and Miss Hazel Nelson of Ogema, this state. Authorities took them home Wednesday.

May 2, 1919

                  Theodore Olson returned from Milwaukee Friday night with two Oakland touring cars, which he sold to local parties.

May 2, 1907

                  John Lundstad, Ole Hallingstad, Edwin Anaas and Nels Winger of Pigeon Falls have been connected to the Arcadia Telephone Co. line.

May 2, 1895

                  County Clerk H.A. Towner since Jan. 18 has paid bounties on 31 wolves and 35 fox scalps. Eight of the wolves were taken in the town of Lincoln, six in Preston and one in Pigeon. The bounty on wolves is $10, and on foxes, $2.50.

May 2, 1880

                  Peter Nelson, a great uncle of Mrs. Chris. Peterson attempted to commit suicide by hanging, on Sunday afternoon last. He was discovered by Mrs. Peterson cut down before life was extinct. He is very low at this writing, but will probably recover. No cause is known for the rash act. He is 84 years old.

May 1, 1971

                  Gerald Schansberg sold his garbage collection service in Whitehall to Tri-City Sanitation Service, a subsidiary of Peter Pientok Construction of Independence, effective May 1.

May 1, 1959

                  Michael Larson and Heidi Hegge will reign over the Junior Prom to be held at the high school gym Friday evening. Attending the couple will be David Schaefer and Wanda Guse, James Schansberg and Karen Oerke, and Clark Erickson and Dorothy Fremstad.

May 1, 1947

                  Thomas Gunderson, Osseo, began his work as fieldman for the Farmer’s Cooperative creamery at Pigeon Falls, filling the position left vacant when Marcus Gunderson resigned in order to operate his farm near Melrose. The men are not related. Thomas Gunderson spent more than eight years with the Osseo creamery, including three years of service with the U.S. Army Air Corps.

May 1, 1934

                  The trout season opened at Whitehall with one record catch and other anglers far from exceeding the legal bag limit. O.W. Elstad, a fisherman of many seasons, went somewhere Tuesday morning and came home with the limit, 15. Kenneth Swenson claims the record for size with a 15-inch brook trout. Buddy MacCornack was asked his success, and proudly reported five, and then modified his statement with the fact that most of ’em were suckers.

May 1, 1922

                  The season for hooking the speckled beauties opened Monday, and as usual there was a large attendance at the opening event. Some of the farmers along the most popular streams complained that there was no time during the day that they were able to get their stock to the streams to drink, due to the presence of so many disciples of Walton.

May 1, 1907

                  The trout season opened yesterday and nimrods are on the alert.

May 1, 1894

                  The village election Tuesday passed off quietly, only 81 out of a possible 100 votes being polled, and the straight ticket of caucus nominees was elected. There was an independent ticket printed, unbeknown to most of the gentlemen whose names were printed on it, and as no concerted work was done in its behalf, the independents of course were snowed under.

May 1, 1884

                  George Quackenbush has started an onion plantation within the city limits. The city authorities should have the nuisance abated.

April 30, 1975

                  The board of directors of Tri-County Memorial Hospital last week Wednesday voted to ask James Broberg to resign within 90 days. Broberg, hospital administrator since 1967, reportedly was asked to resign because he had not been able to recruit doctors for the hospital staff.

April 30, 1960

                  Mr. and Mrs. Harold Wood have purchased the City Cafe from Mr. and Mrs. George Cooper and will take possession this Saturday, April 30. The cafe will be closed Saturday and Sunday for redecorating and will reopen Monday morning.

April 30, 1947

                  Vernon Rogstad suffered a painful accident while working on a stepladder at the York creamery Wednesday afternoon. One leg of the ladder broke, causing him to fall, wrench his side and hit the side of his head. He was taken to the hospital, but released the following day. Art Larson is taking his place at the creamery.

April 30, 1934

                  The hard liquor ordinance was adopted at the adjourned meeting of the village board Monday night. The ordinance contains many provisions, some of which might be necessary to change, and should some of the proposals not meet with the public approval, the board will be ready to consider all suggested improvements. Two applications for license were presented and granted, one to Arthur Risberg and the other to F.O. Bitter.

April 30, 1925

                  For the first time ever, the Trempealeau County Asylum herd leads the list of checks pair to patrons of the Whitehall creamery, with $334.50 for the month, passing A.E. Nehring and Ray Lamberson.

April 30, 1910

                  The girls’ sewing club met with Miss Louise Solsrud Saturday afternoon.

April 30, 1897

                  Arbor Day was observed by the village school Friday.

April 30, 1885

                  The board of health and sanitary police are prowling about in search of nuisances. We presume they will unearth scores of first-class breeders of pestilence, and if anything of this character escapes the watchful eye of this vigilant committee, we shall miss our guess. Clean up.

April 29, 1971

            Teresa Kastad, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kastad, has received a yellow ribbon and a cash prize in a poetry-writing contest sponsored by the Whitehall Women’s Study Club.

April 29, 1960

                  A pair of movies, “Fishing Fun in Wisconsin” and “Scenic Apostle Islands,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday to open the annual Whitehall-Pigeon Rod and Gun Club’s annual spring sportsmen’s party at West Lincoln.

April 29, 1948

                  Mrs. W.C. Thompson recently sold the former Kremer farm in Lincoln township to her husband’s nephew, Ralph Thompson. Ralph is continuing to operate his farm nearby, and has engaged Chris Thompson of Blair to operate the new place.

April 29, 1938

                  The alumni of Whitehall High School are reminded that they are invited to the annual Junior-Senior Prom, to be held at the Village Hall tomorrow evening.

April 29, 1924

                  On several different occasions between April 19 and 29, sheep and lambs have been killed by dogs in the town of Hale. The financial loss to the sheep owners amounts to about $400. Some people seem to think that if their dog carries a license, it is a privileged character and may roam at will, says Town Chairman G.H. Conrow, who reminds dog owners of statutory requirements that the animals be confined or otherwise secured between sunrise and sunset.

April 29, 1909

                  Spring, beautiful spring!(?)

April 29, 1897

                  Landlord Best has purchased the Simon Olson property on the west side of Main Street, which includes the post office and the Jodahlen market. Mr. Best has also bought a residence lot on South Main, next north of the old M.E. church lot, now H.H. Scott’s property.

April 29, 1886

                  The foot of condemnation still rests upon the neck of certain portions of the Scranton Street sidewalk. Would that the owners thereof could slightly feel the pressure.

April 28, 1975

                  The Whitehall district school board voted unanimously Monday night to hire WHS Athletic Director Ken Stellpflug to replace Jerry Rice as boys’ head basketball coach. The board also learned that math teacher and head wrestling coach David Thompson will probably be resigning to take a teaching and coaching position elsewhere.

April 28, 1964

                  Whitehall volunteer firemen were called to extinguish a grass fire which endangered the former Ervin Coulee school house, now owned by Melvin Dascher, about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

April 28, 1954

                  The Rev. and Mrs. A.D. Bowan went to Portage Monday to attend an Assemblies of God convention. They returned Wednesday.

April 28, 1944

                  Fuller Coulee Community Club meeting will be held Friday evening if the weather permits. The roads are bad now in places, but it is hoped that Friday will see an improvement.

April 28, 1932

                  A large rock perhaps eight feet in diameter and of considerable thickness came booming down the steep incline onto the road on the Speerstra hill late Thursday. Luckily no one was about at the time to be injured by the oncoming boulder.

April 28, 1922

                  York — Oscar Kleven had the misfortune of breaking his leg and collarbone Friday, while building a machine shed for Ole Hanson. The shed collapsed at noon, with Mr. Kleven inside.

April 28, 1912

                  The Titanic memorial service at the Baptist church Sunday last was of an impressive character. Addresses were delivered by the pastor and Judge Anderson, and a high tribute was paid to the heroic and self-sacrificing spirit of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated vessel.

April 28, 1902

                  Richard Mattson and crew of carpenters began work Monday on J.B. Beach’s residence improvements. 

April 28, 1892

                  F.W. Farrington, of Arcadia, has rented and repaired in first-class shape a part of the Gray building, just south of the railroad track, for use as a photograph gallery. He will occupy it May 1, and be prepared to take your shadow in the most approved style, guaranteeing satisfaction of work.

April 28, 1881

                  Matt Anderson is fitting up his saloon on Scranton Street, and everything presents a “tasty” appearance.

April 27, 1975

                  A fire started by lightning destroyed the barn and stock on the Jerry Brown farm near Pleasantville Sunday morning.

April 27, 1963

                  Four Whitehall High School students competed at the state forensics meet at Madison Saturday. Sheryl Becker, in original oratory, and Cathy Rice, in non- original oratory, received “A” ratings. Karen Ward, in extemporaneous speaking, and Ruby Herness, in original oratory, received “B” pluses. The girls were accompanied by Mrs. Sylvia Rice, forensics coach.

April 27, 1950

                  The Pigeon Falls United Lutheran Ladies Aid will meet Thursday with Elaine Ringlien the following hostesses: Mesdames John Skadahl, Thomas Stalheim, H.P Fremstad and Ralpd Amundson.

April 27, 1939

                  It has come to the attention of local citizens that bicyclists are again using the Speerstra hill on Co. D leading into Main St. from the south as a coasting place, thereby endangering their own lives and making the problem of automobile drivers in that vicinity very difficult. It is known who these children are, and they are warned to refrain from such coasting in the future.

April 27, 1925

                  Mr. and Mrs. Emil Stutlien of Welch Coulee were in town Monday. Mr. Stutlien has leased the Ole Evenson farm for another year, and was numbered with those who completed the spring’s work about a month earlier than usual. While in town, he added his brother, Alfred Stutlien, to our growing list of subscribers.

April 22, 1915

                  Ever Anderson has had his farm house repaired, and also added a dormer window, which is a decided improvement.

Thursday, April 27, 1905

                  Gilbert Paulson is doing the stonework on the Coral City mill addition, which assures a good job.

April 27, 1893

                  A set of boxing gloves received this week furnished considerable amusement among the young men of the village.

April 27, 1882

                  Hale — Mr. Warner has a large farm, but he always manages to get his seeding done ahead of anyone else. How ish dot, Mike; where lies the secret of your success?

April 26, 1971

                  A wrecker and boom were required Monday night to remove a car from the large trench caused by General Telephone Company construction work on Main Street Monday night. The driver, Natalie Anderson of Pigeon Falls, was apparently blinded by the lights of another vehicle and crashed through a barricade. She sustained only minor bruises in the mishap.

April 26, 1960

                  Donald Fredrickson, torpedoman’s mate seaman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Frendrickson, is serving abiard the destroyer USS Ault, operating with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

April 26, 1945

                  Mrs. Melvin Elstad has moved her garage and attached it to the woodshed at the rear of her residence, providing an entrance from the alley, and also rebuilt the rear porch. Contractor Albert Engen and Melvin Hanson did the work.

April 26, 1934

                  A.M. Hagen is in the employ of the Winona Motor Co., selling Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Cadillac and La Salle automobiles. Mr. Hagen is working in this territory. He will also handle used cars fort the above firm.

April 26, 1923

                  Village President G.S. Rice wishes to warn all poultry owners to keep same in pens. Second warning will not be given, and all violators are subject to prosecution and fine.

April 26, 1909

                  Dr. Andrew Ekern called on friends here Monday upon his arrival from Grand Forks, N.D., to look after business interests.

April 26, 1898

                  W.H. Stallings began repairs on the American House barn Tuesday.

April 26, 1888

                  Clean up the front and rear yards of your premises and otherwise purify and beautify the surroundings.

April 26, 1876

                  Sunshine. Making garden. Set out shade trees. Is the contract let for sprinkling our streets?

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