110 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 11, 1914

A movement has been organized to send a carload of Pope County flour to the starving Belgians. The American ambassador in London cables: “Food cannot be bought on this side of the world. Money sent will be of no use. Food sent except through this commission may never reach Belgium, or may be confiscated.” 

Owing to the heavy expense I have been compelled to close the Du Glada theatre. I wish to thank my friends for their support and kindness during my two-month stay in Starbuck. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I am, Earl R. Neville.

Dr. and Mrs. C.R. Christensen were entertained Sunday evening at the Anton Ness home.

Forget the war! Election is over! Get busy and buy your storm sash, lumber and coal.—E. J. Jones Lumber Company, J.S. Skoglund, manager.

100 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 12, 1924

Miss Ella M. Nelson and Ervin A. Anderson were united in marriage by Rev. J. Robison, Minneapolis, on December 6. Miss Nelson is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.P. Nelson, Starbuck. Mr. Anderson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. O.A. Anderson of Silk Point, S.D.

On Saturday, November 29, the East Fron Ladies’ Aid held its annual meeting in the church parlors.

Mrs. Ole Barsness, Mrs. Ole Disrud and Mrs. Oscar Smedstad served lunch following the annual meeting of the congregation. The members of the West Fron Aid were also present, and a reorganization of the two Aids was affected. The two Aids were combined into one society, which will be known as the South Fron Aid. The election of officers resulted as follows: Mrs. John Brenden, president; Mrs. Lewis Billehus, vice president; Mrs. B.A. Bredeson, secretary, and Mrs. Edward Hanson, treasurer. This South Fron Aid has this week brought a memorial gift to missions in memory of Mrs. Erick Thompson.

At the meeting of the Fron Y.P. Society last Sunday evening a very fine program was rendered, including selections by the orchestra; songs by the girls’ quartet consisting of Gladys Ness, Cora Tollefson, Edna Olson and Winona Jorgenson; a reading by Alida Skaaden, and a piano duet by Alice Brenden and Lillian Pederson, and the opening anthem of the Christmas cantata by the church choir.

90 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 13, 1934

Miss Mildred Olson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Olson of Blue Mounds, and Newman Erickson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reinhard Erickson of Starbuck were united in marriage at the parsonage on December 8, Rev. K.R. Palmer officiating. Miss Alvida Olson was her sister’s attendant, and the groom was attended by his brother.

The Fron L.D.R. held their annual meeting at the home of Miss Lorraine Smedstad, and the following officers were elected: Pres., Sylvia Koland; 1 Vice-Pres., Ruth Brenden; Secretary, Aulis Pederson; Treasurer, Borghild Brenden; Advisors, Mrs. M.C. Johnshoy and Mrs. W.W. Larson; program committee; Orlette Hippe, Evelyn Pederson and Phyllis Sanvik. All L.D.R. girls who wish to go caroling, meet at the church at 6 o’clock Christmas morning.

Minnesota’s allotment of federal funds for December amounts to $4,079,135.00 it was announced by the acting administrator, for Minnesota S.E.R.A. For general relief,

$3,300,000; drought relief; $500,000; transient relief, $10,000; Education $42,400; student aid $36,735.00; and rural rehabilitation $100,000.

Notes from Sunny Side School, Dist. 3: Dorothy Finstad, Doris Olson and Betty Moe Forde compose the honor roll this month. The Sunny Side Society gave a little program for the parents before Thanksgiving. Poems and stories had been written by the students and the best ones read at this program. Following is a poem written by Jacob Gorder: Thanksgiving Day has come again, The flowers and all the plants lie deep beneath the frozen snow, and the cold north wind doth blow. Then back to Grandmother’s farm we go with happy faces all aglow. When the turkeys on the tables, and you have eaten all you’re able, we will thank God for the precious gifts, Sent to us each year. Ralph Norland, reporter.

Owing to the fact that so many of the families in our village are on relief, the Study Club has decided not to distribute toys and candy this year as heretofore.

All those who are on relief should remember the local merchants when doing your Christmas shopping. In that way we can each help a little in passing the Christmas spirit on.

80 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 14, 1944

Letters to Santa:

Dear Santa: I want a blackboard and a set of paints, and an airport set and a truck and 18 books for Christmas. Lauris Johnshoy.

Dear Santa: I’m a good boy. I’m eight years old. I’m in fourth grade. I hope all the children stay well this year so you will come to their home and give them toys to play with at Christmas. I want some pairs of skates and 72 pieces of farm set. DeWayne Jackson.

Miss Laurna Anderson and Harry Bjokne were married in Lowry Nov. 25. The couple would make their home on a farm south of Lowry.

First Lt. Olger Aal, in a telephone call received by his father, Ole Aal, from the War Dept., was reported killed. Aal was previously reported missing in action over Belgium since August 29, was now listed as killed.

Mrs. Milo Hagen entertained a few boys for supper in honor of Lawrence’s ninth birthday.

70 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 16, 1954

People from all around are expected to flock to the First National Bank on Saturday of this week to examine its beautiful new building and participate in the festivities of the formal opening of the new structure. They will be well rewarded for coming for the highly attractive interior of the bank and the array of ultra modern new fixtures and equipment is truly more exciting than the imposing exterior of the building. At the front of the bank, near the entrance, is the office of Edward S. Olson, bank president.

Mrs. O.S. Barsness was called to Montana on Friday, due to the illness of her aunt, Mrs. Anna Harvey, 87, who had suffered several strokes. Mrs. Barsness is expected to return home this week.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Aaberg was baptized Jeffrey Arthur at the worship services at Fron Lutheran church on Sunday, December 12, by Rev. N.O. Dversdall. The sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Harris Larson.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Kolstad, Chester, Mont., announce the engagement of their daughter, Kay, to Clifford Martin Lingen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lingen of Starbuck. Miss Kolstad is a graduate of Chester High school. Mr. Lingen is a graduate of Concordia college. The young couple plan to operate a stock ranch at Hinsdale.

60 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 10, 1964

Officers from eight Lions Clubs in Zone II, Dist. 5M4, were guests at the regular semi-monthly meeting of the Starbuck Lions Club on Monday evenings. Leading the discussion at the zone conference were Lyle Stewart, Wheaton, zone chairman, and Stan Behl, Starbuck, deputy district governor. Five new members were inducted into the Starbuck Club. They are: Francis Berhow, Dick Engebretson, John Gorder, James Lindell and E.R. Salisbury.

Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Olson, Cyrus, were honored at an open house reception at their home on Sunday, November 1, on the occasion of their Silver Wedding anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Aaberg of Milpatos, California are the parents of a baby boy, Russell Edward, born November 29. Mr. and Mrs. Gilman Aaberg are the paternal grandparents.

Dezra Lee, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hanson, Osseo was baptized at the Fron church on December 6 by Rev. Paul G. Tolo.

Mr. and Mrs. Anton Moe were honored at an open house at the Indherred Church on Sunday, November 22 on the occasion of their Silver Wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Moe are the parents of two children, Ida Margaret is employed by the Stearns County Welfare Dept. at St. Cloud, and Kenny is a student at Moorhead State College.

When the residents of Independent School Dist. No 614 go to the polls next Wednesday, they will decide whether or not the Starbuck school district is to undertake a $395,000 school building program. If approved, it will be used to provide an addition to the present school building. Among other things, the addition would provide new science facilities, a new library and home economics department and three general academic classrooms.

50 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 12, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Foster Bucher are now in Denmark where they will spend a year. Foster, son of Dr. F.D. Bucher is a dental student and is studying and practicing in Denmark.

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Strickler are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Sharon, to Mr. Curtis Reichman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Reichman of Glenwood. A spring wedding is being planned.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Pederson and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Swartz are happy to announce the engagement of their children, Sheila and Daniel.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Floan of Benson are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Susan to David Hopp, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ervil Hopp of Cosmos, Minn. The young couple are presently attending the U of M at Morris. A May 3rd wedding is planned.

Milo Hippes honored on 50th wedding anniversary on June 9 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. The open house was hosted by their children and grandchildren.

The program was given with Stanley Hippe as master of ceremonies. Program selections included a talk by Harold Grotjohn and piano solos by Debra Hippe.

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Anderson of St. Cloud are the parents of a 7½ lb. son born to them on Sunday, Dec. 8. The grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Hedlund of Glenwood and Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Anderson of Starbuck.

An open house in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Olson (Helen Aslakson) on their 25th wedding anniversary will be held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15 at their home in Benson. Everyone welcome.

40 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 5, 1984

William August Grote, 31, of Blue Mounds Township, was killed in a one car accident Dec. 7 when he lost control of his 1983 Chevrolet as he was driving home on Co. Rd. 41 near Glacial Lakes State Park. He is survived by his wife, Helen; one son, Christopher, 10; three daughters, Billie Marie, 9; Danielle 6, and Shannon 3; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Grothe of Benson, three sisters and two brothers.

Niels Unke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earle Runquist has been accepted for enrollment in the machine shop program at Granite Falls Area Vocational Technical Institute.

Funeral services for Hilmer Opheim, 78, were held from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Lowry on Nov. 28. He is survived by his wife, Nora; one daughter, Imogene (Mrs. Alec Overson) of Bloomington and one son, David and his wife, JoAnn of Rockford, Illinois.

Doug Toivonen, senior quarterback/safety of the Starbuck Bucks football team was named to the Minnesota 9-man football squad last Saturday. He is the son of Roy and Judy Toivonen.

30 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 14, 1994

Robin Overstad, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Overstad of Alexandria recently received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northwestern College.

Funeral services for Jerrold “Jerry” Ness, 56, were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus Dec. 3. He is survived by his wife, Lois; two sons, Lowell and Gary, both of Cyrus and two daughters, Paula Ness of Mountain View, CA and Jean Ness of Cyrus.

Lee Tangen of rural Starbuck earned an 8th place finish in the Dairy Hog Division of the World’s Foreign Analysis Superbowl.

Kenneth and Dorothy Brevig attended the wedding of her grandson, Sean Toft and Jody Faber at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria Saturday. Sean is the son of Susan and Daryle Toft of Clarkfield.

20 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 8, 2004 

Julie Koubsky created a replica of Minnewaska Lutheran Home out of gingerbread and frosting. She works as a nurse and case worker at MLH and spent nearly 80 hours of her own time baking, assembling and frosting the 30”x36”, 50-pound model of the facility. Complete with landscape, windows, holiday lights, and benches, the replica is on display in the MLH lobby through the holidays.

Joann Kannegiesser, a rural carrier on Route 1 in Starbuck and Cyrus has retired. She has worked for the United States Postal Service for 25 years and her last day on the job was Dec. 3. Joann served the rural area west and southwest of Starbuck and the northwest and west area of the City of Starbuck, in addition to all of Cyrus. During her career with the USPS, Joann has also worked in Chokio. Joann said her first plans for retirement include trips with her husband, Vern, to Arizona and California sometime this winter.

Starbuck welcomed the holiday season on Saturday with singing, cider, Santa and sparkling lights on the town’s towering Christmas tree. Santa arrived at the Starbuck Depot in a Starbuck Fire Department truck and took time to visit with about 30 children who waited to meet Santa in person and let him know just how good they’ve been this year. Music and hot drinks flowed through the Depot that afternoon. And folks took a peek at the live nativity scene, as well. The lighting of the Christmas tree and caboose on Main Street drew a crowd, too.

Ninth and tenth-grade students in Marlene Hippe’s Family and Consumer Science class at Minnewaska Area High School crafted tied-fleece blankets to be given to children during overnight stays at Minnewaska District Hospital in Starbuck. The fleece material was purchased and donated by the hospital’s auxiliary members.

10 YEARS AGO

From Dec. 10, 2014

On Friday, November 19, the third graders went to Holly Ridge to perform a Reader’s Theater play and make a Thanksgiving craft with the residents. The play was titled “Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving.” The students enjoyed performing the play and really got into their parts! The residents got a kick out of the play and how it compared to the traditional Christmas story “Twas the Night before Christmas.” After the play students were paired with residents. Together they talked about the things they were thankful for. They then wrote these things down on paper and used these sheets of paper to make a 3D pumpkin to help remind us of all the things we are thankful for.

Peder and Timmie Baukol spent Thanksgiving Day with Peder and Pat Baukol in Ham Lake. They (all 4) flew to New York City, and were present for the Baptism Sunday of Josephine Martiri Baukol, daughter of Peder III and Jennifer Baukol.

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) of Prairie Lakes President Roger LaSota presented Kayla Kvam, Taylor Stoos and Kendra Kvam (Kayla’s daughter) with the key for their new home on Friday, December 5 at the House Blessing Ceremony at 213 Poplar Street. Also pictured is Housing and Redevelopment Authority with Economic Development powers (HRA/ EDA) Executive Director Dick Dreher. The HRA/EDA partners with HFH to pay for the houses and supplies to build them. The partner families purchase the house through no-profit mortgage loans or other financing methods. Kvam and Stoos were also given blankets as a gift from two Lowry churches, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Lowry Community Covenant Church.