The social news or gossip columns in the old newspapers are always fascinating to read. A special section in the newspaper was devoted to the social media of the day. The whereabouts of local people and events were often featured in these columns. Here are a few from The News Messenger of Lyon County on Jan. 1, 1915:

Frank Hoagland spent Christmas at his home here, returning to Lamberton, Sunday.

Dr. Peterson of Vesta brought a patient to the Marshall hospital on Tuesday.

The winners in the Royal Neighbors contest will be entertained by the losers at the next regular meeting to be held the last week in January. All members are cordially invited.

Mrs. L.M. Taylor and little daughter returned from Minneapolis, Monday, and are now located in the house, recently built by M.E. Mathews on the corner of First and Redwood Streets.

The Board of Education has been taking advantage of the vacation to make improvements at the school house. A slide has been built on each side of the grounds so that both the boys and girls may enjoy tobogganing. Prism glass has been put in the upper sash to improve the lighting in the high school room. A ventilating system has been installed in the boys toilet rooms. New drinking fountains have been put in on the first and second floors and in the basement.

Napoleon Mongeau spent Christmas with his sisters in Tracy.

Miss Vesta Brown, a nurse at the Marshall hospital spent Christmas at her home in Walnut Grove. Miss Anderson went to Minneota and Miss Rudd to Canby.

County Attorney Jas. H. Hall, joined a family reunion at the home of his parents in Balaton on Christmas day, which was also celebrated as the 40th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Hall’s wedding. Three sons and four daughters were present for the occasion.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is an image of a New Year’s postcard. The postcard was sent to Adelar Mongeau from his niece, Irene Fortier. The postmark is illegible to read. The date is circa 1912.

Happy New Year! The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 W Lyon St in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open to visitors.