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 November 7, 1919:

Miss Viola Curley, who has been employed for some time as operator at the Northwestern depot has been transferred to a similar position at Mankato.

Two new residences in Liberty Park will be erected as soon as possible, for M.T. Truman and E.J. Culligan of Porter. Work has been commenced on the basements and foundations.

The Municipal Band has consented to turn out Armistice Day and furnish music for the Legion High-School football game in the afternoon. There will be a parade headed by the band before the game. Get in line and march to the grounds.

Miss Anna Ringstad and Loran Mearl Smith were united in marriage at the Congregational parsonage here on Monday, November 3 at 10’oclock. Rev. J.J. Bayne officiated. The couple have left for Iowa, where they will reside.

Miss Rose Volger has finished her course in nursing at the Marshall hospital. Her present plans are to remain in Marshall to do private nursing here.

Mrs. G.H. Goodwin entertained the members of the Magazine Club at a Hallowe’en party last Friday afternoon. At the dainty luncheon which was served the guests were presented with miniature pumpkins and owls as favors.

Miss Myrtle Hollo was recently elected adjutant of Lydia Whiteside Post of the American Legion in Minneapolis. The Post was organized by former war nurses in that city and was name for a member of Base Hospital Unit No. 26 who died while in overseas service.

The Marshall Fire Department held a business meeting in their new quarters on Wednesday evening. New members vote in were Merrill Marshall, Len Harden, William Moore, Andrew Tegels and Percy Palmer. The membership of Harry Kiner was re-instated, he having again located here permanently. There still remain ten vacancies in the department. Application can be made to any of the firemen. Without expense to the company Chief Volk secured several new rubber coats and a sample gas mask. All of the members were instructed in its use, and more will likely be ordered. K.C. Humphrey and J.H. Schneider each presented the company with a check for $25 in appreciation of the quick service rendered at the last fire, and for which a vote of thanks was given. The Chief reported that the new big fire engine is now completely equipped and ready for business, and that on the first good day he will call out the engine company for a practice and demonstration. Another meeting will be called very soon, when every member is expected to be present and hear a lecture from the Chief on new methods of fire fighting and rescue work, as learned by him at the state convention. Apparatus and demonstrations will be on the program, and wind up with a smoker.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is the Marshall Fire Department taken in the early 1900s. Chief Albert Volk is standing in the back row on the far right. Albert Volk was the Chief for the department from 1898-1943.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a non-profit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 W Lyon St in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.