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 Feb. 20, 1920:

The Okiya Camp Fire girls met for ceremonial meeting Monday evening at the home of Mrs. John A. Dekker.

The United States Civil Service commission has announced an examination for Lyon County to be held at Marshall and Tracy on March 13, 1920, to fill the position of rural carrier at Taunton and Amiret, and vacancies that may later occur on rural routes from other post offices in the above-mentioned county. The examination will be open only to citizens who are actually domiciled in the territory of a post office in the county and who meet the other requirements set forth in Form No. 1977. This form and application blanks may be obtained from the offices mentioned above or from the United States Civil Service commission at Washington D.C. Applications should be forwarded to the commission at Washington at the earliest practicable date.

Miss Emma Rask and Mr. Oscar Masden, both of Russell, were married at the Presbyterian manse Wednesday, February 18th. Rev. Strain read the ceremony.

Nyla May, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wentland and granddaughter of Sheriff and Mrs. John Munroe, passed away at the home of her parents in Hitterdal, Minn., Wednesday morning. Little Nyla May was two years and eight months old. She had always been a child of very delicate health. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Strain from the Munroe home, Saturday afternoon. Interment was made in the Marshall cemetery. Mr. Wentland returned home Monday. Mrs. Wentland, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Munroe, left Thursday, the latter to remain with her daughter two or three weeks.

Our only living ex-president, William H. Taft, passed through Marshall last week Thursday night on the Great Northern, enroute to Sioux Falls from Minneapolis. Mr. Taft is filling a series of dates on a winter Chautauqua circuit.

The Hamline Glee club will entertain the Marshall people next Wednesday night, Feb. 25, in the high school auditorium. The high school athletic association is bringing them here and the boys hope that the entertainment will be well attended by the people of the two as well as by the high school students.

A memorial session in honor of the memory of the late Virgil B. Seward was held at the session of the district court Wednesday afternoon. Judge I.M. Olsen and the attorneys present paid tributes to the life and work of Attorney Seward as one of the most prominent members of the legal profession in this district. A committee drew up resolutions which were spread upon the court records.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is Virgil B. Seward. The photograph was taken by Algot Anderson of St. Paul. Virgil Seward served two terms as president of the village council, in 1898 and 1899, having previously served as village recorder for three terms. In 1902 and again in 1916 he was elected mayor of Marshall. He was the county attorney of Lyon County, having served during the years of 1885, 1886, 1889 to 1892, inclusive, and in 1895 and 1896. He was elected state senator from the 17th district in 1906 and served one term. He passed away on Dec. 25, 1919, and is buried at the Marshall Cemetery.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors.