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 Sept. 14, 1900:

Miss Maud Fredenburg is in Mathews & Patterson’s law offices as stenographer during the illness of Tom Davis.

Miss Freida Bangs, from St. Paul is the new milliner in charge of J.R. Wolff & Co’s millinery department in Langland’s store. Miss Bangs arrived Wednesday and is arranging for an early opening.

Police Inspector Norman W. King, one of the oldest on the Minneapolis detective force, was a guest of sheriff Christiansen Wednesday night and accompanied the sheriff to Tracy yesterday with the five prisoners in the Petersen murder case. King was the officer who was here a couple of weeks ago after Deshon, the Guaranty Loan company swindler and Vendome Hotel thief.

John Laudenslager, the “ice baron” of Marshall, returned Monday from Mankato where he found enough ice to complete his season in Marshall. He couldn’t get ice in the twin cities, but arranged for three car loads in Mankato. It is the first time he has run short, but this was an unusual year, though he put up more than ever before. Next year he will have an additional ice house, and may “have ice to burn.”

Charlie Johnson has received new furniture and new goods for his jewelry store, and is getting them in place this week. The bank building, his new location, will make a very convenient and attractive location for his business.

Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Gieseke, and Miss Mabel Paige, went to Sleepy Eye on Monday to witness the opening of the Maccabee carnival, and visit Mr. Gieseke’s family.

Jack Martin has made a success as a auctioneer, and has had some splendid sales in this county. His reputation has gone beyond home, and tomorrow, the 15th, he is called to handle a big sale six miles south of Watertown, South Dakota. Jack will give the Dakota fellows a good song and dance.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection shows Jack Martin. It is printed below his picture: “Jack Martin, Irish Auctioneer, Marshall, Minn.”

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 year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.