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 Oct. 19, 1917:

Of those who took the civil service examination at the Marshall Post-office, for stenographer and typewriter service, the following have received papers showing that they have passed: Maude Regnier, Genevieve Blanchette, M.E. Clendenning, Anna Lynch, Gleva Fortin and Florence Reber.

A flurry of snow in the heavy wind on Thursday reminds us that winter is coming. It is reported that there is several inches of snow in Northern Minnesota; in Michigan and other places.

At the Red Cross meeting on Monday evening, the following officers were elected; chairman, Mrs. Alice Andrew; vice chairman, Mrs. George Lowe; secretary, Mrs. Hugo Gieseke, and treasurer, Mrs. F.W. Sickler. There are now 1907 annual members and 28 subscribing members in the Lyon County Chapter.

Mr. and Mrs. Neal Van Dorin entertained all of the Marshall Garage employees and their wives at a theatre party on Wednesday evening. The play was the last given by the Clint and Bessie Robbins company, “A Pair of Sixes.” Later a four-course dinner was served at the Brantman restaurant, which was a credit to the management and was thoroughly enjoyed by the sixteen guests.

George Lord went to Browns Valley last Thursday with three car loads of machinery including a threshing machine. He has bought a farm there and will do some plowing; returning to spend the winter here before moving with his family to the new home. Mr. Lord has been a very successful thresher in this community and there are many who regret the departure of the family.

Miss Estella Hockman and Mr. Albert Arndt of Amiret were married at the Methodist parsonage on Tuesday, October 16 by Rev. W.I. Kern.

The social Thimble club have donated ten dollars to the Marshall Rest Room fund, and also presented Miss Helen McLeod, matron of the rest room, with five dollars in gold. The members of this club are Mesdames Charles Berry, Henry Denny, Geo. Giroux, Charles Haas, John Hanson, John Hollo, James Killius, Henry Lanners, John Larsen, H.K. McClain, Ralph Madden, Joseph Merron, Felix Revard, Will Rupp, August Swanson and Carey Bushar.

Miss Lena Eng who has been a business woman in Balaton for many years, closed out her stock last week and will go to North Dakota soon. The Stadler young people are expecting to open a fine bakery in the building in the near future.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is a photo postcard of the Eng Block in Balaton. The postcard is postmarked Dec. 14, 1909. The Ludwig Eng Drug Store is on the left side and Lena Eng’s Millinery Shop is on the right side of the building when facing the building. Ludwig and Lena were siblings.

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