Black and white photograph of the Marshall Ladies Band on a parade float.† Taken in 1920 for Lyon County and Marshall's 50th anniversary celebration.

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 June 6, 1919:

The new fire engine arrive here from Duluth the latter part of last week and has been duly assigned to its quarters in the fire hall. The engine is a handsome one and is in first class condition. Fire Chief Volk is well pleased with the bargain and explains that the engine was purchase at the very reasonable price of $750 because the Duluth fire department is replacing their steam fire engines with motor truck engines. For the proper care and operation of the steam type engine, including the horses which draw it, nine firemen are required while that number is reduced to three or four by motorized equipment. The number of men required is not an important matter in a volunteer organization. Five hundred feet of new hose will be added to the fire equipment at an early date and a demonstration with the new fire engine will be put on by the firemen on the Fourth.

The Eureka oil station between Main and Lyon on Fourth street is now completed and has been opened for service of patrons. The building is a handsome one and its spacious double drive-way not only adds materially to the appearance of the place but will no doubt eliminate the possibility of delay in securing service. The new station fills a spot which has long been conspicuous by its vacant appearance and is no slight improvement to the appearance of the locality.

Mrs. J.V. Williams and children plan to spend the summer at Green Lake. They have rented a cottage on Crescent Beach and will go there sometime this week.

The weather this week has in on way dampened the spirits of the boosters for the big county Fourth of July celebration to be held in this city and all of the various arrangement committees are working at top speed and expect to have the entire program for the day completed at an early date. The soldiers committee are making preparations to bring several hundreds of discharged soldiers, sailors and marines here and the largest crowd ever seen in Marshall will be in this city on Independence Day. Just pass it on to your neighbor that Marshall will celebrate the Fourth in a way that will be long remembered.

E.M. James, the local dealer, delivered a Kimball piano at the John Hollo farm home this week. The instrument was purchased for Miss Myrtle Hollo.

Rolland Sherman, of the Class of ’19 of the local High School, went to work at the Marshall Milling Company office the first of the week. Miss Emma Madsen, also a member of this year’s graduating class has accepted a position in the stenographic department of that office.

Sergeant Albert F. Vergote arrived home last Friday after receiving a discharge from service. Sergeant Vergote enlisted in the aviation section of the army and after training several months in Texas was sent with the 353rd Aero Squadron to France, where he served ten months. Upon being discharged Mr. Vergote went to Brookings, where he spent a few days. He was accompanied here from Brookings by Mrs. Vergote.

The ladies’ Fleur de Lis band have set the date of their first public concert for Friday evening, June 27th, at the Barrymore Theatre. Further announcements will be published next week.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is the Marshall Ladies Band, also known as the Fleur de Lis band, on a parade float. The photograph was taken in 1920 when Lyon County and Marshall celebrated 50 years of when the county was established. The float was built by Willis Gillett on one of his trucks. It was decorated by the women of the band in charge of Mrs. Donald McNiven (Viola).

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.