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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 Aug. 25, 1911:
The Skandinavian Railroad Co., with its principal place of business at Marshall, Minnesota, has filed its articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State, a copy of which will be found in another column. The officers of the new company are John Bond of Marshall, President; C.G. Peterson, Balaton, Vice-President; James Hall, Balaton, Secretary; August Swanson, Balaton, Treasurer. This company has been formed as the result of a series of meetings held by the land owners in Murray county, conducted by Mrs. John Bond who is heavily interested in farm land and their intention is to build and operate a line of rail road through the northern line of townships in Murray county, connecting with the Great Northern at some point near Ruthton.
The Marshall Hospital is about to open a Training School for Nurses. This will be a good chance for young women wishing to learn nursing. Write or address Dr. F.D. Gray, the Superintendent.
Don't forget about the big Adam Forepaugh and Sells Bros.' Circus, Thursday, September 7th.
Last Friday Sheriff Grannon took Wm. E. Kluge of Tray to the penitentiary where he will work out a reformatory charge. Wm. Kluge is the man who shot Emory Whipple in a saloon mixup at Tracy on July 5th, 1910 and was sentence for three years, pardoned and failing to keep the order of the court, is now committed on a reformatory charge.
The "lid" was put on gambling devices, slot machines and all games of chance last Friday when Attorney James Hall informed the proprietors of places where gambling was going on, that it must cease. When gum slot machines were first installed in Marshall they were investigated and found not to be gambling machines, as gum was received for every "nickel in the slot" but since that time complaints have been made that the gum is not forthcoming. Later, draw cards were used in the cigar stores and drug stores, and the youngsters commenced taking a chance, spending their receipts for candy and other articles. This fact traveled to the parents at home, and from whence came many complaints which resulted in stopping all games of chance. However the gum machines continue to spin, and as long as gum is produced, it will be a hard matter to stop them.
Thirty-eight rural schools will begin on Sept. 4th; sixteen on Sept. 11th; eight more Sept. 18th, while twenty three will not start until October. Two will start Nov. 6th. The average term voted for the county is about seven and one half months.
Mrs. H.R. Painter and Miss Addie Orr entertained at a parcel shower, at the home of the former on Tuesday evening in honor of Miss Mina Snyder. The rooms were prettily decorated in pink and white. A large basket of beautiful gifts were presented the bride-to-be. On top of basket was a swan-like bird, above which was inscribed the following: "This is the bird that Mina caught." A three course luncheon was served to about forty guests.
The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum's collection is a real photo postcard showing staff inside of The News-Messenger office around 1911. They are identified as: Jack Whitney, Dale Simon, Addie Orr, Ina Lindsley, Robert D. Baldwin, and J.W. Whitney.
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.