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 April 23, 1920:

The Mitzner boys, Albert and Ludwig Klukas, Cap Brosseau and Roy Schneider visited with Herbert Johnson Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Walter Atwood and Miss Bessie Olin visited at the F.S. Purdy home on Saturday.

Jos. Princen is having a barn erected on his place just south of town, which when completed will be one of the largest barns in this section of the country. The building is to be 100 feet long and 48 feet wide, and will contain all the modern conveniences of an up-to-date dairy barn. The lower part of the building is composed of cement blocks and will house the stock, leaving the barn space for storing grain, hay, etc. It will have an estimated capacity of from 600 to 800 tons of hay. Mr. Finch, the contractor, and his force of carpenters began work on the superstructure Tuesday.

C.R. Hess, the photographer, has made arrangements to visit Ghent regularly and has secured quarters in the handsome new building of the Farmers State Bank at that place. He will make his first visit to Ghent on April 28 and 29.

The Current News club met Thursday afternoon, April 15, with the following members present: Mesdames Elliot, Mathews, Dukes, Chamberlain, James, Pike, Persons, Simon and Bravinder. Mrs. Simon had charge of the lesson. The club enjoyed having Mrs. James Burchard and Mrs. Arthur Freese as guests.

Mrs. Jas H. Hall was elected business manager of the Marshall ladies Fleur de Lis Band, succeeding Mrs. D.D. McNiven, at a business meeting last Friday evening. The band is looking forward to a busy season and have plans under way to give concerts in the near future at Canby, and Tracy, besides one in this city.

The photograph featured this week is from the museum’s collection, and it shows the Marshall Ladies’ Fleur de Lis Band parade float. The photograph was taken during a 50th anniversary of Lyon County and Marshall celebration that took place June 17 and 18, 1920, in Marshall. The celebration commemorated the anniversary of the first Lyon County commissioners meeting, which was held on Aug.12, 1870. The celebration also commemorated the anniversary of when the post office was established in Marshall, which was on Oct. 17, 1870. This year, Lyon County is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Marshall will celebrate 150 years in 2022, which is the anniversary of when the Winona and St. Peter Railroad, a subsidiary of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad came to Marshall and platted the town.

Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the executive order by Governor Tim Walz on April 8, the Lyon County Historical Society Museum is closed to the public until May 4. During this time, staff will primarily be working at home and checking the facility. The best way to contact during this time is email: director@lyoncomuseum.org. As we all know the situation is fluid and executive orders may change.

Thank you to our volunteers, members, and our communities in Lyon County for your support. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time in our history. We hope to see our volunteers, members, and visitors in May. Stay safe and healthy.