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 September 29, 1911:

The sleeping cars on both the Great Northern and Northwestern roads between Marshall and the twin cities are full nearly every night, and travelers have to look sharp to secure reservations. Even three cents a mile for transportation does not seem to lessen passenger traffic.

Mr. C.C. Olin has begun excavation for his house on his farm.

Burton Sanderson of Florence, won two firsts and one second on Berkshire hogs at the Lincoln county fair at Tyler last week. Simon Sanderson won two firsts and one second on Rhode Island Red chickens.

Miss Martha Goltz returned to her home in Balaton, after a week’s visit with her sister, Mrs. E.C. Jones, Jr.

Robert Addison, junior, returned last week from an outing at the automobile city of Detroit, where he had the time of his life. The Studebaker company invited all their western agents for a trip to Detroit and entertainment there at the expense of the company, and it was a merry and highly satisfied party. R.M. Addison & Son are the agents for the E.M.F. and the Flanders cars, and the past season sold many cars, but could not get nearly all they had orders for.

The barn of Thomas Lindsey, junior, was struck by lightning on Tuesday, and considerable damage occurred. One horse was killed and six others were badly shocked. Thomas was standing near the horse that was killed, and received a shock that laid him out for a while, but was not seriously injured.

Professor H.C. Hanson and the boys of the agriculture class spent last Friday afternoon at the Banks’ farm, studying corn and other agricultural products.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Lynd has just closed one of the most successful years since the society was organized. The last service of this conference year was a harvest home festival. The church was handsomely decorated with autumn leaves and flowers; including a beautiful display of grain and vegetables.

The photograph featured this week is a scan of a booklet, which is in the Lyon County Museum’s collection. The booklet was given to the Lynd Methodist Church Sunday School students at Christmas time in 1912 from the teacher, Stephen Nicholson. The church building, still standing in Lynd, is now a private residence.

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 museum is open! For hours and more information, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or check our Facebook page.