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 Nov. 21, 1919:

A dozen of the Boys of ’76 go together the other evening for a party in honor of C.F. Case, the even being his 80th birthday. Upon comparing ages it was learned that the average age of the veterans was 76 years, some older a few younger. Those who made up the party were, C.F. Case, Reese Davis, Jas. Lawrence, Jos Mitchell, George Mead, George Sharratt, L. Grow, Jacob Eastman, Chas. Hicks, William Russell, F.S. Wetherbee and A.R. Chase.

Mr. and Mrs. Neal Van Dorin moved into their new home in Liberty Park on Wednesday.

A Thanksgiving dance will be given at the assembly hall next Thursday evening by the American Legion. Everybody is invited.

Applicants for census enumerators in Lyon County were given the necessary qualification examination by Postmaster Blanchette in this city last Saturday. Sixteen applicants took the examination, three of whom did not attempt to qualify for the farm census work. It had been hoped that a large number would respond in order that the work might be done at the earliest possible date. Of the sixteen only three were former service men who receive the preference.

Mr. and Mrs. August Mellenthin have gone to Pasadena, California, and have taken up their residence at East Union, No. 50, Maringo avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Prudent B. Menard have moved into the Mellenthin home on Fifth street in this city.

Henry Weede from near Balaton was in Marshall the first of the week while serving on the grand jury. Mr. Weede is one of Lyon County’s progressive farmers and pure bred stockraisers. He has recently completed what is pronounced one of the finest hog houses in the state for his O.I.C. swine. The building is 110 feet in length of fireproof construction with steel pens and every facility to be found in a model building for the purpose.

Nicholas Hirmer, who recently returned from overseas service has accepted a position in the Palace Meat Market.

Last week Tuesday, the Past Matrons Club of the Eastern Star held their first meeting in the parlors of the Masonic Temple. The Club being newly organized consists of fourteen past matrons of Lona Chapter. Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of every month. The officers are Minnie Mathews, president; Mattie King, vice president; Minnie E. Freese, secretary; Lillian Besonson, treasurer.

The photograph featured this week is Nancy E. Gary, who was the first Matron of Lona Chapter 12, Order of Eastern Star in 1891.

Happy Thanksgiving! 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. In compliance with Minnesota Executive Order 20-99, the Lyon County Museum will be closed on November 21 and remain closed for 4 weeks or until further notice. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.