By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

Last Saturday was a lively day in town. Standing on State Street one could count from forty to fifty teams at almost any time in the afternoon. There must have been at least one hundred teams in town during the greater part of the day. This life and stir is encouraging as giving some faint idea of the Algona of the future.

125 Years Ago

When tradition is lost

Rev.John Koopman

Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church, West Bend

Ridiculous Days contest from the Algona Upper Des Moines archives dated July 17, 1956. These gentlemen were good sports for a little ridiculousness. Innocent fun or exploitation? Was anyone offended? How would a contest like this go over today? Definitely a good conversation starter. Share your thoughts at news@algona.com.

Battery explodes injuring manager

150 Years Ago

In passing through Irvington we could not see that much damage had been to the grain in that section by the grasshoppers. Wheat generally looks very well as did some fields of corn. Dr. Armstrong, has the finest field of corn that can be seen anywhere. The stand is good and even and the ground is as clean of weeds as any floor. They say the Doctor always has a good corn crop.

125 Years Ago

Letter to the Editor:

Of soapboxes, fireworks and Facebook

Random thoughts at 3 a.m. when not sleeping:

   There doesn’t seem to be much going on in the neighborhood at 3 a.m. Of course, the Fourth of July is over, so no more firecrackers in the neighborhood at 3 a.m. Or midnight. Or 7 a.m.

If I sound bitter, it’s only because I am. I just don’t get what the thrill is of loud bangs. Beautiful, sparkly fireworks are wonderful. Loud explosions are not.

Teeter and Totter

Most all of us spent time on a teeter-totter growing up, learning about balance and timing and force. I am still learning. A little more teeter and a little less totter. Or maybe it’s a little more totter and a little less teeter. I’m not sure. But I do know we can learn from that piece of playground equipment, starting with forgiveness.

Rev. Chris Burtnett

Pastor, First Congregational United
Church of Christ

From the archives of the Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper from March 5, 1981. Telephone operators were sometimes referred to as “The Hello Girls.”

K/PACEDC County Wide Breakfast

By Maureen Elbert

K/PACEDC

“It’s Christmas in July” which is the theme for this year’s County Wide Breakfast. K/PACEDC is excited to announce that Debi Durham, State Director for Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, will be the keynote speaker.

Gambling squabble ends in court

150 Years Ago

A man named Nixon, formerly a street beggar in Mobile, has just died in Oregon, leaving a fortune estimated at half a million.

125 Years Ago

Cheap ranges come and go, but this Majestic is indestructible. Sold at Otto Falkenhainer’s Hardware Store.

100 Years Ago

Test your memory

One of my most responded to columns was on the topic of iconic cars from TV and movies. I assumed it would be a hit, as when I broached the topic with a group of friends, the conversation went on for an hour. Let’s see if this one hits home, too.

Happy Fourth of July, Christians!

Rev. Thomas Cowell

Pastor, St. John’s  Lutheran Church, Burt

Partnership Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church

My trip to grandson Connor’s high school graduation in Minneapolis (Prior Lake, to be specific) went oh-so-smoothly. As I wrote in my last column, I went by motor car, though not in a roadster wearing a silk frock, ala Nancy Drew. That item on my bucket list has yet to be fulfilled, since there are a few details still to be worked out. Like, where does one procure a roadster, preferably in a lovely scarlet color.