December 16, 1971

            The fund for the new swimming pool has received $2,170 in donations during 1971, including $2,000 from the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, $130 from the Whitehall Happy Homemakers, $25 from the Pleasantville Lions Club, and $15 from the Virginia Everson memorial.

December 16, 1958

            Whitehall picked up its first Mississippi Valley Conference win Tuesday, 51-49 over Augusta. Jerry Gilbertson had 15 to lead the Norsemen, who also got 11 from Fred Friske and 10 from Ardell Torud.

December 16, 1948

            St. Paul’s Evangelical Church of German Valley and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Arcadia have released the Rev. H.W. Neubauer from his services as pastor. Rev. Neubauer has accepted a call to serve congregations of the same synod at Prairie Farm and Dallas.

December 16, 1934

            Miss Minnie Barron has been appointed a member of the Whitehall Free Library board, replacing Mrs. Isaac Hegge, who moved to Mayville, N.D. The appointment was made by Mayor Ludvig Hammerstad.

December 16, 1919

            A little scare was given our people Tuesday morning, when the water supply was cut off. The intense cold of the previous days had closed the intake pipe at the pump, and for a short time the reservoir was without water. All is well again.

December 16, 1909

            O.H. Settingsgaard purchased W.H. Stallings’ piano for his daughter, Miss Pearl, and is pleased with the bargain.

December 16, 1894

            Last Sunday we had a genuine fall rain, since when the weather has been bright and fine. The holidays are likely to pass without the usual abundance of snow.

December 16, 1881

            Ole Fredrickson and Knudt Knudtson, two young men from Pigeon Falls who went last spring to Dakota, returned on Friday to spend the winter among their friends and relatives. They have been up in the Red River Country, and speak in terms of the highest praise of it. They intend to return there early in the spring.

December 15, 1969

            The Whitehall city Monday night adopted a resolution providing for the city assessor to be appointed, rather than elected.

December 15, 1959

            Members of the Whitehall school board met in Pleasantville with that school board Tuesday evening to discuss integration with Whitehall. Pleasantville has a two-room school.

December 15, 1949

            Progress has been made on the swimming pool over the last few weeks, and Pientok of Independence has excavated the hole and hauled in the gravel for the bottom. Townspeople are urged to drive down and see the work accomplished, which will make swimming there next season a certainty. Several organizations in Whitehall have pledged sums of money toward this project, and now that considerable of the work has been done, they are asked to turn in what they appropriated to Mrs. L.J. Wood, who was made treasurer of the swimming pool fund, so that she can pay outstanding bills.

December 15, 1938

            Miss Natalie Melby of Whitehall is again playing the feature role in a dramatic production at Battle Creek, Mi., where she is teaching her second term of school.

December 15, 1924

            Roy Gage and family departed Monday for Couer d’ Alene, Id., where Mr. Gage has accepted a position as bookkeeper for a large creamery in that city. Their relatives and friends were reluctant to have them move so far from the old home, but best wishes go with them to the city in the far West.

December 15, 1909

            Dr. C.L. Storey went to Galesville yesterday to attend the annual banquet of the Trempealeau-Jackson-Buffalo County Medical Society held there last evening.

December 15, 1887

            The transient pauper family that came to Hale recently was ticketed back to St. Louis, Mo., by Chairman George at the expense of the county, and took their departure last Thursday. George accompanied them to Winona, where he saw them safely aboard the northwestern train for the south. Trempealeau County may consider itself fortunate in thus disposing of the matter of support of these destitute people, even at the expense of railroad fare to the above city.

December 15, 1876

            She came into the village last Friday and it was kinder airy that day. Real breezy, and it was hard to keep right side up if one carried anything aloft at all. And yet she came in with a load of grubs, driving a yoke of three year old steers and had earrings in her ears, and it blew great guns, and she threw overboard the deck load to ease her, and a portion of the running rigging of the old steer gave way and the craft took a lurch to leeward and the yoke was splintered to atoms and Mrs. Skinyernasiskihl lost boots, her earrings, her spirals, her — Lord, how it blew.

December 14, 1971

            A two-car accident Tuesday afternoon two and a half miles north of Whitehall resulted in an estimated $900 in damages but no injuries. Drivers involved were Jerome Stellflue, Whitehall, and Harold Froze, 34, Altoona.

December 14, 1960

            Cars driven by Donald Prudlick of Whitehall and Robert Nelson of Pigeon Falls collided on a slippery Hwy. 121 between Independence and Whitehall Wednesday evening. Mrs. Prudlick, riding with her husband, received a bumped jaw, and both vehicles were extensively damaged.

December 14, 1950

            The Lions club members of Whitehall and their wives enjoyed “The Laugh Fiesta,” an eight-feature funfest, Thursday at Kampa’s nightclub near Independence. Prince Nur-Al-Din, Oriental mystic, played by Patrick McCormick, was a guest. “Babes in Blunderland” was won by W.M. French and Mrs. William Ball. Casper Bergene was second. A mixer was won by Mrs. Cornell Hagen. Ed Colliton was in charge of the men, and Clara Firzpatrick of the women, in the “Battle of Song.” In charge were C. Andrew Kuhn, Louis Boehm and Mr. McCormick. Allan Getts and Mr. Boehm greeted guests at the door.

December 14, 1939

            Even with the absence of snow, Pigeon Falls has taken on a holiday atmosphere with a large stock of Christmas gifts on display and the traditional Christmas trees lined up along the store fronts. Two strings of colored lights, placed by the P. Ekern Co., extend across the street and are illuminated nightly.

December 14, 1925

            Wm. Schroeder of Pleasantville stopped at Whitehall Monday evening on his return home from Independence, where he planned on signing up as a member of the tobacco pool. Manager Daniels informed him that the time limit for the 1925 crop had expired, and he returned home without being able to become a member. The Times received a letter from pool headquarters, which stated that the deadline had been extended to Dec. 31.

December 14, 1911

            Pigeon Falls — Threshing is mostly finished in this section. Big Slough is the only place where threshing is still in progress.

December 14, 1899

            Hale — Fred Spierstra now has charge of the cream separator which A.A. Heath has been running.

December 14, 1887

            Will Weingarten and Ole Lindrud, two of Whitehall’s sturdy boys, left for Neillsville yesterday, expecting to winter up in the woods.

December 13, 1968

            Ralph Rasmuson scored 25 points as the Norsemen defeated Eleva-Strum Central 82-60 to remain undefeated in Dairyland Conference play. Ken Thoreson added 17 points for Whitehall, which also got 15 from Roger Berg and 10 from Jim Smith.

December 13, 1956

            A Christmas program was given at the meeting of the MacDowell Junior Music Club at the parish house of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Thursday evening, under the direction of Mrs. John Jacobsen, group advisor. Piano solos were played by Thomas Brennom, Barry Nehring, Sharon Sosalla, Joan Rasmuson, Diane Briggs, Barbara Bautch, Bonnie Garthus, Irene Johnson, Bobby Berdan, Jane Iverson, Diane; Gardner, Geraldine Lee, Cindy Nehring, Trudy; Bergum, Marilyn Sosalla, Betsy Mattson, Maewin Thompson, Barbara Thoma and Andrea Thomte. Cathy Rice and Geraldine Lee played a duet;: Gregory Rice, a cornet solo; Carolyn Rasmussen; a clarinet solo; and Linda Johnson and Diane Gardner; a piano duet. Carols were sung.

December 13, 1942

            The coldest temperatures of the season were recorded Sunday morning, with thermometers in this area registering from 15 to 22 degrees below zero.

December 13, 1929

      Whitehall youngsters have greatly enjoyed the visits of Santa Claus at the Garaghan Hardware and Furniture Store on Friday nights of each week. The little folks were treated to candy suckers and enjoyed the antics of the welcome visitor.

December 13, 1919

            Cold weather does not lessen the popularity of the Pathea Orchestra. Last Friday evening they braved the elements and went to Osseo, where they played for a dance. On returning Saturday morning, one of the horses rebelled against pulling the sleigh through the drifts, and in consequence the rest of the journey was made on foot, a distance of nine miles, arriving in the village about 7:30.

December 13, 1906

            J.J. Herb, the tailor, died at his home in this village this morning of heart disease, after a week’s illness. Deceased leaves a wife and eight children to mourn his death. He was 58 years old.

December 13, 1894

            A subscription paper was circulated in town this week for the benefit of L.M. Lyngdahl of Pigeon, who was recently burned out.

December 13, 1883

            The red glare which has filled the western skies early each evening the past week or 10 days has created no little excitement. Its first appearance was thought to be the reflection of a distant conflagration. The strange phenomenon has been explained as caused by the decomposition of vapors in the upper atmosphere, due to electric storms in the sun and in the atmosphere. It seems to have been first seen on the Pacific coast, and in New York a week later.

December 12, 1970

                  The Pigeon Falls Cooperative Creamery will hold an open house at its news building housing cheese making facilities in the village Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Officers and directors of the co-op will be on hand to explain the process, and a snack lunch will be served. Ray Knutson, formerly of Highland, is manager and cheesemaker at the plant. Officers and directors are: Arnold Hanson, president; Lyle Skoyen, vice president; Byron Berg, secretary-treasurer; Ralph Stalheim, Lennis Helgeson, Roger Back, Edmund Kerkvilet, Robert Kling and Ardell Stalheim, directors. Merton Haugen is the fieldman.

December 12, 1959

                  Fred Friske, accompanied by his roommate Tim Jirschele of Marshfield, both students at Eau Claire State College, spent the weekend at the Norman Friske home.

December 12, 1946

                  Members of the Lincoln Local of the Farmers Union held their monthly meeting at the City Hall in Whitehall Dec. 12. Henry Sygulla was elected president for the coming year; T.R. Duebbert, vice president; and Harry Jackson, secretary-treasurer.

December 12, 1936

                  Work was completed Saturday in preparing the ski hill for the annual Central Ski Association tournament to be held at Whitehall Jan. 3. The ski hill is now in the best condition it has been in since the winter sports ground opened five years ago. Ray Ringstad, secretary of the Whitehall Ski Club, says that jumps of 175 to 200 feet will be possible if there is ample snow cover.

December 12, 1925

                  Game Warden Theodore Johnson is enforcing the game laws in Trempealeau County. Ted has a knack of locating violators which has landed several into court on various charges of game violation. Over the weekend he nabbed two Winonaites who were trying their luck on the Wisconsin side. J.P. Zybylcki was arrested for trapping without a license, and John Buncinski was charged with hunting rabbits with a ferret.

December 12, 1910

                  Anton Rognlien, a leading citizen of Albion and one of the best men in the county, made us a pleasant call Monday.

December 12, 1895

                  Pigeon Falls — The latest organization at the Falls is the Pigeon Falls Athletic Club, with Ed Nyhus, the druggist, as the instructor.

December 11, 1972

                  The Whitehall city council voted last Monday to increase pay rates for volunteer firemen to $2 per meeting and $5 per fire, with a matching amount to be given at the end of the year. The new rates replace a bonus system and lower rates that the firemen considered inadequate.

December 11, 1959

                  Whitehall remained undefeated and tied with Blair for first in the Dairyland Conference as the result of Friday’s 73-59 win over Independence. The Norsemen got 25 points from Clark Erickson, 22 from Casey Sylla and 14 from Cy Getts. Dave Marsolek had 24 for Independence, Jerome Halverson adding 10.

December 11, 1945

                  Preliminary plans for staging a homecoming community dance at Whitehall were made at the monthly meeting of Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion post at the clubrooms Tuesday evening. The dance will be sponsored by World War II veterans, who now make up at least half the membership in the post here. On the committee are Myron Do Bow, Ernest Steen, Wilbur Briggs, Walter Everson and Kenneth Swenson, who will announce the date later.

December 11, 1930

                  The Order of Eastern Star elected the following officers for 1931 on Thursday evening: Manda Saxrud. worthy matron: Cora Elstad, associate matron; Oscar Libakken, worthy patron; James Garaghan, associate patron; Eunice Hensel, secretary; Argott Bensend, conductress; Mrs. D. J. Kidder, trustee, three years. The elective officers with those who will be appointed by the incoming worthy matron will be installed on Jan. 8, with Mrs. Olive Bitter acting as installing officer.

December 11, 1920

                  Peterson Bros. delivered an Oldsmobile eight to Mr. Metzger at Blair Saturday, also a Dodge to Albert Killian at Independence, also a Dodge truck and Ford convertible a week ago.

December 11, 1909

                  Joseph Augustine had a thumb nearly ripped off while operating a rip-sawing machine Saturday.

December 11, 1899

                  Peter Holte, who has been visiting his brother, Ole, for the past few days, left Monday for Eau Claire, where he was met by Miss Minnie Mitchel of Cashton. The couple went from there to Minneapolis, where they were married. From that point they left for Yellowstone Park, where Mr. Holte is a scout in the employ of the government, and where they will reside.

December 11, 1884

                  The skating rink is in full blast and is the center of attraction at present for the boys. There is one peculiarity about this pastime, which will make the rink profitable for the managers, and that is the fact that when one gets the hang of the sport he would rather skate than do anything else. There are several of the boys who are already quite proficient in the art, among them Eddie Getts and Emel Reitzel. There is much amusement in watching the skaters, especially those who are novices at the business. Admission is 10 cents, and use of skates 15 cents.

December 10, 1970

                  Fred Thompson scored 24 points, and Jeff Dahl, 23, to lead Whitehall to a 70-47 win over Alma Center Friday. Pete Lee added 13 for the Norsemen, who are 4-0 in Dairyland Conference play and face Osseo-Fairchild, also unbeaten, next Friday in a battle for sole possession of first place.

December 10, 1959

                  The Trempealeau County school committee will conduct a hearing at the Caswell school in the town of Hale Dec. 10 on the petition of residents of the Caswell district to become part of the Whitehall High School district. Petitioners generally include resident of the southern half of the district, which is currently served by Whitehall school buses. The children attend school here. The northern part of the district is served by Osseo High School buses, the children from there having attended at Osseo for some time.

December 10, 1947

                  The children of the Duo Decum members will give a Christmas program at the Mothers’ club meeting Wednesday, Dec. 10. Marie Rice and Jeanette Emerton will also favor with a musical selection. Ten- and 15-cent gifts will be exchanged.

December 10, 1937

            Whitehall — Sixty years ago on Dec. 10, H.A. Anderson and Miss Oline Fristad were united in marriage. The anniversary was observed quietly by them at their home in this village. They received congratulatory messages and visits from family and close friends. Both are 83 and, generally speaking, their health is good.

December 10, 1925

                  Ernest Hamilton of Pigeon Falls is decorating the interior of the post office building.

December 10, 1914

                  Pigeon Falls — The town of Pigeon will not grant aid for the Freeport railroad.

December 10, 1900

                  Lumberman W.J. Webb left for the lumber regions Monday on a business trip.

December 10, 1885

                  Winter in earnest. Sleighing with the merry tintinnabulation accompaniment is in order.

December 9, 1974

            John Mathson was elected president of the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Monday. Other new officers are: Dick Jurowski, vice president; Jack Taylor, treasurer; and Norman Friske, secretary.

December 9, 1959

            Floren Hegge was elected president of the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Wednesday evening, succeeding C. Andrew Kuhn.

December 9, 1948

            Mrs. Emil Borreson has purchased the H.D. Briggs residence on Ellis Street, and will take possession Monday. Clarence Briggs and family, who have been occupying the house, will move to the basement of the new home they are constructing on the east side.

Dec. 9, 1937

            Mrs. Oscar Lovlien of Pigeon Falls is ill at her home with a throat infection. Miss Clara Haraldsrud is assisting at the P. Ekern Co. as clerk during Mrs. Lovlien’s illness.

December 9, 1926

      Hildor Hanson, local representative of the Watkins company, is prepared for inclement weather in covering his territory. He recently purchased a new Dodge chassis with enclosed body and equipped to carry a complete line of his remedies. Hildor covers his territory regularly and has built up a splendid patronage in his line.

December 9, 1909

            Seven below zero this morning.

December 9, 1897

            Delightful winter weather.

            Geo. K. Whitney is doing business in the Reitzel block, having opened his store Monday. Ole Iverson has taken a clerkship with Mr. Whitney.

December 9, 1886

            The stockholders of the skating rink have finished the improvements in the interior of the building and the structure is now in excellent condition for the enjoyment of the pastime.

December 8, 1973

            The approximately 75 Whitehall school district residents attending Saturday night’s meeting on the effects of the energy shortage agreed that the district schools should attempt to maintain normal operations while practicing fuel conservation measures. The majority were not in favor of closing the schools during the winter and remaining open during the summer to make up the lost time.

December 8, 1960

            A lighted star on the hill north of the city will shine on Whitehall this Christmas season, the result of the efforts of the Lutheran Brotherhood of Our Saviour’s church and several area businesses. The star, which will also shine as a cross during the Lenten season, stands on land dedicated to the Brotherhood by Clarence Schaefer during World War II. It is surrounded by pine trees planted by the local Boy Scouts as a memorial forest.

December 8, 1950

            About 800 children were given treats when Santa Claus visited Whitehall on Dec. 8, reports P.M. Paulson of the Whitehall Improvement Association.

December 8, 1938

            The annual meeting of the Scandinavian America Fraternity was held Thursday at the Hilmer Hagen home, with all officers elected as follows: Mrs. Melvin Anaas, president; Miss Mayme Hallingstad, vice president; Mrs. Albin Hanevold, secretary; Mrs. Hilmer Hagen, treasurer; Mrs. Ole Hallingstad, financial secretary; Mrs. Karsten Linnerud, instructor; Irvin Ludstad, marshal; Albin Hanevold and Goodwin Everson, guards; and Miss Mabel Galstad, trustee.

December 8, 1923

            Saturday morning little Roy Havenor met with an accident. He was running out in the street when Paul Moltzau of Strum drove past in his car. Roy’s head was badly bruised, but no internal injuries were found, and he is now better and able to be up and around the house.

December 8, 1911

            The village election Friday, at which was voted upon the question of borrowing $12,000 from the state to build a village hall, was carried in favor of the proposition by a vote of 94 to 62.

December 8, 1898

            Principal C.F. Huleatt has been incapacitated from school duties the past week, being laid up with inflammation of the eye of a severe character. Mrs. Huleatt, occupies her husband’s place at the head of the graded school.

December 8, 1887

            Our merchants are having a good trade, despite the dull times.

December 8, 1876

            The Dramatic Club’s entertainment of last Friday evening was very slimly attended, owing to the severe cold weather of that night. The drama, “Doing for the Best,” drew, as it justly merited, considerable applause, and proves a valuable addition to the club’s repertoire of plays. Betsy Stubbs, played by N.N. Green, was admirably personated, and we may say without disparagement to the rest of the club, could not well be bettered.

December 7, 1972

            Harold and Irene Everson, owners of the Walgert Hotel in Whitehall the past 25 years, have sold the business to Ted and Shirley Johnson of Whitehall.

December 7, 1957

            A stag supper for sportsmen, sponsored by the Whitehall-Pigeon Rod and Gun Club, will be held at the West Lincoln club on Hwy. 121 two miles west of Whitehall Saturday at 8 pm.

December 7, 1945

    All officers of the Royal Neighbors lodge were re-elected at the annual meeting and Christmas party Friday evening. Mrs. W. G. Olson was hostess. Officers are oracle, Mrs. Edward Scott; vice-oracle, Mrs. W. G. Olson; recorder, Mrs. Melvin Elstad; receiver, Mrs. R. A. Lamberson; chancellor, Mrs. G. S. Rice; and marshal, Mrs, Lamberson. Initiation will be held the first Friday evening meeting in January.

December 7, 1934

            Friday morning was the coldest of the season, and thermometers registered as much as 18 below.

December 7, 1922

            Bert Thompson has installed a radio in his residence, and the family and not a few neighbors are enjoying nightly concerts from distant cities — Chicago, Kansas City, and point in Texas.

December 7, 1912

            Fred Dettinger of Northfield left Saturday for Philadelphia, Pa., stopping over Sunday at Galesville, from where he will be accompanied by Jacob Blankenhorn.

December 7, 1898

            The contract for extending the steam heat into the courtroom and jury rooms of the courthouse was let by committee yesterday to Frank Hengel for $225, the work to be completed by Jan. 1.

December 7, 1883

            The courtroom of the new courthouse at Whitehall is being rapidly put in readiness for the coming term of court.

December 6, 1973

            The Whitehall Willing Workers and the Lucky Clover 4-H clubs met in a joint session recently and decided to merge. The new club’s name will be chosen through a contest among its members. Officers of the new group are Carol Anderson, president; Lori McRae, vice president; Marie Rasmussen, secretary; Ken Giese, treasurer; Kevin Giese, reporter; and Kathleen Fischer, music leader.

December 6, 1958

            John Nyhus of Hibbing, Minn., spent the weekend here with his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Alyn Larson. His friend, Miss Judy Bruce of Madison, joined him here.

December 6, 1947

            Prizes are being offered by the Whitehall Lions Club to the homeowners who decorate the exterior of their residences most attractively for the Christmas season. First prize will be $15, second $10, and third prize, $5. The club will secure judges from out of town to judge the displays after Dec. 21.

December 6, 1934

            The younger generation is enjoying the recent snowfall and indulging in sliding and skiing. Andrew Bensend, one of Whitehall’s earliest citizens, recalls the winter of 1885 when a 12-hour rain followed a heavy snowstorm, which formed a crust over the landscape. That was a winter of an unusual amount of outdoor sport activities. Andrew says that Whitehall people young and old would go to the hill west of town on the Speerstra farm and slide across the fields, using cutters, bob-sleighs, hand sleds and even scoop shovels and boards. The speed acquired was almost unlimited.

December 6, 1924

            Railroad crossings at Whitehall are unobstructed, and a fatal accident has never occurred. The Green Bay and Western Railroad trains do not travel through Whitehall at a coast-limited speed, but an autoist would likely come out of a collision with a Green Bay train ready for an undertaker. We have observed several instances lately where motorists have attempted to avoid a few moments delay at the Main Street crossing by beating the trains across. A gentleman changed his mind Saturday night and stopped just in time, although tracks in the snow showed he didn’t change his mind too quickly.

December 9, 1909

            Miss Julia Larson returned Monday from a visit with her uncle, Oliver Waller, at Osseo and brother Clarence at Eleva.

December 6, 1897

            Geo. K. Whitney is doing business in the Reitzel block, having opened his store Monday. Ole Iverson has taken a clerkship with Mr. Whitney.

December 6, 1883

            The juveniles continue catching on to moving trains. The practice will probably be kept up without intercession until some of them are maimed for life or killed deader than a smelt.

Dec. 5, 1968

                  The annual meeting of Tri-County Memorial Hospital will be held in the hospital dining room Thursday. Five board members will be elected, four for three-year terms and one for a one-year term to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Omar Austad, Blair. Directors whose three-year terms have expired are: the Rev. O. G. Birkeland, Whitehall; Lester Senty, Independence, and Robert Hanson, Pigeon Falls. Goodwin Anderson, Whitehall, elected last year to a one-year term, also is eligible for a three-year term. T. O. Rice and Knut Amble, Whitehall, and Joseph Roskos, Independence, are holdover directors whose terms expire next year. Dr. L. L. Hanley, Whitehall, also is a member of the board.

December 5, 1957

                  The Mississippi Valley Conference officially closed the 1957 football season Thursday at the annual football banquet in Black River Falls. Whitehall linebacker Don Bautch was honored as a first-team all-conference selection; second-team honorees were end Jerry Hagen, guard Dave Berg and running back Jerry Gilbertson.

December 5, 1946

                  National Newsreels, Inc., of Whitehall and Black River Falls is the first movie company in the United States to have a complete series of high school football games in color, according to the incorporators, Colonel Larson of Whitehall and Henry Quartermont and Y. “Pidg” Hallingstad of Black River Falls. National Newsreels was started as an idea nine years ago by Mr. Larson, who took films of summer resorts in Wisconsin and Minnesota for advertising purposes.

December 5, 1933

                  The Rev. and Mrs. P. A. Langvald of Superior gave a musical entertainment at the Baptist church Tuesday evening. The program included music on stringed instruments, readings by Mr. Langvald and songs in English, Norwegian and Swedish. Mr. and Mrs. Langvald were guests of the Rev. and Mrs. H. G. Wright while in Whitehall.

December 5, 1918

                  Whitehall’s service flag has another gold star. Corp. J. Arthur Erickson, former druggist at the Fortun pharmacy, has surrendered his life for the great cause, dying of bronchial pneumonia in France on Oct. 6. Mr. Erickson was an idol of Whitehall people, a willing worker and liberal subscriber for all public improvements.

December 5, 1907

                  Superintendent Johnson of the county asylum has begun using water from the new reservoir on the grounds. It has a capacity of 2,500 barrels.

December 5, 1895

                  December is winter.

December 5, 1883

                  The sum total for furnishing the county courthouse is $1,750, instead of $2,000 as was announced last week.

December 4, 1970

            Dave Knudtson scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds Friday to lead Whitehall to its second Dairyland Conference win in as many tries, 76-48 over Blair. Jeff Dahl and Dave Schroeder added 18 and 12, respectively, for the Norsemen.

December 4, 1958

            Pvt. Alfred Mattson, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Mattson, Whitehall, recently participated with the 24th Division’s 21st Infantry in combat efficiency training tests in Germany. Mattson is a cannoneer in the 21st’s Heavy Mortar Battery. He entered the Army last March and arrived in Europe in August. 

December 4, 1947

            The members of the Mothers Club, interested in knowing the names of girls who would act as baby-sitters, conducted a survey among the seventh- and eighth-grade girls, and some of the high school girls. Those willing to work are Mary Mattson, Joan Thoreson, Georgia Staff, Kari Lynn Rice, Rita Olson, Nancy Lou Boll, Shirley Mae Lee, Mary Joan Klomsten, Sharon Wood, Patty Hegge, Jacqueline Bautch, Yvonne Teigen, Solveig Ambli, Dorothy Swanson, Joan Hunter, Ethel Erickson, Lona Engen, Ardis Christianson, Mary Herberg, Bonnie Mae Klomsten, Beverly Moen, Anne Holtan, Elaine Jacobson and Susanne Bensend.

December 4, 1935

            Street decorations for the Yuletide season were strung Tuesday and Wednesday. The evergreen streamers and the Christmas tree on the Village Hall square were illuminated with colored lights. With the absence of snow, it does not seem that Christmas is so near, but with the street decorations and attractively trimmed windows in our stores, we are convinced that the annual visit of Santa Claus is not far in the distance.

December 4, 1924

            O.C. Torson has added considerable more shelf room to the public library in the City Hall, necessitated by the increasing number of books on hand for the reading public.

December 4, 1913

            This is regular April weather.

December 4, 1902

            Iver Semb, formerly of Pigeon Falls, has rented and begun blacksmithing in the Beach shop, formerly occupied by Martin Larson. 

December 4, 1890

            O.A. Hegg has built a snug and convenient wood house. Mr. Hegg is determined to have things handy about his premises.

December 4, 1884

            The hardwood floor in the town hall is all laid and ready for skating. The skates have been ordered, and we are now waiting for the grand opening of the rink. 

December 3, 1967

                  Members of the First Baptist congregation held the first worship service in their new church building Sunday morning. A large attendance of members and visitors was present for the service in the new auditorium, which seats 200, compared with 85 in the old church.

December 3, 1957

                  Quinn Holtan scored 21 points to pace Whitehall to a 45-26 win in the Mississippi Valley Conference opener Tuesday night. Jerry Gilbertson added 12 for the Norsemen.

December 3, 1945

                  John Fjeld, foreman, started work Monday morning with a crew of men laying a sewer main from the corner of West and Blair streets to the golf club house.

December 3, 1935

                  Officers of the Scandinavian American Fraternity elected at the annual meeting held at the Village Hall Tuesday are: Mrs. Carsten Linneruud, president; Emil Hanevold, vice- president; Mrs. Albin Hanevold, secretary; Mrs. Hilmer Hagen, treasurer; Mrs. Ole Hallingstad, financial secretary; Alfred Olson of Fly Creek, marshall; Mrs. Melvin Anaas, instructor; Mrs. Simon Windjue, inner guard; Mrs. Emil Hanevold, outer guard; Miss Mabel Galstad, trustee; Miss Charlotte Evenson, correspondent to the journal; and Mrs. Emil Hanevold, Mrs. Melvin Anaas and Mrs. Carsten Linnerud, auditing committee.

December 3, 1922

                  Pigeon Falls — Hilman Nelson had the misfortune of having his new brown overcoat with fur collar stolen at the Young Peoples Society in the United Lutheran Hall Sunday.

                  The party who took the overcoat from the Young Peoples Society hall in Pigeon Falls last Sunday night is known. If said party will return or send the coat to this office at once, no questions will be asked.

December 3, 1908

                  Winter has set in earnestly.

December 3, 1896

                  Miss Borghild Larson desires to announce that from now until Jan. 1 she will give three trial lessons free to scholars in instrumental music.

December 3, 1885

                  No snow yet. The weather continues delightful.

December 2, 1972

            County Clerk Harold Tomter suffered cracked bones in both elbows when he fell from a ladder while doing carpentry work at the Maynard Roelof residence in Pigeon Falls last Saturday.

Thursday, December 4, 1958

            Twin sons were born Dec. 2 to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Boehm at the Community Hospital.

December 2, 1945

                  A program on the Pocket Testament league will be held at Our Saviour’s church here Sunday evening at the Senior Luther League meeting. The program will include a talk on the league by Miss Amy Kins, Pocket Testament league secretary for Whitehall, and information on the subject by Irene MacCornack and Seth Speerstra. The Rev. O. O. Birkeland will conduct a Bible quiz.

December 2, 1934

            T.B. Olson and Sidney Gilbertson went to Minneapolis Sunday on business.

December 2, 1919

            A cold wave struck us the beginning of the week. The government thermometer went to 25 below zero Tuesday night.

December 2, 1909

            Thomas Warner of Rosholt is visiting relatives in Hale.

December 2, 1897

            Archie Wood is putting new shelving in Scott Bros. store.

December 2, 1886

            There is considerable excitement in the neighborhood of York, Jackson County, over the discovery of an alleged Eldorado. Bent Gilbertson, living in that vicinity, while digging a well last week, struck a rock at 18 feet which is said to be literally alive with rich gold and silver quartz. The rock has been examined by local experts, who claim there is millions in it. Specimens have been forwarded to Milwaukee to been forwarded to Milwaukee to be assayed, and Bent is now awaiting with anxious suspense the result of the assayer’s examination. The man’s farm contains 80 acres, and he has already been offered $1,500 for the property. But so great is his faith in the rich development of his discovery that he would not part with his farm for 10 times that amount. Our advice to Bent is to take the $1,500. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

December 1, 1973

            Whitehall’s small but successful “Meals on Wheels” program will apparently come to an end Dec. l, the victim of several factors. Among those was a decision on the part of the Tri-County Memorial Hospital that it was no longer practical to prepare the meals for the program, which provides hot meals for the elderly and homebound. Competition from the county’s new elderly nutrition program was also a factor.

December 1, 1958

            Mrs. Dorothy Haugen returned to her teaching in the Whitehall grades this week after spending several days with her husband, Halvor, town of Hale farmer, who underwent major surgery at an Eau Claire hospital.

December 1, 1944

            Rudolph Hagen of Whitehall has been promoted to section foreman on the Green Bay and Western Railroad at Independence, effective Dec. 1. He succeeds Joe Dureski, who has retired.

December 1, 1933

                  Officers were elected by the Royal Neighbors at their meeting Friday night. The officers will be Installed Jan. 6. They are as follows: Mrs. Winnie Scott, oracle; Inga Solsrud, vice oracle; Mrs. Mary Elstad, recorder; Mrs. Clara Lieberg, receiver; Amy Scott, past oracle; Ida Rice, chancellor; Hazel Mahle, marshal; Pearl Engen, inner sentinel; Mina Mason, outer sentinel; Cora DeBow, manager; Inga Olson, musician.

December 1, 1919

            Chas. Melby, Ed Erickson, F.D. Hopkins and E.A. Sorenson returned by train Monday with a deer apiece. They left the car at Mellen, finding the snow too deep to get through.

December 1, 1905

            A concert will be given by the Gale College band at the Synod Lutheran Church Friday evening, December 1. Rev. Gimmestadt will also deliver a lecture in English on that evening.

December 1, 1892

            The Skandinavian Hotel in town is advertised for sale. It is good property and can be made to pay well by anyone who understands the management of a hostelry like its proprietor and present manager. Mrs. Larson is getting too old to give the business the attention it requires, hence her desire to sell the property.

December 1, 1881

            Charlie Adams has his new store about completed. It is one of the most prominent buildings on Main Street and has been built with great care.

November 30, 1969

            A total of 415 deer, shot during the season which closed Sunday, were registered at the Foss Mobil Station in Whitehall. That is down from the previous year’s total of 563, which is considered to be a record.

November 30, 1956

            Eighty-six votes were cast Friday in the first-ever election of the recently-incorporated village of Pigeon Falls. Henry Paulson edged Arthur Dahl for the village presidency 45-40, while Robert Hanson, Louie Larson and Edwin Tomter won the posts of clerk, treasurer and assessor, respectively, with the latter running unopposed. Oluf Lovlien won the supervisor’s post 54-31 over Thurman Fremstad, and Albert Eid was elected justice of the peace on a write-in vote. O.B. Sletteland and Wilhelm Ringlien were elected village trustees.

November 30, 1945

            The Royal Neighbors were entertained Friday at their Christmas party at the home of Mrs. W. O. Olson. Officers were elected.

November 30, 1935

            A good program was heard at the Farm Union social meeting in the hall Saturday. Mrs. Ole Tenseth and Ed Jacobson each gave reports as delegates to Union conventions, while Hon. Merlin Hull spoke in his usual interesting way.

November 30, 1922

            Thanksgiving Day is being generally observed here. All the businesses are closed, and the churches having proper exercises. The weather is mild, but a drizzling rain is falling.

November 30, 1911

            Skumlien and Engen of Pigeon finished threshing Thanksgiving Day.

November 30, 1899

            The creamery company has prepared for winter by grading an approach from their property to the pond. When that body of water freezes, teams will be able to cross it.

November 30, 1886

            Over 3,000 bushels of grain were marketed in Whitehall Tuesday of this week. What town on the Green Bay line can beat it? Don’t all speak at once.

November 30, 1876

            Bring forth the Stewed Turkey, the roasted oysters, and the Michigan wine. Let us eat, drink, and be thankful that things are no worse, and that it is yet uncertain who will issue the next Thanksgiving proclamation.

November 29, 1971

            The Whitehall Happy Homemakers recently named the following officers: Mrs. DuWayne Mickelson, president; Mrs. Neal Dauphine, vice president; Mrs. Robert Byington, secretary; and Mrs. Robert Hemauer.

November 29, 1959

            A Luther League hayride will begin at 8 p.m. Sunday at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. David Schaefer is general chairman, assisted by Janet Foss, Karen Pavek, David Dale, Carol Holstad, James Solsrud, Ron Pavek, Jack Brush, Dick Jackson, Karen Nelson, Andrea Thomte and Betty Dahl.

November 29, 1945

            A city basketball team has been organized by LaVern Nelson, Bruce Wilberg and other former high school basketball stars. They will have their first game tonight here with the Taylor city team, the game to open at 8 o’clock.

November 29, 1934

            Little Jacqueline Thurston of La Crosse is spending a few days with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. August Ringstad.

November 29, 1919

            The Whitehall fire department was called out last Saturday evening about six o’clock by a chimney fire at the F.W. Lowe residence. No damage resulted, and the fire was extinguished before the arrival of the equipment.

November 29, 1909

            Martin Wood returned to his home in Pigeon Monday after two weeks absence in Canada and Minnesota.

November 29, 1898

            Deputy Sheriff Penny of Arcadia was here Tuesday with parties from that place who were being heard before Justice Scott concerning their knowledge of a violation of the statute with reference to the Sunday closing of saloons.

November 29, 1888

            M.C. Olson has secured the services of an additional tailor, making three hands now in his employ, and is better prepared than ever to serve his numerous customers.

November 29, 1877

            Members of the Dramatic Club are requested to meet at Dan Camp’s residence next Thursday evening at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of arranging a series of entertainments for the coming winter.

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