Editor's note: Looking Back is a weekly feature on the pages of the Star Eagle.
100 Years Back – 1917
• There are to be no Christmas programs at the school this year. This is due to the fact that the children are over-taxed at this time of the year and it is thought better to prepare an elaborate program for Washington’s birthday.
• Albert Verplank lost a fine new milch cow one day last week. With butter bringing 49 cents a pound retail, the loss of a new milch cow is especially noticeable to the owner right now.
• Virnig’s Pre-Inventory Sale: Monarch steel range, $78; Royal Seal range, $45; 18-in. Moore Hot Blast, $24.50; Royal Elmhurst hard coal heater, $68; Voss Swing Wringer wash machine $28; Swing Wringer power washer, $26; Short globe lanterns, 98c; Barn door latches, while they last, 35c; 5-gal. EZflow oil and gas cans, $1.35; No. 2 Lisk Roaster, $2.65; No. 3 Lisk Roaster, $2.85; Blue enamel tea kettles, $1.23; Galvanized baskets, 1 ½ bushels, 98c; Manila rope, 33c; Sisel rope, 24c; Harrisons House Paint, $2; 10% discount on all aluminum ware, silverware and cutlery—C. I. Virnig Hardware Co.
• A quiet wedding was solemnized at the German Lutheran parsonage when Miss Olga Possin of Gibbons and Lewis Reick of Otisco were united in marriage, the Rev. E. Schultz officiating. The groom is a prosperous young farmer with many friends in this vicinity and Otisco.
• Conditions in Russia are becoming intolerable and American Ambassador Francis is advising Americans to leave. Food supplies throughout Russia are becoming so scarce as to suggest an approaching famine.
• Carter’s Little Liver Pills. A vegetable remedy that always gives prompt relief in constipation. Banishes that tired feeling altogether and puts you right over night. Stimulates the liver gently, but quickly restoring it to full and healthy action, and the stomach and bowels to their normal functions. Making life worth living.
75 Years Back – 1942
• Christmas programs are all set for area rural churches. Serving as narrators at LeSueur River Lutheran are Marjorie Anderson, Ione Schoaf and Doris Paulson. Clifford Hokanson will handle the duties at Vista Lutheran.
• We are glad to report that Private Dewey Herbst, who was critically ill last week with spinal meningitis, is well on the road to recovery.
• Private Clarence H. Theilen, well known in New Richland as an employee of the New Richland Produce Co. and Full-O-Pep Hatchery, wrote to Editor Brown stating how much he enjoyed the Star.
• Arthur C. Ewert of Alton was reelected president of the Waseca County Farm Bureau. Harold Britton, also of Alton, was elected vice president; Andrew A. Lynch, St. Mary’s, secretary-treasurer; and Bob Hodgson, Woodville, director at large.
• A heavy financial loss was suffered by the Central Electric & Telephone Co. when rain which fell turned into sleet and lodged on telephone wires. The greatly added weight caused many poles to break.
• Arthur C. Ewert of Alton was reelected president of the Waseca County Farm Bureau. Harold Britton, also of Alton, was elected vice president; Andrew A. Lynch, St. Mary’s, secretary-treasurer; and Bob Hodgson, Woodville, director at large.
• Gene Nelson returned from St. Paul after spending the weekend with his friend, James Jeddeloh, who attends Macalester College there.
• Miss Hattie Davis visited to spend Christmas Day with her niece and family, Mr. and Mrs. L.F. Betchwars.
50 Years Back – 1967
• Private Gary Nelson, son of Glen Nelson of New Richland, is stationed at Fort George E. Meade in Maryland.
• “I feel our Minnesota Twins will be a contender for the American League Pennant again in 1968,” wrote manager Cal Ermer in a column that appeared in the Star. “Jackie Hernandez and Rick Renick are both fine young ballplayers, and we’ve always got Cesar Tovar in the wings should they fall short. The right side of the infield appears to be all set with All-Stars Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew. Dean Chance, Jim Kaat, Jim Perry, Dave Boswell and Jim Merritt appear to be our starting pitchers. Our bench was simply great in 1967.”
• Santa Claus came to New Richland in a pony and cart with rubber tires, the weather not being suitable for his reindeer and sleigh. Driving for him was Herman Nemitz.
• The New Richland Co-op Services held its annual meeting at the high school, announcing sales had increased $119,400 to $431,745.45 for the previous year. Harold Ackman was reelected as a director, as was Orlin Lewer. George Byron was elected to replace George Dobberstein, whose term expired.
• Powered by six falls, New Richland captured its third straight wrestling win with a 44-7 victory over Waterville. Winning by fall were Tim Theilbar, David Winegar, Scott Routh, Allan Routh, Larry Berg and David Laine. Also winning were Mitch Routh, Duane Swenson, Craig Madson and Mike Supalla. The B-squad defeated Waterville 37-11 with wins by Ricki Stafford, Mike Berg, Mark Routh, Ron Jensen, Dennis Haug, Randy Swenson, Mike Chicos, Greg Kaupa and Tim Sibilrud.
• The New Richland basketball team defeated Waterville 79-50. Tom Bergner scored 25 for the Cardinals, with Loren Skelton adding 19, Dick Tobey 12 and Bruce Breilen 11.
25 Years Back – 1992
• Among Carol Reese’s dancers to perform at New Richland Care Center were Patricia Hendrickson, Jessica Hendrickson, Erin Anderson, Betsy Waldhauser, Andrea Perkins, Cari Klug, Cali Schue, Kelly Schmidt, Crystal Winter, Tasha Kay, Emily Horan, Tiffany Wayne and Kristine Demmer.
• The New Richland-Hartland/Ellendale-Geneva FFA Poultry Judging Team placed first in region and district competitions in Mankato. Members were Ryan Weber, Jeremy Hullupeter, Zach Bell and Matt Harris.
• Kristi Harrington and Becky Miller displayed some of the many toys and gifts collected on the Caring and Sharing trees in New Richland.
• The Harold Supalla home was chosen for first place in the Hartland Christmas Decorating Contest. Second went to the Roger Meyer house.
• The New Richland-Hartland/Ellendale-Geneva wrestling team took second in a four-team meet. “We had a good night after a slow start,” coach Paul Cyr told the Star. Leading the Panthers were Gabe Routh, Josh Klemmensen, Matt Petsinger and Mark Dobberstein.
• The Panther girls’ basketball team lost 37-35 to Bethlehem Academy and 50-37 to Blooming Prairie. Anne Chicos had 19 points and 13 rebounds in the BA game. Against Blooming Prairie, Lynn Miller scored 13 and Jill Anderson nine.
• In spite of a cold wind, Santa Claus was deluged by several hundred New Richland area kids during his annual visit to the community.
Compiled by Jim Lutgens and Jessica Lutgens