The verdict is still out on sugar. It remains a matter of opinion, but I saw an ad on the television explaining that sugar is sugar, whether it comes from corn or not.

This is not true. Quite simply, there is a difference between real sugar and corn sugar. The reality is that corn sugar is the ingredient more commonly known as HFCS, otherwise known as high fructose corn syrup.

The compound HFCS, which came into existence in about 1957, is a popular food item in sodas, breads, candies, soups, dressings and dairy products. It is an inexpensive alternative to sugar that many believe is worse for you than the real thing.

HFCS has managed to find its way into many processed foods, so don't forget to read the label. If it is on the label, get it off the table! If you’re not already aware, HFCS can also cause insulin resistance, which can lead to type two diabetes and fatty liver disease. It also affects your body’s feeling of being full, causing overconsumption.    

Actually, research has found that rats fed a diet of HFCS gained 48% more weight. There was also a marked increase for fat found in their blood, when compared with those fed common table sugar.

The HFCS argument has gone on for years. Most independent studies say that there’s no difference. C&S sugar still claims that "only cane sugar was sugar" - sugar beet sugar was somehow inferior.

Studies by the American Medical Association say, "It appears unlikely that HFCS contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose." They do however call for further independent research on the subject. 

In any case, HFCS has been classified as generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1976. Although it’s not “harmful,” I would try to avoid HFCS sugar as much as possible.

There’s one other aspect to cover: taste. When traveling in foreign countries, experienced travelers try to avoid the water, and drink carbonated beverages such as soda, beer and sparkling water. You see, carbonated beverages are commercially produced, giving us some assurance. 

This carbonation kills bacteria, so when hearing the hiss of carbonation, we are assured that it has not been tampered with. Why do I mention this? Because Coca-Cola tastes different in other parts of the world. A quick check of the ingredients shows that they use sugar instead of corn syrup.

There is a slogan used to halt the use of salt. You've heard many say I don't use much salt and never put it on the table. Good for you. But that is not the whole story.  The real story is in that number after sodium on the food label. If that number is high, don't buy it.

Sea salt does have some ingredients that may be good for you, but the fact remains, it is still salt. Don't let the manufactures fool you into thinking that it is safe to use, if you are not advised to use salt. 

Also, remember to check the herbs and spices (but also check for salt) for flavoring foods. As manufacturers remove oils from foods and plaster the information on the label, they neglect to tell you that they slipped in other ingredients like salt and sugar - all to enhance the flavor.

While on the subject of what not to eat or use, let’s talk about the dangers of plastic. It has been found that plastic is not as innocent or as forgiving as once thought. Young children should not be exposed to most plastic utensils or toys, especially foods heated in plastic dinnerware.

The rule also applies to kids of all ages. Since many toys are imported from other countries, who knows what is in there. It is hard enough to monitor things made here in our own country, let alone things made elsewhere. 

As for washing those toys, some say a little bleach in hot water and a rinse later is OK. Others say vinegar or peroxide will disinfect and not leave a chemical residue.

Considering the worth of your child - aren't organics worth the cost? Researchers now say children fed organic foods do better than those who aren't. Yes, we can wash and spray, but what’s to say it does the trick.

I've stuck my neck out before and will no doubt again, but I am not ashamed to say I do not care for tattoos. Why anyone would permanently discolor and damage a perfectly beautiful God-given body, I'll never know.

I guess that is their business, not mine. However, tattoos aren't just a blotch on the skin. In actuality they are harmful. Dark henna, the blue and black dye, is especially harmful to the skin. The dye may be safe to use on your hair, but it has not been approved to use as skin dye in the USA. 

Another consideration is this: the henna dye is derived from indigo, and contains PPD, p-pyhenylenediamine. Again, it may be ok for hair but not for skin. Research shows that 15% of people have an allergic reaction to it, more so as they age and are exposed to sun and light.  

It can cause intense scarring, liver tumors, breathing problems and other complications, not to mention embarrassment in the later years. One might also ask if the ink contains such ingredients as silver nitrate, chromium or pyrogalliol.

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that chewing gum can boost your metabolism up to 20 percent.

That could help you lose up to 10 pounds in a year. It also boosts memory, prevents tooth decay and relieves tension and stress. It helps you control eating habits and cravings for food, because it gives your mouth an activity. It is better for your teeth and overall health to chew gum that has a little bit of sugar from cane sugar, than it is to chew gum with artificial sweeteners.

There is a strange sounding gum I have never found called Xylitol, which is derived from birch trees and is low in calories. It has a much lower glycemic index than sugar so it is safe for diabetics. Actually it can protect your teeth from decay.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, May 12th: Everal Lageson, Richie Robinson, Dorothy Jensen, Larry & Jean Klocek

• Friday, May 13th: Brooklyn Christine DuBois, her 8th; David Richards, Rose Glienke, Troy Donahue, Curt Esplan, John Nechanicky, Holly Pence, Tracy Swearingen, Larry Schmidt, Reed Thostenson, Rose Glienke, Alan & Kathy Knudson, John & Barbara Olson

• Saturday, May 14th: Clair Dahl, Linda Olson, Anna Mae Peterson, her 6th; Katie Peterson, Ginger Thompson, Bruce Waage, Brad Wayne, Judy VerHey, Mark VerHey, Jeff Christensen, Shannon Krikava

• Sunday, May 15th: Carter Hagen, Evan Dobberstein, Megan Grubish, Alex Wayne, Mark Flesche, Dan Hagen, Don Hagen, Nicole Strand Harris, Stephanie Krueger, Neil Berg, Sandy Jensen, Marsha Neitzell, Tammy Thompson, Brett & Jessica Richards, Ralph & Irene Krueger, Jon & Nicole Farr

• Monday, May 16th: Ron Kubicek, Mark Reistad, Mark Skroch, Vernie Stieglbauer, Kim Lageson, Doug Lembke, Judy Karsjens, Anne Larson, Allycia Zinke, Becky Phagan, Bev White, Annie Larson, Christine & Brian Carlson

• Tuesday, May 17th: Laura Caroline Deml, her 4th; Caitlyn Nelson, David Thompson, Dale DeRaad, Rhonda Lund Thevenot, Jerry Blouin, Robert Briggs, Dyne Thereneau, Kay Barclay, Darlyne Paulson, Luella Reiman, Judith Hatch, Thomas Shawback, Rose & Carl Glienke

• Wednesday, May 18th: Blake Ihrke, Zachary Jacob Dau, Cory Bailey, David Farr, Arlene Busho, Arlene Cummins, Xan Johnson, Mandy Muri Johannsen, Charlie Hanson, Dan Schember, Hank Thompson, Carol Stohr, Vernetta Scott, Roger Draayer, Kelly Krumwiede, Rod Serdahl, Dan & Val Schember, Sue & Dean Westrum, Ken & Pat Sable

• Thursday, May 19th: Christina Hill Berry, Madison Schweirjohann, Summer Schember Schultz, Mike Rysavy, John Oolman, Dawn Parks, Tim & Tiffany Hanson

• Friday, May 20th: Oakley Baker, Kaye Schember Cady, Laureen Hohansee, Kathy Hanson, Hannah Ashton, Carrie Thorstenson, Penny Nordhorn, Haley Collins, Scott Stohr, Kevin Peterson, Kent Lageson, Josh Kelly, Virginia Jensen, Cynthia Butler, Jay & Marsha Neitzel, Ed & Camille Nelson, Hannah Ashton, Adam & Kristen Arends

Here's hoping that your special day brings you laughter, a light heart and much love.

It is hard to believe that Mother’s Day and Prom are both coming up this next weekend. Prom begs many questions: What was it like that year? Is it still in your favorite memories? What did you wear? Where did you go and how was the gymnasium decorated? 

In my mother’s time, there was a junior-senior banquet, with no music or dancing. The girls wore formal dresses, and she believed the boys got "dressed up," but not in tuxedos. The banquet was held in the gymnasium, because back in those days, there was no school cafeteria. 

The mothers of the junior students prepared the meal and the dinner was then served by the sophomore students. Eventually, the banquet became a tea or luncheon, which soon disappeared from the Prom scene.

My mother also remembers a theme selected for the banquet. She doesn't remember fine details, but does remember there was a make believe radio station, appropriately with the "call numbers" being Korn.

Most of the boys were obliged to drive the family car; I would wager few young people owned their own car back in those “good old days.” This annual affair served as a great way to perform an overhaul cleaning of the family vehicle. If anything, the car had a good re-polishing.

At that time, only junior and senior students from Ellendale, no "outsiders,” were allowed to attend. That eventually changed when juniors and seniors started seriously dating sophomores. Actually, it became a "big thing" to bring a date from a different community, especially if they were particularly stylish, beautiful or handsome.

Attire changed through the years. Many of the earlier dresses were designed and made by the girl or her mother. Some were extravagantly bought at about $39. The dress was worn for both the junior and senior proms. 

My mother remembers her favorite dress, with bold colored flowers worn by Alice Richards. It was the talk and envy of all the girls. Through the years, the Misgen girls had some spectacular dresses, probably made by their mother or Aunt Audrey.

I would guess that tuxedos became the “thing” to wear over time. A brave soul may have tried something new, and then the next year, there were more followers.  One year, "tuxs" trended more towards white, but then tapered off to just a few. 

Vests matched dresses - garters were worn by the guys on top of their suit coat sleeves. Corsages were worn on the left shoulder and went to the wrist.  One year, the fashion statement was black, and another year slinky and sequined was all the rage. Bouffant dresses were trendy in the early progression of proms, gave way for awhile, and now this style is coming back with billowing skirts, tucks and layers. The original pink, blue and yellows of yesteryear are in style again, but cost a great deal of money.

Back then, one put their own hair, which was usually long, up with bobby pins. A few got "waved" at a beauty shop. Now most girls frequent the beauty salon for a style they hope will wow their date and the spectators. Many are given the works from pedicures to manicures, facials, and of course you have to have a wonderfully tan to go with the new dress.

Shoes have gone up and down to the highest and the lowest of styles, including "flip flops," but not the $1.98 kind you find at the dollar store. This silver and gold footwear are found more at expensive department stories, and are more comfy for dancing.

Every year brings its own trends and individuality.  The same goes for limousines that ran their course and sort of faded out. This faded fad is probably due to the fact that the guy eventually had more ability to buy their own vehicles as the years went on.

Somewhere along the way it became important to "go somewhere" after the prom. Now it’s usually the security of the "After Prom Party," which is probably the most fun for all. Every year, Dan Nelson works with the parents of the junior and senior students to get the whole event planned.

Dan and Terry Jensen have probably hosted all of the parties held at the Geneva Community Center since it began years ago.

A long tradition that had been held in New Richland was students obtaining their prom tickets at the New Richland Care Center. This allowed the care center residents to see the "pretty couples" decked out in the finest of attire. Some years, the juniors and seniors came to the care center to have a Senior Citizens prom. I am sure that it was a thrill for those elderly folks who probably never experienced a prom before.

It has been fun rooting through old Ellendale Raider annuals to try and piece together that era in the lives of many of our area residents. My best bet is that the first prom started in about 1951. The first ones had a banquet too. What was eaten is hard to tell; with that excitement for such a big event at school, who could remember. 

The annual Junior-Senior banquet in 1947 was "The Circus." In 1949, the theme of the banquet was "Southern Plantation.” The 1951 "The Raider Howls" annual stated that a great number of the previous year’s activities centered around the purpose of raising money for the Junior-Senior Banquet. 

The 1952 "Raider" asks this: “What shall be the prom theme?” The theme they selected was "Fairyland,” which was carried out in silver, gold and green decorations. Albert Lea Swing Band furnished the music. 

The Raider in 1953 said the junior class spent a great deal of their activities raising money for the Junior-Senior prom in 1952. The theme the junior class selected for the event was "Apple Blossoms in Moonlight." The theme for the junior-senior prom held in 1953 was "Harbor Lights."

The waitresses were all dressed in sailor-type attire. The theme back in 1954 was "Hawaiian Sunset," and Lenny Wavrin provided the music. Eventually, bands gave way to disc jockeys,, as it became too expensive for the classes to hire them.

I guess I could have done some more "researching" in the annuals, but I don't think that our paper would have allowed me that much space.

So what do you remember about your prom?  What comes to mind about this major event of the spring school year for you?  For most, prom and graduation were the last big things you experienced in your junior and senior years of high school.

It is hard to believe that some of the people who will be there to witness the grand march this year will be seeing their grandchildren and great grandchildren making their own memories of this big high school event.

Birthdays and annivesaries:

• Thursday, May 5th: Mckenzie Lynn Jensen, her 10th; Alexis Janning, his 10th; Jeff Draayer, Shirley Jensen, Melody Krenke, Ron Langlie, Ryan Larson, Shirley Swearingen, Amber Obermoller, Dennis Sauke, Martin Whelan, Erik & Shannon Smith, their 10th; John & Lucille Nechanicky, Tim & Jolene Sorenson, Kevin & Annie Avery

• Friday, May 6th: Caleb Scott Harpel, his 11th; Tracy Haddy, Cheryl Nelson, Iris Jensen, Brandon Wallace, Bill Vavra, Tim Wilker, Jennifer & Michael Vetsch, their 11th, Bill & Judith Hatch

• Saturday, May 7th: Brody Hanson, Brian Jensen, John Snyder, Nancy Swearingen Grant, Brian Johnson, Heidi & Jason Owen, their 5th, Bryan & Diane Brighton, Heidi (Crabtree) & Jason Owen, their 6th

• Sunday, May 8th: Olivia Kay Smith, her 5th; Kristina Follien, Marguerite Christensen Nelson, Ronald Wangsness, Elizabeth Bremer, Sandy Neubauer

• Monday, May 9th: Elli Pearl Baker, Aidan Jeffrey Schlaak, his 4th; John Jensen, Sue Pence, Jake Simmons, Vi Callahan, Julie Haroldson, Sue Hohansee, Audrey Horan, Karol Carroll, Njole Aaseth, Rachelle Doran, Carolyn Greer, Karla Kelly, Jerry Westrum, Jill (Ottesen) & Cam Kehne

• Tuesday, May 10th: Tari (Walterman) Erickson, Ryan Callahan, Tina Nelson, Steve Nielsen, Christine Ingvaldson, Dave Oeljenbrun, Mary Wilker, Brody Johnson, Mark & Sara Misgen, Rande & Jamie Nelson

• Wednesday, May 11th: Michaela Ann Hanielton, Jaxon Edward Beavens and Parker Reese Beavens, their 6th; Carol Cromwell Cox, Ed Haberman, Krista Hanson, Troy Janka, Daniel Robertson, Robert Vaith, Loretta Schewe, Scott & Shannon Pacholl

• Thursday, May 12th: Everal Lageson, Richie Robinson, Dorothy Jensen, Larry & Jean Klocek

• Friday, May 13th: Brooklyn Christine DuBois, her 8th; David Richards, Rose Glienke, Troy Donahue, Curt Esplan, John Nechanicky, Holly Pence, Tracy Swearingen, Larry Schmidt, Reed Thostenson, Rose Glienke, Alan & Kathy Knudson, John & Barbara Olson

I wish you sunshine, flowers and many, wonderful days ahead.

Here are some things you always wanted to know - or maybe not - but I will tell you anyway.

It is best to interrupt the diaphragm spasms that cause hiccups with a little lemon juice or by simply sucking on a lemon slice.  The sour taste gives a jolt that stops them, at least momentarily.

So many companies are advertising - no fat - low fat - as a means to catch the consumer’s eye. While this may be true and valid, sometimes these fats are replaced with other ingredients that are more than just a filler, which are downright not good for you.

We all know it takes a teaspoon of sugar to make the medicine go down. But it also takes a little sugar or salt to make some foods more palatable. Look for herbs that will bring out flavor, and also look on the label for sugar/salt substitutes that may be more harmful for your health.

Research suggests that 80% of all cancers and 70% of heart disease could be stopped or remedied, if we followed certain health rules.  Isn't it worth looking into? In fact, many catastrophic illnesses all stem from the lack of knowledge and participation, diabetes being one of them. 

There are so many unknown or not so widely known human illnesses out there. This truth should behoove us to do what we can to stop the obvious, so as to slow down the progression of new calamities along the way.

Are you aware that getting less than six hours of sleep makes you prone to developing cancerous polyps in your colon? It is more advisable to set your alarm clock for bed time than to set it for getting up.

Got an itch? If it is by your face, it could be from your cell phone.  By your belly button - your belt buckle.  On your wrist - your watch. Any of these items may have nickel in them, especially if they have been in use long enough to make the covering thinner.

Ohio State researchers say to stop sneezing and other allergic reactions with yoga practice. It keeps you from being stressed and more susceptible to allergies.

Figure how much you make an hour before you make a purchase. Is it worth the amount of time you spend to get it? Same goes for snacking. If you know how many hours you need to exercise for that taste of one calorie tidbit, you might think twice before you eat it.

Because 70% of your body is comprised of water, it stands to reason that many times when we really think we're hungry, we actually are thirsty. A glass of ice water every morning will require your body to heat up the water to body temperature, an effective weight loss technique. 

The body also utilizes the water to stay hydrated. Water is also necessary for blood circulation. To determine how much water your body needs, divide your weight in half. That number is the minimum amount of ounces you should consume in a day.

I've also heard that we should drink eight glasses of water for the first 150 pounds, and 8 ounces for every 25 pounds above that. It's never advised to gulp excessive amounts of water or other liquids, because it upsets the electrolyte balance which may send the body into shock. Remember too that foods you eat contribute to the water in your body.

Working out before breakfast prompts the body to burn more fat for fuel.  Having a cup of coffee right before a workout gives you endurance, plus it reduces any aches or pains you feel during exercise. The caffeine blocks adenosine, which is a chemical that sends pain signals to the brain, so sayeth the researchers at the University of Illinois.

Sipping coffee could reduce your risk of diabetes up to 30%. Coffee is rich in compounds that make your muscles more sensitive to sugar hormones in soft drinks, which helps you use more glucose for energy. Some say no coffee is best while others say it is good for you. Does it make you shake your head?

Research shows that women who sip just one soft drink or fruit punch daily increase their risk of developing diabetes by 83%. That large load of rapidly absorbed sugar taxes the pancreas' ability to keep blood sugar on an even keel, according to Dr. Testelbauns.

It isn't enough to keep the salt shaker off the table or out of the cooking area.  Often when sugar, oils and carbohydrates are cut from processed foods, the salt amount is increased to bring out the taste. Read the label!

People can cut their risk of diabetes 25% by consuming one of these treats daily: one cup of cherries, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, one cup of vegetarian chili, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, one cup of baby carrots, 1/4 cup sweet onions, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Also try ground cinnamon on oatmeal instead of sugar. It’s good.

Researchers say that drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or calcium fortified orange juice can boost our HDL's 10% or more. Keeping HDL's (good kind) above 55 milligrams could cut your risk of Alzheimer’s up to 60% (NY Columbia University).  HDL's clear artery clogging fats out of the brain so the brain tissues stay young and healthy.

Other ways to raise your HDL's include lifting weights and eating a diet rich in omega 3 and omega 98 like nuts, seeds, fish, seafood and avocados.

On the Campbell soup can down by the Educational coupon, I found a little sign that reads "Made in the USA.” That made my heart glad! We need more of those signs on our merchandise.

On to another topic...The kind of weather we've had certainly doesn't make you think sunscreen. Even so, sunscreen isn't just for sunny, summer days. It should be applied daily, because even on cloudy days the sun’s harmful rays penetrate the clouds and can damage your skin. Twenty minutes of sun exposure a day is all that is necessary for producing Vitamin D.

When we do too many things at once, we can't fully commit to doing any one thing well. This is especially important when you're driving, as it can quickly become a safety issue. It sounds like law enforcement are going to clamp down on this issue in the not too distant future, regarding cell phone usage, eating, etc.

Do you enjoy watching Dancing with the Stars?  Do you think about how much exercise is involved? It’s more than you think. Dancing actually enhances your memory and makes your brain grow.  Get smart - Dance!

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, April 28th: Martin Rossing, Rodney Peterson, Mildred Flugum, Jamie Cameron,  Jean & Chuck Groth

• Friday, April 29th: Derek Anthony Kubicek, his 5th; Jane Brocker, Roberta Dettman, Angie Hall, Mitchell Jensen, Pat & Linda Goodnature, Jennifer & Steve Schultz

• Saturday, April 30th: Nancy Williams, Jeff Misgen, Paul Moen, Bradley Randall, Dawn Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Jonathon Lein, Karey Dufresne, Judah Ashton, Jonathon Lein, Rick & Melonie Miller

• Sunday, May 1st: Carter Levi Titus, Jim Hanson, Shirley Pichner Helgeson, Christopher "Critter" Johnson, his 10th; Luke Dobberstein, Gene Budach, Sandi Otto Glenn, Richard Helmers, Sue Kasper Anderson, Tim Kasper, Norma Long, Cari Jensen, Thomas Van Riper, Veronica & Jim Graif, Heidi & Ryan Baldwin

• Monday, May 2nd: Jack Benjamin Owen, his 3rd; Diane Smith, Ted Radke, Jill Goodnature Kubicek, Bonnie Shaunce, Stephanie Corey, DeWayne Farr, Nolin Joe Simmons, his 7th; Joshua Nicholas Paulsen, his 9th; Roger Anderson, Gerald & Mildred Flugum, Dean & Carolyn Wangen

• Tuesday, May 3rd: Jase Dean Knudson, his 3rdd; Cassidy Worrell, Fern Possin, Justin Robertson, Dale Dulas, Wayne Dobberstein, Anthony Brandt, Merle Bartness, Leah (Ruth) & William (Bill) Scott, their 2nd

• Wednesday, May 4th: Joyce Wayne, Angie Worrell Aaseth, Daniel Knudson, Kenneth Schumacher, Charles Wangsness, Keith Miller, Shirley Draayer Anderson, Dean Heskett, Thad Tuttle, Leslie Ray Farr, her 9th; Jessica Marcus, Julia Elizabeth Rye, her 4th, Brooklyn Cecila Strand, her 7th, Melonie Butler, Lexi Jo Brandstad, her 10th  Thursday, May 5th: Mckenzie Lynn Jensen, her 10th; Alexis Janning, his 10th; Jeff Draayer, Shirley Jensen, Melody Krenke, Ron Langlie, Ryan Larson, Shirley Swearingen, Amber Obermoller, Dennis Sauke, Martin Whelan, Erik & Shannon Smith, their 10th; John & Lucille Nechanicky, Tim & Jolene Sorenson, Kevin & Annie Avery

• Friday, May 6th: Caleb Scott Harpel, his 11th; Brad Borchert, Tracy Haddy, Cheryl Nelson, Iris Jensen, Brandon Wallace, Bill Vavra, Tim Wilker, Jennifer & Michael Vetsch, their 11th, Bill & Judith Hatch, Everett & Marian Camp

Birthdays and anniversaries are for reflecting...dreaming...enjoying. Have a wonderful day!

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Antarctica. Charles Schultz.

One can only imagine how difficult times were during the Great Depression because most of us didn't experience it first-hand, but in some ways we did, because it left a mark on our parents and grandparents. When I think about it I realize it influenced their lives and ours in turn.

I know I always turn to my grandmother when I am thinking about stories, but in her I saw the effect of some of that extreme poverty.

She never bought anything unless she had the money to pay for it. She paid bills immediately and she saved for a rainy day. She didn't buy things she could do without. That is not to say she led a frugal life. She just knew the value of thinking ahead and doing without. It may have been second nature to her because she had already gone through some of those same problems coming from Denmark as a child. We could say maybe she didn't realize any difference, but that wasn't true. There were stories she told of other people’s wealth or possessions, but there was never any envy — just the fact that she could live without them. I remember in particular her talking about being invited to a birthday party as a school-age child at the biggest and fanciest house in town. It was like Cinderella at the ball. The house was so impressive to her. The house was well over 125 years old and still stands, and to me is still impressive despite its age.

When the liquor store in Geneva was built, my parents bought the house that stood on the piece of property that the city planned to build the new liquor store on. They had the house moved to its present location, just west of the park. It is part of the family today. But I am getting away from my original thinking.

There was no electricity in my grandparents’ farm home until my grandmother felt they could pay for it. The same was true of the refrigerator and the stove. She used the old cook stove. She never had a microwave or air conditioner, in fact, not even a fan. She did allow us to give her an electric frying pan and she was not a miser. She led a good life. She just had been brought up to know that though money isn't everything, without it is not easy.

The Great Depression of 1929 and the ‘30s taught thrift and conservation.  Rural families traditionally had stronger family, marriage, and relationships, possibly because they worked together and their marriages survived hard times better. It was not hard to understand that people had become afraid of the future. To our elders it meant taking no chances. Paying one’s debts, putting some aside, and be prepared was their way of life. The fear is always there having lived it. It not only made it a permanent part of our lives, but many of its effects were handed down to our generation.

Children learned that waste was taboo. Respecting one’s resources was the rule.  Wise parents instilled their virtues in their children as a way of life. Weather played a devastating part. A killing frost back on August 19th, 1929 destroyed the crops and gardens. The early ‘30s were hot and dry. The fields and hay burned brown. By 1932, wheat sold for 35 cents per bushel with field harvest at 4 bushels an acre. Fat beef sold for 2 1/2 cents a pound, lean for 1 cent a pound.  Eggs dropped to 3 cents a dozen and stamps went from 2 to 3 cents.

The CCC, Civil Conservation Corps, took young men off the streets and gave them meaningful work conserving our natural resources. The CWA put 400 million men to work on highways and dams. Public works by the WPA can still be viewed by the monogram. My mother can remember the old high school in Albert Lea had a moniker that proclaimed it was built by the WPA and the date. It was in the east end of the entrance to the main auditorium. Such evidence is also stamped on other public buildings, bridges, and dams like the dam on the south side of St. Olaf Lake.

School text books had to be conserved and reused. Businesses cut work hours to the bone. It was often said that the big depression was won in the ladies kitchen because of their ingenuity in using wisely what little was to be had. Heating fuel was a constant worry. Trees were cut and again ingenuity made broken down cars into valuable trailers to haul the wood in alloted amounts. There was also bartering with items one needed for something another didn't have.

Scams and stealing was rampant. House parties were in vogue, games like croquet were played with rocks, and sticks were made into stilts. Popcorn was a special treat.

Families were committed and men were made from boys. "Dumpster diving" provided creative materials and children grew up fast learning to sew, cook and clean, darn socks and pick up coal from the ground. They hunted pigeon, rabbit and squirrel. It was not unusual to walk 5 miles further if it saved a family or two. Many children and adults that had money in banks that was never returned were left with a lifelong distrust of saving institutions.

Toothbrushes were a luxury and baking soda or salt was used as a dentifrice.

Veterans who returned from the war faced a country robbed of everything a land should have. They needed time to adjust and there was work to be done, but for many it was too much and their spirits and bodies lost hope.

For those who made it, the strength and character they developed became their most valuable resource. The vegetable garden provided any number of old and new ideas. Did the Depression save us from heart disease? Could we use the same ingenuity today to solve some of the economic-problems we are facing?

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about the local happenings and family events such as family & school reunions, birthday & anniversary celebrations, and birth & wedding announcements.

In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us, so we can then pass along the news to you. If you have news to share, please contact me.

Also, if our NRHEG Star Eagle readers would like to share birthdays and anniversaries of your family and friends, or you know of some that should be deleted, or names have changed, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, April 21st: Helen Pierce, Michael Foster, Veronica Graif, Adrian Kilian, Marilyn Reistad, Elmer Vanden Heuvel

• Friday, April 22nd: Noah Lowell Swearingen, his 8th; Rollie Johnson, David Purdy, Gregory Swearingen, Stacy Thostenson Harold, James Van Riper, Marilyne Dodge, Mike & Sarah Collins, Rodger & Sue Hill

• Saturday, April 23rd: Jayne Miller, Buffy Bergland, Alan Edwardson, Jackie Johnson Miller

• Sunday, April 24th: Madison Kae Wagner, Marnie Ray Wagner, Dak Sorenson, Gladys Burr, Marilyn Cuden, Audrey Paulson, Lowell Wichmann, Scott Brandt, Kara Vangen

• Monday, April 25th: Ed Deml, Nicole Langlie La Tourneau, Nicole Nielson, Evie Toft, Christine Davidson, Jeff Kunkel, Janice Morreim, Stan Reichl

• Tuesday, April 26th: Jim Arends, Lester Casterton, Teresa Deml Sisler, Beverly Harpel, Jean Larson, Pat Motl, Ashley Bangert, Mary Peterson, Pat Pichner, Steve & Judy Christensen, Bob & Gerry Flim, Allan & Darline Jensen

• Wednesday, April 27th: Brian Schember, Norma Robertson, Heidi & Christopher Olson

• Thursday, April 28th: Martin Rossing, Rodney Peterson, Mildred Flugum, Jamie Cameron,  Jean & Chuck Groth

• Friday, April 29th: Derek Anthony Kubicek, his 5th; Jane Brocker, Roberta Dettman, Angie Hall, Mitchell Jensen, Pat & Linda Goodnature, Jennifer & Steve Schultz

May your special day be filled with warm wishes and fond memories.