Down the Decades

140 years ago

In 1884: Morneau bakery’s new brick oven collapsed Monday. ­— It will be only a short time before this village needs a south side school. — Barron is now connected to the outer world by mail.

130 years ago

In 1894: Upward of 200 citizens from this area attended the Minnesota State Fair. — Joe Josephson sold his black spaniel to Dr. E.J. Knapp. — The dancing pavilion at Lakeside was destroyed by fire Monday. — The passenger business on the Rice Lake-Long Lake stage line is on the increase.

120 years ago

In 1904: What is wanted in this city is a woolen mill, a wagon factory, a paper mill and a farm implement factory. — W.H. Bundy was elected president of the library board. — Principal Mommsen returned to Haugen last Monday.

110 years ago

In 1914: E.S. Craite has completed and partly occupied a new feed and flour mill. — Editor Gordon of Barron visited the fair Wednesday. — Ole Sockness died Monday.

100 years ago

In 1924: Only 95 people voted the Democratic ticket in the primary election. — The first homegrown potatoes were placed on the market here this week. — The Legion band is going to the national convention in St. Paul. — A bold robbery took place at the Albert Bibbey home.

90 years ago

In 1934: Otto Miller was wounded by holdup men Monday. — The Evangelical Church had its 50th anniversary. — Plans point to the early completion of the new theater of the Miner Amusement Co. — The City Council refused to grant permits for the holding of dances in taverns.

80 years ago

In 1944: Lt. Bob Couture told the Kiwanis of his experiences during 2½ months behind the German lines. — A total of 47 Barron County men have given their lives during the war. — Lt. Norman Skogstad of Barron downed his sixth Nazi plane over Yugoslavia last week.

70 years ago

In 1954: The Democrats made sharp gains in primary voting strength as most incumbents were renominated. — Arthur Angell, Rice Lake baseball promoter, died Sunday after emergency lung surgery. — Contracts were let for the Audubon camp at Hunt Hill.

60 years ago

In 1964: The new headquarters of the conservation department at Spooner will be dedicated Thursday. — Walter Bridges, president of WJMC, died suddenly. — The state Coordinating Committee for Higher Education confirmed plans to open a two-year branch campus in Rice Lake by fall 1966. — NFO picketing of cattle-buying operations is continuing this week.

50 years ago

In 1974: Dutch elm disease in the city multiplied during the summer. — A penny shortage, which became acute here several months ago, has popped up again. — Enrollment tops 500 at the vocational school here. — The Ducks Unlimited banquet here at the Elks club raised $4,000 for waterfowl.

40 years ago

In 1984: Twelve employees were laid off as operations at Consolidated Badger Co-op in Rice Lake came to a halt this week. — Archery season opens with the new legalization of the controversial “bagging” of the deer. — Butch Meyers and son Robin took first place in men’s canoe races Saturday at Brill, and Pam Durkee and Sherry Weber of Rice Lake took first in their division.

30 years ago

In 1994: The town of Rice Lake Board of Supervisors gave permission to the Rice Lake Rehabilitation and Protection District to use Arnold’s Landing for weed control, despite objections from neighboring residents. — Fresh produce was quickly snatched up by those attending the Cameron Street Sale last Saturday.

20 years ago

In 2004: A 39-year old town of Sioux Creek man died from injuries he suffered after he was attacked by a bull Saturday. — Thyme Worn Treasures announced plans to purchase some of the stock and fixtures of Blue Hills Bookseller, which is closing after 11 years.

10 years ago

In 2014: About 100 people and 60 dogs took part in the Doc Stanley walk, a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Barron County. — Jim Carlson, 75, of Rice Lake won two gold medals in power lifting at the Wisconsin Senior Olympics held at the Brickyard Gym in Milwaukee.