The social news or gossip columns in the old newspapers are always fascinating to read. A special section in the newspaper was devoted to the social media of the day. The whereabouts of local people and events were often featured in these columns. Here are a few from The News Messenger of Lyon County on Oct. 24, 1919:

W.C. Neill has purchased the James Lawrence resident on Marshall street and expects to take possession on November first. Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Vergote will occupy the present Neill residence.

Private Nick Hirmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hirmer, of this city, returned to his home on Sunday evening, October 19, after fifteen months service in the Qm. C. He was on overseas duty in France for a year.

The American Legion has arranged for a series of public dances for the coming winter. The opening dance under the auspices of the new soldier organization will be given at the Assembly Hall on November 11, Armistice Day.

A number of carloads of potatoes have been shipped into Marshall during the past week and disposed of to local trade. The supply comes mainly from counties north of here which were more fortunate with their crop this year than Lyon county. The potatoes are for the most part of a good grade and have been selling at about $1.65 per bushel.

A large addition is being built to the municipal power plant to house the two large upright boilers which have recently been installed. The city officials have been advised that owing to strikes and car shortage it will be at least a week before the brick to be used in the construction of the new chimney at the plant will be shipped. With the completion of the chimney the plant will be well equipped for efficient service.

Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Heck have moved into the former Allen residence which they recently purchased at the corner of Third and Lyon streets.

Harry Baert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Baert, residents on Route 5, returned last week from two years service in the United States Navy. While in the service young Baert made two trips across the Atlantic with a convoy and later made several round trips to France while transporting troops. For some time he was aboard the battleship “Nebraska” and recently returned from a cruise to South America, going from there through the Panama canal and joining the Pacific fleet in western coast waters. He was discharged after arriving in the Pacific.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is Mr. and Mrs. Gus Baert. The photograph was taken for their 62nd wedding anniversary in February 1957.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.