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 March 23, 1917:

Mrs. Theo Thomas returned home Wednesday, after accompanying Mr. Thomas to Shakopee for treatment. She was among those who were snowbound at Tracy. In order to reach Marshall, it was necessary to go to Sleepy Eye and then across to the Short Line; and the trip from Tracy here took about six hours.

The fire whistle sounded at about two o’clock, Wednesday morning. Considering the hour, the fire engine started for the home to Mrs. Mary Mullaney on Marshall Street with promptness, but got stalled in a snow drift at the Whiting corner just this side of the fire. It was fortunate that there was a hydrant there and the hose was connected and the fire put out. Just how it started is not known but the supposition is that the bed clothes caught from a heated stove-pipe running through the room of Franz Mullaney, who woke to find the room in flames. The damage is estimated at about two hundred and fifty dollars and is covered by insurance.

The storm and stalled trains did not stop Rev. Cahill of Tracy, who was in Marshall, Saturday from getting to his services the next day. Saturday noon he started from here on skis, following the railroad track. By mistake he went down the Short Line, the main track being completely covered at the Junction, and what he thought to be Amiret proved to be Milroy. He then cut across country and made his destination.

The Masons are giving a dancing party in the Assembly Hall tonight, with Thorburn’s Orchestra to furnish the music.

Another sure sign of Spring are the two fine window displays at the Lawler-Huntting Clothing Co., which were unveiled last evening.

The billiard and pool hall belonging to Fred De Groat was sold yesterday to Will Maxson and Fred Fields, who take immediate possession.

County Attorney James Hall entertained a bunch of his friend last Wednesday night at the New Café with a supper, and at the Hall home later the Scouts were entertained with speeches and enjoyed an evening of good fun. Mrs. Hall helped to give the Scouts a good time. Those present were: Archer and Wilbur Clark, Gordon Douglas, Gordon Marshall, Vern McLaughlin, Vernon Worman, Vernon Maxson, Marshall Middleton, Virgil Whitmore, John Johnson, Everett Woodruff, Luverne Sherman, Robert Castle, Dick Hunter, Robert Ward, Andrew Jacobson, Lester Keller, Alva Stankey, and Ledger Hoffman.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection is James and Rose Hall at the time of their wedding on Dec. 31, 1905. Rose’s two-piece wedding gown is currently on display in the museum’s Heritage Room exhibit.

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.