PHOTO OF THE DAY: IT’S HISTORY
Among the weekly features in The Courier is the history section, which takes a look at the old news from the Freeman and Menno communities. This is the history from Freeman that is included with this week’s issue.
100 Years Ago
Freeman Courier
June 1, 1905
The Freeman Mennonite College closed its second school year Tuesday, May 23rd. In view of the fact that this is busy farming season and since there were no graduates yet, no special exercises were arranged for the closing day, but visitors were given an opportunity to visit the regular classes in their daily recitations. At the hour of closing, however, the students and visitors assembled and listened to a few short talks by members of the board and the faculty. On this occasion valuable prizes, the generous gift of Dr. A. A. Wipf, were awarded to the two students who ranked highest in the largest number of German and English studies respectively. The German prize, a handset of Schiller’s works, went to Zacharias Kleinsasser of Winthrop, and the English prize, a beautiful set of Shakespear’s works, to Susie Unruh of Dolton. The school year just passed has certainly been a successful one. The enrollment reached 130.
All U.S. mail carriers have the right-of-way on public highways while on duty, therefore, if you meet Jake or Ed, don’t try to take their road. If a collision is caused and the mail delayed there will soon be somebody looking for the offender.
Some rural people complain that some one is filling their mail boxes with dirt and stones. Remember boys you are liable to be arrested for that violation of the law.
The census work of this city is thru. John J. Tschetter reports 266 between the age of 6 and 21. John J. Walter reports the population of this city as being 602.
100 Years Ago
Freeman Courier
June 4, 1925
A quart of milk a day for every child has been the slogan of many nutrition workers for several years. Still others advocate a pint of milk a day rightly supplemented by other foods. The public health nurse, the public school teacher, the social worker, and the club women have sponsored the cause of milk.
Warning! Complaint has been made to the Board of Education of the Freeman Public Schools that there have been certain persons breaking into and entering the school building without permission of the Board or janitor. The Board hereby warns you that hereafter anyone found entering the school building without permission will be turned over to the Law. — The Board
Judging from the shortage of houses our town grows. Empty houses in a town is always indication that the town is not growing. Every summer a number of new houses are erected but the demand for dwellings is growing in spite of that.
K & K Co. added another store to their string of stores and this time they went into a larger place, the city of Canton, where they bought an 80 ft. front building in the heart of the Gate City.
75 Years Ago
Freeman Courier
June 1, 1950
The annual complaint about bothersome dogs that raise cane with flower gardens and other outside plantings is heard again. One wonders just what to say to help the good folks who would like to keep the dogs from molesting the property. Dogs and dog owners have some rights, it’s true, but these rights do not include the right to destroy the handiwork of those who would like to raise flowers and small gardens.
Banker J. J. Waltner was honored at the S. D. Banker’s Association at Rapid City last week by being presented with a pen in recognition of his more than 40 years employment continuously by a bank.
Freeman defeated Irene at Irene by a score of 11 to 8. Irene scored 6 runs in the ninth inning. P. Lipelt 8 2-3 innings for Freeman with Lefty Koerner pitching the 1-3 inning. Marion plays at Freeman June 2nd and Bridgewater plays at Freeman June 8th.
Give the people light and they will find their way. With all the talks over the radio and the political literature sent out and speakers heard there ought to be enough light for the voter and the election on June 6 ought to satisfy every candidate whether won or lost because the people will cast an intelligent vote and their wishes are carried out like it should be in a democracy.
50 Years Ago
Freeman Courier
June 5, 1975
Obituary: Henry Tabbert, West Glendive, Mont., 75
I am announcing as a candidate for the Freeman School Board. You have, no doubt, read of the controversy involving study material recently and so I feel that I should state my position on this issue. First of all, I’m sorry it happened. The problem, however, is there. I believe there are several options. 1. Discredit those people who are working for better study material. 2. Get rid of the objectional material and do a better job of selection in the future. 3. Continue the controversy. I find No. 1 and 3 completely unacceptable and believe you do too. If you feel that I could properly represent you on our school board, your vote on June 17 will be appreciated. — Roy Ensz
Anyone interested in playing softball, meeting new friends and good exercise contact Carol Wollmann or Marilyn Hofer. Please come and join the fun. Sponsored by the Freeman Jaycettes.
Freeman Park Lane Team of 1937: Ruben Liepelt, Erwin Koerner, Joe Waltner, Lawrence Hierigs, Elmer Bartling, Sad Sam Koerner, Lawrence Anderson, Erwin Wollman, Walter Pfeiffer, Jac “Butch” Hofer, Edward Anderson, Julius Koerner, and Albert Kaufman, sponsor.
For a 10-week period, beginning in June, Freeman Junior College is sponsoring a child care center for children between the ages of 3 through 6. This is to be held in Frontier Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
30 Years Ago
Freeman Courier
June 7, 1995
Obituaries: Mary Walter Tschetter, Freeman, died May 18, 89; Paul K. Wipf, Freeman, died May 23, 96; Elma Thomas, Freeman, 81; Vera Preheim, Moundridge, Kan., died May 26, 80; Jacob Wurz, Alberta, Canada, died April 14, 86
When Freeman kindergarten teacher Clarice Haar said goodbye to her students the last day of school she also said farewell to her teaching career spanning 43 years. Haar has been teaching children 40 of the last 43 years. 34 of her 40 years were spent at Freeman Public School.
Freeman Attorney Dale Strasser has moved into his new law office at 364 S. Main. The move from his previous location at 200 Fourth Street took place the last weekend of May. Remodeling of the new office began the beginning of February. The building has served as a post office and bakery. Most recently it was a temporary chiropractic office for the Freeman Chiropractic Clinic, but has been empty for the past two years.
Graber and Associate Insurance is playing fastpitch softball at Sherman Park in Sioux Falls this summer. Members of the team include: Brad Brockmueller, David Friesen, David Kaufman, Gary Tschetter, Jacob Stahl, Joe Graber, John Ortman, Karl Graber, Mike Miller, Oren Stahl, Ryan Waltner and Tony Waltner. Jim Graber is the coach.
15 Years Ago
Freeman Courier
June 2, 2010
Married: Brooke Konda and Christopher Wipf, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Marion, Sept. 19
Obituaries: Paul O. Svartoien, Freeman, died May 10, 78; Dorothy May Walter, died May 3, 65
A milestone Memorial Day service in Freeman — the 25th — was made ever more special thanks to a keynote address from a United States Senator from South Dakota who reminded the large crowd in attendance that the best way to honor those who have served is to simply say thank you. “We need to take advantage of every opportunity to let them understand that we appreciate what they have done for this great country,” said Republican John Thune, who earlier this month accepted an invitation from organizer Lonnie Graber to speak at the May 31 service.
It may not have been the finish they were looking for, but Arron Lickteig and Courtney Lickteig both earned medals at the 2010 State B Golf Tournament in Aberdeen last week Monday and Tuesday, May 24 and 25. Courtney, a junior, tied for 12th to earn her third state medal. Arron, a freshman, ended up 16th for his second state tournament medal. Courteny’s finish came on a two-round total of 183. Arron finished with a 165.
