Peekin’ into the past

Five Years Ago
June 26, 2014
    Rachel Schneider recently translated “Gardelegen Holocaust,” a German novel about a 1945 massacre in Gardelegen, Germany. Her English copy of the book was a surprise for WWII veteran Elton Oltjenbruns of Holyoke, who was a witness to the aftermath of that massacre and whose testimony aided German author Torsten Haarseim in the writing of his 340-page historical novel.
    The Holyoke office of Chas’ Accounting Service has moved from 130 E. Denver St. to 131 W. Emerson St., the former office of Colver, Killin & Sprague, LLP.
    Thirty-four years of service at Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union will mark the retirement of manager/president Dolores Haskell on June 30.
    Ben Cox completed the back nine at Ballyneal Golf Club on June 22 to kick off the Hundred Hole Hike. Cox, a former caddie at Ballyneal who was left paralyzed from the chest down after a skiing accident in 2011, was the inspiration for the original event that spawned into HHH.
    
Ten Years Ago
June 25, 2009
    Howling winds from the west brought with them pounding rain and hail to the Holyoke and Amherst area Thursday night, June 18. The worst damage happened in the northern section of the county, where most of the wheat fields are located, resulting in a 27% loss of this year’s county wheat crop.
    J.C. Peckham emerged as the newest member of Holyoke City Council after a June 16 council vote. The seat has been vacant since Sara Bohrer announced her resignation May 19.
    Knode Realty and Auction opened its Holyoke branch last Wednesday, June 17. The office is located at 111 W. Emerson St. in Holyoke.
    
Twenty-Five Years Ago
June 30, 1994
    A drought during the month of May apparently did not do as much damage to area wheat crops as was originally thought. Farmers are pleased to be seeing yields of 25-35 bushels per acre when they were expecting 15-20 bushels per acre.
    HHS Principal Leland Morrison, vocal music/band director Wayne Barela, and director of budget and finance Debbie Jurgens submitted letters of resignation, which were accepted by the Re-1J Board of Education at its June 21 meeting.
    Those driving by Keith Schneller’s property just west of the Holyoke airport may notice llamas on the property. Donna Schuler, who has been raising llamas for income since 1982 and now has close to 40 of them, keeps the majority of the animals on her farm 20 miles north of Holyoke, but seven are now housed on the Schneller property.
    
Fifty Years Ago
June 26, 1969
    Mr. and Mrs. Harold Harding have purchased the Burge Hotel from Mrs. L.G. Machamer. The Hardings will assume management on July 1.
    Dr. Thomas A. McPherron, Holyoke veterinarian, announced this week that Dr. William C. Hutcheson will be associated with him in the practice of veterinary medicine. Dr. Hutcheson will specialize in equine medicine and surgery, while Dr. McPherron will emphasize preventive medicine in feedlots and dairy operations. Both veterinarians will share small animal work and emergency calls.
    Last Monday afternoon or evening, vandals entered the Methodist church basement and emptied every fire extinguisher, spreading foam everywhere in the basement, in a first-floor classroom and in the balcony. Within the last month, vandals have also gained entrance to the Catholic church and Holyoke Furniture Store.
    Former Holyoke resident Alzora Mitchell celebrated her 103rd birthday on June 20.
    On July 1, a new law takes effect in Colorado, governing right turns on a red light. The new section of the code states that after coming to a complete stop and after yielding the right of way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed, the driver may make a right turn when a steady red light alone is displayed, providing there is no sign posted prohibiting a right turn on a red light.
    
Seventy-Five Years Ago
June 29, 1944
    Last week, members of the board of directors of the Holyoke Lions Club solicited among the membership for funds with which to pay the first year’s lease on the 240 acres adjoining Holyoke to the east and secured $10 from every member canvassed. This money will be loaned the Town of Holyoke without interest until a levy can be made, not to exceed one mill, against real property, when the money will be refunded.
    The Holyoke Municipal Swimming Pool, northeastern Colorado’s only sanitary heated pool, was filled with water several days ago in preparation for the opening, which is Friday, June 30, at 2 p.m. The pool will be open every day, including Sundays and holidays. Family tickets which entitle the members and guests to 25 swims are $2.50. Adult season tickets are $3.75, and children’s season tickets $2.25.