Peekin' into the Past

Five Years Ago
Feb. 21, 2013
    After several years of research, 48-year-old Torsten Haarseim has completed a book recounting the WWII massacre that took place in his hometown of Gardelegen, Germany, on April 13, 1945, and the “Gardelegen Holocaust” book wouldn’t have been quite the same without aid from Elton Oltjenbruns from Holyoke, who was with the first Army unit to come upon the massacre in 1945.
    Phillips County again has buffalo, as Paul Mailander’s recent purchase of a bull and five heifers are the only buffalo in the county.
    After seven months of having no pharmacist in Holyoke, Abts Express will fill the void as full-time pharmacist Cindy Cooper will begin at the store March 1.
    
Ten Years Ago
Feb. 21, 2008
    Viaero Wireless was the highest bidder for the former Bank of Colorado building at 106 S. Interocean Ave. in Holyoke and plans to move its current offices from 115 N. Campbell Ave.
    Ballyneal Golf Club has received certification in environmental planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an international program administered by Audubon International.
    A May 12 rate increase was recently announced by the U.S. Postal Service. The good news is that Forever Stamps — so named because they are good indefinitely at the price purchased, no matter the price increase — allow postal customer to lock in the current rate. Forever Stamp prices will of course increase when the 1-cent hike goes into effect, but the stamp can be used indefinitely with no additional postage necessary after future price increases.
    
Twenty-Five Years Ago
Feb. 25, 1993
    The mercury dropped to a low of 14 below zero Feb. 16 in a cold spell that moved into the area, accompanied by a snowstorm.
    “Baskets and Pottery” is Shirley Hirsch’s new business enterprise, which involves a home party plan for the showing and sales of Longaberger baskets and pottery.
    A screen and projection TV, mounted from the ceiling in the HHS auditorium, has been donated by several organizations and businesses for use by the community and school district.
    
Fifty Years Ago
Feb. 22, 1968
    Philip Ruch of Paoli, well-known Haxtun farmer and community leader, has been appointed by directors of Highline Electric Association to succeed Gust Anderson of Haxtun, who retired recently after 30 years on the association’s board of directors.
    Holyoke Boy Scout Troop No. 32 placed second in the Philowick Scout District First Aid-O-Ree in Sterling on Saturday night and is eligible to compete in the Long’s Peak Council First Aid-O-Ree in Greeley on March 3.
    Members of the Amherst Fire Department were entertained by their wives last Wednesday evening, Feb. 14, at a “crazy valentine” dinner.
    
Seventy-Five Years Ago
Feb. 25, 1943
    Max Morgan is holding a closing-out sale of his grocery stock this week and will close his store Friday night. He has accepted a position in the engineering department of Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, San Diego, California, and will leave Holyoke shortly.
    The local war price and rationing board announces that it is now not necessary to obtain certificates for retreads on light trucks and passenger cars.
    The Holyoke Lions Club will observe ladies’ night Friday with a banquet at the Methodist Church. More than 100 are expected to attend.