By Deb Moldaschel
60 years ago – Dec. 1, 1964
Two break-ins at Essig Friday evening are being investigated by the Brown County sheriff’s office. Entered were the Schultz and Henle garage and the post office. At the garage entry was gained by forcing a door. At the post office entry was gained through a window. Some tools were taken from the garage, but nothing of much value was taken from the post office.
Members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as well as Catholics across the United States, saw surprising changes when they attended Mass Sunday morning, The mass was said in English with the priest facing the congregation. “Some of the changes were quite a shock to the older people,” said Father S.J. Adrian, pastor, “but all agree they are for the more intelligent participation in the Mass. Parishioners seemed happy with the change and had been well prepared by the priests.”
45 years ago – Nov. 29, 1979
Rod Olson, 27, of Sleepy Eye has been named new manager of Sleepy Eye Farmers Elevator, according to Elmer Haala, who is chairman of the board of that company. Olson, his wife Rachel and their daughter Sara, 2, reside at 732 Fifth Avenue NE in Sleepy Eye where they have lived for the past one and one-half years. Olson has been branch manager of Morgan Farmers Elevator at Springfield for the past year.
New 1979 and 1980 cars and trucks along with car accessories, parts and tools will be on display at the Sleepy Eye Auto Show, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 9 at the Orchid Inn. Luetgers Chevrolet, Steve’s Parts Supply and General Trading Company are the exhibitors. “We will have at least 15 brand new ‘79s and ‘80s on display,” said Dennis Luetgers.
30 years ago – Dec. 1, 1994
Members of the Sleepy Eye Area Historical Society held their annual meeting Tuesday at the Orchid Inn. SEAHS President Mary Ann Trebesch reported almost 2,000 people had signed in as visitors at the Depot Museum in 1994. Neil Torssell gave a presentation on the history of railroads in Minnesota. About the railroad line through Sleepy Eye, he said by 1872, grading was completed and rails were laid to Sleepy Eye and eventually on to Tracy.
Ask Leo B. “Pinky” Schroepfer how long he has been involved in music and he simply answers, “all my life.” The answer takes on new meaning, however, when people learn that Pinky celebrated his 90th birthday Wednesday. [Among other stories] In 1934 Pinky started what turned into a 25-year commitment as director of the Sleepy Eye Drum and Bugle Corps. “When I started there was only about two fellas who could read music,” Pinky said. “I told them I’d do it for one year.”
15 years ago – Nov. 26, 2009
In an effort to increase SLeepy Eye’s economic stability, the city’s Economic Development Authority has created the new position of development coordinator. After several months of searching, local resident Kurk Kramer has been chosen to till the position.
The Sleepy Eye Area Historical Society invites the public to attend their annual meeting on Dec. 10 at the Community Center. The guest speaker will be Sleepy Eye native Nicole Helget, author of “The Turtle Catcher” and “Summer of Ordinary Ways.”
