FIFTY YEARS AGO
Thursday, April 5, 1973
Calvin Van Beek and his daughters, Shelia and Lisa were hospitalized for burns suffered Tuesday night on Highway 75 near LeMars…According to the report he was southbound rounding a curve when a rear tire blew…The truck reportedly swerved with a load of 13 head of cattle, which shifted, causing the truck to turn over on its side. The cattle were spilled. At this point the truck burst into flames. Van Beek kicked out the cab windshield and removed his two daughters from the flaming truck. A passerby took the two daughters to the LeMars hospital.. ..The LeMars fire department answered the call and put out the fire…The cattle were rounded up, loaded on a truck and trucked to Sioux City.
Several longtime members of Coral Chapter O.E.S. were honored at their Tuesday evening meeting. They were Louise Scace 52 year member, Nellie Parker 58 year member, Grace Frees 50 year member and Ethelyn Stevens 64 year member.
Mrs. Gerald (Verla) Elgersma is now licensed to write some forms of insurance and is continuing her studies. She is employed in the Gary Whidden offices.
A large white owl was seen in the trees at the Dr. C. Maris residence Monday. They are believed to be a native of Canada and not seen this far south.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Thursday, April 4, 1998
A nest of baby bunnies was discovered in a Christmas wreath behind Harv’s Electric. The mother rabbit covered the babies with her own fur. Harv had put the wreath out a day earlier. The nest was left undisturbed.
A beautiful quilt was pictured in this issue of the Pioneer embroidered by Mable Wallich and Edith Vanden Berg and hand quilted by Jennie Postma. It is on display at Prairie View and will be sold by sealed bids with the proceeds going to a new Easy Lift for the residents.