​MESSENGER- September-2016

​Compiled by Mike Holtorf and Helen Reiland

THE MAZEPPA JOURNAL- BARBARA J. TOMMERAAS- Editor & publisher
FEB. 22, 1946

Mrs. Bertha Ludwig Bright passed away December 23, 1945 of pneumonia at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edith Truscott of Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Donald Darcy Describes Earthquake: I was just coming aboard my ship when it happened. I was half-way up the gangplank when suddenly, my ship rose about a foot in the air and it trembled and bounced as I swung around. I was amazed and could hardly believe my eyes to see the pier itself rocking back and forth. It lasted about a minute, I guess. All of Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, Wenatchee, Puyallup and Portland felt the heavy shock, which swayed and rocked buildings. The Smith tower here in Seattle, which is 32 stories high, was said, to have swayed several feet. The damage is believed to be running high and will be somewhere in the millions. I’m glad I could be here and experience the feeling of an earthquake, cause I may never get the chance again.

A. Purdy Sells Produce Business: A. Purdy announced that he has sold his produce business to Morris Pederson of Byron. He will move to Mazeppa with his wife to take possession April 1. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy came to Mazeppa in 1933 and quickly built up a flourishing business. Both have been active in community affairs. Mrs. Purdy headed the local Red Cross during the war years, and Mr. Purdy has been active in Commercial Club activities.

Over a Half Century Business Institution Changes Hands: The business founded by N.J. Almeter 62 years ago started in blacksmithing and progressed to automobile and implement enterprises.

N. J. Almeter sold the business in 1926 to his three sons, and it has been operating since that time under the firm name of Almeter Motor Sales.
The Almeter Motor Sales is one of the few dealers in the state which has had a Ford sales contract of more than 25 years standing. There are 548 dealerships in the United States that have this distinction.
While here and there many business places were forced to close for the duration of the war, the doors of the Almeter Motor Sales were kept open long hours during the war to serve the most essential needs of service in the community. The Almeter brothers have made great personal sacrifices during the past four years to keep the machinery of this community working to help the war effort.
Ernest Hoefs and Noel S. Iverson are the new purchasers of the business. They come equipped with a fine background of experience.

Math Peters, 62 years old, of Sauk Rapids, Minn. and was a former resident of Chester township died as a result of injuries sustained when struck by a car in front of his Broadway avenue home Wednesday, Feb. 13. Pallbearers were Lawrence and Edwin Darcy, Donald Gregoire, Alvin and Clarence Strauss and Felix Prom.

J.S. Wild went to Preston Tuesday night to entertain with his magic acts before the Rural Youths’ Parents’ banquet Tuesday evening.

Reynold Johnson dies suddenly: Mazeppa was shocked to learn that Reynold Johnson died suddenly at his home.

Hail and Farewell: The entire community this week wishes to extend its regretful farewell to Almeter Motor Sales. This business has been one of the leading and most flourishing in Mazeppa for many years, and has become an integral part of the community.
The Journal and the community also wish to welcome Ernest Hoefs and Noel Iverson, new purchasers and bid them every success in their venture. Mr. Hoefs’ wife and three children will move here from New Ulm in June.

Mr. and Mrs. George Scheer will be installed Monday evening to head officers of Clarence Miller camp, United Spanish War Veterans and Auxiliary respectively. Installation will be held at the Red Men’s wigwam.

Local News:

Howard Gallimore’s farm (110 acres) sold to Albert Hoeft of Oronoco for $4800.00
Dogs attacked the sheep in Clarence Gerken’s pasture, killing 6 outright and injuring 3 more.
Miss Sophia Meyers, daughter of Mrs. Hans Meyers of Oak Center died of pneumonia.
Mrs. John Reiland moved Monday from the Johannknecht place west of town to the Ami McDonough house in the village.
Miss Clare Sand has taken a position at the local creamery. She will succeed Mrs. Martin Prokasky.

Pfc. Leonhardt Gahler arrived here Thursday from Santa Ana, California, having been discharged from the army.. He had served 31 months.

A pool tournament was begun at Gerhardt Gahler’s Sunday. Winners of the $6.50 prizes offered were, Vincent Clemens, first; J.W. Wild, second; B. Goranson, third; and W. Gregoire, fourth. Another tournament will be held Sunday afternoon, and later a grand tournament will be held to decide the local champion.
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The Mazeppa Commercial Club basketball team defeated Bellechester 45 to 34 in a good game at the local gym Friday night.