Down the Decades

140 years ago

In 1884: The Lady of the Lake made its first trip of the season up the lake on Tuesday. — A couple of men were injured at work at the mill Monday. — Another saloon is to be opened on the south side.

120 years ago

In 1904: The ice went out of the lake here on April 22. — Fred Grover is working at the flour and feed store of Jonas Manhein. — The streets being very dry and dusty, Sam Gaylord started the sprinkler Thursday morning.

100 years ago

In 1924: Oscar Lee of Prairie Farm was killed in a tractor accident Wednesday. — The Foresters had a banquet Monday evening. — The Knights of Columbus are having a May party and dance at the Legion Hall.

80 years ago

In 1944: S. Sgt. Eugene Schermer, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Schermer, is missing in action in Germany. — The annual Red Cross drive in Rice Lake yielded $9,599. — Tolstoi Steinert will be city clerk until an appointment is made by the mayor. — Twenty-four residents are petitioning for citizenship at the spring term of the court.

60 years ago

In 1964: Twenty-five progressive farmers were honored at a joint meeting of Kiwanis clubs of the county. — New bleachers are being built for Speed Pit fans. — The City Council approved 2 a.m. tavern closing during Daylight Saving Time. — Hardware merchant Herbert Forbes died Saturday. — Barbara Branham is this year’s prom queen.

40 years ago

In 1984: A dog with a highly contagious disease was stolen from the Rice Lake Animal Shelter. — The City Council approved the sale of 5½ acres in the new industrial park to Brunette Box Factory. — Two barns containing about 200 turkeys were leveled by fire over the weekend.

20 years ago

In 2004: The security system at the new Justice Center in Barron includes swipe-card access for staff, intercom communication and camera surveillance throughout, including the Sheriff’s Department, courts and court-related agencies. — With just a few weeks before a fireworks contract has to be signed, the city hasn’t yet secured the funds it was believed area businesses would donate for the display.

10 years ago

In 2014: The Rice Lake Fortnightly Club is observing its 115th year. — The Rice Lake FFA Chapter is hosting a Dairyland Donkey Basketball exhibition.