Yesterdays

BRIGHTON: In April the Community Chamber of Commerce held a white-elephant sale to raise funds for the new Brighton Community Building. And raise funds they did, they raised $10,319.36. The organization also donated an additional $6000 toward the project.

Curt Pacha was state wrestling champ.

K.M. Elmore celebrated his 100th birthday.

On Saturday, May 4, a grand opening was held for the Brighton Community Building with quite a large turnout.

The Brighton Whoopee Days were held June 25-28. With the town doubling in size during this time.

A little later on it the year Larry Hunter retired as Brighton mail carrier after 24 years and 3 months of government work.

In early August, Irene Rose Elmore, 60, of rural Brighton was killed when the care she was driving struck that of 19-year-old Gordon Shelangoski, also of rural Brighton.\

On Oct. 17 an eight-year-old Brighton girl, Tammy Lea Christner was killed on highway 78 and 1 near Don’s Standard when she was struck by a van driven by Nancy Sue Downey Griesenbeck, 34, of Davenport.

Kenny Meyer was sworn in as Brighton’s fire chief at a city council meeting on October 21.

Former Brighton resident Chester Henry Mannhardt celebrated his 107th birthday on Dec. 1 making him the oldest man in the state.

OLLIE: Bobby Northup of rural Ollie was chosen in March to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl game, which was played August 9.

Later that month, Gordon Gillam was selected overall winner of outstanding conservation.

Ollie Big Days were held in early August and were a big success. There were activities from parades to a horse show to egg throwing contests.

PACKWOOD: In April the Packwood Grocery Corporation was formed and went to work on their goal of a new Packwood Grocery.

On Thursday, June 26, the Packwood School was completely torn down. Kimple and Bresch Enterprises, Inc. finished their demolition of school after several months of work.

In mid-July high winds hit the area doing a lot of damage. On July 13 the Packwood Betterment Council held their third annual horse show.

On Aug. 11 the Packwood Grocery held its grand opening fulfilling the aims of the Packwood Grocery Corporation.

PEKIN: In early March a wrestling room was proposed to the Pekin Board of Education and later that summer the room was completed.

New band uniforms were ordered for the Pekin High School Marching Band and by Sept. 19 the band was wearing them on the field. This was accomplished through the donations of area people and the hard working Pekin Music Boosters.

The end of May the Pekin Pantherettes had become the Girls State Track runners-up in Class 1A.

Six people were killed near Pekin in August. Victims were two women from Washington, Iowa, three from Illinois, and one from Maryland.

PLEASANT PLAIN: Starting on June 14 the Pleasant Plain Pioneer Days were held with lots of crazy people coming into town. Pioneer Days were a big success.

On Sept. 28, several beautiful items were raffled off at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s dinner and bazaar.

RICHLAND: In April, Stella Derby was voted Outstanding Senior Citizen of Keokuk County.

In March, plans for a new Richland part were underway. The first of June plans for the park were presented to the Richland City Council. Later in the fall a request for matching funds for the Richland park development was approved.

Earlier in the year Bill and Mark Cobb purchased the Brighton business of Mullikin Gas and Oil, Inc.

The Richland Library hosted an art show for local talent and an author’s party for Loree Roach and her book, “Look Ma, I’m Dancing.” This event was held in April.

Missy Hoover of Richland went to Washington, D.C. the first part of May with her history project “A Peculiar Person — Lloyd Yoder.”

Several reunions were held over the summer for area alumni. July Fourth the Lions Club held their annual tractor pull and horse show with a good turnout.

Later in the year Bill Anderson was selected as runner-up in the Iowa Outstanding Teacher Contest. Bill attended a banquet in honor of those selected in the contest.

On Dec. 4, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Muenzenmeyer were honored with a retirement dinner for Bill. The dinner was hosted by the Richland Commercial Club.

RUBIO: The Rubio Past Office closed for good on Friday, June 13 with Elizabeth “Betty” Bishop retired as postmaster at Rubio. An open house was held in honor of Betty’s retirement.