1909: Fire wipes out Belden business district

July 3, 1904

HARTINGTON- Johnny Fleming said he likes to keep step with the boss, so he proceeded to unload several hundred pounds of ice all in one chunk on his left foot one day last week. When walking, he and Pete bore quite a resemblance for awhile.

July 9, 1909

BELDEN — A fire which wiped out many of the business places of Belden broke out about 4 o’clock Monday morning and as the town has no water works and had no fire protection except a bucket brigade, the fire took its own head and practically burned itself out.

A fire started about 4 o’clock Sunday morning in the front of Martin’s Jewelry Store but was seen by late Fourth of July celebrators in time to prevent much damage.

The buildings on the west side of the street from Westrope & Harpers brick store north the entire block, all frame structures, went up in smoke. These included the drug store, post office and Odd Fellows Hall, Claussen’s Pool Hall, Martin Jewelry Store, Schram Bros. Saloon and Edwards & Bradfords Hardware and Lumber Yard.

Belden parties estimate the total loss at $32,800 and this loss was covered by about $12,000 insurance. John Claussen was the only one who had no insurance and Schram Bros. were heaviest losers as three of the burned buildings belonged to them.

Work will at once begin on the erection of new brick buildings and in time the fire will probably prove to have been a benefit to the town, although at present everyone down there is feeling pretty gloomy.

July 3, 1904

HARTINGTON- The Fair management is now at work getting out their annual premium list for the 1904 Fair. A general revision in the list is being made, especially in the interest of pure bred horses, hogs and cattle.

July 2, 1914

HARTINGTON — Edith Ludden of Magnet signed up to teach for another year, it was announced this week.

July 3, 1924

HARTINGTON- Ceremonies of a very impressive nature are to mark the ordination and installation of Rev. Austin M. Peterson as pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Hartington and the Paragon Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 27.

Plans which have been formed indicate that the ceremonies of the day will be largely attended by Lutheran pastors and members of Lutheran congregations from points in Nebraska as far away as Omaha and Newman Grove and from many places in South Dakota.

Rev N Boe of Sioux Falls, S.D., bishop of this district, will be in charge of the ordination ceremonies. Another noted Lutheran pastor who will be present for the occasion will be the Rev. Ulvilden of Omaha. Rev. R Aga of Wynot will also have an important part in the installation.