Who else would like to see hats come back as a part of an everyday accessory when leaving the house? This ad from the Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper encourages every man to make a good impression.

By Gene Miller

150 Years Ago

Mr. Calvin, a merchant of Clermont and a relation of M. W. Stough has visited Algona within the last few days on his way to Spirit Lake. This is Mr. Calvin’s first visit to Algona and he expresses himself greatly pleased with the town. Our Court House he considers one of the best in the State.

125 Years Ago

By Rick Murphy, Algona Mayor

When I arrived in the community of Algona years ago, it didn’t take long for me to discover what an active and welcoming community it was. Algona is an excellent place to get started with a new career or business, connect with others through service organizations and build a community of friends.

The drive through line of vehicles was steady for hours as approximately 650 gallons of mulligan stew were sold to those who wait each year for the annual mulligan stew event in St. Joe. This was the 67th year for the event held on Wednesday, August 16 and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 3420 St. Joe.

Each year volunteers begin making the stew in the early morning hours so the stew is ready by late afternoon.

DES MOINES—Leah Hoffman, daughter of Steve and Martha Hoffman of West Bend, was one of the youth exhibitors in this year’s Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair. Hoffman’s sponsor was the Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald House Charities. Her steer, “Scooby Doo,” weighed in at 1.465 pounds for the show.

By Kim Wegener

Features Writer

ALGONA—Becky Hanson thought about pursing a career as a cartoon artist after she graduated from high school in May 1978. Instead, she entered the health care field when she took a job at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Algona. Her first day of work there was her 18th birthday, August 1, 1978.

Local artist Tom Buscher led a free painting class at Huskamp Haven Assisted Living in Algona in August. The event was open to residents at Huskamp Haven and community members.

Buscher demonstrated how to use acrylic paints to create the “Fall Aspens” 8 x 10 painting.

Huskamp Haven Assisted Living Senior Living Manager Sandy Buscher was pleased at the number of participants for the first time event. She hopes to plan more painting classes for fall.

Keeping busy during the Kossuth County Fair serving ice cream in their new malt barn building were Fenton Forwards 4-H Club members Hailee Reutzel, Brylie Deim, Leah Reutzel and Fenton Forwards 4-H leader Judi Bruhn. Photo courtesy of Kim Meyer