Looking Back

100 years ago

At present it is almost impossible to get a home in Odessa. As of the start of the school year all available homes in Odessa are occupied, indicating an increase in population which is contrary to current thought that population was on the decline.

A fourth incendiary fire happened in Edwall. The fire was discovered at the Nick Klein residence early in the morning of the 14th. It seems coincidental that all four fires have been late on the 13th or early on the 14th. The four previous fires destroyed two grain warehouses, a garage, a hardware store, and now a residence.

David Nelson of Davenport has filed for divorce from his wife Nellie. Mr. Nelson alleges his wife has been cruel by using vile language and refuses to cook for him.

75 years ago

The Davenport City Council voted against a proposition by Everett Cole, owner of Cole’s Tavern to extend the hours for selling beer and wine from Midnight to 1:00 a.m. His request to put in Pinball machines and would give 20% of the profits to the city was also denied. Several community members spoke against Cole’s proposal.

A Davenport couple returned home late in the evening last week to find a drunken man lounging in their parlor. When the police questioned the drunken man who was a railroad worker, he claimed to have thought he was in a hotel lobby.

Voters in Odessa will have the opportunity to vote on the special levy to demolish the existing grade school and construct a new building that will feature 3 levels due to the grade of the lots. Drawings of the proposed building are on display for citizens to view.

50 years ago

Odessa Day at the EXPO deemed a success. A large number of people from Odessa attended the festivities to support officials and the two bands which performed at the International Amphitheater.

Winnie Baker of Harrington will receive a new Maytag washing machine. She entered a contest sponsored by the company looking for the oldest working washer. Mrs. Baker’s old machine could possibly be installed in a museum in Newton Iowa.

Ralph Renn, 6th grade teacher in Davenport spent some time this past summer at a class on how to make math fun. Mr. Renn reports that tricks and games get students started on critical thinking trying to figure out how the games and tricks work.

25 years ago

Former Lincoln Hospital administrator will return to the job after a nearly two year absence. Martin was originally hired as a consultant to help the hospital find a new administrator. He found himself enjoying his involvement in the functions and people of the rural health care provided by Lincoln Hospital.

Fire danger is very high currently due to high temperatures and a lack of moisture. Local Fire officials remind residents and visitors that there are no fires allowed and the ban will not be lifted until we receive significant moisture. All officials agree that we have been fortunate so far with limited fires in the area.

P. C. Jantz Elementary will host an open house for parents to come and meet their children’s teachers. Student handbooks will be handed out and the sign up for the Reading Tutoring program will be talked about. The tutoring program is for students in grades 2 through 5 and all community members are encouraged to sign up for a 40 minute session once a week to help a child succeed with reading.

10 years ago

Lincoln County Commissioners are exploring how to open roads for ORV use. Commissioners have scheduled public hearings, and are researching state laws and regulations involved with allowing ORV’s to use public lands.

Lincoln County Economic Development Council invites all business owners to attend a networking event. Businesses are encouraged to bring cards, brochures and other items to promote their business. A seminar on using Social media to promote your business will be the focus of this event.

The weekend around the corner is looking fabulous for Deutschesfest. The weather is looking favorable. The Chamber phone has been ringing off the hook with folks wanting information about the Fest. New this year will be a Kettle corn vendor, a pitching cage, and bouncy house.