Happenings From 1918-1929![]()
(Okabena's history was provided courtesy of the Okabena
Centennial Edition of
The Okabena Press, Jackson County History Books, Jackson County Historical
Museum and
Tri-County News.)
1918
1918 saw the end of World War I and the country entered into the bitter post-war period. The fledgling "Jackson County American" was launched. The parochial school here was abandoned in favor of weekly religious classes. War bond work, Red Cross and Junior Red Cross activities continued.
1919
Many building restrictions were lifted and the building boom
commenced. E.C. Milbrath's residence was built in 1919, as was that of Edward
Milbrath. Sontag Lumber sold one of their houses to Herman Kuhlman and
immediately started on the R. A. Becker dwelling, later occupied by Fred Peters.
Mr. Sontag informed the community that his company would continue building as
long as there was a demand.
Okabena Band reorganized with Mr. Neulen as director. Band members informed
the public, "We'll
blow the horns if you blow the coin."
County graduation was held here in May 1919 - a big affair for a small town.
Okabena Clay Works running at capacity.
John Albert sells to Ostegaard and Peterson, retaining the produce business.
Business Census 1920's
| August Atz - Hardware | Okabena Auto Co. - Ted Milbrath |
| B.F. Dannatt - Grocery | Okabena Clay Works |
| Charles Ruthenbeck - Blacksmith | Okabena Co-op Creamery |
| Commercial Press - Printing - Okabena | Okabena Implement - J.C. Ruthenbeck |
| E.C. Milbrath - Harness Shop | Okabena Livestock Shipping Association |
| Farmers Co-op Elevator Company | Paul Ziska - Confectionary |
| First State Bank | Sam Dahl - General Merchandise |
| H.W. Ahrens - Livestock Buyer | Smith Keech - Barber |
| John Albert - Produce | Sontag Lumber Company |
1920
Ogan resigns as manager of Clay Works, succeeded by H.W. Ahrens.
Big non-partisans rally at Van Dam grove. Over 1,000 people estimated in attendance. A.C. Townley slated to speak, but unable to be present due to weather conditions.
G.T. McGran manages ball team, captained by Art Ruthenbeck.
B.F. Dannatt puts up brick building.
Preparations to tear down Okabena Implement building and construct a new one.
Art McNab put in charge of Bennett Grain Company.
Farmer’s Co-op Livestock Shipping Association formed to eliminate "middle man".
A gun club organized with Paul Petersen, President; George McGran, Secretary; John Albert, Treasurer. Trap shoots conducted west of depot.
P. E. DeMoure becomes teamster in Okabena.
Franchise having been signed with Fulda Light & Power, streetlights were first turned on in April 1920, ten lights in all.
Paul Ziska rents Christy building, ran a cafe until May
1921.
1921
John Albert purchases business of Allison and Boswell, plans to put in grocery store.
Community Club active.
W. Jones managed Bennett Grain Elevator, until shutdown in latter part of summer.
The single men took on the benedicts in a series of kittenball games. B.F. Dannatt proved to be another Babe Ruth, and Grover Chandler proved big enough and amiable enough to act as umpire.
Continual agitation for incorporation.
The "American" becomes the "Okabena Press".
"Kaiser Bill" goes to Jackson.
Pioneer K. J. Christy dies.
Herman Kuhlman appointed as Standard Oil Dealer.
1922
Scarlet Fever epidemic sweeps community in January 1922, causing school closing for a time.
Milbrath sells harness shop to Aug. Becker.
Fleischman Malting purchases Elevator from Bennett.
In February an ad appears for Andrew T. Nelson, contractor.
Methodist Church orchestra composed of Mrs. Benson - piano, Wm. Hesh - violin, E. Todd - cornet, Cecil Hovenden - trombone.
W. O. King assumes managership of Clay Works.
E. C. Milbrath takes over Standard Oil bulk plant.
1923
District 90 folk packed baskets and called on the N. V. Swenson home. Cards, games and dancing kept everyone awake. No one made an effort to go home until 2:00 a.m. Three parties in a row for District 90 folk, ending with New Year's Eve.
Fred Mundt and son shipped a carload of fat Herefords to
Sioux City, Sunday. Raymond Mundy and Ernest Gehrls went along with the
stock.
1924 - No events recorded.
1925