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

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