1907 - No manure dumping in town please
The Olds Gazette reported on an unusual court case in the district. "This week one of our local draymen was brought before Justices Dean and Silverthorn on a charge of dumping manure within the boundaries of the town. On assurance that in the future the rules laid down by the Health Bylaw would be observed, the defendant was let off with paying the cost of court, it being understood that the manure would be removed to the nuisance ground."
1947 - Flooding at Westward Ho
In a front-page story, the Olds Gazette reported on flooding in the district. "Residents along the Little Red Deer River were surprised Saturday morning when they awoke to find several inches of water in the floors of the garage and stores on the flat there. The Little Red swollen by extremely heavy rain on Friday night, jumped its banks and the surplus water flowed over the flats near the buildings. The Bearberry Creek and other streams flowing in the Big Red near Sundre were in full flood and on Saturday evening the water had started to recede."
1950 - Theatre reopens following renos
The Olds Gazette reported on the reopening of the Olds theatre following renovations. "George Mandruk sat on a stuffed chair, the first part of the week, and directed the remodeling operations at the Mayfair Theatre. The interior of the theatre lobby has been redecorated in green and rose. The house seats have been all repainted and the panel running all the way around the theatre has been repainted. New runners for the balcony and entrance to the main body of the theatre have been installed. When we last saw George on Monday, his wife was presenting him with a paintbrush and ordering him to work. On Wednesday the feature picture was ëBlue Grass of Kentucky'."
1973 - Band tour a success
The Gazette reported on a successful tour by local musicians. "The County of Mountain View High School band completed a successful two day tour to Banff and Canmore last week. In total the band presented four programs, one at the Banff Junior Senior High School, one to the elementary students at the Canmore school, one to the Junior Senior High School students in Canmore and one to the public in an evening performance. In all concerts the band performed exceptionally well. The band was able to adapt to the age groups to which they were performing. A varied selection of numbers provided an interesting program for those in attendance. Standing ovations were received at the end of each performance."
1979 - Parade good, fair dull
In a front-page story the Gazette reported that there were mixed reviews for the annual Olds Hard Times parade and fair. "Thousands of people, mostly lining downtown streets, braved a slightly chilled Saturday morning to watch dozens of entries move by in what organizer Norma Alcock called maybe the smoothest parade yet. ëIt's the first time the front of the parade has met the end of the parade,' she laughed. The fair itself, however, is a slight disappointment to organizers. Olds Agricultural Society officials said attendance was maybe down somewhat but displays were better and the midway cleaner. Friday night completely bombed as the teen dance failed to show more than ten kids at any one time. Opening ceremonies were also disappointing."
1983 - School experiment
In a front-page story, the Gazette reported on an interesting initiative at a local school. "Olds Junior Senior High School this year is experimenting with a new form of student government to reflect the institute's adoption of a house league system for extra and co-curricular activities. This year, the school president and treasurer will be positions exclusive to student council, says teacher Jim Moreau. ëThese positions will be supported by representatives from each of the school's four ëhouses',' he said. ëThe house league system has created a need for a new, streamlined student council. A primary purpose for this is to establish a solid line of communication between the student government and the new league system." The house league system, which divides students into four teams along alphabetical lines, was conceived as a means to boost school spirit and generate involvement in school activities. All students and teachers belong to houses."
