Young Clare Gilbert has a new horse. He hitched the nervous animal to his Democrat express wagon and slapped him with the reins. Away went horse, wagon and Clare down Main street—the vehicle touching the ground at intervals only, Glare riding in the air but clinging to the lines like a man. The horse was finally stopped without damage to rig or driver. But then tried to run away a second time, and might have succeeded but for Percy Billiard, who made a wondrous leap into the Democrat, landing on all 'fours' and soon taking control of the frightened animal. We understand this performance will be repeated, upon request, for any who failed to witness this instance.

While breaking sod a few days ago, Pratt Nicholson unearthed a bottle filled with vinegar buried under eight inches of soil. This field, to the knowledge of our oldest citizens, has never been turned before. Could there have been an earlier civilization in the Ossian area? Surely bottles of vinegar were not part of the Indian culture.

THE CITIZENS BANK

Ossian's second banking instution was born this year. A small advertisement, appearing in the May 24 edition of the Bee, advises that the Anderson-Gunderson Banking Company will give prompt and painstaking service. M. J. Klein was cashier and in charge of management. This banking enterprise was founded by R. W. Anderson, Chris Anderson, and the two Gunderson brothers, who had been associated in the Anderson & Gunderson Bros, store. The bank, starting with a capital of only $10,000, accumulated a surplus of $1600 in its first year. Deposits grew to $116,000 during this period. M. J. Klein was to purchase an interest in the firm at a later date. The bank was incorporated in 1917 with a capital of $35»000-The officers elected at that time were: R. W. Anderson, president; G. F. Gunderson, vice president; M. J. Klein, cashier; and E. H. Klisart, assist, cashier.

In 1923, the bank purchased the H. T. Klisart property, including, in addition to the bank building, the lots north to city hall, and east to Grimstad's grocery (Brockman's 1982). The institution's plan, as stated at the time, was to raze all buildings on their property and construct a new modern banking facility. This ambition was never to be realized.

The Citizens State Bank continued operations until closed by the "Bank Holiday" during the Roosevelt Administration. The community's confidence in banker Klein's character and ability was upheld when all depositors were eventually paid over one hundred percent of their accounts.

The town council purchased a tract of land east of Ossian for the purpose of extending Main street. This extension will eliminate the two rail crossings east of the corporation. The price, $412.50 for the 2 1/2 acres, was considered excessive by many residents. The committee arranging the purchase, supervisor Nicholson, roadmasters Harms and Waters and Anton Bohr, were roundly criticised for this perceived extravagance. However, the Bee in an editorial called the project "worthy and needed", and ends with the suggestion: "To h-11 with these kickers!"

A large crowd witnessed a horse pulling contest between Sam Nereson's and Joe Drilling's animals. A long chain was attached to their single trees. Nereson's steed proved the winner—taking two of the three heats, and thereby putting a five dollar bill in his owner's purse.

The third annual street fair was held in August. The Bee termed it, "A great success—quiet and peaceful, with the exception of one little disturbance that resulted in a few disfigured optics and cracked heads."

The following citizens were winners in the street contests:

pony race..................Glen Allen—$4, F. Kneeskem—$2.

slow bicycle race..........T. Hauge—$1, A. Holm—50¢

tug of war.................Harms, Samak, Monohan, Stee, Jorda & Hegland--$10.

high kick..................F. Anderson—$1, W. J. Holm--50¢