Mayor Nicholson served notice that it will he unlawful to discharge fireworks within the town's business district. However, he stated that the period —July 2 to 5th--will be exempted from this ban.

The Dessel Implement & Auto Company was the successful bidder for the former Wiltgen Hotel property. The purchase price was listed as $1680. Joseph Dessel operated this facility for several years.

The state required licenses to operate motor vehicles for the first time. Five hundred permits were issued at Ossian's city hall by deputy sheriff Fred O'Boy, with the assistance of Art Andresen and Bernice Dessel. The fee was 25¢ for a two year period. Minors, under the age of 18, were required to have the written permission of parent or guardian when applying.

The Milwaukee Road reported that a copper penny will pay for transporting a ton of freight for one mile. The one cent piece will also buy a postal card or a stick of chewing gum.

Anderson & Klein launched their first major sale in 50 years of merchandising. A portion of their stock was moved into the adjoining Wiltgen building. Fourteen additional clerks were hired for this clearance.

The Figge Auto Co. advertised that the prices of the new 1932 Chevrolet start at $475. This Improved machine has a six cylinder engine that develops sixty H. P. and will attain a speed over 60 M. P. H .

Becker Hardware offered a box of fifty 22 cal. short cartridges for only 160 .

The Beckman garage has Firestone tires with a price range starting at $3.97 for the 30" by 3 1/2 " size .

Grocery bargains listed weres 20 lbs. sugar—$1, 3 lbs. coffee—98¢; 2 lbs. of raisins—15¢  3 pkgs. corn flakes—25¢ ; 8 bars P. & G. soap—25¢; 4 cans pork & beans—25¢; 1 can salmon—10¢; and one can sardines—4¢.

F. A. Figge offered twenty men's suits at $8.95 each.

ROLL OUT THE BARREL

This depression year marked the start of a Saturday night campaign promoted by Ossian's business houses. Tickets were issued to customers with each dollar of purchase. These ducats were endorsed with the name of the patron and placed in a barrel. This drum was rotated and the name of a winner withdrawn after each roll. Prizes ranged from an automobile to small cash awards.

Herman Funke was the winner of the car at the big drawing held on August 29th. The paper estimated that at least eight thousand people were in town for this event. Their two thousand vehicles were parked two and three deep the length of Main street with the overflow filling most of the side streets and alleys.

This promotion was continued over several of the depression years. While the crowds never reached the number of the first barrel roll, they continued to be enormous. The 35 dollars given away each Saturday night was a great incentive to participate during these lean times. Main street was blocked off for the drawing. The square at the intersection of Lydia became a sea of humanity. The throng had to be witnessed to be believed.

Likely, this lottery was in violation of state gambling laws. We note that the county attorney advised Mayor Nicholson to discontinue the barrel-roll on at least one occasion. However, during the great depression, authorities usually were inclined to ignore such peccadiloes.

BUSINESS CHANGES