Years Gone By

5 years ago:

     • July 24 will mark the fifth anniversary of the breach of the dam at Lake Delhi, as well as the massive flood event here in Monticello. Now, five years later, Lake Delhi is set to complete a $16 million project, with a targeted completion date of Oct. 23. (7/22/2015)

10 years ago:

     • Several years of exhibition planning and programming, along with architectural changes to a larger 36,000 square foot space help better present motorcycle history at the new National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa. (7/21/2010)

     • If you look at the Mon-Maq Dam Access area and Pictured Rocks Maquoketa River access you will see some dramatic changes. Pictured Rocks improvements include a new rest area and extended boat ramp. At Mon-Maq Dam a new catwalk and observation deck lead out to the Maquoketa River and dam area. (7/21/2010)

25 years ago:

     • Royal Powder driven by Brad Ashby set a new track record July 21 in the second race of the Jones County Fair’s Harness Races. Royal Powder finished in a time of 1:59. The previous track record was 2:04. (7/26/1995)

50 years ago:

     • Monticello merchants are busily preparing for Crazy Day to be held Tuesday, July 28, which will include bargains displayed  on the sidewalks and in the stores. Merchants and sales personnel will be attired in “crazy” costumes. If the dress code is not conformed with the guilty party will be fined and put in a “jail” that will be erected on First street. A “Crazy Day” marshal has been secured for the day. (7/23/1970)

     • A 1970 Mercury Montego 2-door hardtop will be awarded to some lucky fairgoer Friday night, Aug. 28, at the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello. The Mercury is green metallic with a black interior. It has a push button radio, white side walls and deluxe wheel covers. (7/23/1970)

100 years ago:

     • The small-pox cases, which were reported as existing in the town and country, are on the decrease, according to the report of the physicians. Some of the afflicted have been pretty sick, but none of them dangerously so. A quarantine is responsible for the decrease. (7/22/1920)

     • The Jones county fair will begin August 24^th. That is little more than four weeks hence. What are you going to enter for a premium? A big entry list helps to make an interesting fair. (7/22/1920)

    • J. H. Rickels, of Wayne township, celebrated his birth anniversary, last Saturday. He was called to Langworthy on business, Saturday evening, but upon his return was suspicious, from surface indications, that chicken thieves had been about the place. However, he found it was simply a crowd of his neighbors, who had taken it upon themselves to give him a birth anniversary party. It was surprising, how quickly John crawled in to his Sunday-best clothes. Those present at the party had a jolly good time, with plenty of good things to eat and drink. (7/22/1920)