Our ancestors may not have kept a journal of their lives. Often times that was the case. However, the local newspaper correspondent did chronicle what our ancestors were doing and who they were doing it with!! What fun that we can read today just how life was back then. Sometimes it was quite difficult for the pioneers. Other times the local news posted the lighter side of pioneer life. I attempt to post on this page some of the really intriguing accounts. Feel free to submit any old news articles to Linda Ziemann for consideration here. Thanks.

2007 Definition for Pinkeye:

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

While pinkeye can sometimes be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it's a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. But if your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but other types require treatment.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections (such as bacteria and viruses), allergies, or substances that irritate the eyes.

LeMars Sentinel, March 16, 1896

Kingsley: (Special Correspondence)

The children about Kingsley are having a disease of the eyes which for a
better name the people term "pink eye." The eyes become red and inflamed and
for a time quite painful for a day or two and subsides in about a week.

[The picture depicts how Wren Station, IA., Plymouth County looks today in 2006. Wren has always been just a railroad station--no town ever to speak of. For years the tower at Wren was manned. The white wooden sign says "Wren Tower." Today there is no longer a tower at Wren--just the sign.]

LeMars Sentinel, 17 Feb 1911: HINTON: (Special Correspondence)

Dr. Robbins met with what might have proved a fatal accident on Wednesday
night. He was in Sioux City and coming home on the midnight train. As the
train was going only about eight miles an hour, he jumped off into a snow
bank. The snow having a hard crust he fell back against the moving car.
Fortunately he was not injured. Quite a number of people make it a practice
to jump off the train as it passes through town, they doing this so they do
not have to walk to Hinton from Wren, the trains all stopping at Wren.

[Note: Wren is located approx. 1 mile north of Hinton, Iowa.]