Conrad A. Fagerland, after learning the barber trade in McCallsburg in about 1912, worked as relief barber in Marshalltown, Britt and Forest City, Iowa. He came back to Roland in 1917 and bought the west side shop in 1918. Since then it has been known as Con's Barber Shop. In 1920 he bought the east side shop, and in 1947 bought the basement shop from A. E. Humphrey. In 1963 he moved to the present location in the former Britson Lumber Office.
In 1949, Conroy J. Fagerland came to work for his father and remained with him until Conroy bought the shop January 1, 1969 and C. A. (Con) decided to retire after 57 years of barbering.
Con has been active in most town affairs such as Mayor from 1944 to 1948, County Deputy Sheriff from 1938 to 1941, Sixth District American Legion Historian in 1960, Roland Legion Post Commander, Roland Businessmen's Club President, and delegate to national conventions for the church and American Legion. He served in World War I and has life membership in the Legion.
Harold Lage, owner of H G H Tropical Fish, got his start with a ten-gallon tank. Soon nature took over, and more tanks were needed for the young. When he and a neighbor, Harvey Chance, got up to 20 tanks each, they opened up H G H. After 1½ years, Harvey moved away and Harold took over.
One of the largest fish dealers in the state, Harold raises his fish in 45 breeding tanks in his basement. He also has 68 tanks to display his fish for sale in his shop. He is raising 14 different types of guppies, including one he developed, called the H & H Red.
Harold and his wife, Frances, have three children, Jim, Kent and Jane.
The present site of the Hormel Livestock Buying Station was erected in 1955. The first day of business was January 31, 1956. Emery Eggland and assistant buyer Charles Mohler were in charge of the buying operation. Jacobson Truck Line (owner, Amos Jacobson) was engaged in the hauling of the livestock.
Prior to January 1956, livestock was purchased at yards leased from Grant Eggland, who had previously been a buyer for Tobin Packing Company since 1951. In the year 1953, Geo. A. Hormel & Co. acquired the Tobin Packing Company and since then has owned and operated a livestock buying station in Roland.
At present the yards are operated by Emery Eggland, who represents the Livestock Department for Hormel G Co.
Argyle H. Cole owns and operates the truck line that transfers the livestock to the Hormel plants.
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