This Day in History

Compiled by Jean Lundquist

Feb. 3, 1960

In its 10th year, National Beauty Salon Week was being planned in Mankato, “dedicated to more beautiful women.”

Across the nation as in Mankato, hairdressers were involved in bettering their communities not only for professionals, but also for those in hospitals and other institutions. Their activities were designed to provide donated services to ease the burden on caregivers in those institutions, thus providing more beauty and morale boosting to all.

The highlight of the week was a hair fashion show to be staged at the State Theater between showings of the movie “The Seventh Seal” on Wednesday.

Feb. 22, 1983

“Dial-a-Devotion” phone numbers and service were not uncommon in the Twin Cities area in 1983, but the service provided by Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Courtland was the first of its kind in this area.

The purpose was to provide a human voice offering a Scripture reading, a prayer and an offer for further counseling to anyone who called. Because of the limitations of technology at the time, the message could be no longer than 3 minutes to deliver the message to shut-ins, nursing home residents, anyone unable to attend church or anyone in a time of trouble.

The service was very popular, gathering 265 calls in the first four days. Many calls came between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., a period not deemed likely to be filled with just the curious. The telephone equipment was donated in memory of a deceased loved one in the area.

Feb. 6, 1995

During the bacterial meningitis outbreak in 1995, people lined up for shots of the vaccine to prevent the illness, and there were outcries for more prevention.

While almost all of the meningitis cases were associated with Mankato West High School, the superintendent announced the school would remain open, angering some parents. Meanwhile, the vaccines and antibiotics were offered to everyone associated with Mankato West, from students to staff, and family members of all.

Michael Osterholm, epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, said these measures did not guarantee there would be no more cases, but it would slow the spread. Before it was over, everyone who lived and worked in Mankato was offered the vaccine.

Feb. 17, 2010

The future of Minnesota State University’s aviation program hung in the balance as budget cuts across every government agency in Minnesota occurred during “The Great Recession.”

MSU needed to cut between $6 million and $10 million from its budget. Some 15 programs were facing elimination, and cutting the aviation program would save $400,000 minimum.

Proponents argued the relationship with the community would cost more than the $400,000 identified by MSU. The company that operates the Mankato airport, the airport itself and the region as a whole would suffer, they said.

With 127 majors in the program, it was the largest in the state. Despite controversy in the mid-2000s that caused the program and enrollment to suffer, the aviation program was rebuilding and was stronger than ever. It made the cut.