The Ortley Optic Online

Stand by for photo updates

2008-01-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

By the way, in regards to our move from Ortley: it involves a change in photo hosting, so for awhile the photos on this website won't come up. It will take a little time to fix all the photo links, so please stand by and be patient (I know you're already very patient, waiting and waiting for the next post to come ... )

Moving

2008-01-09T04:48:00.000-08:00

I hadn't realized it had been over a year since the last post! Sometime within the next few months I intend to post a few more pictures and info about our beloved Ortley, but right now I'm making a brief announcement that my wife and I are moving from Ortley to Minnesota after 6 1/2 years of great blessing here. I now join all you Ortley expatriates in admiring the great city from afar.

"The Last Harvest"

2006-10-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Steve Hemmingsen's KELOLAND blog recently featured a post on Ortley's elevator. CLICK HERE to view the post. Thanks to Keith C. for cluing me in!

Centennial Cookbooks and Souvenirs Available

2006-07-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Ortley Centennial (or even if you were here), you can still get a "piece of history." A fine Centennial cookbook was published, and lots of copies are still available. To receive your Centennial cookbook, please send $13.00 ($10.00 + $3.00 shipping and handling) to BJ's Cafe, P.O. Box 61, Ortley, SD 57256.

T-shirts and caps are also available from BJ's. Caps (one size fits all) are $10.00, and a few shirts are still available in these sizes:

4XL - $14.00
3XL - $12.00
XL - $12.00
L - $10.00
M - $10.00
S - $10.00
Youth XL - $10.00

Again, shipping and handling is $3.00 for each item. If you have any questions, please call BJ's Cafe at 605-947-4300 (open Tue-Sun. 7 AM - 4 PM Central Time).

Ortley Centennial a Huge Success!!!

2006-07-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Ortley Centennial was attended by hundreds of people on Saturday, July 1, 2006. There were many entries in the parade and the car show, and a good time was had by all. If you were here, and have some digital photos to share, please email them to the editor!!! Meanwhile, click this text to see the "Centennial Edition" of the Ortley Optic.

The Centennial is almost here!!!

2006-06-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Credit for this fine version of our Centennial Poster goes to Diane (Pies) Anderson, Ortley native and current resident recently reclaimed from California.

Hope to see one and all right here in Ortley on July 1st!

Roberts County Historical and Genealogical Information

2006-06-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

As Ortley's 100th Anniversary Celebration approaches on Saturday, July 1st, please take a look at the nice version of the poster which has been posted on the Roberts County GenWeb site, at this address: www.rootsweb.com/~sdrobert/ortley.htm

Bud Halverson is in charge of the Roberts County GenWeb site, which has lots of information & links relating to our area. Thanks, Bud, for featuring our festival on the site!

100th Anniversary Announcement!

2006-05-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

Watch for a few updates on this info, but this is the advertising poster that's taking shape:

100th Anniversary of

ORTLEY, S.D.

1906-2006

Sponsored by the Community of Ortley
July 1, 2006

Car & Motorcycle Show starts at 12 noon
Registration from 11:00 ($10.00 per entry)
Trophies awarded at 4:00 pm

Tractor Show

Parade 1:00, including Kiddie Parade
PARADE EXHIBITS WELCOME
(Costumes of any year encouraged)

(Open Stage) Music in the afternoon

Lunch served in various places ALL DAY
Pork Bar-B-Que Feed at the Church at 4 pm

Craft and Flea Market ALL DAY
EXHIBITORS WELCOME

SOFTBALL GAME from 2-4 pm
For more information call: 605-947-4300
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS

Ortley Town Board March 19, 1909, etc.

2006-03-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

First, updating a question asked earlier about painting the cross sculpture at the cemetery: Town Board chairman Elton Davidson informs me that it will be painted for maintenance purposes this spring. He also informs me that he had informed me of it earlier. Oh, well, nobody's perfect ...

In other news, Elton also returned to me the old town board minutes book, so here's another installment:

Regular Meeting of the Town board of Trustees
March 19th 1909.

All members present.
Meeting called to order by President
on motion of C.E. Anderson the following
bills were allowed and Clerk instructed to
issue warrants for same.

Bal on Joe Allis Bill for Surveying Cemetery	6.00
Carl Melander for cash advanced for expenses.	50
William Aiken board of Education	2.00
C.S. Cotton " "	2.00
Ed Schultz For official blanks & Printing	9.40
Fuller & Fuller for dividing School district	60.00
Ortley Township for 1/2 interest in Road Grader and full interest in 2 wheel scrapers	35.00

on reviewing the books it was found that the
Town Clerk has issued warrants to the amount
of $859.24 of which amount $171.10 has been
paid out of General Fund. Amount of warrants
outstanding $688.14 Total Cash received
$181.83 Cash bal in Treasury $10.73
on motion of P.H. Halvorson an amendment
of ordinance no 24 was recommended as follows.
That it shall be lawful for any person over 18 years
of age to play pool or billiards. An amendment
of ordinance no 24 sec. 5. Motion carried.
There being no further business
The meeting adjourned.
O.E. Thorsgaard
Clerk.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

2006-03-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

This letter to the editor came in the other day.

To the editor:

Last weekend, March 4, the Rudebusch and Lee families gathered at B. J.'s Cafe in Ortley for a surprise party, to celebrate the 81st birthday of Marvel Catherine Rudebusch Lee. Marvel grew up in the Ortley area and her parents lived there for many many years so it was "a real homecoming" for Marvel.

All arrangements for the party were made by B. J.'s Cafe and I must say, my sisters and I were very impressed. From the lovely birthday decorations, to the beautiful cake to the delicious meal prepared for those who traveled, far and wide, to attend the party were all done in the best of "tastes"! The cake was amazing and the delicious meal was as good as any home cooked, festive holiday dinner.

A BIG thank you to everyone who attended the party, sent a card or called Mom. Thank you so much for remembering Mom on her special day.

My sisters and I say HAT'S OFF TO EVERYONE AT B.J.'s Cafe in Ortley! We all hope to attend the upcoming Ortley Celebration!

Thank you,
Dr. Dixie Klein
Des Moines, IA

P.S.: B.J.'s Cafe is one of SD's best kept secrets, in our opinion! Have your tried their breakfast menu? And the cookies, they are OH SO GOOD! When I am near Ortley, I will drive out of my way to stock up! If you are planning a family gathering or civic event, we HIGHLY recommend B.J.'s Cafe.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR JULY 1, 2006!

2006-03-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday evening, March 7, 14 interested Ortley residents met at BJ's Hall to plan a centennial celebration for Ortley. It was decided to hold the event on Saturday, July 1st, 2006. Here are some of the activities which are now in the planning stages: A 1:00 PM parade with color guard, bands, organization floats, cars, tractors, horses, "Ortley Then & Now" costumes, etc., including a "Kiddie Parade" component with pets and kid costumes. Also a car show, an antique tractor/threshing demonstration, stage music and a softball game in the afternoon, carnival with face painting, etc., a craft fair (venders wanted - $5/table). The Senior center will serve a meal at noon and the Church a pork barbecue at 4:00 PM. Karaoke in the evening.

Specific plans will be announced as they are finalized, but it looks like we have the makings of a very enjoyable celebration. The next planning meeting will take place 6:00 PM Tuesday, April 4, at BJ's Hall in Ortley's historic Downtown.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

2006-03-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true! A new posting of the Ortley Optic! Sorry I took so long
to get back to this, but I'm glad to know that people are reading this.
I know that, because in the last few days a few questions came in from
interested readers, so I'm going to try to answer them as best as I can.

1. In regards to the recent ice storm,
someone asks, "Any chance in having the church become an emergency shelter?"

I'm glad you asked that. Let me make something clear, first of all. The
members of Ortley Free Lutheran Church stand ready at all times to help out
in any way we can in time of emergency, including the use of the church building
as an emergency shelter. So, the basic answer to your question is, "YES!"

Let me explain some confusion which I believe has come about in the aftermath of
the ice storm. There was some discussion of whether the Town of Ortley should
have a generator, and if so, where it would be used. Various sites have been
mentioned, including the church. To my knowledge no official decisions have
been made. I heard a second-hand or third-hand report that I had been quoted
as saying that I was "opposed" to having the church used as a shelter. That scared
me a little, because that kind of thing can be very easily misunderstood. To clarify
the issue, there are two different questions involved, with two different answers:

A. Can the church be used as a shelter?

B. Should the church be officially designated by the Town as a shelter?

The answer to Question A is, "absolutely yes."

The answer to Question B is, "I don't know." Official business of this type
involves complex questions of liability, etc., which I don't know much about.
Until those questions are answered, I think we should be cautious about making
any decisions about officially designating the church or some other site as a
shelter. During the recent emergency, many people voluntarily opened up their
homes to those in need, and whether or not the church is officially a
shelter, you can count on us to voluntarily help out in any way we can.

I hope this makes things a bit more clear. I've been afraid that someone might
think, "the church doesn't want to help" or "Pastor Peterson doesn't want to help."
Nothing could be further from the truth. We could have another ice storm again
sometime, or we could have some other type of major emergency in which many people
in our area need emergency shelter. If we at Ortley Church can help, we stand
ready to do so, and we don't need any official designation to make it so. If an
emergency comes up and our building would be useful to help those in need, please
ask.

Next Question:
2.
"When is the Centennial?"

The latest talk I've heard is about either June 24 or July 1. We should know more
soon, as the following notice has just been posted at the Post Office and at BJ's Cafe:

To the citizens of Ortley and the surrounding area:

If you would like to have a 100 year anniversary get together,

COME to the meeting at BJ's Hall.

March 7th at 6:00 PM

I'll post more info as soon as I have it. And all who are able to attend that meeting
are strongly encouraged to do so.

Next Question, in regards to the cross sculpture at the cemetery:
3. "Will it be painted this summer in 2006?"

I don't know if there are any plans to paint it for maintenance purposes. Early on there had
been some speculation about painting a cross on it to make it resemble a conventional cross
more closely, but the artist made it clear that he didn't want his artwork to be altered in
any way. Furthermore, the message I've gotten is that, though some had some initial reservations
about the unusual appearance of the sculpture, people have gotten used to it and embraced it.
Like Paris with its Eiffel Tower (which also generated controversy among the locals), we have a towering
landmark. And ours is even better than their's, because of its spiritual meaning.

In regards to the entries on old town board minutes, next Question:
4. "I like this kind of newletter notes, any more in the future?"

I think so. I was working with a precious book of the old board minutes, and Council Chairman
Elton Davidson needed the book back. I hope to eventually get it back and make some more
entries.

Finally, some interesting discussion has just happened in the online Guest Book.

Local resident Diane Anderson asked, "When was the last year that Ortley School was being used? Does anyone remember the Ray family that lived in this area in the 1920's? I enjoy reading through your Optic news. Diane"

(By the way, thanks for the nice comment, Diane!)

Former resident Steven Hovland replies:

"Diane: In 1966, the 7th and 8th graders began going to Waubay by bus. Grades 1-6 remained in Ortley through the 1968-1969 school year. I was the sole member of the last 3rd grade class. I believe I still have a photo of the 13 students who comprised the last student body of Ortley school. Steve"

FEEL FREE to use the Guest Book as a question-and-answer forum! And, I'm glad to have the Optic up and running again! Thanks for your questions!

Ortley is doing OK

2005-11-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you out there who may be wondering, "is everyone in Ortley OK?", I'm happy to report that as of about 5:30 Tuesday evening, we have electricity, so Ortleyites only had to endure one night without light or heat. And as far as I know, everyone is fine.

It began on Sunday with a light freezing drizzle, just enough to make things very slippery. Then came the high winds, then in the night it began to snow. About 11:00 AM Monday the power went out. I thought it would be perhaps a few hours - we've seen that before. But it went on and on, and on Tuesday morning we still didn't have power. It soon became clear that it was a state of emergency in our state, extending far beyond our immediate area. It was a great relief when, just as we were settling in for another dark, cold night, that the power suddenly came on yesterday evening. Praise the LORD! And thanks, "mange tusen takk" as the Norwegians say, to the hardworking, dedicated power line workers from Otter Tail and many other power companies, including many who have come from other states to help out South Dakota.

As many as 50,000 South Dakotans were without electricity on Monday night. Ortley and Waubay were among the first, blessed 1/5 of that number who have had power restored. 77 communities and rural areas still are without power, and some may not receive it for a few days. South Central and Southeastern South Dakota are facing more snowy, dangerous weather today, and below normal temperatures are expected throughout East River South Dakota for the next few days. They need our prayers, as well as help with portable generators, shelter, etc.

Highway 12 Update

2005-11-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

As of Friday evening, November 4, all four lanes of Highway 12 are open at Ortley, so you may now reach Ortley from the Outside World with the comfort, convenience, and safety of four-lane travel!

Ortleyites visit San Antonio

2005-11-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Lori Pies

Lori and Herschel Pies returned October 31 froma 5-day trip to San Antonio, Texas, where they attended the graduation ceremonies and parade of Erica Pies as she completed Air Force Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base.

While there Lori, Herschel, & Erica toured the Lackland Air Force Base and took a tour of the Alamo, San Jose Mission, Concepcion Mission, Mission San Antonio, Market Square, the Japanese Sunken Gardens, the famous Riverwalk, and the Botanical Gardens.

Lori enjoyed a horse and buggy ride around the Alamo. Lori, Erica, and Herschel also enjoyed a trolley tour of downtown San Antonio.

Erica Pies wishes to send a big Texas style Hello to all of her friends!

Editor's note: Congratulations, Erica! Our best wishes and prayers are with you as you continue your training in the U.S. Air Force. Lori's account of their trip brings back fond memories of my two years in the San Antonio area during 1994-1996, as the first church where I served as pastor was in Pleasanton, Texas, 40 miles south of San Antonio.

November 1 News and Notes

2005-11-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

A reminder to everyone to submit recipes for the CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK project. You may submit them directly to Barb at BJ's Cafe, or mail them to BJ's at P.O. Box 61, Ortley, SD 57256, or email to rbwitte@itctel.com . They are due no later than May 1, 2006, but we encourage everyone to send them in ASAP.

In other news, for a few months now Ortley has been monitoring the progress of the Great Highway 12 Project, in which the highway is being expanded to four lanes all the way from Aberdeen to I-29. This summer and fall have seen construction on the stretch between Rush Lake, east of Waubay, and the Interstate, 8 miles east of Ortley. Ortley's skyline even was altered, as a concrete plant supporting the road construction was built this summer right at the Ortley corner - perhaps when the construction is all done we could convert the area into the "Ortley Industrial Park!" Anyway, by some reports the complete four-lane configuration was scheduled to be completed on November 1, which is today, so later I will bring a report from my observations, of whether the new lanes are in fact open. The completion of this leg of the project will mean that the only stretch left to complete is "Rush Grade", the causeway that stretches over two miles directly across Rush Lake, effectively turning it into two lakes instead of one.

A large donation

2005-10-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

Recently a 30-foot cross sculpture by Elmer Petersen was donated by Mr. Roy Utne of Minnesota, and installed at the Ortley Cemetery. The sculpture’s original location was the Lutheran Church of the Master in Edina, Minnesota, where it stood for possibly 40 years before the church was dismantled. Mr. Utne saw that the church building and sculpture were about to be torn down, and obtained the sculpture. Mr. Utne had originally hoped for the sculpture to find a new location near his own church in St. Louis Park, but after those plans fell through he decided to donate it to Ortley, as his parents are buried in the Ortley Cemetery. His father grew up on the A.P. Utne farm 1 ¼ mile south of the cemetery, and in his 20s was a barber in Ortley. Roy reports that he was born in the back of his father’s barber shop!

According to artist Elmer Petersen, “the symbolic cross is an abstract representation of the Master. The shorter form in front of the cross is the disciple, or servant. The half-round shape in between is a kneeling pillow.”

The crossbar of the cross has an unusual design which fit the motif of the original church building it was designed for. To my eyes it is reminiscent of a crown. It is a distinctive looking sculpture, a piece of modern sacred art. As such it has caused a stir in the community, and reactions have varied. But I have heard a number of positive comments, and I believe we ought to thank Mr. Roy Utne, a son of the community, for his great heart of generosity in remembering Ortley in this way. Thank you! Let this gift be a reminder to us of our need to kneel in humble service to the Master.

The sculpture is here pictured at its original location.

Automatic Computer Screen Cleaner

2005-10-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Does your computer screen collect dust? Never fear! Starting right now, the Ortley Optic Online is providing an Automatic Computer Screen Cleaner! Just click the link in this article or on the sidebar to have your screen cleaned at no charge!

Service-To-Music Award

2005-10-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ortley may be a humble little town, but Ortleyites have many distinguished connections. For example, Marie Peterson's father, William Salzmann of Fishers, Indiana, was recently awarded the Service-To-Music Award, given annually to persons "who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of music and music education in the Central Indiana area." Mr. Salzmann served as an instrumental music teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools for 30 years, where he "was a teacher of excellence who always had many students winning awards and All-State honors under his tutelage." Mr. Salzmann played oboe in the Indianapolis Symphonic Band for over 25 years, and for the past 45 years he has played oboe and English horn in the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, including appearances as soloist. Congratulations, Mr. Salzmann!

Town Board Minutes, February 15, 1909

2005-10-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Special meeting of the town board
February 15 1909. for the purposes
of acting on the rising motion of
S.A. Buck as Alderman from the
second ward. On motion of C.E. Anderson
Mr Buck's resignation were accepted
on motion of P.H. Halvorson
C.S. Cotton were apointed to serve
as alderman during the unexpired term
of S.A. Buck. and untill his sucessor
is elected and has qualified.
on motion carried the following bills were
allowed.
Wm Aiken for labor on main street 1.00
Matt Hustad repairing scrapers 1.05
Joe Alley Surveying and platting cemetery 25.00
C.E. Anderson for Cash paid D.F. Stevens
for recording plat of cemetery 4.00

Meeting adjourned

O.E. Thorsgaard
Town Clerk

Editor's note: I always feel a bit bad about leaving spelling irregularities as is, but this is straight from the record book, and I'm sure Mr. Thorsgaard would have corrected things in a revised copy. Interesting to note the familiar local name of "Cotton", nearly a century ago.

Halloween Party

2005-10-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

A Halloween potluck supper will be held at BJ's Hall in Ortley on October 30 at 6:00 PM.

Somehow I'm reminded of one of my favorite stories from zany comedian Steven Wright. It went something like this (I'm quoting from memory):

"Once I went to a halloween party, and I saw some people there dressed as police officers. I was confused, because I didn't know whether they were real police officers or just people dressed as police officers - which is what real police officers are anyway!"

News and Notes

2005-08-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's been just about a month since I last updated the Optic! Rest assured that Ortley hasn't changed that much in one month. Here are a few news and notes:

The Petersons' Vacation

Pastor & Mrs. Peterson spent a few days in late July on a vacation trip to New Glarus, Wisconsin, where we joined Marie's family for the annual reunion. A great time was had by all. New Glarus has a strong Swiss heritage, so we ate Swiss food, including delicious roesti (a kind of hash brown & cheese breakfast dish available with many different toppings), heard live polka music, shopped in the village (other relatives report finding great deals on name brand clothing at a discount store), stayed in a chalet-style hotel, and even brought home a couple of yodeling records. We also worshipped at Faith Lutheran Church in Mineral Point, WI, where Ortley native Rev. Brian Davidson previously served as interim pastor, and where Wallace's intern pastor Mark Richardson also preached a number of times while in seminary.

State Fair bound!

4H-er Darren Goble won a purple ribbon at the Roberts County Fair for a set of "before and after" photos of his installation of a large picture window in a house he is restoring on the East side of Ortley. The window was donated to his cause when a new picture window was installed in the Ortley Church parsonage. Congratulations, Darren!

Going to the dogs ...

On Monday, August 22, six humans and four dogs were present for a backyard party thrown by the Petersons for the tenth birthday of their dog, Pluto. An exceptionally well-travelled dog, Pluto was born on the Beyer farm south of San Antonio, Texas in mid-August 1995. Adopted by Pastor Peterson, then of Pleasanton, TX, he later moved to Indiana, Minnesota, and finally South Dakota for the last four years. Guests at the party included Carol Goble (with a brief visit by "Daisy"), Bill & "Mikey" Palmer, and James & Shirley Swanson ("Scruffy" was nowhere to be seen). Another neighbor puppy also joined the festivities briefly. Pluto got thoroughly spoiled, and it was a good excuse for a celebration.

News items invited

Local news items are always welcome. Write me a note or drop your story by anytime. Preference will be given to stories involving humans, but as you see above, other species will also be given consideration. And don't forget to send in your recipes for the centennial cookbook by May 1st, 2006.

Ortley Reunion Report

2005-07-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

(As reported in the Waubay Clipper) The Ortley Town Reunion was held July 3 at BJ's Cafe in Ortley.
About seventy people (actually 74+) attended from Summit, Ortley, Waubay, Watertown, Rapid City, Webster, Florence, Vermillion, Aberdeen, Milbank and Sioux Falls; Springfield, MN; Sauk Centre, MN; Burnsville, MN; Richfield, MN; Excelsior Spring, MI; and Fargo, ND.
The afternoon was spent with lunch catered by BJ's Cafe and then visiting, sharing old pictures and taking new ones.
Gifts were given to the following people.
Joe Leavitt came the farthest, from Albuquerque, NM.
Ardean Richardt had the most children with seven.
Lester Kampen graduated with two years of high school from the Ortley School.
The oldest person was Mrs. Louise Miller and the youngest person was Megan Sitter.
No plans were made for the next reunion.

Editor's note: speaking of sharing old pictures and taking new ones, if you have some reunion pictures to share, please send them in, and I can post them in the Optic. And stay tuned for details on the upcoming Ortley Centennial, which will tentatively be in June, 2006. And be sure to send in your recipes by May 1st for the Centennial Cookbook, along with your address and the years you lived in Ortley.

Birthday Club!

2005-07-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday on July 30 to Jannis Palmer!

Be sure to send in birthday & anniversary news, so we can announce it to the world via the Ortley Optic Online!

Who's the oldest living Ortleyite?

2005-07-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

An interesting question just came in from a faithful reader. Does anybody know the answer?

hello ortleyites and ex-ortleyites..

i would like to know who is the oldest living person who has lived in ortley all his/her life..

pat o'riley

This week in Ortley, South Dakota

2005-07-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

All-School Reunion
The Ortley Reunion was a great success, with a large turnout of 74 paid attendees, plus a number of children. A good time was had by all, and the wish has been expressed to do it again soon.

Centennial Cookbook
Speaking of special events, the Ortley Centennial is coming up in 2006! To celebrate, plans are being made for a Centennial Cookbook, so please send in your recipes, along with your name, the place you live now, and the year or years you lived in Ortley. You may drop them off at BJ’s Cafe, or mail them to the Optic at P.O. Box 6, Ortley, SD 57256, or email them to petersoncello at yahoo dot com. The deadline is May 1st, 2006.

Local notes
Raymond & Barbara Witte’s daughter Beverly, from Seattle, Washington, has been visiting for a couple of weeks. Bill Palmer’s sister Hattie & her husband George have been visiting from Lincoln, Nebraska. The Ortley VFW Auxiliary had their annual meeting dinner at the Millstone Restaurant in Milbank on the evening of July 6 (faithful member Lillian Leavitt lives in Milbank).

Flea Markets & Bake sale
The Althoff’s Flea Market is open this weekend in Ortley. Also, Peterson Produce is selling BJ’s Cafe cookies and assorted flea market items at LaDome in Waubay, and fresh butterhead lettuce across from Li’l Kountry Drive-In in Waubay today (July 9).

Guest book problems, anyone?

2005-06-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've appreciated the continued comments the paper has gotten on the guest book. In case anyone still has problems, even with the alternative "guest book", feel free to email me a comment, and I can post it on the site. And be sure to check out your own software as well.

Look for the Red Tent

2005-06-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Any of you who come to the Waubay Celebration, please stop by the Peterson Produce booth at the flea market on Saturday, July 2, "under the red tent." Our wares will include cookies baked homestyle at BJ's Cafe in Ortley, and patriotic goodies for kids of all ages. And I'll be happy to autograph your copy of the Ortley Optic Online!

Upcoming Events

2005-06-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff coming up in just one week! Here's a summary:

First, a repeat of the Ortley Reunion announcement:

ORTLEY REUNION!
A reunion of former & present Ortley residents and former students of the Ortley School!

When? Sunday, July 3rd, 2005, 12:30 PM

Where? BJ's Cafe, Ortley

What? Food & Fun!

Many have been sent invitations, but in case you didn't get one in the mail, here's your online invitation! If you'll be able to attend, please RSVP to Brenda Jerde, 16650 449th Ave., Florence, SD 57235.

$5.00 per adult - children free.

Bring any old photos!

You may contact Shirley Swanson for more info at 947-4349.

Next:

Waubay to observe 125th anniversary

Governor Mike Rounds has proclaimed July 2 as Waubay Quasquicentennial Day. The proclamation will be published in the 125th Anniversary Book, "125 Years of Progress"

Saturday, July 2:
8:00 2 mile walk/5K run, sponsored by Waubay Avera Health Clinic

9:00 Waubay Sr. Center begins serving breakfast

Noon lunches on Main St. by various organizations

1:00 Parade, followed by car & motorcycle show, antique tractors, threshing bee, flea market, memory board, celebration memorabilia at Jessie's Fitness Center

Fun Fest sponsored by City Library: children's games, dunk tank, car smash, 2 carnival rides, petting zoo, barrel train rides, pony cart rides, ice cream wopida

Waubay Alumni Association meeting & supper 6:30 PM in HS Auditorium

7:00 drawings for basket raffle at City Library

9:00 American Legion Street Dance

Sunday, July 3:

10:30 AM Ecumenical Church service at Jackson Surma Park, followed by pork barbecue

1:00 Live entertainment by various local musicians in the Park. Also a lawn mower pull, cow plop, mutton busting, beard judging, raffle drawings, flea market

Watermelon, sweet corn, etc. at park all afternoon

Fireworks display at dark, sponsored by First Savings Bank.

Lebanon

The Lebanon Church Society holds its annual celebration on the afternoon of July 3. More details soon.

ORTLEY REUNION!

2005-06-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

A reunion of former & present Ortley residents and former students of the Ortley School!

When? Sunday, July 3rd, 2005, 12:30 PM

Where? BJ's Cafe, Ortley

What? Food & Fun!

Many have been sent invitations, but in case you didn't get one in the mail, here's your online invitation! If you'll be able to attend, please RSVP to Brenda Jerde, 16650 449th Ave., Florence, SD 57235.

$5.00 per adult - children free.

Bring any old photos!

You may contact Shirley Swanson for more info at 947-4349.

NOTE - as many of you know, Waubay is holding its 125th anniversary celebration on July 2-3, so there will be the opportunity to take in those festivities as well. Also, the annual Lebanon Church reunion will be on Sunday, July 3, in the afternoon, for those with Lebanon connections and those who wish to take in the festivities. Lots going on that day! Note that Ortley & Egeland churches will be participating in the Community Worship Service at the Park in Waubay at 10:30 AM Sunday, July 3.

Produce & Rummage

2005-06-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Peterson Produce will be selling Ortley-grown produce & rummage sale items, including patriotic items priced $1 and less, "under the red canopy" next to Lil' Kountry Drive In at Waubay, Saturday, June 18, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Alternative Guest Book (in case you have trouble with the main one)

2005-06-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to those who have stopped by the Guest Book and left comments. Unfortunately one faithful reader has consistently been unable to leave a comment. The guest book server asks the reader to key in a randomly-generated 4-digit number to log in and leave a comment, and unfortunately he hasn't been able to read the number. So far I've only heard of one person with this problem, but there could be others I haven't heard from.

Here's my stopgap measure: this post will serve as our "alternative guest book". Here are the instructions: directly below this paragraph you'll see the words "posted by Michael" followed by a time of day and the word "Comments". Just click either the time or the word "comments" and you can read the comments others have left, and leave one of your own. In case anyone has trouble getting this to work, please let me know. I appreciate the comments and contributions many have made. I'm adding a link to the "Alternative Guest Book" to the sidebar so you can always go directly to this post. I hope this helps, and keep the comments coming!

Local News & Notes

2005-06-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Bill & Jannis Palmer recently celebrated their 43rd anniversary on June 9. Ray & Barbara Witte took them to the Hot Spot in Bristol for steak. The Palmers also have grandkids visiting for the summer, and Jannis' youngest son from Lincoln, NE came to spend a few days with her.

BJ's Cafe will be closed during June 18-20 while the Wittes go camping near Pierre and take part in a family reunion on Ray's side.

On Wednesday, June 15, Pastor Michael Peterson (yours truly) spent the day at the Annual Conference of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, being held this year at Valley City State University in Valley City, ND. The conference began on Tuesday evening and concludes today, June 17. A number of people with Ortley connections are very active in this conference, most notably Pastor Brian Davidson, who serves as Secretary of the AFLC and has a very big job while the conference is in session. I also saw former Ortley pastors John Rieth, Jon Wellumson & wife Lynn, Jon Benson & wife Jeannette, Dave Johnson & wife Vicki, & Roy Johnson (Roy & John have wives too, I just didn't see them). Pastor Benson also has an important conference job, as he has been the chief teller (vote counter) for a number of years now. I also enjoy pitching in with vote counting when I have the chance to attend the conference. They need all the help they can get, and I think it's great fun to know the results of elections before everyone else (even when I lose - I was up for a seat on the Schools Corporation and the Nominating Committee, and "lost" both - a slight disappointment, but no biggie, because I've got lots of stuff to do already - as they say at the Oscars, "it's an honor just to be nominated ..."). Greetings also from Corrine Mattson of Greenbush, MN - she & husband Dr. Lyle were members at Ortley Free Lutheran a number of years ago. Greetings also from retired Missionary Connely Dyrud, who remembers well when he visited Ortley a number of years ago, and would like to make a return visit - it can be arranged!

June 30, 1908 Town Board Minutes

2005-06-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

June 30th 1908


Special meeting of the Town board.

All members present - meeting called to order by
the president.  On motion of S.A. Buck the following
Bills were allowed.

Northwestern Stamp Works for Tags Seal & 4 Stars    8.25
Ortley Optic for Printing & Stationery             10.73
Nels Swinnimson 2 days Judge of Elections           4.00
Sisseton Banner News for Printing Notice of Incorp. 3.95
C.E. Anderson Cash advanced to Co. Commissioners   43.00
Fuller & Fuller Attorneys for Incorporation       123.50
C.E. Anderson expenses 3 trips to Sisseton         12.36
William Aikers 10 days road overseeing  20.25 \   
"      "    2 days Judge of Election     4.00 /    24.25
V.L. Branum for assessing Village                  24.00
 No other business on hand
  Meeting adjourned

   O.E. Thorsgaard
    Clerk

Editor's note: If any of you experts on old Ortley have any
corrections or other input, please let me know. Mr. Thorsgaard's
handwriting is beautiful, but occasionally a bit mysterious.
For example, I'm not sure I have "Swinnimson" right, but that's
what it looks like to me.

Red Tent Sale!

2005-06-10T19:44:00.000-07:00


Home grown gourmet radishes, rhubarb, flea market items
at Lil' Kountry Drive Inn parking lot, Waubay
Beginning 8:00 AM Saturday, June 11
Peterson Produce & the Holzerlands

June 28, 1908 Town Board Minutes (short & sweet)

2005-06-10T19:42:00.000-07:00


June 28/08

Regular meeting of the Town Board
All members present.
 Meeting called to order by President
Board organized as Equalization board.
for the Town of Ortley.  No complaints
being made the assessor’s books were accepted
 There being no further business
  Meeting adjourned

  O.E. Thorsgaard
   Clerk

News and Notes

2005-06-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all those who took part in Memorial Day observances this week. We had good calm weather this last Monday, and the sun came out close to noon. 42 people (if I remember that right) came for the Memorial Day program at BJ's Hall. Bill Palmer read the roll call, Ray Witte gave an address, poems were read by Jannis Palmer and Mona Rudebusch, and "yours truly" led in prayers and song, as well as sharing a reading on the history of Memorial Day. Many continued out to the cemetery afterward, and many enjoyed a fine potluck meal back at the hall.

Many also came out for military observances and refreshments at the Lebanon Cemetery bright and early at 8:00 AM.

Ortley native Pat O'Riley emailed me to say that he was having trouble signing the guest book on this web site. I'll try to get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, if anyone else has trouble signing the guest book, an alternative is simply to click the time or the word "comments" after any article and leave a comment.

April 1930 Business Directory

2005-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

April 1930 - 157 people


Arthur Payne       Carpenter
Charles Gilland    Blacksmith
Bert Thompson      Blacksmith
W.J. Gould         Drayman
Sigvard Fosnes     Depot Agent Railroad
Richard Shoemacker Laborer Lumberyard
Blanche Shoemacker Teacher
Nick Pies          Salesman Service Station
Henry Dorsett      Patrolman
J. Bringe          Mail Carrier R.F.D.
Paul Bringe        Laborer Bridge Crew
Phillip Thune      Section Man Railroad
Charles Whitefoot  Merchant General Store
Cornelius Whitefoot Salesman General Store
Leslie Beck        Salesman Groceries
Minnie Trumer      Clerk Studio
Roy Jeffrey        Salesman Garage
Henry Vollan       Laborer Railroad
Bertha Vollan      Waitress Cafe
Ed Scipranis       Manager Elevator
L. Kempter         Manager Lumberyard
Harold Pearson     Teacher
Andrew Pies        Salesman Garage
Nick Pies          Salesman Garage
Olaf Skatvold      Salesman General Store
Chancey Cotton     Janitor Schoolhouse
Carl Melander      Salesman General Store
Joseph Hagen       Cream Buyer
Agnes Hagen        Manager Eating House
Thomas Stegan      Manager Hardware Store
Albert Peterson    Salesman Hardware
B. Newton          Pastor Free Methodist Church
Orville Wise       Banker
Melvin Skatvold    Salesman General Store
Olaf Moxness       Manager Elevator
Helena Bollman     Manager General Store

June 4th Garage Sale in Waubay

2005-06-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

4 FAMILY GARAGE SALE: DON’T MISS! JUNE 4TH 8AM
Toys, Small Electric Keyboard with stand, Home Interior, Household Items, Furniture, & Much Misc......918 South Lakeshore Drive (Blue Dog Lake), Ness Residence........No sales before June 4th!

Memorial Day

2005-05-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that the Ortley VFW Post #2733 will be holding a Memorial Day Program and Potluck dinner on May 30 at BJ's Hall. The program will be held at 11:00 AM followed by a ceremony at the ceremony, weather permitting, and the potluck dinner at 12:00 Noon. Observances will be held at the Lebanon Cemetery earlier that morning, weather permitting.

Rhubarb, etc. for sale

2005-05-28T04:41:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING NEW IS HAPPENING!
WHAT? Local Produce, grown with organic methods (Rhubarb this month)
Flea Market (quality items including: devotional journal, flowerpots of different sizes, vases)

WHERE? At the Coffee Cup parking lot, Summit

WHEN? Saturday, May 28th, 8-Noon

WHY? For your convenience and nutritional benefit

WHO? Marie Peterson (Peterson Produce), and Michael Peterson

1920 Ortley Business Directory

2005-05-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that in the 1910 Business Directory (posted last week), the population of Ortley is listed as 192 people. It seems that it hit its peak population early.


1920 165 people

Adolph Berkner     Grain Buyer
Henry Vollan       Drayman
Michael Larson     Section Foreman RR.
Andrew Hendrickson Butcher
John Hoag          Laborer Elevator
Fred Williams      Laborer Ice House
Chancey Cotton     Painter
Minnie Cotton      Nurse
Martin Rogness     Repairman
Matt Hustad        Blacksmith
Charles Whitefoot  Merchant General Store
George Lasell      Attorney Bank
Oscar Fromke       Banker
Alma Fromke        Teacher Country School
Paul Halvorson     Manager Lumber Yard
George Orrock      Veterinarian
A. Halvorson       Laborer Grain Elevator
George Smith       Implement Dealer
W. Smith           Operator Telephone
William Aiken      Shipper Cream Station
Ralph Aiken        Grain Buyer
Floyd Aiken        Laborer Elevator
Hans Christianson  Salesman General Store
Thomas Stegan      Merchant Hardware
John Stegan        Clerk Hardware
Arthur Gokey       Teacher
Elsie Gokey        Teacher
James Bringle      Mail Carrier Rural
Leroy Delaney      Barber
Jake Thompson      Manager Pool Hall
Andrew Payne       Manager Garage
Elmer Ackerman     Operator Coal Mine
Arthur Payne       Asst. Manager Garage
H. Larson          Machinist Garage
L. Larson          Machinist Garage
Stella Henrickson  Teacher, Town School
Earl Evans         Manager, Grain Elevator
Ole Thorsgaard     Merchant General Merchandise
Carl Melander      Postmaster
Hayes Bollman      Merchant Dry Goods
Helena Bollman     Saleslady Dry Goods
James Carr         Manager Hotel
Angie Gleason      Servant Private Family
Carl Matgoll       Depot Agent
Clarence Gilland   Grain Buyer
Asad Trad          Laborer Railroad

Ortley Post Office, about 1964

2005-05-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

From Ortley native Rev. Brian Davidson:

Attached is a picture from circa 1964 of the Ortley Post Office just after Dad [Lester Davidson of Davidson Oil - ed.] remodeled the inside and painted the outside. This is the building that most people my age remember as the Ortley Post Office, now sitting at the museum in Webster. Unfortunately the picture on their website shows the building after years of neglect.
Milton From shipped a lot of frogs from that building over the years. Dad always made sure that a proper flag was flown each morning and taken down and folded every night.

Editor's note: The website Brian mentions is the Museum of Wildlife, Science, and Industry, at www.sdmuseum.org.

Clean Up Day

2005-05-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Notice:

Ortley Cemetery and Ortley Free Lutheran Church Clean Up Day is May 21, 2005 beginning at 9:00 AM. Lunch furnished by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans at BJ's Cafe.

Ortley VFW to host Memorial Day Program

2005-05-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Ortley VFW Post #2733 will be holding a Memorial Day Program and Potluck dinner on May 30 at BJ's Hall.
The program will be held at 11:00 AM followed by the potluck dinner at 12:00 Noon.

April, 1910 Ortley Business Directory

2005-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

This list of Ortley business people comes from Ortley town records, courtesy of Town Board Chairman (or mayor, as we usually call him) Elton Davidson. Watch for 1920 and 1930 Directories in the next couple of weeks.


April, 1910

R.E. Sletten           Implement Dealer
Oscar Rorning          Teacher
John Maine             Carpenter
Edward Schultz         Editor
Ole Nelson             Hotel Keeper
Joseph Paul            Butcher
John Popp              Asst. Cashier (Bank)
Herman Leader          Insurance Salesman
Herbert Augenbach      Operator, Railway Station
Charles Telschow       Hardware Store
Rutherford Bollman     Grocery Store
Vivan Williams         Laborer Hotel
Henry Fromelt          Banker
Clara Fromelt          Saleslady, General Store
John Lawrence          Confectionary Store
Charles Howland        Carpenter
Paul Halvorson         Retail Salesman at Lumberyard
Sandra Halvorson       Dressmaker
Frank Long             Wheat Buyer, Elevator
Helder Andenox         Photograph Gallery
M. Thompson            Salesman, Implement
Andrew Hendrickson     Butcher, Meat Market
Jacob Thompson         Manager, Pool Hall
Oscar Anderson         Clerk, Pool Hall
Daniel Glenny          Grain Buyer, Elevator
John Morrill           Real Estate
Charles Whitefoot      General Store
Albert Phillips        Doctor
Anna Phillips          Saleslady at Drugstore
Charles Hjellming      Livery Stable
Louis Eclow            Mason
Matt Hustad            Blacksmith
Charles Anderson       Real Estate
Anna Anderson          Millinery
Lena Larson            Telephone Office
John Gilland           Drayman
Emil Halverson         Carpenter
Ole Thorsgaard         Manager, General Store
Virgil Branum          Grain Buyer (Elevator)
Josephine Granger      Teacher
George Gilland         Miner Coal

Local Produce, etc.

2005-05-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING NEW IS HAPPENING!
WHAT? Local Produce, grown with organic methods (Rhubarb this month)
Flea Market (additional quality items this week, including:
a new Woman’s Devotional Journal, clean flowerpots, vases, & “Winnie the Pooh” video)
Pampered Chef kitchen tools

WHERE? At the Coffee Cup parking lot, Summit

WHEN? Friday, May 20th, 2-6PM

WHY? For your convenience and nutritional benefit

WHO? Marie Peterson (Peterson Produce), and Michael Peterson
Ruth Holzerland and Eileen Holzerland (Pampered Chef kitchen consultants)

6-6-1908 Town Board Minutes Part 2

2005-05-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Moved by C.E. Anderson and seconded by A.O. Johnson that the road running between Sec. Twenty (20) and Twenty-one (21) be divided as follows.
The township to take the one half ½ mile running between the S.E. ¼ of Sec. Twenty (20) and the S.W. ¼ of Section Twenty-one (21)
The Town of Ortley to take the one half ½ mile running between the N.E. ¼ of Section Twenty (20) and the N.W. ¼ of Section Twenty-one (21) Motion carried.
Moved by H. Nelson and seconded by P.H. Halvorson That the Two Miles of road running between Section Nineteen (19) and Twenty (20) on the South and Section Seventeen (17) and Eighteen (18) on the North be divided as follows.
The Township to take the one half mile beginning with the S.W. corner of Section Sixteen (16) and N.W. corner of Section Twenty-one (21) after which the Town of Ortley and the Township take each alternating one half mile to the county line.
Motion carried.


Board of Trustees            C.E. Anderson
Town of Ortley               (This one is hard for me to read, 
                             but I think it’s I.W. Bouck)
                             P.H. Halvorson
Town Clerk                   O.E. Thorsgaard

Chairman                     A.O. Johnson
Supervisor                   C.J. Mundt
Supervisor                   H. Nelson
Township Clerk               Wm. J. Theiss

6-6-1908 Town Board Minutes, Part 1

2005-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Busy time of year, but I want to give you at least a little something new this week, so here is the first part of the Town Board Minutes for June 6, 1908:

June 6th 1908.

Special meeting held to divide the road district between the Town of Ortley and the Township
All members present. On motion of P.H. Halvorson Seconded by A.O. Johnson, The part of the road running between section (19) Nineteen and section (20) Twenty on the north end and section (30) Thirty and (29) Twenty-nine on the south.
Were divided as follows.
The Town of Ortley to take all of the road running from the southwest corner of Section Nineteen (19) one and one half miles between Sections Nineteen (19) and Thirty (30) and the S.W. ¼ of Section Twenty (20) and the N.W. ¼ of Section Twenty Nine (29).
The Township to take the rest of the Two miles which runs between the S.E. ¼ of Sec. Twenty (20) and the N.E. ¼ of Sec. Twenty nine (29) To the S.W. corner of Section Twenty one (21).

(June 6 minutes concluded next time)

Local News

2005-04-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Quilting on Wednesdays

Each Wednesday at 2:30 PM, all are welcome to come to BJ's Hall for quilting. You may work on your own project, help on someone else's, or learn how for the first time!

South Shore Hoe-Down

The 4th Saturday of the month is the South Shore Hoe-Down. April active people attending from Ortley were Ray & Barbara Witte, Bill & Jannis Palmer, and Carol Cotton. Entertainment was excellent. -- Willis Palmer

Editor's note: A reminder to all that to submit a local news item, simply call or email me, or drop it off if you catch me on the street.

Ortley Happenings this week April 24-30

2005-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Rummage Sale Saturday, April 30

The Ortley Free Lutheran WMF (Women's Missionary Federation) is holding a Rummage Sale and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 30, from 9 AM to 4 PM, at the Ortley Senior Citizens' Center. Supplemental Funds are provided through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Craft/Bake/Rummage Sale Saturday, April 30

Also on Saturday, April 30, a Craft/Bake/Rummage Sale will be held at BJ's Hall. Table space for vendors is available for rent for $5.00. To reserve a table, call 947-4410 or 947-4300, or inquire at BJ's Cafe.

Today in Ortley History - 4-27-1908 minutes

2005-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

From the original Ortley Clerk’s Record (peculiarities in spelling and punctuation left intact):

Ortley S.D. April 27th 1908
Special meeting held for the purpose of Electing President of the board of Trustees, and to accept or reject bonds of the other town oficers, on motion of S.A. Buck. C.E. Anderson were duly elected president of the board of trustees.
The following Bonds were accepted by the board.
Bond of V.L. Branum as Assessor.
“ “ Wm Aiken as Marshal
“ “ Carl Melander as Town Treasurer
“ “ O.E. Thorsgaard as Town Clerk.
It was ordained by the board at this meeting that a Sum of $15.00 should be paid in advance each year by Parties maintaining a dray line in the Town of Ortley. It was allso ordained by the board of trustees that owners of dogs within the incorporated limits of the Town of Ortley shall pay a yearly tax or licence of $1.00 for male and $2.00 for female dogs. When such dog tax is paid the owner will receive a numbered tag to be atached to the collar.
Wm Aiken was apointed street commisioners and Pond Master for the town of Ortley
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 P.M.

O.E. Thorsgaard
Clerk.

Editor's comment: I wish everyone could see Mr. Thorsgaard's beautiful handwriting. Maybe sometime I can manage to get a portion of it scanned. The page is too big for our scanner.

A beautiful picture from 1921

2005-04-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't had any new Ortley pictures to post lately, so I decided to share this beautiful, beautiful 1921 wedding photo of my grandparents, Olaf (O.W. or "Billy") and Minnie (Olson) Peterson. They never lived in the town of Ortley, to my knowledge, but had a rural Ortley address for years, and Grandpa was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church of Ortley (now Ortley Free Lutheran).

Grandma and Grandpa both died when I was 14, so I only knew them as "old people". It's fascinating to me now to see them as open-faced, hopeful young people in their early 20s, yet with their faces very recognizable.

Election Results

2005-04-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry if any Ortleyites from afar have been kept in suspense wondering about the election outcome. In April 12's election, Darlene Olson was the winner at 20 votes, with Barbara Witte receiving 9 votes. Congratulations to Darlene on her reelection victory, and to Barbara on her well-fought campaign.

A strange event happened in connection with the Roberts County Jail bond issue, which you may read about in detail at The Sisseton Courier. County-wide, the vote was 52.4% in favor of the bond issue, which everyone thought was a loss, since it had been announced that a 60% yes vote was necessary for the bond issue to pass. But it was discovered in the 11th hour that the 60% rule doesn't apply to counties, so the bond issue passed.

In the Town of Ortley, Ortley Township, and Alto Township, there were a total of 17 "yes" votes and 25 "no" votes on the bond issue. Some local voters reported that they didn't know about the bond issue until election day or shortly before.

Congratulations to all who chose to participate in the exercise of democracy. Every vote counts!

Election reminder

2005-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Just to remind all Ortleyites that an election is coming up this Tuesday, April 12. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Ortley Senior Citizens' Center. Ortley residents will be voting on the town trustee position currently held by Darlene Olson. Olson has served a full term, is running for re-election, and is being challenged by Barbara Witte. Ortley residents will also join the rest of Roberts County in voting on a bond issue for a new jail. The Ortley Optic Online encourages each and every one to vote for the candidate of your choice, and to speak your mind on the bond issue by exercising the electoral franchise which we have in our fair land.

Once upon a time I thought I would be getting the new "issue" out each Tuesday or Wednesday, but more often than not it's been easier to do it on Thursday - Saturday, so that's when to look for it from now on. Thanks again for all the interest that many people have shown in this little project.

Another Main Street picture

2005-04-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Another picture of "Old Ortley", looking South down Main Street.

Thanks to Keith Christofferson for contributing this image.

Ortleyites near and far

2005-03-31T05:45:00.000-08:00

Update to this article: Patrick reports that Keith should really be credited for the old Ortley pictures.

I'm happy to say that I've heard from a couple of people with Ortley connections living elsewhere. Keith Christofferson posted a comment at "Letters To The Editor" below, and I also heard from former resident Patrick O'Riley. Here's his email to me:

Hello....my name is Patrick O'Riley and I am a former resident of Ortley
and still (I think) a member of the church...at least I was a member of
the Zion one....

I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon your most welcome effort to
re-establish the Ortley Optic....GREAT JOB!

I am very interested in the history of Ortley.....my father owned the
building where BJ's is now and my grandfather (St. Elmo Miller) bought
it from him and ran it as a pool hall/beer hall/cafe for many years...I
have a picture of me as a toddler being held up by my father in front
of
that building looking south to the tracks...you can see Bagley's
elevator in the back...

I have heard that ortley was once called Andersonville....in early
maps,
before it was a town, the railroad lists it as "Sand Cut"...probably
because of the sand pit down by the tracks....

My aunt, Louise M, and cousins Susie and Sandra are, I believe,
current members of your church....

I hope we can have a dialogue about Ortley history....I can find very
little...but maybe you know some oldtimers who can give you oral
history...this is my hope...I just wish that I had been more aware when
I lived there and knew those now deceased people who were in on the
beginning.....

Do you know anything about the "great conflagration" that took most of
the town?
when did it happen?...how did it happen?
things like that....

Thanks again for your efforts and God speed....

Patrick O'Riley

To answer a few questions, people who belonged to Zion Lutheran Church of Ortley may be listed as members of Hope Lutheran Church of Summit, as Zion was formally merged with the Summit Church. Ortley Free Lutheran Church technically is an entirely new church founded in 1971, though in the hearts of many oldtimers it's the same Ortley Church as always.

Yes, Ortley was early known as "Sand Cut", and then as "Andersonville." In fact, legal descriptions of property in parts of the West side of Ortley still use the name "Andersonville"!

I've only heard bits and pieces about the "great conflagration." Anyone who knows about it, please let me know.

Below are small versions of his vintage Ortley pictures.

Thanks, Patrick and Keith, for dropping by!

Main Street, Ortley, SD, 1909

Another view of Main Street, 1909

Ortley Elementary School, c. 1911

By the way, Patrick also gives a link to a "sister city" of Ortley, Oregon, with a web page at
www.ghosttowns.com/states/or/ortley.html. He also mentions that there is an Ortley Beach, New Jersey.

1909 Ortley Business Directory

2005-03-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

At www.rootsweb.com I found the 1909 Business Directory for Ortley! Notice that the original Ortley Optic is listed! The directory is below:

Oops, it looks like I have to get written permission before publishing it on this site. So, to view the directory, CLICK HERE. I'm hoping soon to be able to post the list directly on this site.

The link to the page where I found this info is ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/sd/roberts/business/ortl1909.txt.

The Ortley Optic is also listed as an "extinct Roberts County newspaper" at www.rootsweb.com/~sdrobert/newspapers.htm. But now it lives again!

Ortley Lutheran Church, then and now

2005-03-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a historic picture of what was then called the "Norwegian Lutheran Church" in Ortley, not long after the building was built in about 1906, looking NE:

In comparison, here is the present church building of what is now Ortley Free Lutheran Church, photographed in 2002, looking SE:

For many years it was known as Zion Lutheran Church of Ortley, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which eventually merged with The American Lutheran Church. It was in a parish with Summit, Lebanon, and Marvin churches. In the late 1960s it was officially merged with the church in Summit, but Ortley Free Lutheran Church was founded in 1971, purchased the church building from Hope Lutheran in Summit, and has been going strong since then.

A personal note - though my relatives belonged to Lebanon Lutheran Church south of Ortley, my grandfather Olaf (Bill) Peterson and his brother Henry were confirmed at Ortley, since it was the earliest of the area Norwegian Lutheran churches to adopt the English language. My uncle Arlo Peterson was also confirmed in Ortley.

Historical pictures, etc., are more than welcome on this site. Let me know if you have a scanned picture, or one I can scan and put on the site.

Clarification: People have asked if the old church picture was the Free Methodist Church building in the SW part of town. Nope, it's the same building as the current Ortley Free Lutheran Church! The annex wing on the North side of the building was built in the early to mid-1970s, along with the current entryway.

Community Calendar

2005-03-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

Bingo!
First Saturday of each month, sponsored by Ortley VFW Post # 2733
Third Saturday of each month, sponsored by Ortley Senior Citizens, with bake sale.

7:00 PM, BJ's Hall, 123 Main Street, Ortley, 947-4300

April 10th Potluck
At BJ's Hall, 6:00 PM. Bring a dish to pass. Come one, come all!

Holy Week in Ortley

2005-03-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Easter is coming soon, and Ortley Free Lutheran Church is celebrating, along with its parish partner Egeland Lutheran Church south of Waubay.

Each church hosts a Palm Sunday brunch, Egeland after the 9:00 service on Sunday, March 20, and Ortley before the 11:00 service.

At 7:30 on Maundy Thursday evening, March 24, Egeland hosts a Christian Passover meal, in honor of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples, which was a Passover meal.

On Friday at 7:30 PM, Ortley Church hosts the Good Friday service.

On Easter Sunday Morning, March 27, Ortley Free Lutheran has a "Sunrise service" at 8:00 AM, and Egeland Lutheran has their Easter Morning worship service at 10:00 AM.

All are welcome to these celebrations of our Crucified and Risen LORD Jesus Christ!

Restaurant review - BJ's Cafe

2005-03-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Locals as well as travellers on US Highway 12 should take note: great home-cooked food in a hometown atmosphere is available at BJ's Cafe, which opened in early December. Easy to find, it is located across Main Street from the Ortley Post Office, in a building which was a restaurant many years ago, and for years served as the local VFW post. The "B" and "J" in "BJ's" refer to sisters Barbara Witte and Jannis Palmer, who are partners in this venture.

A large wrap-around lunch counter is surrounded by tables for 2 or more around the perimeter of the dining area. Original paintings and local memorabilia adorn the walls, adding to the home-town feeling. Diners who sit at the lunch counter sit upon interesting stools made of old tractor seats, which are remarkably much more comfortable than they might look.

The menu features a full line of sandwiches, ranging from hamburgers to tuna salad, and some exceptional homemade soups, some including homemade noodles. Two of my favorites are the chicken with rice soup and the chili. The chili is available every day, and three other soup choices will be featured as well on any given day.

The cafe also boasts "breakfast served all day", and the pancakes are large and fluffy. Everyone should have a plate of their home fries, lightly fried potatoes with green peppers and onions.

In addition to the dining room, a spacious room called "BJ's Hall" offers much more space, and is available to rent for special events. It continues to be the home of the local VFW post's memorabilia, which adorns the walls.

Ortley is so small that many have gone by without noticing it, but this is truly a reason to take notice! Aberdonians and others, a dining experience filled with simple homespun goodness is available right on Highway 12, eight miles west of Interstate 29.

Upcoming election

2005-03-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Ortley will be having its first town election in many years on Tuesday, April 12, as two candidates have filed for the trustee position currently held by Darlene Olson. Olson is running for re-election, and her opponent is Barbara Witte.

Ortley voters will also be voting on a $7 million bond issue to build a new jail for Roberts County with a juvenile detention center. The current 32-cell jail was built in 1934.

In the weeks until the election, the Ortley Optic will bring you interviews with the candidates as well as more details on the bond issue. Detailed coverage of the bond issue may also be found at the Sisseton Courier's website at www.sissetoncourier.com.

Letters to the editor

2005-03-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

To read letters to the editor, or to submit one of your own, simply click the word "comments" directly underneath this paragraph. You may also submit letters directly to me, or by mail or email.

Support Your Community

2005-03-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

We have the United States Post Office where you can buy stamps, money orders, etc.

We have BJ's Cafe. A good meal to be had by all. A community center for potluck and meeting.

We have the Senior Citizen Center. Come and join us if you're 55 and older. Rental available.

A lot of us belong to RS&VP. Come join us, 55 and older. Three stations in Ortley.

Ortley Free Lutheran Church, God's home. Sundays 11:00 AM.

Althoff's Antiques. Buy something old.

Food Pantry for those in need.

We have a lot here. Support your community.

- Willis Palmer

Editor's note: Thanks for this contribution! We have more opportunities in this town than many realize. A reminder - all are welcome to submit news items, articles, etc., for the Ortley Optic. Thanks again for this submission.

Classified ads - March 9, 2005

2005-03-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

To read the current classifieds, or to submit one of your own, simply click "comments" directly below, and follow the instructions for leaving a comment. It's totally free!

Community Bulletin Board - March 9, 2005

2005-03-09T05:31:00.000-08:00

If you have a "community bulletin board" item, or something else to submit, simply click the word "comments" directly below, and follow the instructions for leaving a comment. You may also read the items on the bulletin board by clicking "comments" or clicking the time directly below this post.

An invitation to participate!

2005-03-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

What's the purpose of this publication?
I'm starting this new online publication as a way of bringing our community together, and letting others know what's going on in the Town of Ortley. There are two good reasons why I decided to do this as an internet "blog" site. One is that it's totally free! There's no other way that so many people can read our town's news at such a low price. People near and far who are interested in Ortley can instantly log and and read the latest "news." The other is that this format is ideal for interactive participation. I invite anyone and everyone who would like to contribute articles, columns, pictures, and other news, to contact me by email, or by posting a comment on this site. Below each article entry is the word "comments". Just click the word "comments" to read comments that have been left, or to leave one of your own.
You may also bring items directly to me if you're in town, or mail them to P.O. Box 6, Ortley, SD 57256.

How often will a new "issue" come out?
I will try my utmost to come out with a new "issue" once a week, preferably on Tuesday, possibly on Wednesday. Occasionally there will be "extra" news items posted at other times. If there will be a week without a new "issue", I'll let you know ahead of time. In the meantime, previous "issues" will be available to read indefinitely, by clicking the "archive" links on the sidebar.

What will be the format?

There will be an entry with one or more "headline" news items, and other entries for columns, editorials, community bulletin boards, classifieds, etc. Each entry will have the "comments" link below it, so anyone who wants to comment or add to the story may do so.

What are the rules?

We want to encourage active participation, and give everyone the opportunity to volunteer, help, and voice his or her opinions freely. As the editor I reserve the privilege of editing or deleting any comments which are vulgar or otherwise offensive, entirely at my discretion. But I don't expect to have to do that much. This is the open forum of our community, an opportunity to exercise the privilege of free speech which is ours in this blessed land.

What if someone wants a printed copy?

The Ortley Optic Online will not be sending out any printed copies, as it could become very expensive to do so. But all are welcome to print copies and distribute them freely. If you want to print an individual article, just click the time of posting listed directly below the article. Up-to-date "issues" will occasionally be posted on bulletin boards in public places in the Town of Ortley.

Welcome to the Ortley Optic Online!

2005-03-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

For years there was a newspaper in Ortley, South Dakota, called the Ortley Optic. Well, Ortley is still here, after nearly a century, and as we prepare for our town centennial in 2006, we are reviving the Optic as an online blog! Stay tuned for articles, columns, news items, and announcements of upcoming events!