This Was Brainerd – April 27 – Brainerd Dispatch
20 years ago (2001)
(Photo) Gay Zelinske, 79, has been passionate about American Legion baseball for 50 years. He coached the Brainerd team for 19 years. But the current coach stepped down and Gay hasn’t been able to find a replacement. Brainerd is in danger of not fielding a team this year. The Legion has been an important feeder for the high school.
30 years ago (1991)
Brainerd native Sandy Smith has been called up by the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penquins, who defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1 to win the Patrick Division title. Earlier, the 1986 Brainerd grad was selected rookie of the year at the Penquins farm team at Muskegon, Mich., of the International Hockey League.
40 years ago (1981)
Hundreds were on hand at Tornstrom Auditorium for the crowning of the new Miss Brainerd, Tamela Kay Sandberg. The daughter of Ben and Ramona Sandberg, Tamela won the talent competition singing “What I Did For Love.” She’s no stranger to royalty, having been Miss Crosby for 1979-80.
60 years ago (1961)
A 15-year-old Motley girl, reported missing three days ago, was found yesterday afternoon hiding in a hayloft in the barn on her father’s farm. A youngster on the farm saw a flash of something in an upper barn window, and her father found her, hungry and weak. The sheriff attributed the incident to “friction at home.”
80 years ago (1941)
A rabbit, shivering and trembling in the rain in front of the Presbyterian Church, was found by two girls. When they couldn’t find its owner they brought him to the Dispatch. He was immediately attracted to Pat Meyers, society editor, and cuddled up under her desk. They owner may call for him here – if Pat will give him up.
100 years ago (1921)
A three-legged chicken is the curiosity that hatched out at the Ole Benson home. Two legs are normal and are in the proper places. The third leg is where the tail feathers ought to be. The third leg is isn’t used when running around, but is used as a prop when standing still. The chicken appears to be perfectly healthy.
GALLERY: