July 1945: Laurel loses a Civil War vet and a pioneer

The Fourth of July passed quietly in Laurel. Businesses were closed for the day but the only celebrations were family get-togethers and picnics. Hartington was the only town in the county to host a celebration and it was rather low-key. The festivities at the fairgrounds included horse races and a baseball game. In the evening an old-time dance was held at the American Legion pavilion and a new-time dance at the Sun-Glo ballroom. Much to the relief of Hartington dogs, fireworks were not available due to the war.