“Driverless Wagon Was 1908 Mystery” is the headline on a story in the April 17, 1956, Austin Daily Herald. Certainly piqued my curiosity:

“An event which had all the ingredients of a mystery drama kept Austinites in suspense for several weeks in 1908.

John Bailey, a Richland farmer, had come to Austin to sell a load of hogs at Hormel’s for $81. That evening his team was found strayed into a farmyard. His name was on packages in the wagon and neighbors feared he’d met with foul play, since a mask and club was found nearby.

Several weeks later, on December 11, Bailey’s wife received a letter from him that he was in Canada visiting his mother.”

The article does not mention how he traveled to Canada after having left his horses in Austin. Richland, distinguished from New Richland, is a township in Rice County near Faribault.

This Week at the HHH

Friday, May 4: Tour from Austin Bank program at 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 5: Women in Health presented by Mayo Clinic Health System Austin at 9 a.m. Tickets ($5) are available at the HHH and at the clinic customer service.

Coming soon to the HHH

A Chocolate Affair Spring Luncheon on Monday, May 7 at noon. Doors open at 11 a.m. for shopping. Proceeds benefit the HHH Peace Garden. Contact the HHH office at 433-4243 for information.

Social Concerns: Strategies to Connect with your Grandchildren — Toddler to Teen on Tuesday, May 15 at 10 a.m. To attend, call the HHH at 433-4243.