Here are highlights in history for Dec. 9, gleaned from the files of the Albert Lea Tribune:

1986 — Ten paintings from the permanent collection of the Freeborn County Historical Society would be on exhibit at the Freeborn County Courthouse during the coming year. Three of these painting were by local artist Lloyd Herfindahl.

1976 — The five-member group known as the Upson Downs would be appearing at Thor’s Side Door, a part of the Holiday Inn, 2306 E. Main St. This group was advertised as the “Midwest’s top television and recording artists.”

1956 — The Albert Lea School Board approved preliminary plans for the new elementary school in the city’s southwest area. (This school is now called Sibley.)