Here are highlights in history for March 31, gleaned from the files of the Albert Lea Tribune:

1984 — The Tribune issued its Progress 1984 issue on the previous day. One of the featured articles was based on CornBelt Meats, the firm that purchased the local Wilson & Co. plant.

1974 — A Tribune article said bicycling was becoming more popular and this was resulting in a shortage of new bikes available for sale at local stores.

1954 — The Albert Lea Better Business Bureau was warning area residents to not be fooled by offers being made by a siding company.