Several organizations, no longer existing, were once interesting parts of life in Albert Lea. They included fraternal lodges, plus a civic group which could have easily been called the Triple-B. Those initials stood for Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau was started in 1912 and states its purpose is to act as a mutually trusted intermediary between consumers and businesses to resolve disputes, to facilitate communication, and to provide information on ethical practices.

Here in Albert Lea the Triple-B had its own office 70 years ago on the second floor of what’s now the Lea Center. Its membership back then was based on 62 local stores and business firms.

On Aug. 28, 1938, the following letter was sent out to folks in outlying areas to promote the city:

“The Better Business Bureau of Albert Lea wants every person within the trade area to shop in Albert Lea with a minimum of annoyance and a maximum of pleasure, therefore they have, with the permission of the city authorities, arranged to facilitate your shopping by issuing a ‘Courtesy Sticker,’ which when placed on your windshield, will entitle you to special privileges.

“These stickers, a small blue gummed label, may be obtained by applying for them in person at any member store of the Bureau. A list of these stores is given on the reverse side of this letter. They are given only to those who live outside the city of Albert Lea.

“We invite you to Albert Lea and to the round of free entertainment and accommodations that the city has to offer.

“We want you to enjoy:

Tuesday night. Free Goodwill Amateur Entertainments in Fountain Lake Park.

Wednesday night. Free concerts by Albert Lea Municipal Band in Fountain Lake Park.

Municipal Bathing Beach. Fine beach, diving rafts and towers. Life guard on duty.

Children’s playground at Morin Park. Supervised play.

Edgewater Park. Finest lake shore picnic grounds in Minnesota. Shelters, benches and tables, fireplaces, toilet facilities. Clean grass under oak tree shade.

July 4th evening. Free fireworks display on Fountain Lake. An elaborate and beautiful exhibition free to all without the mess of the usual celebration.”

Here are three quick comments about this letter.

First, there’s no indication as to what those “special privileges” were for the folks living outside the city.

Second, the comment about the “mess of the usual celebration” sounds like an unwanted insult to folks who celebrate the Fourth of July.

Third, this letter promoting the city would have made more sense if had originated with the local chamber of commerce.

In fact, within a few years the Triple-B’s name and separate status changed when it became the Better Business Association and a part of what was then the Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce. The last listing for the BBA was in the 1968 city directory.

Ed Shannon’s column has been appearing in the Tribune every Friday since December 1984.