USA > Iowa > Dickinson County > History of Dickinson County, Iowa, together with an account of the Spirit Lake massacre, and the Indian troubles on the northwestern frontier > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
"There is a series of commonplace events that occur uniform- ly and mark epochs in the history of a town. The first church, the first lodge, the first sidewalk, the first railroad, all these things come and form in their turn starting points in the ordinary system of chronological mnemonics that serve to guide us in remembering our daily transactions. Coming in the regular order with the numerous improvements that mark the progress of our town, sounding brass and tinkling cymbal unite in harmonious effort to proclaim our metropolitan yearning's, and Spirit Lake can now boast of a full fledged cornet band. A full set of instruments in the latest stylo and with all the modern improvements arrived here last Friday. The previous- ly organized band was waiting to receive them, and after the trial they were distributed as follows: W. F. Pillsbury, E flat cornet; S. P. Middleton, E flat cornet; T. J. Francis, B flat cornet ; A. W. Middleton, B flat cornet; Carl Blackert, tenor; T. L. Twiford, alto; J. A. Ellis, alto; S. L. Pillsbury, baritone; J. A. Smith, E flat bass ; C. W. Bowne, snare drum; J. S. Johnston, bass drum. The instruments are from the well known house of Lyon & Healy of Chicago, and give perfect satisfaction. After a few weeks practice the boys will be ready to discourse sweet music. For the present, however, they have retired to hidden recesses and practice their lessons under the rose."
The accompanying illustration is copied from an old photo- graph in possession of Mrs. J. L. Davis. The names of the
468
DICKINSON COUNTY - IOWA
BANK.
PIONEER CORNET BAND.
parties are as given in the list, with the addition that the figure at the left of the line was not a member of the band at all, but "Grandpap Clark," as the boys called him, a veteran and pen- sioner of the war of 1812, who was passionately fond of music and inordinately proud of the new band. Whenever the boys met for practice, no matter what the weather was, "Grandpap" was always on hand, and as the boys lined up he would take his position beside the leader and following them through all the changes would keep time with the music oblivious to all external surroundings.
Since that time there have been bands and bands. Indeed, Spirit Lake has seldom been without a band. Some of them have undoubtedly excelled the original in artistie rendition and musical culture, but for honest, earnest, conscientious en- deavor, the pioneer band was without peer or rival.
Among the many social organizations which have first and last been brought into existence by surrounding conditions,
469
PIONEER GIRLS' CLUB
there are none that, for the time being, afforded more genuine satisfaction to those connected with it than the "Pioneer Girls' Club." The plan and scope of the organization is unique and decidedly original. So far as known there is nothing like it anywhere else. As may be readily understood, there has al- ways existed a sympathy, or a kind of freemasonry, among the children of the families of the pioneer settlers, and as they grew to manhood and womanhood, it afforded them no small degree of satisfaction to get together and compare notes, or as the newspaper men would put it, "swap lies," concerning the many and varied vicissitudes which at different times came into the experience of the early pioneers.
The impressions of childhood are the ones that stay by us through life the most persistently, and as the years go by an the episodes of middle life become indistinet and partially for- gotten, the impressions of childhood become more clearly de- fined than ever, and it is only natural that those who spent their early days in the environments of pioneer life should in after years find delight and satisfaction in calling up and re lating the reminiscences and experiences of that interesting period. It was out of such a condition of affairs that the idea of forming an association for the purpose of keeping in remem- brance the reminiscences of the pioneer days was first evolved, and the "Pioneer Girls' Club" was the result. It would be difficult just now to say when or how the idea first originated. It was always a source of satisfaction for those who had spent the greater part of their early days on the frontier to meet and talk over their early experiences and recollections.
It so happened that along from 1890 to 1895 there were proportionately an exceptionally large number of ladies resid- ing in Spirit Lake who could honestly lay claim to the appella- tion of "Pioneer Girls," and in some of their impromptu garir erings it was suggested that they form a "Pioneer Girls" club.
470
DICKINSON COUNTY - IOWA
The idea became popular at once. So far as can now be ascer- tained, the suggestion was first made by Mrs. Ella Arnold Stevens, and was at once enthusiastically seconded by sev- eral, prominent among whom were 'Mrs. L. H. Farnham, Mrs. E. L. Brownell, Mrs. A. B. Funk, Mrs. E. G. Blackert, Mrs. H. A. Miller, Mrs. J. S. Everett and many others. An organization was soon effected with Mrs. Stevens as president.
It was about 1892 when the organization began to take form and shape. The membership grew in numbers and the meet- ings in interest. The idea of an annual banquet was proposed and soon became decidedly popular. The largest and most im- portant of these annual gatherings was held at the Crandall House, February 12, 1894. Invitations were sent to all of the old settlers who could be reached, and special pains were taken to invite all who were children here in the pioneer days. There was a liberal response to these invitations and at the appointed hour a brilliant and enthusiastic company had assembled.
The Beacon, in writing of the affair at the time, gives it the following send-off :
% "All of the arrangements were in excellent taste. The rooms were somewhat crowded, but that was no fault of the managers, unless the girls were to blame for having so many friends. The guests embraced about one hundred and twenty-five and each and all were made to feel very much at home."
After a few preliminaries the address of welcome was given by Mrs. Ella Arnold Stevens, president of the association. The address is too long to be reproduced here, but one or two extracts will not be out of place.
"Ladies and Gentlemen : I bid you welcome in the name of our circle, hoping that you may in a measure feel repaid for coming. We have taken so much pleasure in preparing for this banquet, that we have perhaps over-estimated its merits, and we
471
PIONEER GIRLS' CLUB
ask of you a kindly criticism, for it has grown in magnitude on our hands. We first thought to entertain our husbands and immediate families, but we have very much enjoyed extend- ing our invitations until we have the present company. You may not all know what the Spirit Lake Pioneer Girls' Club means. Possibly some of the older settlers will remember a good many years ago (out of a delicate consideration for some of the members of our circle, I don't like to use figures) that the young people of this town had a particularly gay time. The young ladies were brilliant and attractive and the young men handsome and gallant. *
"Of these larks I will let the girls with longer memories speak. Since that time we have been scattered in many direc- tions, some of us at times being separated by half a continent. This winter kind fate has brought many of us together again. In an inspired moment some one conceived the idea of form- ing a circle for the renewing of old times and the warming up of old friendships. As we were to meet once a week, on Thurs- day afternoons, we thought in justice to ourselves (and our neighbors) that we ought not to spend all our time in gossiping. With the double object in view of mental culture and social advantage, we organized a circle called the Spirit Lake Pioneer Girls' Club. At each meeting we very much enjoyed a little literary program, and out of these meetings and an ever present 'desire to do something for mankind, has grown this banquet."
The foregoing extracts convey a fair idea of the entire ad- dress which was well received and enthusiastically applauded. The intervals between the various exercises were occupied with a musical program which was much enjoyed by the lovers of music. After the banquet came toasts and responses, Mrs. Stevens acting as toastmaster. The responses were unique and decidedly interesting, the most noted perhaps were those of Mrs. Farnham, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Brownell. The others, though not quite as lengthy were equally bright, apt and original. There were some twelve or fifteen in all and it would be difficult to say which were the most deserving of notice. It is to be re- gretted that none of them were preserved. The Beacon in writing of this part of the program had this to say :
472
DICKINSON COUNTY - IOWA
"The matter was exceedingly bright, ingenious and entertain- ing, and the delivery actually captivating. All of the speakers brought flowers of sentiment to this feast of soul which deeply stirred the company and particularly those who were part of the experiences of the earlier years."
These annual banquets were kept up for some years and were occasions of much genuine enjoyment, but of late the interest has been allowed to flag. Some have moved away, others have passed over the silent river, and it is more than probable that in the not distant future the Spirit Lake Pioneer Girls' Club will be but a pleasant memory of other days. Per- haps more space has been given to the foregoing incidents than their importance as historical events would seem to warrant ; but the time is not far distant when all will exceedingly regret that more of the social life of the pioneer days has not been preserved and given a place in our local history.
The Spirit Lake Chautauqua is worthy of a place in this history. Early in 1892 enterprising spirits installed the Spirit Lake Park Association. An auditorium was erected on the East Okoboji shore between town and the shore of Spirit Lake. A musical festival occupied eight days with a program of un- usual merit. Happening to drop off the train for a night dur- ing this period and attending an evening session, E. C. Whalen, superintendent of the Chautauqua at Lake Madison, South Dakota, became impressed with the idea that. here was a grand center for a great Chautauqua movement. He broached the matter to F. W. Barron, president of the Park Association, in whose fertile mind the idea took firm root. He talked the en- terprise over and found friends for it. Mr. Barron and A. B. Funk made a trip to Madison to find what a Chautauqua meant to a community that had tried it, and the idea was found to be very popular there. Then Spirit Lake took hold and gave the movement a lift. The Park Association was merged into the Spirit Lake Chautauqua Association. Mr. Barron was con-
473
SPIRIT LAKE CHAUTAUQUA
tinued as president and E. C. Whalen was made secretary and superintendent.
Shares of stock were offered at $100 each. Possession en- titled the holder and family to free access to all Chautauqua privileges, and a leasehold interest in a lot in the Chautauqua plat. The first assembly was held in July, 1893. The World's Fair, the impending financial panic and a serious drouth all made inroads upon the attendance, but in spite of all, receipts were large and stockholders and others within a range of twenty or thirty counties in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota were delighted with the excellence of platform performance and other privileges. Each succeeding assembly has served to fortify the Chautauqua in public esteem and confidence. Large expenditures of money and of time are required to sustain a movement of this character. This one has had no money- making feature-that is to say, it ineluded no opportunity for private gain. All receipts are dedicated to the support of the assemblies and the property necessary to its existence. In the earlier days a heavy debt was incurred. This was due to plans impractically elaborate, and to the endeavor to sup- port a high-salaried superintendent. There were three plat form meetings a day where two better served the popular need and comfort. Too much ground was bought and money was wasted in expensive platting. But for a determined stand on the part of men of Spirit Lake willing to make a sacrifice rather than have the Chautauqua go into disgraceful bank- ruptey, the end would have come right soon. The business men of the county responded liberally to the needs of the case. Thousands of dollars subscribed under good management so reduced the debt as to give the enterprise a chance for its life. The program was not dwarfed, but all expenses were reduced to the minimum. While still somewhat involved, the Chan- tauqua is growing steadily in popular favor and in financial
474
DICKINSON COUNTY - IOWA
standing, and may be regarded as a fixture. Its influence for good and its highly enjoyable privileges are worthy of the en- couragement of all people of intelligence and character.
The uniform excellence and high grade of the entertain- ments afforded by the Spirit Lake Chautauqua have always excited much favorable comment among the lecturers and prominent visitors familiar with the Chautauqua work in other localities. This was particularly true of the earlier meet- ings. Those who were present at the first two sessions doubt- less recall how emphatically this point was dwelt upon by the first speakers. It seemed a surprise almost amounting to a revelation to them that in a new country so recently and sparsely settled, and that, too, by people of limited means, that a demand should have sprung up or could have been created or maintained that would justify the expense and labor neces- sary to carry such an enterprise to a successful completion.
Many of them expressed both surprise and delight that they should find here, on what was so recently the northwestern frontier, a community in its transition state just emerging from the first or pioneer stage of its existence with the faith and courage requisite to the establishment and successful maintenance of an organization of this magnitude, devoted ex- clusively to literary development. One of the curious and characteristie features of the movement was its spontaneity, or, well, call it what you please. Such a movement was no part of any one's plans or schemes. But few had ever heard of the Chautauqua movement, and they had given it but little thought or study. Mr. ยก Whalen's visit here was purely acci- dental. In short, the whole movement was originally but the spontaneous and unpremeditated expression of the public feeling then existing. Looking back at the affair through the light of more recent conditions the only wonder is that the
475
SPIRIT LAKE CHAUTAUQUA
extravagance and inexperience of the earlier days didn't bury the enterprise past all resurrection.
The first program presented an aggregation of talent such as is seldom seen on any platform. Rev. Frank Gunsaulus, Rev. Joseph Cook, Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, Rev. Russell Con- well, Hon. Henry Watterson, Frank Bristol, and many others of national reputation occupied the platform of the Spirit Lake Chautauqua during that memorable first two weeks of its existence, while the musical and miscellaneous features of the program were correspondingly elaborate and expensive. It may seem remarkable that so much more space has been given to Spirit Lake than can be given to the other towns of the county, but it must be remembered that Spirit Lake is emphatically the pioneer town of the county. In fact, more pioneer history clusters about Spirit Lake than any other town west of Fort Dodge and north of Sioux City.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MILFORD, ITS LOCATION-TIIE FIRST SETTLE- MENT OF MILFORD AND OKOBOJI TOWNSHIPS- THE OLD TOWN-THE FIRST HOTELS AND STORES. -EARLY ENTERTAINMENTS-TIIE MILFORD LI- BRARY ASSOCIATION-AMATEUR THEATRICALS-
THE
MILFORD DANCING SCHOOL-THE
EARLY
CHURCHES-THE WORK OF REV. J. R. UPTON- THIE BUILDING OF THE RAILROAD FORCES THIE MOVING OF THIE TOWN-NORTHI MILFORD-
BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN-OLD) BUILDINGS MOVED UP AND NEW ONES ERECTED.
HE town of Milford is the metropolis of the south part of the county and is located on the range line between Milford and Okoboji townships, that being the center of the principal street. As has been before stated the im- mediate cause of building up a town at that time and place was the building of the Milford Hlouring mill in the summer of 1869. This event has been noticed at some length in the his- tory of the county at large. Coincident with the building of the mill was the settlement of the two townships. The first settler in Milford township was A. D. Inman, who came in 1866. Two or three other claims were taken either that year or the next, but were soon after abandoned. There had been but three or four claims taken in the township when the mill company made their selection which was on two ; abandoned claims. During the summer of 1869 nearly all of the vacant land in the township was homesteaded. Prominent among the settlers for that year were Andrew Blackman, R. C. MeCutehin, Z. Slayton, John Allar, C. Christensen, Homer Wise, S. E.
477
MILFORD
Inman, Hiram Ogg, G. P. Clark, IL. HI. Shipman, C. Tinkham, Eli Miller, E. Freeman, the Reeves brothers, and some others, a few of whom survived the grasshopper invasion, and in some instances the children of the old settlers still ocenpy the old homesteads of thirty-three years ago.
Okoboji township is older, the first settlers having come as early as 1859. The names of the principal ones up to 1867 have already been given ; shortly after that they were reinforced by C. A. Arnold, Levi Knowlton, J. B. Florer, D. T. Jaynes, William Patten, John Matthesen, Halvor Knutesen, Sam Waller, Tom Bareus, Homer Calkins, Edmond Miller, L. F. Griswold and a few others.
The building and successful operation of the Milford mill has already been noticed and the building up of a small town in the immediate vicinity was the natural consequence. The mill company secured a half section of land where their im- provements were located upon which, after completing their title, they laid out their plat of the town of Milford in the sum- mer of 1870. Of course, the first improvements were by the mill company themselves and were made during the summer of 1869. As has been before stated, the saw mill was started in July, the grist mill in December of that year. During the summer of 1870 several substantial buildings were erected, the most important of which were the two hotels, one by A. D. In- man, and the other by Case & Arnold, and the residence of T. S. Seymour. Inman's Hotel was so near completion that it was dedicated by a grand ball and dance on the fourth of July.
The hotel which was being erected by Case & Arnold, and known as the Case House, was a three story affair, the upper story of which was intended for a publie hall. The buildings were mostly of native lumber and what pine Inmber was used in their construction was hauled from Algona, that being at
478
DICKINSON COUNTY - IOWA
the time the most convenient railroad town. Both buildings were well toward completion by fall and were opened to the public as soon as possible. Their patronage came largely from persons coming to mill, as some half a dozen counties at that time depended on the Milford mill for their breadstuffs. The hotel proprietors soon found out that while there might be good business for one there was.not enough for two. The Case House was kept by Austin Case but he soon became convinced that there was no money in it for him as a hotel, and he got out of it in the best shape he could.
Among the early incidents connected with the history of Milford many will remember the Milford dancing school. This was during the winter of 1870 and 1871 and was without doubt the first dancing school in all northwestern Iowa. Whether the steps practiced tended to a more graceful personal movement, or the manners taught and practiced were up to the proper standard in refined society, is an open question, but there was dead loads of fun about it and the youngsters of that day wont soon forget the jolly, rollicking times they had at the Milford dancing school. The upper room of the Case House was utilized for about every purpose imaginable. A stage was rigged across one end of the hall and amateur theatricals beeame one of the standard entertainments of Milford pioneer society ; and by the way, it is very much of a question whether these amateur efforts have been equalled by anything since pro- duced. They certainly have not been excelled.
In connection with the amateur theatricals it may be well to notice the occasion that produced them. Early in the history of Milford several of the prominent ladies conceived the idea of breaking the monotony of pioneer life by organizing a li- brary association. Under the intelligent leadership of Mrs. T. S. Seymour, Mrs. H. C. Crary, Mrs. I. S. Foster, Mrs A. Case and a few others an organization was soon effected. The
479
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
first problem that presented itself for solution was the question of funds. After duly considering the matter it was decided to provide a series of entertainments among which amateur theatricals had a prominent place. These entertainments were phenomenally successful and were liberally patronized, thereby enabling the projectors to carry out their plan of procuring a small but well selected library of choice literature and placing it within the reach of all who chose to avail themselves of its privileges.
The Milford Library Association is one of the pleasant memories of the early days of that thriving place, and is one of the many evidences tending to establish the claim, which has been heretofore commented on, that in intellectual development and mental culture the early settlers of this county were much in advance of what is usually expected of a pioneer community.
The old hall was also used for religious meetings in the early days. The first sermon preached there was by Rev. J. R. Up- ton. Mr. Upton was sent to the frontier by the Home Mission- ary Society of the Congregational Church and for a while was supported by them. Perhaps a brief notice of his labors would be in place here as well as anywhere. Mr. Upton was a gradu- ate of Amherst College and was conceded to be one of the finest scholars in the state. He was not an orator, indeed, his manner as a speaker was not at all prepossessing until you be- gan to follow his line of thought and get interested in his sub- ject and his manner of treating it; then it became intensely in- teresting. There have been many more gutertaining speakers in this county than Mr. Upton, but for profound scholarship and liberal culture he was the peer of the ablest. No minister of any denomination in this county ever took the deep interest in the cause of education that was always manifested by Mr. Upton. Teachers' associations and teachers' institutes he always
480
DICKINSON COUNTY - IOWA
attended, not as a guest to be invited to open with prayer or to offer a few commonplace remarks that meant nothing, but he was always a member and attended as an interested worker and one who was in part responsible for the success or failure of the enterprise. He was one of the early homesteaders in Excel- sior township, but his work extended to all parts of the county. After living on his homestead the time necessary to perfect his title, he removed to Spirit Lake but kept up his work in the different localities for several years until the death of his wife broke up his family, after which he removed to Sibley. While his work was not showy, it left its impress on society equal to any one who ever labored here.
The first school in Milford was in the summer of 1872 and was taught by Miss Helen Lawton, of Emmet County. She was succeeded the following winter by Miss Emma Gillett also of Emmet County. During the summer of 1873 and the fol- lowing winter the school was taught by Mrs. A. L. Buckland. Shortly after this Mrs. H. C. Crary became identified with the Milford school and taught several terms in succession with marked success. R. B. Nicol taught the last term before the school was moved to the new town.
The first regular practicing physician in Milford was Doctor Everett, a young man of decided ability, who settled there in the fall of 1872, but his health failing after a few months he returned to his former home in Illinois, where he soon died. Previous to this time Dr. W. S. Beers had practiced some but he was in other business and did not care to practice when not absolutely necessary .. Dr. H. C. Crary established himself in Milford in the fall of 1874 and remained in practice there until he moved to Spencer in the fall of 1880. He was also superintendent of schools during this period.
The first postoffice in Milford was established in 1869 with I. S. Foster as postmaster. He was succeeded in the office the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.