USA > Minnesota > Douglas County > History of Douglas and Grant counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 45
USA > Minnesota > Grant County > History of Douglas and Grant counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume I > Part 45
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The membership of the post consisted of the following: K. N. Olson, Twenty-second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry ; Frank Wahldieck, Tenth Regulars; R. Beardsley, Fourth Wisconsin; A. D. Dewey, Twenty- second Wisconsin; S. G. Beebe, Fourth Wisconsin; M. M. Small, Bracketts' Battalion; Joseph Pennock, Sixteenth Illinois; Thomas Olson, Tenth Minne- sota Battery; James Godward, Ohio Infantry; Ole O. Ike, Tenth Iowa; Thomas Rohann, Tenth Minnesota; Ole Sauby, First Minnesota ; Jens Peter- son Lee, Tenth Minnesota; James H. Bowman, Fourteenth Wisconsin; C. E. Sandin, First Minnesota; August O. Melby, Fifteenth Wisconsin; E. C. Schow, Fifteenth Wisconsin; Henry Brown, Illinois Infantry; James O. Richardson, First Minnesota; K. N. Melby, Twenty-second Wisconsin; H. G. Lillemon, Sixteenth Iowa.
There were other veterans who belonged to this post but their names can not now be recalled, and the records are not available. The following mem-
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bers had served as commander of the post: K. N. Olson, S. J. Beebe; R. Beardsley and A. D. Dewey. At the time of mustering out the officers were as follow: A. D. Dewey, commander; R. Beardsley, quartermaster and adjutant ; James Godward, chaplain.
HERMAN POST.
Andrew J. Hubbard Post No. 115, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at Herman in the early eighties. A. C. Earsley was 'commander and D. L. Lattin was adjutant. On May 19, 1887, the Herman Enterprise had a report of the post meeting, as follows :
"The Grand Army of the Republic post met in Herman on Tuesday. All officers were present with but one exception. Thirty members were re- ported in good standing and three applications for membership were acted upon favorably. The report of the treasurer showed that there is thirty dollars on hand. It was decided to attend the Sauk Center encampment on June 8 in a body, and General Barrett, P. F. McCollar, S. G. Kriedler and A. C. Earsley were appointed a committee to make arrangements for such attendance. It was also decided to hold memorial services on Decoration Day, May 30, 1887. The post will be held in the Methodist Episcopal church at three o'clock, p. m. A. C. Earsley, D. W. Hixson and R. P. Wells were appointed a committee to make general arrangements for Decoration Day, and A. C. Earsley, G. Smith and D. W. Hixon were appointed a committee on music. James Robinson was appointed officer of the day. All old soldiers and all true and loyal citizens are invited to join in the exercises of the day."
The post became reduced in members on account of death and removals until there were not enough left to continue the work and the post was dis- banded in 1910.
Many of the early settlers who were prominent in the organization and government of Grant county were veterans of the Civil and Indian Wars. Among them may be mentioned the following: Henry F. Sanford, a mem- ber of Hatch's Independent Battalion of Cavalry; Ole E. Lien, of the Tenth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; Ole Larson Sunvold, also a mem- ber of the Tenth Regiment; H. P. Hansen, of the Fifty-second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; and R. P. Wells, of the Fourth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
So far as can be ascertained no residents of Grant county took part in the Spanish-American War in 1898-99, though several who had formerly lived here enlisted at other points.
CHAPTER XVI.
FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
The instinct for companionship, common to all men, has found expres- sion in Grant county as elsewhere, in the formation of numerous fraternal and benevolent societies. Several of the lodges which at one time flourished in the county have passed out of existence, but so far as can be ascertained mention is here made of all the orders now active in Grant county.
ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
Park Region Lodge No. 227, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was organized at Elbow Lake on April 24, 1898. Among the charter members were John T. Lindem, Harold Thorson, J. D. Boyd, F. H. Prodger, O. J. Rued, E. J. Scofield and H. W. Barker. The first elective officers were as follow: J. D. Boyd, worshipful master; F. H. Prodger, senior warden; Harold Thorson, junior warden; John T. Lindem, secretary; O. J. Rued, treasurer ; E. J. Scofield, senior deacon, and H. W. Barker, junior deacon.
The present officers of Park Region lodge are as follow: C. H. God- ward, worshipful master; R. D. Hand, senior warden; Arthur Smith, junior warden; M. A. Lukken, secretary; Dr. W. R. Hand, treasurer; Frank Stan- ley, senior deacon; O. C. Jacobson, junior deacon; C. E. Stickney, senior steward, and Don Boyd, junior steward. The present membership numbers sixty-seven.
PRESCOTT LODGE NO. 162.
Prescott Lodge No. 162, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was organized at Herman on January 14, 1885. The first officers were: Ezra W. Snyder, worshipful master; R. P. Wells, senior warden; Nathan B. Ufford, junior warden.
The lodge now has a membership of sixty-eight, and the following are the officers for 1916: J. W. Fay, worshipful master; J. R. Wells, senior warden; J. H. Caswell, junior warden; John T. Lindem, secretary; A. W. Wells, treasurer; T. M. Thayer, senior deacon; G. R. Underwood, junior deacon; W. E. Moses, senior steward; R. J. Johnson, junior steward, and Archie Earsley, tyler.
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ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR.
Rufus Chapter No. 144, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized in Elbow Lake on November 19, 1900. The charter members were as follow : Isabel Hodgson, G. P. Woodworth, Elizabeth Goetzinger, E. H. Cornell, J. P. Anderson, Kathryn Hodgson, Effie Godward, Mary Skogmo, Lillian Cornell, Jennie Hand, W. R. Hand, W. H. Goetzinger, E. J. Scofield, Mrs. E. J. Scofield, G. C. Hodgson, Mrs. Ida May Woodworth, Emery McKane, Peter J. Runberg, Francis M. Barker and Harold Thorson. Among the first officers elected were: Lillian M. Cornell, worthy matron; W. H. Goet- ziner, worthy patron; Elizabeth Goetzinger, associate matron.
This chapter was the second of the order to be organized in the county, the first being at Herman. In order that a chapter might be organized at Elbow Lake, W. H. Goetzinger and wife, Lillian Cornell, Kathryn Hodgson and E. H. Cornell were first initiated in the lodge at Herman. In a short time the chapter was organized at Elbow Lake. The order meets the first and third Monday nights of each month in the hall above the Bank of Elbow Lake.
The present officers are as follow: Mrs. Elizabeth Goetzinger, worthy matron; Dr. C. H. Godward, worthy patron; Mrs. Susie Nelson, secretary; Mrs. Anna Scofield. associate matron; Mrs. May Christianson, conductress ; Mrs. Emma Alberts, associate conductress; Mrs. Frankie Palin, treasurer ; Francis W. Stanley, sentinel; Mrs. Pearl Landeene, warder; Frances Alberts, Ruth; Mrs. Anna G. Hinkley, Ada; Jensine Sanders, Esther ; Nina G. Willd, Martha; Mrs. Emma Shoemaker, Electa. The chapter now has a member- ship of twenty-seven.
GOLDEN RULE CHAPTER NO. 39.
Golden Rule Chapter No. 39, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized at Herman on August 8, 1891. The charter members were as follow: Mes- dames Lottie J. Swartout, M. J. Snyder, Amelia Winger, Kate Konchal, Lottie Wells, Euretta Noel, E. E. Prescott, R. M. Prescott, C. W. Prescott. Minnie Ketcham, Ruth Northrop; and the Misses Syvia Aurland, Marion Wells, Jennie Snyder, Ella G. Richards; and Messrs. R. P. Wells, W. H. Townsend, Joseph Burns, C. O. Winger, George A. Hartwell and E. W. Snyder. The first elective officers were: Mrs. M. W. Ketcham, worthy matron; R. P. Wells, worthy patron; Helen S. Hixson, assistant matron ; Marion Wells, secretary; Amelia Winger, treasurer; C. W. Prescott, con-
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ductor ; M. J. Snyder, assistant conductor. The chapter holds its meetings in the Odd Fellows hall.
The present officers are: Belva Wells, worthy matron; S. S. Laandt, worthy patron; Birdie Chesebrough, assistant matron; Isabel M. Goodell, secretary; Bertha E. Peck, treasurer; Nina S. Wells, conductress; Louise Schober, assistant conductress. The chapter now has a membership of seventy.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Elbow Lake Lodge No. 92, Knights of Pythias, was organized on September 27, 1892. The following were charter members: Michael Casey, John B. Skogmo, E. N. Nash, Norman W. Chance, A. C. Belyea, Barney L. Bull, L. C. Perry, Ole L. Lundberg, C. H. Gasman, Andrew O. Ofsthun, Leonard E. Randall, John A. Wedum, E. J. Scofield, Abram S. King, C. J. Knutson, John P. Hedberg, John G. Peterson, Ole K. Lee and Herman Hillmond.
The present officers are as follow: W. H. Goetzinger, chancellor com- mander; F. W. Stanley, vice-chancellor; H. H. Barker, prelate; C. M. Nel- son, keeper of records and seal; L. T. Silk, master at arms; Jacob Triese, master of work; Guy Thompson, inside guard ; George Hanson, outer guard; C. T. Carlson, master of finance; A. W. Fargerland, master of exchequer.
Section No. 3204, Endowment Rank of the Knights of Pythias, was established at Elbow Lake on July 2, 1896, with the following charter mem- bers: Michael Casey, John B. Skogmo, N. B. Lien, W. E. Landeene, Peter Peterson, Herman Hillmond, Joseph Pennock and E. H. Cornell.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
Harmony Lodge No. 230, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized at Herman on January 13, 1896. The following were among the charter members: A. D. Larson, John W. Crabtree, John Bomback, M. J. Fearer and Louis Anderson. On the 17th of the same month the lodge was duly instituted and officers installed by Grand Master Mark E. Clay. The first officers were: A. D. Larson, noble grand; M. J. Fearer, vice-grand ; J. W. Crabtree, recording secretary; Louis Anderson, treasurer. The first meetings were held in a lodge room over the Grant County Bank and later in rooms in what was then the Commercial Hotel. The membership rapidly increased and in eight years after formation (1904) the present two-story commodious building was acquired.
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Today the lodge numbers one hundred and three active and enthusiastic . members. The property is practically paid for and the lodge is in a flour- ishing condition.
This lodge numbers twenty-five past grands, all of whom are now active members of the lodge with the exception of Past Grand George Kriedler, who died in January, 1916. The present officers are: C. F. Nelson, noble grand; W. A. Pracht, vice-grand; W. G. McRoberts, recording secretary; E. E. Peck, financial secretary ; E. C. Eton, treasurer.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Herman Camp No. 3311, Modern Woodmen of America, was organ- ized at Herman on October 29, 1895. The charter members were: John Burkhart, Albert Boerner, John W. Crabtree, M. J. Fearer, Mons Hanson, J. D. Houston, Ole G. Jenstad, A. D. Larson, K. C. Ness, W. W. Niemackl, B. H. Phinney, C. H. Phinney, H. C. Prescott, R. F. Rarer, Charles H. Schellbagh, H. P. Webb, Leo N. Westberg, Albert S. Webb and George F. Houston. The first officers were: J. W. Crabtree, venerable consul; H. P. Webb, worthy advisor; M. J. Fearer, banker; K. C. Ness, clerk; O. G. Jenstad, escort ; L. N. Westberg, watchman; J. D. Houston, sentry; A. D. Larson, physician. In 1911 the camp erected a new brick lodge hall at a cost of seven thousand five hundred dollars.
The present officers are: E. M. Chesebrough, venerable consul; B. F. Davis, worthy advisor; W. L. Smedley, banker; E. C. Eaton, clerk; George Davis, escort; George R. Underwood, watchman; A. C. Earsley, sentry ; J. T. Leland and T. M. Thayer, physicians. The camp has a membership at pres- ent of two hundred and five.
There is a lodge of the Royal Neighbors, auxiliary to the Modern Wood- men, at Herman. The officers for 1916 are: Gertrude Record, oracle: Rose Davis, vice-oracle; Flora Jones, past oracle; Grace Cater, receiver ; Rekka Morken, recorder; Ida Otting, inner sentinel; Emily Johnson, outer sentinel; Emma Gruetzmacher, chancellor; Minnie Jones, marshal; Emma Gruetzmacher, manager.
BARRETT CAMP NO. 3360.
Barrett Camp No. 3360, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized on November 2, 1898. Among the charter members were: M. B. Elling- son, M. P. Thune, A. H. Peterson, Ole Anderson, P. J. Berg, Ole Moe, W.
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N. Wilson, P. P. Larson, G. P. Ellingson, L. A. Schwantz, H. O. Jelund, A. E. Hegne, Thomas Hogarth and I. Groger. The first officers were: M. B. Ellingson, venerable consul; P. P. Larson, worthy advisor; Ole Moe, banker ; M. P. Thune, clerk; A. H. Peterson, escort; H. O. Jelund, watchman; Thomas Hogarth, sentry ; Ole Anderson, L. A. Schwantz and G. P. Ellingson, managers.
The present officers are as follow: J. R. Stockdill, venerable consul; A. W. Borgen, worthy advisor; A. Samuelson, banker; F. E. Nelson, clerk.
ELBOW LAKE CAMP NO. 9577.
Elbow Lake Camp No. 9577, Modern Woodmen of America, was organ- ized at Elbow Lake on May 2, 1901. Among the charter members were: Adolf Anderson, John P. Anderson, Ole C. Christoferson, Hugh H. Cole- man, W. H. Goetzinger, Helmer O. Hanson, Levy H. Hanson, Ole Hanson, Jens P. Johnson, Nels E. Landeene, R. J. Lehman and E. N. Nash.
Hyacinth Camp No. 3362, Royal Neighbors, was instituted at Elbow Lake on March 31, 1903, with the following charter members: Emily John- son, Betsy Jacobson, Ella Sauby, Margaret Cosh, Helena Brandvold, Jose- phine Ofsthun, Anjelin Johnson, Lena Olson, Hulda Brackin, Bertha Han- son, Ragna Anderson, Alvina Ackerson, Camilla Stahl, Filda Arneson, Carrie Prescott, Elvira Sauby, Anna Johnson, Gertrude Bartness, Victor E. Erlandson, Earnest H .. Erlandson, Ole C. Jacobson, L. C. Johnson and Dr. E. T. Reeve.
The present officers of Hyacinth camp are as follow: Mrs. Emily Johnson, oracle ; Mrs. John Nelson, vice-oracle; Mrs. John Nelson, recorder; Sarah Pennock, past oracle; Lena Allen, chancellor ; Betsy Jacobson, receiver; Thora Flatness, marshal; Ragna Anderson, inner watch; Amanda Tobolt, outer watch; Margaret Cosh, Lena Allen and O. C. Jacobson, trustees. The camp has a present membership of twenty-six.
WENDELL CAMP.
Wendell Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized at Wen- dell in 1907. They meet the first and third Thursdays of each month in Woodmen hall. The officers for 1916 are as follow: C. E. Stickney, vener- able consul; A. R. McManus, worthy advisor ; Michael Crogan, banker ; T. V. Scott, clerk; John Raines, escort; Ben Simonson, John Raines and M. L. Adams, managers.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
ASHBY CAMP NO. 7386.
Ashby Camp No. 7386, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized at Ashby about ten years ago. Chris Stene is the present venerable consul and John Stene is the clerk. The camp has forty members.
BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMEN.
Homestead No. 418, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, was organized at Elbow Lake on March 8, 1900, with the following charter members: WV. R. Hand, M. Warfield, K. E. Eidahl, Charles E. McQuillan, C. E. John- son, J. S. Arneson, Ida M. Arneson, Oscar Svien, S. M. Arneson, J. Ander- son, J. A. Peterson, Carrie Prescott, Charles D. Peterson, G. Peterson, E. H. Cornell, H. Hillmond, S. H. Oversea, J. Engebretson, A. A. Lysne, G, M. Skogmo, Otto Amundson, G. T. Kolberg, H. K. Harrison, G. Gilbertson, H. W. Nelson, E. H. Fogelsong, A. H. Foss and Oscar Arneson. Within a few years the organization became dormant but was reorganized on April 25, 1906, with the following officers: George L. Woodworth, foreman; R. J. Stromme, master of ceremonies; O. Amundson, correspondent ; Will- iam Landeene, master of exchequer; Rev. James Godward, chaplain; Mrs. L. C. Johnson, overseer; L. C. Johnson, watchman; A. Hendricks, sentinel; A. G. Fossen, guard.
The present officers are : R. J. Stromme, foreman ; E. A. Dybdal, master of ceremonies; L. C. Johnson, correspondent; Emily Johnson, chaplain. The present membership is sixty-eight.
HERMAN HOMESTEAD.
Herman Homestead, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, has the fol- lowing officers for 1916: B. A. Ritzschke, foreman; Edward Ritzschke, master of ceremonies ; Mrs. E. E. Peck, master of accounts ; W. T. Ziebarth, correspondent ; Mrs. Paul Goodell, overseer; Mrs. Joe Mathews, chaplain; Mrs. O. W. Jones, Lady Rowena; Mrs. E. M. Chesebrough, Lady Rebecca ; Emil Keitzman, sentinel; R. P. Sugden, watchman; George R. Underwood, guard.
. BARRETT HOMESTEAD.
Barrett Homestead, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, was organized at Barrett in 1907. The officers for 1916 are: G. F. Gustafson, foreman; Andrew Linder, correspondent; Frank Nelson, master of ceremonies.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
DEGREE OF HONOR.
Purity Lodge No. 56, Degree of Honor, was organized at Elbow Lake on February 1, 1896, with the following charter members: Mrs. George Hinkley, Mrs. J. G. McQuillan, Mrs. J. C. Ackerson, Mrs. E. C. Ackerson, Mrs. H. W. Barker, Mrs. A. W. Nelson, Mrs. A. O. Ofsthun, Mrs. N. T. Ackerson, Pearl Barker, Mrs. Peter Peterson, Mrs. O. K. Laastuen, Mrs. J. N. Biever, Mrs. O. G. Sanders, Rena Bacon, Peter Peterson, O. K. Laastuen, E. C. Ackerson, J. G. McQuillan, Per Person, George Hinkley, N. T. Ackerson, O. G. Christianson, Christian Rygh, W. R. Cockran, O. G. Sanders, John H. Oss and M. Laastuen.
At one time the lodge was in a very prosperous condition and had a membership of about forty, but time has wrought many changes in the personnel of the organization and now six members are on the roll, only two of whom, Mrs. John Sauby and Mrs. Belle Hendricks, live in Elbow Lake.
Among the first officers were the following: J. C. Ackerson, past chief of honor ; J. G. McQuillan, chief of honor ; Mrs. J. N. Biever, lady of honor ; Pearl Barker, chief of ceremonies; Mrs. O. G. Sanders, recorder; Rena Bacon, financier ; Mrs. Peter Peterson, receiver; Mrs. O. K. Laastuen, usher ; Mrs. E. C. Ackerson, inside watch; Mrs. George Hinkley, outside watch. The first officers were installed by Mrs. Mary Dailey, grand chief of honor.
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HIGH SCHOOL, ELBOW LAKE.
RESIDENCE DISTRICT, EAST PART OF ELBOW LAKE.
CHAPTER XVII.
ELBOW LAKE, THE COUNTY SEAT.
The village of Elbow Lake, the seat of government of Grant county, was platted on October 28, 1886, on land belonging to Knud O. Laastuen and ex-Senator W. D. Washburn, and was the third village of the county to be invested with the dignity of municipal incorporation. Geographically, the village is located in section 17, Sanford township, in the central portion of the county, and its origin as a governmental center is to be attributed to the wise decision of the electors of the district who, as early as 1873, saw in the location a point central and easily accessible from all parts of the county. The final disposition of the judicial seat question and the erection of the court house in 1878, set at rest all doubts as to the future of Elbow Lake, and its subsequent development and general advancement in educational, social and commercial channels have been steady and permanent. Its central location with reference to convenience for the management and transaction of county affairs, its proximity to extensive agricultural areas and trade districts, its modern school system and numerous fraternal and social organizations, patroned by a progressive and public-spirited people are advantages rarely accorded to a town of its size. Although the town is destined to never be one of any great size, yet it is enjoying a gradual growth such as builds for permanance and stability.
The town is regularly laid out, with wide and well shaded streets, con- venient alleys, and both the business and residence sections are well provided with sidewalks. The residence district includes homes that are modern in every sense, surrounded by picturesque and well kept lawns.
The first municipal election in the village of Elbow Lake was held on September 13, 1887, the officers being selected as follow: Henry F. San- ford, president ; John Christenson, Gunder Hanson and M. Casey, trustees; A. C. Belyea, recorder ; O. J. Kolseth, treasurer; A. C. Belyea, justice of the peace ; A. Thompson, constable. O. M. Torrison was appointed attorney ; A. Thompson, marshal; A. W. Nelson, street commissioner; Knud O. Laastuen, fire warden; V. T. Johnson, pound master; Dr. F. A. Robinson, F. R. Berglin and H. W. Barker, board of health. The first council meeting was held on September 19, 1887.
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
MUNICIPAL OFFICERS.
The municipal government of the present time is in the hands of a thoroughly progressive body of men whose constant aim is to foster and encourage public and private improvement. The officers include the follow- ing: W. E. Landeene, president; Thomas Casey, recorder; M. A. Lukken, treasurer ; H. J. Bollum, assessor ; A. G. Ness, marshal; A. J. Anneson, J. A. Dols, Sophus Bartness, trustees; W. H. Goetzinger, justice.
In the way of municipal improvements the town is quite up to the standard. Among the first improvements that is worthy of mention was the installing of a waterworks system in 1898. Two driven wells were put down to a depth of two hundred feet and when put to a test produced one hundred and eighty gallons per minute. A wooden water tank was erected which was replaced by an iron tank in 1915. The present tank holds one hundred and fifty-six thousand gallons. In the way of fire protection the town has a volunteer fire company of thirty-three men, a chemical fire engine, two hose carts, a truck and ladder wagon, and one thousand feet of water hose. In 1900 an electric light plant was installed at a cost of about ten thousand dollars. The plant was managed by the town until 1914 at which time it was sold to the Ottertail Power Company.
When the first white settlers came into the vicinity of Elbow Lake in 1868 that there were eighteen log shacks located near the site now occupied by the creamery. These log huts were occupied by half-breeds who were engaged in hunting and curing pelts, but a short time later they were ousted by the owner of the timber land.
Although the site of Elbow Lake seemed to be a natural selection for a town, yet the early growth was slow. Even in 1881 there was but a small cluster of houses, no railroad, in fact nothing of commercial importance. However, with the question of the county seat settled for all time and with the coming of the railroad, the site of Elbow Lake acquired a much changed appearance and not many years elapsed until its commercial importance was unquestioned.
ELBOW LAKE POSTOFFICE.
The government established a postoffice in the vicinity of Elbow Lake in 1869 or 1870. H. P. Hansen was the first postmaster and his office was on his farm on section 24. He held the office for a period of five years. At that time the office did not present many burdens as the cash receipts amounted
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DOUGLAS AND GRANT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA.
to only a few dollars in the course of a month. At first the mail was carried by the stage coach but as the settlement of the country increased, star routes were established and the mail became more frequent and reliable. As the country developed the postoffice was moved from the Hansen farm to West Elbow Lake where it remained a few years, and thence to the village of Elbow Lake, in about 1880. Among the men who have served the com- inunity and village as postmaster have been the following: O. H. Aaker, Halvor Hendricks, J. N. Sanford, Henry Sanford, A. W. Nelson, L. J. Hauge, C. M. Nelson, J. S. Jacobson, O. T. Stromme and the present post- master, John Engebretson. Five rural routes serve the country communities from this office. Hans L. Johnson has charge of route No. 1; John L. Stanley, route No. 2; Francis W. Stanley, route No. 3; Hjalmar E. John- son, route No. 4, and John Berger, route No. 5.
Although the town of Elbow Lake is considered a "city of homes" it is also a mecca for church and fraternal organizations. These various organ- izations exercise a potent influence on the social and religious life of the community and through their instrumentality many people have been in- fluenced to select this place as a permanent residence.
ELBOW LAKE SCHOOLS.
There is no surer index as to the character, intelligence and degree of progress in a community than the public schools-their management, patron- age and scope of work-and in the great majority of cases, those who seek new localities in which to establishi honies and rear their families take into careful consideration the feature of educational advantages before taking a decisive step. The early settlers of Elbow Lake seem to have been endowed with unusual wisdom and keen foresight in the way of education because hardly had the town limits been established until provisions had been made for a village school. In due season a handsome and substantial building was erected and equipped with all the modern appliances that the times afforded. This building was a two-room, two-story structure and stood in the block just west of the present building. In the fall of 1888, the first school was held in the village, the teachers being Mrs. John O. Sauby, who had charge of the grammar grades, and Effie Coleman, who had charge of the primary grades. The following year, Mrs. Hurley, later Mrs. McKenzie and Miss Johnson had charge of the school. The teachers had control of the work for a period of four or five years, but as the attendance continued to increase more room was necessary.
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