History of Freeborn County, Minnesota, Part 28

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1220

USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 28

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An interesting incident in the platting of Albert Lea was the attempt of George S. Ruble to found another townsite east of what is now Albert Lea. part of it being in the lake. Ruble gained the ear of Judge William H. Welch, who under the town- site law entered what he called the townsite of Albert Lea lying largely in the northeast quarter of section 9. Ruble and a man named Thomas J. Smith, of Red Wing, advertised this plat widely as Albert Lea, county seat of Freeborn county. Some lots were sold, the plat was finally vacated and the tracts became what until a very recent date, has been the Ruble farm.

EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS.

The first mercantile establishment of any kind in Albert Lea was the store of Julius Clark. from whom Clark street is named. As before related. he brought a stock of goods from Ohio. and the pioneers assisted in erecting a log building at 119 East Clark street. In this building the store was opened late in June. 1856, and in it also Clark, who was a bachelor, made his home. Mr. Clark conducted the store until 1858. The building was vacant for some time, but stood for many years. Ole Tang conducted

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a shoe shop there later. Lorenzo Merry being postmaster, ap- pointed Squire Clark his assistant, and for a time the postoffice was kept in his store.

Late in 1856 a small building was erected on the southeast . corner of the postoffice block for mercantile purposes and some shelving was put in by Newcomer & Barnes, but no goods were sold here. The first school in Albert Lea was held in this building.

The first blacksmith shop in the city of Albert Lea was opened in the spring of 1857 by David Crowfoot at 425 Bridge street. He began work under a large oak tree, but in a few weeks built, a small shop. In the fall of the year he moved his shop to his claim, three miles east of the city. The next blacksmith was Anson Hanff, who had a shop on Newton street, just north of the present postoffice, from 1858 until after the war.

Joseph France came here some time in 1857 and opened a gun- smith shop on a small scale, probably in his home. Later he operated a tinshop. His first advertisement as a gunsmith ap- pears in the "Southern Minnesota Star," January 14, 1858.

Samuel Eaton and Brock Woodruff, his brother-in-law, came to Albert Lea in 1857 and moved into Daniel Hurd's house at 121 East Clark street, where they sold general merchandise. Woodruff and Eaton dissolved partnership in January, 1858, and Brock Woodruff and Alfred P. Swineford continued the business.

A brickyard was opened in 1857 by G. W. Watrous, who for a short time had S. C. Sears for a partner. This yard was located about half a mile below Luther Academy on the Glen- ville road. They made brick for three buildings; one of them is still standing at the southeast corner of Broadway and Clark street ; one is now torn down, which was located on the east side of St. Mary's street, about half way between Water and Clark streets, and one stands at 301 West Clark street.

The first drug store was opened by Dr. A. C. Wedge in 1857 at 140 South Broadway. This building was also used as an office by William Morin. The building has been moved and is still standing on the west side of South Pearl street near the track.

Albert Lea's first attorney, Augustus Armstrong, erected a small building just north of Dr. Wedge's drug store, and opened a general law office. Alfred B. Webber also practiced law in 1857.

In 1856 Christian Fleck opened a shoe shop at his claim shanty at 720 South Washington street.

Alfred P. Swineford and N. T. Gray came in March, 1857. moved their equipment into a building erected by George S. Ruble at 124 Elizabeth street, and on July 11, 1857, issued the first number of the "Southern Minnesota Star."

A saloon was opened at 137 South Broadway by William L.

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Gray in 1857. Ile closed out his business in 1861. The second saloon, located a few doors south of Clark street on the west side of Broadway, was owned by Francis Hall and was opened in 1860 by Charles Kittleson. After he enlisted, various men were hired to conduct the place.

Col. Samuel Eaton opened a shoe shop in 1857 at his home on the west side of Newton street, between Clark and William. He also kept the postoffice in this place during the war. A few trinkets were kept for sale here. Walter Thompson was an as- sistant in this shop during the war.

In 1857 H. T. Smith started the manufacture of shingles in an open lot. Fritz Ewald started making sash and doors the same year.

The first wagon shop was built on the site of the present government postoffice in 1858. John W. Brownsill, the builder, continued the business until 1869.

A store was opened by Monson, Pierce & Ferris in a build- ing at the northeast corner of Main and Broadway some time in the year 1858. They remained in business here for a year, after which the store became vacant. During that vacancy the trial of Henry Kreigler for murder of Nelson Boughton was started and the term of court was held in this room, a change of venue being taken to Steele county. The last occupant of the build- ing was Andrew Palmer, Jr., who after conducting the store for a while, opened a butter and renovating establishment here. A brick block now occupies the site.

In April, 1858, A. W. Leland began advertising as a house, sign. carriage and wagon painter.

A general store was opened by Francis Hall on the north side of Clark street, a few doors west of Broadway. in the fall of 1858. It was erected by A. C. Wedge and William Morin. In 1860 Mr. Hall erected the brick building which still stands at the southeast corner of Clark street and Broadway. This left the Clark street store vacant and John L. Dimock put in a small stock of goods. After a few months the store again became vacant and remained so until George Whitman put in a general stock of groceries and dry, goods about 1862. He remained in business until after the war. Later the building was used for various purposes and was finally torn down in 1906. Francis Hall in 1860 moved his goods from the store on the north side of Clark street to the building he erected that year on the southeast corner of Clark street and Broadway. He conducted this store for many years. He sold out to Capt. A. W. White, who con- ducted a grocery store there. The first banking business in the city was started in this building under Mr. Hall's charge. There have been various occupants of the place, W. A. Irvin now using

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it as a successful cigar store and Jacob Petersen as a barber shop. The historic "Standard" occupies the rooms overhead, which were originally used by Francis Hall as a residence some seven years until he erected what is now the Hotel Freeborn.

The newspapers of the period mention the names of sev- eral other firms, but none of them seem to have actually located here. Aside from the shingle machine of H. T. Smith, several machines of this nature, more or less successful, were operated in connection with the Ruble mill. The early hotels and the Ruble mill are mentioned elsewhere, thus completing the list of the industries represented in Albert Lea previous to 1859, to- gether with some of their immediate successors.

The Ruble Mill. George S. Ruble came to Albert Lea in 1855 and made plans for the building of a mill at the foot of what is now Fountain lake. The acreage now covered by that lake was then. a marsh and wiregrass slough. Ruble built a dam on the ice, expecting that when the ice melted the dam would drop into place. This was not a success, however, as the logs drifted away. The dam was finally built at its present location in the spring of 1856 and the sawmill started in October at 502 Bridge street. Late in 1857 a corn cracker was put in and was operated by S. B. Sherwood. In 1859 a flour mill was added. In 1861 the waste- way washed out and the mill was damaged beyond repair. From 1861 to 1868 Fountain lake remained a swamp filled with wild rice, sometimes growing to a height of eight feet. In 1867 Fran- cis Hall repaired the dam, thus forming the present lake. He erected a flouring mill at the main outlet, and after conducting it for a time rented it to H. M. Avery. It ceased to be used for flouring purposes in 1886. For a few years thereafter it was used as a feedmill and then moved away.

ALBERT LEA HOTELS.

Lorenzo Merry, who arrived in Albert Lea in 1855, kept a boarding house in 1856 and a part of 1857, and several of the first settlers stayed there preparing for permanent settlement be- fore bringing their families here. In 1857 he erected a board reading, "Strangers' Home," this being undoubtedly the first hotel sign erected in Freeborn county. George S. Ruble, who came the same year, boarded the men who came to work for him and also entertained casual visitors and travelers. Aside from this it should be remembered that old-fashioned hospitality was practiced by all the first settlers, and travelers were always welcome to share in the already crowded cabins and the scanty fare.

Kenyon House. The first regular hotel to be opened in Albert Lea was the Kenyon house. This was built by George Hoops

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at 201 West Clark street during the summer of 1857. The house was rented to James Kenyon and opened by him in the late summer of 1857. The house was two stories high about thirty by sixty. The lumber was sawed at George Ruble's sawmill and the building was constructed barn fashion, with the boards run- ning up and down. On the lower floor were the office, the kitchen, the dining room and a small baggage room. The upper floor was devoted to sleeping rooms. Mr. Kenyon closed his house in 1858 and went to Mitchell, Iowa. The house was used as a resi- dence until 1870 and was later torn down.

Webber House. This was the second hotel in Albert Lea and stood on the northwest corner of Broadway and Main streets. It was opened November 24, 1857, but was not entirely completed at that time. A. B. Webber conducted the place for himself a while. In 1858 he rented it to Charles Jones, and in 1859 to Brock Woodruff. In 1860 it was purchased by James Robson. Mr. Robson was sheriff of the county and it was in the attic that Henry Kreigler was confined for a time, and from here he was led to execution in 1861. The house passed through various hands afterward, until Walter J. Martin took hold of it. When he started farming the house was left vacant and was never thereafter used as a hotel. H. D. Brown was the owner for many years. For a time a part of it was used as a butcher shop. Then it remained vacant for several years. The Nelson Bros. later erected their present store there.

Around this house clusters much of the early history of Albert Lea. The house was two stories high, well built, and substantial looking, a credit to the town in those days. On the Broadway side was a large stoop, with a veranda overhead. Off from this opened the bar room, socalled, and the ladies' parlor. Back of these on Main street was the dining room, and back of the dining room, also on Main street, but not extending the full width of the house was the kitchen. In the upper story were the sleeping rooms, and the historic ball room was over the kitchen and a part of the dining room. The stairs to the upper story lead from the hall which separated the bar room from the ladies' parlor. In the ladies' parlor school was kept by Adrian K. Norton in the winter of 1859-60. In the ballroom the first Masonic initiation was held, and the Masons met there for some time. The first war meeting in the county was held here, presided over by Judge E. C. Stacy. a noted Democrat. The first term of court was held here, presided over by Judge N. M. Donaldson. A dona- tion to Elder Philo Camfield, of the Congregational church was one of the early social events in the house, and here, too, was held the funeral of W. K. Boyles, who was killed August 14, 1858, his being the second death, and first public funeral in the

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village. Shows and concerts were also given in the ball room, and in the fall of 1864 a portrait gallery was opened there by C. G. Edwards. It was destroyed by fire, June 24, 1887. Dr. A. C. Wedge says: "The first important social event I can remember was the ball given in honor of the opening of this hotel. This building was far from being finished when this party was given, but the ballroom was ready and enough more of the house to furnish fair accommodation for the guests. I remember while making plans to attend this party, it struck me all of a sudden that I should have a lady partner. As a matter of fact, being a bashful and verdant youth, I had never up to this time managed to muster up enough courage to invite a young lady to be my partner at any kind of social gathering. But it had to be done, as I was expected to do my part in this affair. (I will say right here in parenthesis, that my being compelled to find a partner for this opening party was something of an epoch in my own history, as the lady who kindly accepted my blundering invitation has ever been faithful since that time; and she yet remains my 'best girl.') I cannot tell you much about the party, though my impression was that it was a swell affair. Everybody was there. Delegates were present from Austin, Northwood, Geneva, Itasca and Shell Rock. The house full to overflowing, the music was good, and the midnight supper excellent. Soon after the event the building was finished, and during the re- mainder of the winter, social gatherings were frequent and enjoyable-in fact I may say that for several years after this, Albert Lea was quite a social center, because of its roominess and quite good hotel accommodations. But it was not the social gatherings that made the Webber House historical. The histor- ical ballroom was not altogether used for music and dancing. Religious services were quite frequently held here. The ven- erable Rev. Samuel Lowry, a Presbyterian clergyman of the old school, preached quite frequently in this hall. He was a good old man and we all went to hear him. He was faithful and earnest and his gracious words were for the betterment of our young community. A number of other ministers held services in this hall. Among them I remember the Rev. Cook, then of Austin. The next summer after the Webber House was com- pleted, political meetings were held in this hall. I remember quite well of hearing Governor Ramsey; William Windom and Ignatius Donnelly from a platform in this hall-speakers, who, when living, did credit to any platform in any city. Also later James Cavanugh, Amos Cogswell and John L. Gillman were heard from the same platform. During the presidential cam- paign of 1859, Gen. C. C. Andrews and the late Governor Miller held a joint political discussion in this same old hall. It was

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there that I had the honor of being initiated into the mystery of Free Masonry, and I well remember with what ability and dignity the worshipful master, Capt. A. W. White, presided at that time. Here were held all the social gatherings of the order for a year or two. His Honor, the late Judge Donaldson, presided here as judge of the District Court, the bench being literally at the west end of the small old hall. Here Kreigler was confined after his conviction and from here he was taken to the place of execution about where the Milwaukee railroad crosses Broadway. This old ballroom was often the place of the meetings of political nominating committees. The late Hon. George Watson received his second nomination for the state senate here. His first was in my office before the hotel was built. The Hon. Aug. Arm- strong received his first nomination here for state legislature. After the firing on Fort Sumter and the war was on the old Webber house was the storm center of Freeborn county. Here was heard the fife and drum and the patriotic speech making. War meetings were frequent. How well I remember the earnest and burning words of the late Judge E. C. Stacy as he urged the young men to shoulder the musket and go forth to fight for home and country. It was here that most of the recruiting was done for our first company for the war (Co. F. 4th Minnesota Vol. Inf.), commanded by Capt. A. W. White."

Western Home. This hotel opened in Albert Lea was the Western Home, located on the southeast corner of William and Newton streets. The building was erected as a dwelling on the - southwest corner of William and Clark streets. by Ole I. Elling- son and therein was kept for a time the county treasurer's office. In 1864 it was moved by Frank Hall to the southeast corner of William and Newton streets. It was remodeled, some additions built and used as a private residence for renting purposes. About 1871 it was opened by Charles Robinson as a hotel and named the Western Home. He conducted it for a few years and it was after- ward again converted into a tenement.

Gilbert House. This building was erected by Morin, Anderson and others in 1868 and was conducted as a cheese factory. S. S. Sutton came into possession of the property and converted it into a hotel known as the Lake house. After a while it was sold to Warren Gilbert, who owned it for many years. The lessees were Gardner & Hunter. and after a while Mr. Hunter conducted it alone. During this time it was changed to the Gardner house and later to its present name. John B. Foote conducted it for many years. The present proprietor and owner is C. M. Overly. The location is at the southwest corner of College and Washing- ton streets. The place is well conducted and enjoys an excel- lent reputation. Since its original opening it has been much en-

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larged. It is worthy of note that the name of the Lake house was derived from the fact that an arm of Spring lake reached to the rear of the house, and in the early days sail boats were enabled to land at its very doors.

Hall House. The Hall house, which is the present Freeborn hotel, was erected about 1867 by Frank Hall as a residence and was regarded as a mansion in those days. Some years later Mr. Hall employed a man named Foster to open the place as a hotel. but Mr. Hall soon assumed the management himself and con- ducted the place until the middle eighties. It has passed through various hands and is now owned by the Hall House Company and managed by F. A. Snow. From the time of the opening of the hotel by Mr. Hall it enjoyed an excellent reputation and was for many years considered one of the finest hotels in southern Minne- sota, contributing not a little to Albert Lea's prosperity and importance.

National Hotel. This hotel which in the early days was also known as the National house, had its beginning with a saloon conducted by Daniel Heising. Andrew Rolfson opened it as a hotel about 1875 and conducted it for some years. Its best known proprietor was H. A. Crandall, who took hold of the place in the fall of 1882. It has passed through various hands, has been gutted by fire, several times remodeled and additions . made and is still run as a boarding house and hotel. Its loca- tion is at 223 East Clark street. The property is now owned by Vegger Gulbrandson.

Winslow House. This hotel is located in the Minneapolis & St. Louis station, which company owns it, and was completed after that road was put through in 1878. A Mr. Bunker con- ducted it for some time and then sold to Frank Hall, who was the landlord for many years. It is a two-story brick building and enjoys considerable patronage. After passing through vari- ous hands it is now conducted as a hotel and eating house by W. T. Springer.

The La Crosse house was built and opened in 1877 by L. Oentrich at 137 West Clark street. It is still conducted as a small hotel and boarding house by his widow.

The City hotel was located on Clark street, cast of William street, opposite the National house. It was started by William Fenholt, as a saloon, a few years after the war and by him changed to a hotel, with a feed barn in connection. He con- ducted it for many years and later sold it to Thomas Porter. Still later it ceased to be a hotel.

Hotel Freeborn. This is the leading American hotel in Albert Lea and is the old Hall house, with additions and improvements. It is conducted by F. A. Snow. The hotel is a beautiful building.

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surrounded by a wide lawn, plentifully set with trees. The manager and employes are courteous and obliging, the cuisine is excellent, and the rooms comfortable both summer and winter. The place is filled to its utmost capacity throughout the year.

Newton House. This is a pleasant brick building at the south- west corner of Main and Newton streets and was erected in the early nineties on the site of the first Catholic church. Under the management of W. T. Springer it attained considerable im- portance. It has had various proprietors and enjoys some pat- ronage. It is owned by Bennett Asleon.

The Hanson house is a successful European hotel at 326 South Broadway. It is principally a rooming house and its rooms are in much demand. Albert Lea house is at 323 South Ermina street, and the Metropolitan house at 123 West Clark street.

Hotel Albert. This hotel is conducted on the European plan, Charles Jorgensen being the manager. The structure is of ma- roon brick, with the interior finished in brick and marble. It occupies the northeast corner of Broadway and College street and was erected at a cost of $65,000 by Charles Jorgensen, W. A. Morin and C. A. Ransom. Work commenced May 5, 1899. and the formal opening was held May 4, 1900.

C. L. SWENSON

CHAPTER XXIII.

MUNICIPAL ALBERT LEA.

Village Powers Delegated to the Supervisors-Conflict Over Incorporation-Bill Passes Legislature-Accepted by People of Albert Lea-Officers from Year to Year-Story of the City Charter.

Until May 11, 1858, the towns of Freeborn county had no local government. £ On that date the citizens of Albert Lea township perfected a town government and Dr. A. C. Wedge was elected chairman of the board of supervisors. With the growth of the village, problems presented themselves which could not well be met by the powers conferred by general statute upon town supervisors. According in 1870 a special act was passed by the legislature, giving to the supervisors of the town of Al- ! bert Lea certain powers which were necessary to the conduct of village affairs. This act was amplified and amended by several subsequent legislatures.

It became more and more apparent, however, that the time would soon be ripe for the installation of the village government separate from the township. As the matter reached a head, the usual arguments pro and con were heard. Formal debates were held, the press took the matter up and there was much bitter feeling on both sides. The question of taxation naturally en- tered largely into the arguments. The saloon question was also a vital influence, the community at that time being divided into the saloon and the anti-saloon elements. While these matters were being discussed a committee of villagers, consisting of C. W. Ballard, D. R. P. Hibbs, Ira A. Towne, M. Halvorsen, A. M. Tyrer and E. C. Stacy drew up a bill secretly, which was pre- sented to the legislature in the spring of 1878, and after a bitter fight passed that body.

The regular town election was to be held the second Tuesday in March. This was really a preliminary skirmish to the battle . which was to follow. An all-farmer ticket which received the support of those in the country districts and several skillful politicians in the village, gave diversity to the election, but was defeated. At this election, however, the leaders on both sides were able to feel the pulse of public sentiment.

C. W. Ballard took charge of a house to house canvass, and decided that the incorporation act would pass by 70 majority.

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The election was held at the courthouse the first Monday in April, 1878. in charge of A. C. Wedge. B. H. Skaug and A. E. Johnson. The charter passed by a majority of 72.

The first election of officers under this act was held the second Monday in May. 1878. The people in the first ward voted at the office of W. P. Sergeant. on Broadway; the people of the second ward at the old Webber house, corner of Boardway and Main, and the people of the third ward, at the courthouse. The judges of the election in the first ward were William P. Sergeant. William Hazelton and P. T. Scotland; of the second ward. H. Hanson. A. Carlson and J. W. Smith: of the third ward. C. R. Ransom. John II. Anderson and August Peterson.

1878. The wheels of city government started with the follow- ing officers: Mayor. Francis Hall : aldermen-1, W. P. Sergeant (president). J. W. Smith; 2, A. E. Johnson : Ellend Erickson : 3, John Anderson ; E. D. Porter : clerk, Fred S. Lincoln ; attorney. John Anderson: assessor, D. N. Gates; street commissioner. Joseph France : day police, E. D. Patrick; night police. D. K. Stacy and T. L. Torgerson; justices, Ira A. Towne, E. C. Stacy ; treasurer, H. A. Hanson ; surveyor, H. D. Brown.

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History of Freeborn County, Minnesota, Part 28

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. 4n Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1220

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1220