History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 32

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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Red Wing Collegiate Institute .- This institute was organized and incorporated August 28, 1870, with the following board of officers : president, Lucius F. Hubbard; secretary, Charles C. Webster; treasurer, F. A. Cole. Directors : James Lawther, Peter Daniels, Lucius F. Hubbard, Charles C. Webster, F. A. Cole and W. P. Wood. The grounds were donated by Edward Murphy, of Minneapolis, and funds raised for building purposes by issu- ing stock certificates to the amount of $12,500. Daniels & Sim- mons took the contract for a consideration of $14,800, and to complete it a mortgage was given to Joseph Averill, of Danvers. Massachusetts, who advanced $5,000. The institute was success- ful for about three years, when, for want of funds it was sold to Joseph Averill, to satisfy the above noted mortgage. January 8, 1878, it was purchased by Hans Marcuson, in trust for the Hauges Norwegian Evangelical Synod, and afterwards deeded to a board of directors, viz. : Hans Marcuson, Gunelf Tollefson. Knut John Stangeland, and Andrew Ellingson, with the design of making it a Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Frank A. Whittier, whose efficient management of the State Training School has won praise from far beyond the borders of the state, is a native of this state, born June 22, 1860. His par- ents, Albert and Lucy A. (Wellington) Whittier, both natives of New Hampshire, were descended from old Granite State families. They ventured in the early days into what was then the new country of Ohio. Imbued with the pioneer spirit, they found that the rich valleys of Ohio were fast passing the stages of early settlement, and consequently determined to try their fortunes still further to the westward. Consequently the year of 1856 saw them located in Minneapolis, where young Frank A. avas born. In the summer of 1860, they settled in Empire township,

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Dakota county, and purchased 240 acres of land. The father at once set to work with vigor and soon the land was under cultiva- tion, while a comfortable home sheltered the family. Here the roof tree was established, and happiness and prosperity was the lot of the family until December 14, 1884, when the stricken home mourned the loss of the mother. A few years later, in 1891, the father took up his residence with a daughter in Farmington, this state, where he died, August 23, 1904. Frank A. was brought up on a farm, and attended the district schools in Empire town- ship. Later he graduated from the Hastings High School, in which institution he made so good a record that he had no diffi- culty in securing a clerical position in the bank there. A year later he returned home, and remained on the farm until 1888. From that date until 1893 he ran an establishment for the retail handling of dairy products in St. Paul, this business later being disposed of to the Crescent Creamery Company. His next em- ployment was with the municipal engineering department of the city of Minneapolis, and in 1895 he was appointed state agent for the state prison and reformatory, in which position he remained until he came to Red Wing as superintendent of the Minneapolis State Training School, an office which he has retained to the present day. It is interesting to note that while on the farm for the benefit of his health, after leaving the bank at Hastings, Mr. Whittier taught in the rural school districts for several years. In polities he is a Republican, in fraternal affiliation a member of the Masonic order and of the Independent Order of Foresters. In religious belief he favors the Universalist church. Mr. Whit- tier was married, April 2, 1884, at Empire, Minn., to Margaret Cameron, by whom he has five children. Albert A., a graduate of the University of Chicago, is a civil engineer in the state of Utah, while Walter F., Grace, Horace B. and Myra live with their parents.

Villa Maria Convent, a school for girls, under the direction of the Ursuline nuns of the Roman Catholic church, is situated on Lake Pepin, near the village of old Frontenac, the well-known summer resort.

A more beautiful site for a school could not well be found; on a rise of ground, commanding a wide view of lake, valley, hill and plain, surrounded by park-like forests, and arched by the full sweep of the heavens, all the natural influences combine to elevate and instruct the mind. Nor are historical associations lacking, for on this very spot there stood, more than a century and a half ago, St. Michael's, one of the old French missionary forts of the upper Mississippi.

The grounds, consisting of 120 acres. are the gift of General

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Israel Garrard, who spent a fortune and a great part of his life in improving and beautifying the already naturally beautiful vil- lage of Frontenac, to the attractions of which the villa now con- tributes in no small degree. Noticing the rapid growth of the school conducted at Lake City by the Ursulines, and appreciat- ing the difficulty for them of accomplishing in crowded quarters the work at which they aimed, the general offered in 1885 a traet of land for a more commodious institution. The offer was ae- cepted with gratitude, and, thanks to the noble generosity of Mother Kostha Bowman, the project was soon realized, and the construction of the largest educational building of the time, in the Northwest, was begun. The foundations were laid in 1888, and under the able superintendenee of F. J. Evans and the assistance of O. D. Preseott, the work progressed rapidly, the main build- ing being completed and dedicated in 1890.

The building is cruciform in shape, with a length of 301 feet, and a width of 90 feet. exclusive of porches. It is four stories high, and is surmounted at the north end by a tower lifting a golden cross 150 feet above the ground. The main entrance is at the northeast corner, and opens into a spacious hall, extending to the opposite side, where a broad stairway of polished oak gives access to the floors above. The hall is lighted by large stained glass windows, and is crowned by a dome.

On the left of the hall, on the ground floor, are the parlors, and from the right leads a corridor 200 feet long, out of which open the dormitory, the refectory, and, at the farther end, the kitchen. The convent proper, for the nuns occupy the entire four stories of the west wing. Besides the many windows, there is a ventilating chimney, and the rooms are noticeably airy and com- fortable.

On the second floor are the library, the museum, and the laboratories for physics and chemistry. Above the dormitory are a large, sunny study hall, music rooms and recitation rooms. and adjoining these are the gymnasium and recreation hall.

On the third floor, the art rooms ocenpy the east end. and the greater part of the remainder of the space is given up to the chapel, a lovely devotional apartment, with high arched ceiling, frescoed walls and stained glass windows. In a vaulted recess at one end is the altar, an artistic piece of workmanship of pol- ished wood, carved and gilded. Framed into it above is a magnifi- cent painting of the Blessed Virgin, the work of one of the old masters, presented to one of the nuns by King Louis II. of Ba- varia.

The fourth floor contains an immense water tank which sup- plies the numerous bath and toilet rooms in various parts of the

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building, and serves as protection against fire. For further pro- tection from this danger there are patent extinguishers on every floor. Artificial heat is supplied by the hot water system, and there is telephone connection.

That the names of their generous benefactors may not be for- gotten, the nuns caused to be inserted into the northeast corner of the building a stone bearing the inscription, "Israel Garrard, noblis Benefaciente Gratulantes, Soc. Urs. Felice;" while over the door, in the chapel, a tablet is inscribed : "In memoriam-Hon. J. B. Bowman-nostri benefactoris mortui." In the hearts of the nuns these names are held in perpetual grateful memory.

The course of study embraces all the branches of a thorough English education, combined with the culture of art, music and languages, and extends from lowest primary through the gram- mar and high school grades. Successful steps have been taken to have the school accredited to the University of Minnesota, so that graduates from the Villa who wish to continue their educa- tion in the University may be admitted to its courses without examinations. Lessons are also given in music. the arts and languages, as well as in the various branches of handiwork, for which the Ursuline nuns have won a high reputation.

The physical development of the pupils is provided for in gymnasium and playground, and in the extraordinary opportuni- ties for the natural ont-of-door exercises of walking, driving. boating and bathing. under the supervision of the ever-watchful nuns.

Above all do the nuns regard the moral development of the child, and broad and deep do they lay the foundation stones of character. Religious instruction is given to the Catholic children, while all their pupils are trained daily and hourly in the pre- cepts and practices calculated to foster those noble qualities of head. heart and soul that go to the formation of true woman- hood. The character and accomplishments of the graduates who have gone out from Villa Maria during these past thirty years give ample testimony to the devotion of the nuns, and the thor- oughness of their training.

The Gustavus Adolphus College, of St. Peter, was started in Red Wing in 1862 by Dr. E. Norelius. The next year it was removed to East Union. Carver county, and named St. Ansgar's Academy. In 1874 a corporation was formed and in the next two years snitable buildings were erected at St. Peter's, where the institution has since been located. growing to tremendous im- portance.

Julius Boraas, M. L., educator and author, now living in Red Wing. was born in the township of Belle Creek, this county, De-

JULIUS BORAAS

A&i TILING

THE SPY PUBLIC :

LETS

SARAH E. P. HASLER

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HISTORY OF GOODIIUE COUNTY

cember 7, 1871, son of Johannes and Ellen Boraas, who came from Stjordalen, near Trondhjem, Norway, directly to Goodhue county about forty years ago. He received his preliminary education in the schoolhouse of district 92, and from 1886 to 1890 attended the Red Wing Seminary, graduating with honors from the aca- demie course in the spring of 1890. After teaching school in the country for a year he entered the University of Minnesota, where he diligently pursued the college course from 1891 to 1895, gradu- ating in the latter year as valedictorian of his class. He received his degree of Master of Letters from the same institution in 1898. From 1895 to 1898 he was one of the popular instructors at the Red Wing Seminary and his appointment in the latter year as superintendent of county schools to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Engstrom met with popular approval. Since then Prof. Boraas has continued to serve in the same capacity, being elected successively in 1900, 1902, 1904, 1906 and 1908. Professor Boraas is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, an hon- orary college fraternity. He was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1897, at Kenyon. Minn., to Julia Rygh, and their happy home has been blessed with three children-Vivian, Harold and Nora. Prof. Boraas has placed the schools of Goodhue county on a high plane and his methods have been freely discussed and favorably commented upon by the educational journals. Among the causes of his success are these : He was thoroughly equipped by nature and education and has been absorbingly devoted to his work. He has a way of interesting the children in such a manner as to bring forth their best efforts and at the same time gain their love and respeet. Besides being an educator he has the practical common sense of a business man, which has enabled him to enlist the co-operation of parents and school boards in bringing about the necessary improvements and reforms. A vein of kindly humor, of which Prof. Boraas is possessed, is a pleasing part of his per- sonality which impresses those he meets, whether in a business, educational or social way.

As a writer Prof. Boraas' products are also in demand. He is the author of a useful book for teachers, entitled "Getting Along in Country Schools." This book, designed to furnish those lessons which, hitherto, teachers have learned only through years of ex- perience, has already had a wide circulation and is more than accomplishing its purpose. Its success has caused a demand for other books along the same line from his gifted pen. In addition to this, Prof. Boraas has written several serials for the "Young People's Friend," and has contributed extensively to the various school journals.

Sarah E. Pettibone Hasler (Mrs. Samuel J.) is one of the prominent women of Red Wing and Goodhue county. She was

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one of the pioneer public school teachers of the county, and dur- ing her three decades of teaching many of the boys and girls who have since become well-known residents of the state passed under her tuition. She was born at Walled Lake, Oakland county, Mich- igan, September 23, 1838, daughter of Harmon and Tamizen (Dunning) Pettibone. The father was a native of Bennington, Vt., and the mother of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. They moved to Walled Lake, Mich., and there the father was proprietor of a hotel. In June, 1854, they located in Red Wing, Harmon Petti- bone having made a trip here in the spring of the previous year. He built a mill on the present site of Charles Betcher's mills and became associated in the milling business with Ruben Knapp, under the firm name of Pettibone & Knapp. Later the firm be- came Freeborn & Pettibone, with William Freeborn as partner. . In 1858 Mr. Pettibone sold out his interests here and moved to Hastings, this state, where he ended his days, in June, 1869. His wife died March 25, 1882. Sarah E. received her early education at Walled Lake, Mich., and graduated from the Hamline Univer- sity, at that time located in Red Wing, in 1861. While still a student, she started teaching, in 1857, her private school being soon afterward converted into a public school. From that date until July 1865, she taught school in Goodhue, Dakota and Hen- nepin counties. Later she again resumed that profession, teach- ing in all for the long period of thirty-three years. She was mar- ried December 11, 1865, at Hastings, Minn., to Samuel J. Hasler. Mr. Hasler was born at Harrisburg, Penn., March 18, 1831. He studied law at St. Paul, and came to Red Wing in 1855, his first employment being that of carpenter and ship builder. He joined the Union Army in 1861, enlisting at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in Co. G, 20th Ohio Vol. Inf., serving under General Logan. He was promoted from private to captain, and commanded his company on the famous march through Georgia, under Sherman. Soon after his return to Red Wing he was elected justice of the peace, holding this office from 1866 until his death, June 6, 1887. He was an influential citizen of the early days and took a prominent part in the negotiations which ended with the building of the county court house. He was a Republican in politics, a Methodist in religion, a member of the Masonic order and of the G. A. R. To Mr. and Mrs. Hasler were born six children. Heman P .. born August 3, 1866, is preparing to become a veter- inary surgeon at San Francisco, Cal. Maude B., born July 29. 1868. married Joseph Batlo, and lives in Minneapolis. Wil- helmina T., born October 10, 1871, married George Woodfill, a Minneapolis merchant. Frank J .. born April 9, 1874. married Anna P. Ellingson, and lives in Red Wing. Emma J., born March 25. 1876. died January 25, 1881. Susie G .. born March 26, 1878.

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married Herbert O. Clark, and lives at St. Paul Park, this state. Mrs. Hesler is secretary of the Eastern Star and treasurer of the W. R. C., in which she is a leading member. She is also chairman of the executive committee of the Colvill Park Association, which has for its objeet the providing of a spacious breathing place for the people of Red Wing during the summer months.

CHAPTER XVIII.

POSTAL HISTORY.

Red Wing-First Post Master-Stage Coach Days-Growth and Progress-Other County Offices-Discontinued County Offi- cers-New Federal Building .- By C. A. Rasmussen.

In 1851 Ilon. II. H. Sibley, then the territorial delegate to congress from Minnesota, secured the establishment of a post- office at Red Wing. and Rev. J. W. Hancock, the pioneer resident, was commissioned postmaster. He was under the necessity of performing a journey to St. Paul to qualify and execute the re- quired bond at an expense of five dollars, and his income for the next two years hardly covered that expense. But the post-office was a great convenience for the few residents here, as previous to that time the nearest post-office was twenty-five miles away. The mail was carried in those days to and from St. Paul, easterly, by steamboats in the summer, and in the winter at first on foot and later by a one-horse train. Mails were expected once a week, but on account of floating ice interfering with the steamboats or- blizzards with the one-horse train, the office was sometimes three weeks without mail and for that length of time all communication between the little band of pioneers and the outside world was cut off. In the spring of 1852, on one occasion, the one-horse mail train was wrecked in crossing Spring creek. The mail bags, some five or six in number, were left several hours in the water and after being fished out were brought to Red Wing and Mr. Han- cock spent a whole day in drying out the mail. At one time, in the winter of 1855, the office was without mail for six weeks, the- mail carrier having died and considerable delay having been ex- perienced securing a new carrier.

In the fall of 1853, from which year really dates the first settle- ment of Red Wing as a village-prior to that time the point hav- ing been mainly a missionary station-Dr. W. W. Sweney was appointed postmaster. Rev. Hancock having resigned. Dr. Sweney served about a year and was succeeded by H. L. Bevans. Mr. Bevans served until 1858. when he was succeeded by H. C. Hoffman. It was during his administration that we find pub-

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lished for the first time an announcement for the Red Wing post- office, under date of January 21, 1859, there appearing, in the "Goodhue County Republican," the following :

Red Wing Post-Office. Hours of Delivery of Mail.

On Sundays from 9 to 10 a. m. On week days from 7 to 8 p. m. Hours of Arrival and Departure and the time of Closing Mails. Red Wing to La Crosse,-Leaves daily (now) at 3:30 p. m. Ar- rives six times a week at 3:30 a. m. The Great Eastern and Southern mails are carried on this route. Mails close at 2:00 p. m.

Red Wing and Saint Paul,-Leaves daily on the arrival of the Eastern stages at 3:30 a. m. Mails close at 9:00 the previous evening.

Red Wing to Cannon Falls and Le Sueur,-Leaves Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 8:00 a. m. Arrives Tuesday, Thurs- day and Saturday. Mails close at 8:00 the previous evening.

Red Wing to Owatonna and Blue Earth City,-Leaves Monday and Thursday at 7:00 a. m. Arrives Wednesday and Saturday at 6:00 p. m. Mail closes at 8:00 the previous evening.

Red Wing to St. Nicholas,-Leaves Monday and Thursday at 8:00 a. m. Arrives Wednesday and Saturday at 5:00 p. m. Mail closes at 8:00 the previous evening.

Red Wing to Winona .- Leaves Monday and Thursday at 6:00 a. m. Arrives Thursday and Saturday at 6:00 p. m. This route supplies all way offices on the river. Mail closes at 8:00 the previous evening. Red Wing to Saint Paul .- Leaves Wednesday at 8:00 a. m. Ar- rives Tuesday at 6:00 p. m. This ronte supplies way offices. Mail closes at 8:00 the previous evening.

Red Wing to Mazeppa and Oronoco,-Leaves Monday at 8:00 a. m. Arrives Tuesday at 6:00 p. m. Mail closes at 8:00 the previous evening.

Remember that all mail matter to be sent to any part of the United States must be fully prepaid. In prepaying foreign let- ters by affixing stamps, be careful to ascertain the correct amount of postage before mailing.

Anything less than the full amount of postage counts nothing, and is lost to the sender.

It will be seen from this that the stage coach lines had now come into general use in the mail-carrying capacities and Red Wing, being one of the chief distributing points along the river and the headquarters for a number of stage lines runing into the interior country. a considerable quantity of mail in transit must have been brought through here. Captain David Hancock- Uncle David. as he was then known and as he is still affection- ately termed-was a pioneer in this mail service. In 1855 he car- ried the mail between Red Wing and Frontenae, supplying Wa- coota en route, giving service onee a week. Later this route was extended to include Lake City and Reeds landing, the paeket steamers plying in those days refusing to stop at those points.

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During the winter of 1855-56 Captain Hancock carried the mail between Red Wing and Winona on the St. Paul-Prairie du Chien route. He made the trip in four days, two days going and two days coming, receiving four dollars a day, or sixteen dollars for each trip. Besides the mails he carried passengers and ex- press, the income from which often equalled the receipts for the mails in those days. It was not all pleasure traveling even as a passenger in those days, the captain states. In the summer time the stage was compelled to cross unbridged streams, often swollen by heavy rains, and in the winter it was no unusual experience for the passengers to be compelled to join in digging the horses and sleigh out of a snow drift.

Later Captain Hancock conducted two of these lines to St. Nicholas and Blue Earth City, carrying passengers to and from and supplying mails for St. Nicholas, Austin, Mantorville, Wa- sioja, Concord, Roscoe, Zumbrota, Pine Island, Geneva, Owa- tonna, Ashland, Bancroft, Albert Lea and other points. After that he operated the line to Le Sueur. Captain Hancock relates many interesting anecdotes of his experiences as mail driver in those early days. Instead of a pouch for each office the mail was all earried in one pouch, and at each place where a stop was made the postmaster unlocked the pouch, removed the mail for his office, and put in that which he had to forward. The post- masters named were not all men of learning-Captain Haneoek found some who could not read-and so the captain was often ealled on to sort the mail and make the proper distribution.

Among other duties the mail carriers were required to collect the revenne dne the government. Captain Hancock distinctly remembers his first collection at what was then Goodhue Center post-office-the munificent sum of six cents, which was the gov- ernment's share for the business done the previous three months.

During the year 1860 there was a change in the service of carrying the mails along the river from the packets to stages. Only through mails were after that delivered by boats, which supplied Winona, Red Wing, Prescott and Hastings, between St. Paul and Winona. At this time, under date of November 15, 1860, is published the first list of advertised letters. Thirty-five pieces are included in the list, more than are advertised weekly now. In those days also we find that occasional instruction of the public in postal matters was necessary. Under date of De- cember 21. 1860, the press contained the following statement :

Post Office Information.

"The last semi-official organ of the General Post Office De- partment, known as 'Holbrook's Monthly Mail Bag,' contains the following post office information for the people :

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"A printed business card or the name of the sender placed upon the outside of a circular subjects it to letter postage.

"Letters can be registered on the payment of the registry fee of five cents for each letter, but if lost, congress has made no provision for restitution, if the letter contains valuables.

"The address of letters intended for delivery in eities espe- cially, should include, if possible, the occupation, street and num- ber of the party addressed.

"A singular notion seems long to have prevailed that it is no violation of law to send an unsealed letter outside of the mail. This makes no difference whatever. Even if the paper written upon is not folded, it is a letter.

"If the writer of a letter wishes his letter to reach its destina- tion without being subject to the rules of distribution requiring it to be remailed at a distributing office, he has only to write 'Mail Direct,' and the wrapper will not be removed until it reaches the office for which the letter is designed.

"For forging or counterfeiting U. S. or foreign postage stamps not less than two or more than ten years imprisonment.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 32

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264