History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 100

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1919
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1343

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 100

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).

In the early days there were no places of amusement or community center. Until the churches were built, church services and other public meetings were held in the little old school house. Later, they were held in the old court house which was built over the county jail and which ac- commodated more people. Then a second court house was built which gave a larger seating capacity and it became the public hall. This building was replaced by the present creditable structure which was the largest public hall in Caledonia and was used for all large public gatherings until 1912 when the city hall was completed.

During the winter of 1911 there had been much talk among the more progressive men of the community of the need of some sort of social center, some place in which the people could get together under better conditions than those enjoyed. There were several organizations that needed a better place in which to carry on their work. The old building used as a city council room, voting room, fireman's hall, and public library, was too small for any of their purposes, poorly lighted, badly heated, dirty and with no accommodations fit for any of the purposes for which it was used and, in. fact, a disgrace to a town of the size and importance of Caledonia.

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There was an urgent demand for something better and more com- modious. Deeply feeling all this, W. D. Belden laid the proposition before the executive committee of the Caledonia Commercial Club, an organization that has always promoted and used its influence for every cause that has been for the betterment of conditions and to whom one could appeal with confidence if his cause was one of public benefit and interest. This com- mittee reported favorably upon the proposition and the committee was in- structed to furnish suggestive plans in detail and get an estimate of the cost and to suggest a suitable location.

The committee met and appointed W. D. Belden a committee of one to go to La Crosse and consult an architect and get an outline plan and an estimate of the probable cost of such a building not to exceed $20,000. This was done and reported to the club, which approved of the proposition and plans as presented.

But while the Commercial Club could propose such a building the money for its construction would have to be got by the issue of bonds which would have to be voted for by the people. Whether the people would stand for such a tax was a serious question and the election of a council favorable to such a proposition was also necessary.

The Commercial Club had become interested in the project and was determined if possible to put it through. To this end they attended the caucus and placed a majority of candidates on the ticket in favor of the enterprise.

When organized, in the village council there were three in favor of such building as proposed by the Commercial Club and two in favor of less costly and commodious one.

The question was submitted to the voters as to whether bonds not to exceed $20,000 should be issued for such a purpose, which proposition prevailed by a small majority. Later the city council submitted a proposi- tion to issue bonds to the amount of $15,000 for the erection of a city hall, which met much opposition from the non-progressive, selfish portion of the community, but fortunately there were a majority of the citizens who had a vision of the usefulness and need of such a building and sufficient public spirit to carry the proposition.

With this limited amount and what could be had from the saloon licenses the council went to work to secure the best possible building with the small amount at their disposal. The council was composed of T. A. Beddow (president), Wm. Schauls, J. V. Meyer and W. D. Belden. The village clerk, C. S. Trask, also had one vote in the council. J. E. Mason of Minneapolis was the architect. This building contains an auditorium with a seating capacity of about 600, with a stage 20x50, fitted with an asbestos curtain and other stage appointments which cost $600. Athletic equipment is provided for basketball, and many exciting contests are played here.

On the lower floor is a library room 30x48, with toilet and storage closet. It has been furnished with tables and shelving by the Library Association and public entertainments and now contains a large, well- selected lot of books and current magazines and is well patronized. There is also a council room about 20 by 20 and a general purpose room 20 by 24

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used for a justice court room, meetings of the Commercial Club, fire com- pany and band practice, and other gatherings not large enough to require the use of the auditorium. There is a basement room 48 by 48 where the city caucuses and elections are held and banquets served.

This building, exclusive of the stage scenery and seats, was built for about $18,000 and can not be duplicated for less than $50,000 today. This the council accomplished by devoting a great deal of time to the supervision of the work and seeing that the village got full value for every dollar put into it.

While the building is not as large as the village may require in a few years, or as the promoters desired, it was as much as could be had for the money allowed the council, and has demonstrated its usefulness and vin- dicated the foresight and vision of those who promoted and put the project of such a building through.

It has proved its worth in every way, it is a most decided asset to the village; it is widely known and highly praised by strangers, and is more than appreciated by all who have had occasion to avail themselves of its many and excellent facilities.

Connected with the building are the municipal waterworks, the im- posing water tower, topped with a high-powered light, being a conspicuous feature of the landscape. Here also are facilities for electric power, though the municipal plant is no longer used.

The waterworks were first installed in 1894, and the equipment has been gradually augmented. The plant is now in charge of Thomas Abbotts, brother of Sheriff William Abbotts, and descended from one of the county's most prominent pioneers. In the early days the streets were lighted with kerosene and later by gas. The municipal electric plant was installed in 1903, but in 1916 a contract was made with the Root River Power & Light Co., which now furnishes electricity for municipal, com- mercial and residential purposes. The sewer system was inaugurated in 1917, and now furnishes sanitation for the principal parts of the village.

Caledonia has a volunteer fire department of 45 members, subject to the call of both bell and whistle alarm. The village has a good hook and ladder truck, and two hose carts, with 1,200 feet of 21/2-inch cotton-jacket hose.

The municipal water supply is adequately furnished from two deep wells, one 8-inch and one 10-inch volume. The water is pumped by deep well pumps, one of 7,800 gallons and one of 2,500 gallons per hour to a standpipe 110 feet high and 10 feet in diameter, having a capacity of 2,200 barrels and a gravity pressure of 47 pounds. The pumping station was also used for power for the electric light plant until the present arrangement was reached by which the electric power is received from outside.

The street waterworks system includes about three blocks of 8-inch mains, seven blocks of 6-inch mains and fifteen blocks of 4-inch mains. There are 22 double hydrants and 8 dead ends.

There are seven churches in the village: The Presbyterian, the Nor- wegian Lutheran, the Methodist Episcopal, the Episcopal, the Evangelical

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Lutheran, St. Peter's Roman Catholic and St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic.

Methodist Episcopal services were held as early as 1854 in the log cabin of James J. Belden, half a mile southwest of town, by Rev. Mr. Wing. A class was soon organized consisting of Lewis Herring, Mr. and Mrs. John Paddock, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Haight, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Phelps, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Armstrong and Lucy Stewart. Soon Rev. Benjamin Christ was appointed to Brownsville and held services at the log house and tavern of James Hiner in Caledonia. The next year the Caledonia Circuit was organized, consisting of Cale- donia, Brownsville and Hokah, and such appointments as Hackett's Ridge, Pope's Prairie, Winnebago Valley and Portland Prairie were soon added. Rev. John Hooper was assigned to the circuit. Other pioneer pastors were Rev. J. L. Dyer, Rev. E. Haight, Rev. J. Cowden, Rev. John Ellingwood, Rev. Isaac Wendell and Rev. Nahum Taintor, all serving before the Civil War. The first church building was erected in 1866, and the present build- ing erected on the same site in 1896.

The Presbyterian church was organized May 17, 1863, by Rev. James Frothingham, a Princeton graduate, Rev. E. W. Rice, a missionary, assist- ing. The meeting was held at the Court House. Peter H. Thomas, Mrs. Frances Thomas, John Craig, Mrs. Elizabeth Craig and S. Jefferson handed in their letters from other societies. John Craig was organized as elder June 26, 1863. The next day Emily Pope, Sarah Hazeltine, Elizabeth Smith and Mrs. James Frothingham, all of Caledonia, were received into membership, with Mrs. J. S. Prentiss and Ruth Prentiss, of Spring Grove, from the Hokah congregation. Jan. 9, 1864, D. L. Buell and Mrs. Harriett Buell were received into membership. Among the early pastors before the eighties were Rev. William T. Hendron, Rev. Mr. Radcliffe, Rev. Mr. James and Rev. William G. Westervelt. The Sunday school for many years in those pioneer times was in charge of William D. Belden, with David T. Buell in charge of the Bible class and Fannie F. Dunbar as organist. The church was the first Protestant church in Caledonia, built in 1864, and in 1895 was sold to the German Lutherans, who now occupy it. In 1895 the present Presbyterian church was erected, and in 1897 the adjoining manse was built.

St. John the Baptist church had its origin with early priests from older communities, who visited the devout in this region as early as 1855 and said mass in the cabins of the pioneers, also performing marriages and christenings. Prominent among these was that sturdy pioneer mis- sionary, the Rev. Michael Pendergast, the echo of whose footsteps is still heard in the religious work of the whole Northwest. A small church was built and in time this gave place to a larger structure. The present building was erected in 1899. The first pastor was the Rev. Father F. Essing.

St. Peter's church has its early history coincident with the Church of St. John the Baptist. In 1873 the German-speaking members of the parish separated from the older body and formed St. Peter's church. The building was completed that same year. It is a beautiful building of stone

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with a lofty spire. The pastoral residence was erected in 1902. It is a sightly and commodious home, surrounded by thick shrubbery, walks and lawns, beautified by a rustic fountain, the resting place of native birds of all descriptions. The Sisters' home, housing the Sisters of Notre Dame, is of chaste and pleasing design, while the parochial school provides every facility for the instruction of the young. The first pastor was the Rev. Fr. Charles Koeberl.

The German Evangelical Lutheran church had its beginning with services held in the homes of people of that faith. The church was acquired in 1895 from the Presbyterians. The Norwegian Lutheran church was built in 1895.

The Episcopal church was organized in the home of a few faithful members in the middle sixties. In 1868 the present church was built under the pastorate of the Rev. William R. Powell.

The Independent School District of Caledonia was originally District 42 in the county system. The first teacher was Reuben Rollins, who taught in a log cabin on Kingston street, first erected as a store by the pioneer, Samuel McPhail. The first attempt to build a schoolhouse was in the fall of 1854, when J. J. Belden presented a lot on Belden's hill and he, with William F. Dunbar and others, put up the walls of a building intended for school purposes. Mr. McPhail, desiring to secure every advantage for his village of Caledonia, offered to build a schoolhouse on the edge of the vil- lage toward the Dunbar place that would be convenient for both village and country children. This edifice was accordingly built and opened and the partly constructed cabin abandoned. The enrollment increased dur- ing the next few years and in 1864 there were no less than 110 pupils crowded into the little room. Undaunted by this, however, the teacher not only gave the pupils the usual graded studies, but also encouraged them in various patriotic endeavors. But the people realized the need of better accommodations and this year a new schoolhouse was erected.

The Independent District took the place of the county district in 1880. In response to a call issued by O. J. Weida, A. D. Sprague, Daniel Hainz, A. J. Flynn, C. W. Metcalf, D. G. Sprague and W. H. Harries, a meeting was held March 8 of that year, with W. H. Harries as temporary chairman, E. P. Dorival as permanent chairman and A. J. Flynn as clerk. The final vote on the new organization was 22 in favor of the proposition and 12 against it.

When the new board was organized it consisted of D. L. Buell (presi- dent), A. J. Flynn (clerk), W. H. Harries, P. J. Smalley, J. H. Cooper and E. P. Dorival. April 14, 1880, A. H. Belding was appointed first prin- cipal under the new system.

The first schoolhouse, as mentioned, was built in 1854 and was proba- bly the first in the county. In 1864 it gave space to a larger building. In 1885 a large building was constructed, at that time the largest and best in the county. But in time even this was inadequate. In 1904 the present building was completed. It was the finest schoolhouse built in the state that year. Of beautiful design, with two commanding towers, it embodies all the latest developments along the line of modern school construction.

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It houses the graded schools and the high school, and is fully supplied with every facility for all the instruction usually given in such an institu- tion. The staff is adequate, the school board is broad-minded and pro- gressive, and the young people of Caledonia are being well prepared for the duties and responsibilities that life is to bring to them.

Prominent in the story of the educational development of Houston county is the Caledonia Academy, where so many of the men and women of today received their higher education. The Caledonia Academy was authorized by an act of the legislature approved March 1, 1856. The trus- tees named in the act were Samuel McPhail, James J. Belden, C. W. Thomp- son, J. R. Bennett, John J. Darbor, Alexander Bachelor, J. M. Smith, Charles Metcalf, Stephen Baglay, Samuel J. Thomas, Hugh Brown, B. W. Barfield, A. D. Sprague, James Cavanaugh and C. Cunningham. It was not, however, until several years afterward that it was put in operation. An Academy building was erected in 1869 by Rev. W. R. Powell, rector of the Episcopal church, who conducted a Collegiate Institute for one year.

His successor in the pastorate abandoned the school for about one year, when, as it did not meet his expectations, it was again abandoned. In the fall of 1871 and the winter of 1872, E. W. Trask took hold of the enterprise.

In the autumn of 1872, Prof. William D. Belden assumed the manage- ment of the institution, and proceeded to reorganize the institution in ac- cordance with the requirements of the times. Two regular four-year courses were prescribed. One was for those who expected to go no further in school. The other was a classical course for those who expected to enter a collegiate course, particularly reference being had to the State University, the classical department of the academy being designed as a connecting link between the common school and the university, which at that time was unprovided for by the State. The school went on with considerable success until 1875, when the building was thoroughly repaired and improved at an expense of about $1,000. In the equipment was included a telescope of sufficient power to show the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and the mountains on the moon. Many of the graduates of the academy taught school in the county and elsewhere, while several went to the State Univer- sity. The attendance was satisfactory, the number in 1878 being fifty-five. The first commencement was held in 1877, when the following class gradu- ated with honor: H. F. Arnold and H. P. Shumway, Wilmington; Eva S. Belden and Hellen B. Coe, Caledonia; and M. J. Taylor, Mayville. The class of 1878 was: Frances V. Burns, Evangeline P. Burns, and Hattie H. Dunbar, Caledonia; Fannie P. Lapham, Winnebago; M. T. McGinnis and Samantha L. Wright, Wilmington.

In the class of 1879 were Charles E. Heath, Fred A. Wright, and Fred R. Williams. In the class of 1880 were Jennie Gibbs and Gilbert Drowley. At this time, there being public schools intermediate between the district school and the university, the academy was discontinued, and was later converted into a public school.

During the time the academy was under the charge of Professor Belden, the following named assistant teachers were employed for longer or shorter

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periods: Larkie Lapham, Mrs. White, Kate Randolph, and Eva S. Belden. The members of the learned professions in town, and the leading citizens, were interested in its success. Dr. Castle, W. H. Harris, P. J. Smalley, and others, delivered addresses in connection with the commencement exercises on the various occasions. This collegiate institute, while it remained in active operation, was an honor to its founders and to its principal, a matter of pride to the citizens, and an Alma Mater the memory of which is cher- ished with pride by all who had the advantages of passing through its doors as students in the days of their youth.

W. D. Belden, who was at one time a student in the Caledonia public schools, then became a prominent educator, and has since continued his interest in the proper instruction of the coming generation. In regard to the foregoing facts, he has the following to say of events which came under his personal observation.

The first attempt to establish a school was made in the fall of 1854, my father, James J. Belden, having donated the ground for same on his claim in the western part of the present village on the Belden Hill. The neighbors had joined and got the logs laid up ready for the roof when Mr. McPhail, proprietor of the town site, wanted the building located within the town plat and a compromise was made and a small frame building was erected on the southwest corner of the block now occupied by St. John's parochial school. This building is now owned by Mrs. John Boltz, and is situated opposite the post office just west of the Argus office.

This building was used for ten years when the number of pupils had increased to an enrollment of 110. In the winter term when the attendance was the largest, two teachers were employed, but in the spring term one teacher took care of them all. We scholars, for the writer was one of them, had to sit three in a seat with a row all around the building without any desk in front of them. Of course, we were not supposed to whisper. In the warm weather we were allowed to go out doors to 'study' but sometimes we forgot the rule. We had a good time anyway, even though we did not progress very fast in our books.

In 1864 the conditions had become so intolerable that the district was forced to erect a new building, consisting of two rooms. The more advanced scholars were sent upstairs and the primary and lower grade scholars went in the lower room and two teachers took care of the whole number of scholars, which was no snap as the writer knows from personal experience, having been principal for some four successive terms. This building is now owned by Edward Houlihan, who bought it and moved it to its present site on North Kingston street.

After a few years a third building providing for several departments was erected. This building was on the present site of St. John's parochial school, and was torn down to make room for it.

In 1881 there were only four departments: grammar, first and second intermediate and primary. The salaries paid the primary and first inter- mediate teachers were $35, second intermediate $40, and the grammar $45 a month."

In the sixties teachers were not plentiful and the requirements were

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not very exacting. At first no certificates were required, any one who chose to do so could teach provided some school board would hire. Then a law was enacted creating the office of county superintendent of schools, and requiring any one wishing to teach to hold a certificate of examination by him. The writer took such an examination which was oral and lasted about fifteen minutes, and passed successfully. Most any one who could read and write and know the multiplication table could pass. Of course, the wages were small, many teaching for only $15 and $20 per month.

Before the public school became a high school there were several private schools which furnished some advanced studies, the most notable of these were:

1. A private school conducted by Professor Emmons, a graduate of Yale and at that time considered one of the best educators in the State, who did much for those who were fortunate enough to get the benefit of his most excellent training. But he gave up the work on account of his poor health after a year or so.

2. The Caledonia Collegiate Institute, an Episcopal parochial school, was started in 1869 by Rev. W. R. Powell, which was an excellent school while it lasted, but for want of sufficient patronage and financial backing it also was given up.

3. The Caledonia Academy was, at the urgent request of many of the leading citizens, established by W. D. Belden in the fall of 1872. This school furnished a four-year course similar to the present high school course, so that its graduates could enter the State University. This school was con- ducted until 1880 when the State high school course was introduced and the demand for such a school was supplied by the public school.

The post office was established in Caledonia in 1854. Before that the people received their mail at Brownsville, and it was brought to Caledonia by anyone who happened to be making the journey. When the post office was established regular mail routes were organized, and in the early sixties the people were receiving mail three times a week. The office became a money order office on Sept. 9, 1867. The list of early postmasters until the eighties is somewhat obscure, but probably the postmasters have been: Samuel McPhail, William McKee, Peter H. Thomas, A. S. Lindsey, R. S. Williams, C. G. Ward, J. C. Prentiss, H. K. Belding, John Dorsch, Wells F. Dunbar, O. G. Wall, James Wertz, John B. Neff, Otis E. Comstock, E. P. Dorival, William Calleran, A. J. Flynn, Moses Emery, E. C. Hellickson and W. W. Belden who is now in office.

The three banking houses in Caledonia are the Sprague State Bank, the First National Bank and the Caledonia State Bank.

The Sprague State Bank is the oldest institution of its kind in the county. In the early days, several of the merchants accepted deposits and issued checks on La Crosse banks. But for the most part, money which was sent out of the town was forwarded by means of postal orders. June 1, 1875, A. D. Sprague and J. E. Easton established the bank of Caledonia, a private institution. In 1908 the bank was incorporated as the Sprague State Bank, with Ellsworth A. Sprague as president, Arthur D. Sprague as vice-president and Robert D. Sprague as cashier.

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The farmers co-operative movement is represented in Caledonia by the Farmers Co-operative Creamery, the Farmers Co-operative Co. (operating a general store), and the Caledonia Co-operative Stock and Grain Company. The latter company has an elevator and stock yards. Not many miles away is the Wilmington Co-operative Creamery, which has Caledonia for a shipping point. The other Caledonia elevator, aside from that mentioned, is one owned by E. A. and R. D. Sprague. Fred Kruger has a feed mill and the Graf grist mill does considerable business. There are no extensive manufactories, though wagon making, iron working, and the manufacture of cement block and brick is at times carried on to some extent.

The two newspapers in Caledonia are the Caledonia Journal and the Caledonia Argus. The field in previous years has also been occupied by other papers.

The Houston County Journal had its inception in the month of Novem- ber, 1865, the editors and proprietors being James G. McGrew and Sam Wall, who issued it until May 1, 1866. It was then purchased by the Journal Printing Company, composed of John Craig, Thomas Abbotts, James Smith, George T. Patten, A. D. Sprague, C. A. Coe, Eugene P. Dorival, and J. W. Cook. On December 4, 1866, the names of Smith and Wall were run up as editors. A. F. Booth took charge as editor on November 18, 1873. In February, 1878, the paper was sold by Mr. Booth to O. E. Comstock. On August 3, 1881, J. Ostrander came into the firm and the paper was published under the firm name of Comstock and Ostrander. P. A. Kroshus acquired the paper in March, 1883, and three years later changed the name to the Caledonia Journal. May 1, 1890, he sold to Blexrud & Solburg, with E. K. Roverud as editor. A few years later Mr. Roverud bought out Blexrud and Solburg, and has since been both editor and publisher. The Caledonia Journal has always been Republican in politics, although its support of President William H. Taft, in 1912, after its editor had been a Roosevelt delegate at large in the Chicago Convention, was almost negligible. The Journal is now stronger than ever in its political faith, and has been espe- cially strong in its fight against pernicious socialism and the Non Partisan League.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 100

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1343

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1919
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1343