USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 62
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. I > Part 62
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District No. 76 came next in existence, and has a history of its own. Outside of the regular "shooting," squirrel hunting and scrapping, it used to have a regular course in the three "r's," same as the rest of 'em, and when Miss Larkins, the first teacher took charge of the then mixed Bohemian-French-Irish conglomeration, and opened school in the house of James Wil- loughby, in section 26, it certainly must have required an unusual amount of patience to keep the school in running order. Talk about strennous life! In the second year of the existence of the district, a log house was put up and Miss Larkins was again retained to take charge. This building answered its purpose until 1879. when it was condemned and a more suitable building put up not far from the old one, and Miss Lee began the exer- cises here as the initial teacher. Others have since tried to advance the standard of education there, among whom were
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Albert Skluzacek, Joseph Matias, John Vikla, Maria Simota, Martin Vikla, Frank Ninneman, and J. A. Kaisersatt. Since the establishment of the village of Lonsdale a modern school build- ing was put up in the village, and District No. 76 is now a district having a semi-graded school and employing two teachers.
District No. 45 was organized in 1863, and the usual log cabin was rolled together. This school was located on section 11. Maggie Morrisey was the first teacher here, and kept school there for about five years, when a new building and a change of teachers was deemed advisable. The new frame building that was then put up is at present ready for displacement, and no doubt the people of this district will soon be erecting a new house. Miss Landa, Marie Simota, J. J. Rachac, Jas. W. Trenda, Matt G. Vikla, and Lewis Simota were some of the teachers who tried conclusions and who have indeed placed the school on an honorable footing. The present teacher is Joseph J. Brom, a young man from Veseli.
District No. 107 is the latest to be carved out, and had no existence until late in 1881. The first teacher was Richard Lynch.
In 1868 District No. 58 was organized. The petitioners were mostly Bohemians and they were as anxious to have their young educated as the rest of the good people of the town, and conse- quently after the regular organization a log house made its appearance and school began with Maggie Morrisey at the helm, but failed to materialize, whereupon Kate Galey took the school in charge and finished the term without any serious damage being done. Some of the "goody-goodies" of those good old days take pleasure to relate incidents of their school life, and the conditions would still be unchanged we presume, were it not for the fact that a new frame building was put up in 1875, "just to please the boys," and Joseph Matias was hired to bring the unruly crowd to a point of perfection, physically and mentally.
District No. 104 was organized in 1878, a building was put up on section 32 at a cost of $800, and taking in a part of Erin, therefore it became necessary to hire the popular teacher, Dan Dooley, of Erin town, who, by the way, had an enviable record and who made the school a success from the very start. It now boasts a semi-graded school and Matt Vikla and J. F. McCarthy are the teachers.
District No. 125 is the latest acquisition, and with the liberal trustees it always has and with the corps of teachers it has been wont to keep up, it is safe to say that 125 will always hold its own. Some of the teachers of this district were : Miss Hovorka,
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Miss Nestaval, Mr. Hovorka, Thomas Hovorka, Mr. Vrtis and John Vales.
District No. 108 is the Veseli school district and may be justly called the university of the Wheatland town school system. It now has and for the past twenty years or more had two departments, and since the year 1904 has been a semi- graded school, drawing the state aid in conformity to law. This district has a unique and interesting past, in as much as it has really been a district before it was organized. What is now District No. 108 has long been organized as the parish school. A frame building had been erected in the early seventies, and the building was rented for public school purposes for at least ten years at $10 a year. The church trustees were also trustees of the school, and here various teachers tried their hand at the more advanced pupils of the fast growing village. The schon! was located hard by the church and in the place where it now stands.
Among those who contracted to do the right thing by the little ones, even if they had to resort to ear-pulling and all such other luxuries of the past, were Mr. Valenta, Mr. Matias. Mr. Zika. Mr. Topka, Mr. Rachac. Mr. Kuchta, Mr. Vojta, John Hovorka, Anna Hovorka, and Cecilia Kovarik. The last five named were hired as Catholic teachers, after the new public school building had been built and when the old building was used solely as a Catholic school.
The district was finally organized according to law, and in time a new building was put up, a two story, up-to-date building ample and roomy enough to accommodate the children of the village and surrounding country belonging to said district. Ever since the date of its erection in 1894, this school was looked up to as the center of learning in the town, and the first set of teachers, J. C. Drozda and J. J. Rachac. the principal, had more than their hands full to control the motley crowd.
Being no more and no less than any of the country schools at the time it was set in full motion in 1894. having the same grade of pupils who took more pleasure in outdoor sports than in books, and most of whom even now admit that they were happier to be more savage than civilized. it certainly required a strong mind to get any kind of a start and continue the advance, if any advance was to be accomplished at all. This strong mind the trustees were lucky enough to secure in their young teacher, J. J. Rachac, then but eighteen years of age. Primitive ideas of school teaching began to be looked upon as a huge joke, and people bethought themselves to better methods and better teachers. In justice to the old time teacher, be it said that conditions were indeed changing, and a new cra was
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about to set in. The young man above referred to had laid a foundation which is today at the bottom of the finished educa- tion of many a young man and woman who have had the good fortune to come under his professional care. Mr. Drozda, thie primary teacher proved a valuable asset to the principal, and under their guidance the school was firmly established. Mr. Rachac continued to teach this school for ten years, or until the time of his appointment to the deputyship in the county treasurer's office. Mr. Drozda had also served in his capacity as primary teacher for almost ten years, with the exception of one year, when he acted as principal. Mr. Rachac accepting another position, and Jas. W. Trenda, one of Mr. Rachac's grad- uates, acting as primary teacher. Other teachers were Ida Bartos, Marie Simota, F. M. Kaisersatt, principal. with Eliza- beth Pechousek primary, later with Anna Shimota as primary. Emilia Nestaval as principal, with Joseph Pavek as primary. The present teachers are Martin G. Vikla, principal; Anna Shimota, assistant. The school has all necessary equipment as required by law of semi-graded, and has an extensive library. About fifteen of the graduates of this school had entered normal school and some have graduated since, who now hold responsible positions. District No. 108 is indeed the "University of Wheat- land school system." This condition was made possible only by the excellent professional ability and by the advanced stand taken by Joseph J. Rachac.
The Catholic school is purely a sectarian school, but it has pretty nearly always maintained a high standard of instruction. and on the whole its work has been beneficial. Its main object. however, is to prepare the Catholic pupils for communion con- firmation and to train them in the precepts of their church. It follows closely the course of study in the public schools, and to make it more convenient to the pupils of the parish, it has of late adopted the same kind of books that have been used in the public schools. It is liberally supported by the parishioners.
MERCANTILE.
The first store in town was opened by Peter O'Bryan, but he kept it but a few years. In 1858, what was left of the Peter O'Bryan stock was sold to a Bohemian named Joseph Kartak, who moved the goods to a small dwelling located on section 16, hard by the St. Paul road, but Mr. Kartak proved a poor col- lector, and even the bond of Calib Vincent, justice of the peace, did not avail him much and consequently he had to suspend operations for reasons known best to him alone, and the venture had to be entrusted to some more practical hand.
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Thomas Lambert opened a store in section 32 in 1874, where he kept a general stock of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, and liquors. In a short time he likewise had his fill and closed up.
Napoleon Begin put up a building on section 33, and putting in a stock of goods began trade and kept it up for about a year, when he sold to C. A. Remillard, who prospered for quite a time and then sold at a bargain to Peter Fabre. Mr. Fabre is still at the old stand.
VILLAGE OF WHEATLAND.
The first village platted was the village of Wheatland, situ- ated on the south shore of Metoggha lake, embracing parts of sections 19, 20 and 29. It was beautifully placed, and its attrac- tiveness has been elsewhere pointed out. Sad to say, it never amounted to more than a name and no buildings were ever put up to start a boom. Undoubtedly the expected railroad did not go through, and the foundation for Wheatland was shifted southward toward the lakes, where equal disappointment awaited the unfortunate venture. The name Wheatland. given to the township and to the village, was undoubtedly derived from Wheatland, the summer residence of President Buchanan. This first village of Wheatland contained a public square, a block for a school, which goes to show that Patrick Cody, et al, were not so slow after all, even if the Bohemians did acense then of being lazy and of having small clearings and many other minor matters.
VILLAGE OF VESELI.
Shortly after the abandonment of the site for the village of Wheatland, and even before the time Mr. Lamber held his post- office at his place in section 26, the Bohemians, as has elsewhere been stated, began to look around for a suitable place for their church. Many places were offered as the best and most suit- able, but finally a delegation went to New Prague and requested the priest there to come in to their settlement and settle all disputes by the selection of a site for their church. Father Povolny, the New Prague priest, consented to do this, and con- sequently he came to Wheatland, and after comparing carefully the several places offered, he selected a beautiful hill and desig- nated that as the place where the new church shall stand, and within a short time the united factions were busy putting up the edifice which was to be their first house of God. We know how, at almost the completion of the structure, "Grandpa" Smisek, during lunch asked the famous question that really determined the name of the place and parish. It was but natural.
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of course. Every one of those people that were there assembled, and, who aided in building up the first Bohemian house of worship, were from the city of Veseli, which is located in a beautiful valley in the southern part of Bohemia, or from the vicinity of the city of Veseli, hence the suggested name Veseli was altogether natural. Therefore Veseli was the name of the place long before any village ever took form around the little church on the hill. Soon, however, enterprises followed the building of the church, and stores were early established.
Stary & Hoefs were about the first on the scene, though Shimota & Maertz came in on the ground floor. Charley Moshier came in to compete with the best of them, and the life of a bustling village was fairly on the march. It became necessary to establish legally, and what was fast springing into a village without anybody caring much but just plodding faithfully along, going to church, working hard, and having a good time, it became evident that some form of survey must be adhered to, and to avoid any inconveniences in the future the village was platted in 1880 and lots put into market. Everything was a booming, and it took but a short time, and Veseli had a popu- lation of nearly four hundred. It had the usual business enter- prises, saloons, stores, blasksmith shops, harness shops, etc., etc. Those who were in the saloon business were Thomas Lapic, James Drozda, Mathias Trenda, Joe Vrana and Frank Sticha. The largest store was that of Shimota & Maertz, and among other business men were Charley Mosher, general merchandise ; James Topic, shoe store; and Frank Stanek, later in the hard- ware business: Frank Bartos, harness maker. The blacksmiths were Albert Vosejpka, A. Charland, Joseph La Voye, John Tomek and Joseph Machacek.
The village was a prosperous little place. It has some exciting history back of it, but space does not permit us to indulge in reminiscences of the kind that would occupy the attention of a volume. It has, however, always held its own, and the people were rightly jealous of their customs and they defended them at any cost. The village was always known as a place of merri- ment, and in later years a dramatic club under the leadership of J. J. Rachac was formed, which was, for a time, entertaining to such a degree that it became the pride of the town and people began to believe that their local talent was as good as the best there was. And the way these "rustic actors" had acquitted themselves was something to be really proud of. Besides having a pile of fun, the members of this club added to the interest of the younger element in such things, and later many a school entertainment was made possible as a result of careful training in the school of the old dramatic club. Other
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organizations were brought to life, and music was the general theme, practically everybody in Veseli was a musician, and the master organization was the "Celebrated Smisek's Band." In short. Veseli was a hummer in every sense of the word, and the people were a wide awake and liberal set.
With the phenomenal progress of the town after the advent of the Bohemians, the village of Veseli progressed in due measure, and there was nothing to mar its progress, indeed there was always hope for better future in as much as there was occa- sional hope for a railroad coming through the town. But the railroad never came. and though the town prospered and would have continued to prosper without the railroad it had to expe- rience the contrary, that is in place of being benefited by a railroad it has to combat the advantages or, in a sense, disad- vantages of a railroad. Since the road was built through the town missing Veseli, and a new town, the village of Lonsdale was built, Veseli has been gradually losing some of its ancient luster, and though it hols its own with the same determination as of old, it is bound in time to lose its commercial influence to the more advantageous and favored sister village of Lonsdale, though it may be doubted that it will ever lose its ancient prestige.
Today the business men are doing as much business as ever and are fairly on par with the business men of Lonsdale. There are two large grocery stores, Mr. Drozda selling out last year ; two saloons, two blacksmith shops, one large hardware store. one confectionery, a barber shop, one meat market. one furni- ture store, and a shoe shop. The present business men are John Topka, Joseph Topic, Frank J. Rachac, Ben. J. Shimota. Joseph Trenda, Jacob Rimnac, Thomas Tomek. Jolin Tomek, WV. Drozda, and Joseph A. Valesh.
On March 23, 1889, Rev. F. J. Pribyl, W. T. Shimota and Albert Vosejpka petitioned for the organization of the village. and for its incorporation according to law. Accordingly an election was held and the first officers elected were: President, WV. T. Shimota; recorder, Rev. F. J. Pribyl ; treasurer. Frank Chalupsky. First council: Joseph Pavek, Albert Vosejpka. Frank Bartos.
The present officers are: President, Jacob Rimnac : recorder, J. W. Topka; treasurer, Joseph Trenda. Council: John Vose- jpka, Matt Lapic. Frank Jirik.
The village has a system of waterworks, and the tank and tower were erected at a cost of $2,000. The town hall is situated in the village and Veseli is the political center, the principal point of interest, the village where life is real. the village of practical carpenters, the hub of the town.
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VILLAGE OF LONSDALE.
This is a late candidate for recognition and recognition it will get, in as much as it will forge to the front by reason of a resource which has not only aided in building up of villages and cities, but which has aided in building up a vast empire-the railroad. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad passes through section 26, therefore through the southern part of the town. The company having selected the Willoughby (Wilby) place for a location of a new town, and somehow the new town was named Lonsdale. a very pretty name indeed, but if some one will not look it up, then it may soon be hard to ascertain why the place was really named Lonsdale. It has been stated that the town was named after an official of the company whose name was Lonsdale. That may be true, but we have our doubts about it. We venture an opinion to the effect that the town was named after and in honor of a place somewhere in Norway, and from which came all those people who settled section 36, of Wheatland, and who are still in full possession of same. It was in honor of these people that the new town was named, and we shall stick to this opinion until some good minded fellow proves to the contrary. No matter, however, it is the same old story of the name Wheatland, and both are real pretty names, and though at the present time the Bohemians have the sole power to change the name Wheatland to anything they may fancy, we doubt that they would wish to do anything of the kind, even though it were suggested to them. Wheatland was good enough for us in the days of adversity, and Wheatland is good enough for us in the days of prosperity.
So it is with Lonsdale, even though we do not know the origin of the name, though it is rather early not to know, we may rest assured that the town with a fair co-operation will continue to grow and prosper as never a town of its limited advantages has prospered before.
Lonsdale has a system of waterworks, constructed at a cost of $5,000, a chureli, a public semi-graded school, a doctor, drug -- gist and every other branch of business well represented and opportunities galore. It has been duly incorporated and has a common council, a clerk and a president. The present execu- tive is Venel Vita. This town, like Veseli, is a Bohemian enter- prise, with the exception of a few Irish families, among them the Willoughbys and McFaddens, who lived here among the Bohemians ever since the town of Wheatland was organized. The railroad service is excellent, and with increasing business increased railroad facilities will be obtained. The future of Lonsdale is bright and there is no doubt but it will prosper
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and in time become the metropolis of the town, which, of course, will be in the very near future. Among the business men who dispense choice wines, liquors and cigars are F. J. Pexa, Jacob Schultz, Dennis McFadden and Martin J. Benzick. The mer- chants are Venel Vita, M. W. Lepeska, H. H. Heinen and Thomas Voracek. The blasksmiths are Frank Schultz and Joseph Kalal. Louis Snorek conducts an up-to-date tailor shop. The hardware business is represented by Nohava & Son, and Benzick & Lamac. James Brom and Frank Vorlicek are in the confectionery business. A photograph gallery is operated by John P. Vikla. A lumber yard is operated by II. E. Wester- man Lumber Company, of Montgomery, Minn., and the local yard is managed by an efficient young and popular young man, Frank J. Machacek. Skluzacek Bros. also own a lumber yard, and while it was managed very ably for a long time by Valentine Skluzacek, and later for a time by his brother, Anthony Sklu- zacek, it is at present under the skilled guidance of Mr. Jirik. Jacob Schultz also runs a restaurant in connection with his sample room. Mr. Benzick is the proprietor of the Benzick House, a first class hotel. Wencl Herda is the popular harness man, and has a large stock of first class goods on hand.
The State Bank of Lonsdale, always a conservative institu- tion, has recently passed into the hands of home people, which now assures it a very large and merited patronage. Its present officers are: Joseph J. Skluzacek, president ; Thomas Skluzacek. cashier ; M. J. Smisek, assistant cashier and vice-president. The capital stock of this bank is $10,000.
Besides being in the general hardware business, Mr. Mathias Nohava and his son, Frank Nohava, conduct an extensive busi- ness in farm implements, thrashing machines and other machinery.
Albert Flicek is the popular funeral director, undertaker and furniture dealer. Doctor F. J. Lexa is the resident physician and enjoys an extensive practice. The doctor is a genial fellow and commands the confidence of the whole community. George Hovorka is the druggist, and though the business is quite young it is evident from the start that he will make good.
The present school board consists of the following members : Dr. F. J. Lexa, clerk ; Frank J. Kalina, treasurer ; Thomas Sirek, director. The enrollment is very good and the children are progressive, therefore the future of Lonsdale, if it will depend upon its posterity, should be nothing but bright.
The Veseli Postoffice really did not come into existence until 1908. It is rather surprising to make this statement but such are the facts in the matter. The truth of the matter is, that when the postoffice was established in what was then Veseli, in July
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of 1879, the postmaster appointed happened to be a young man, Albert Vosejpka, who took a great deal of delight in turning everything Bohemian into everything English, and to do those things and always be consistent, is somewhat of a hard job. So it happened that Mr. Vosejpka, whose intentions were abso- lutely honest, set about to anglicize the original name of the place Veseli. In attempting it the closest he could get was WVesely, which was a pretty fair imitation. So it was, and Veseli postoffice was established as Wesely postoffice. Ten years later the village was incorporated and of course it was incorporated under the right name Veseli, but the authorities at Washington never recognized officially the form Veseli, but always Wesely. It so happened that quite a few people had considerable trouble on account of the double name, consequently a petition requesting the department at Washington to change the name from Wesely to Veseli was sent in in 1908, and the change was granted within a week. Thus the postoffice Wesely came into its own and became rightly Christened after the fashion of the village, Veseli. Ever since it is known as Veseli postoffice, and there are no more con- flicts and no more complaints. The following were the post- masters : Frank Vita, Joseph Topic, W. T. Shimota, M. J. Smisek, and the present postmaster is Joseph A. Valesh.
The Lonsdale Postoffice was established about seven years ago and J. C. Drozda became the first postmaster. The next, and the present postmaster, is Joseph M. Drozda.
EDUCATIONAL.
It may be well to give a brief sketch of the activities of the younger generation in contrast to the disadvantages that the older generation had to contend with, and then note the results, if it is really necessary to take results into consideration at all. If immaterial, then it suffices to make passing comparisons. The early schools were practically helpless. Conditions were unfavorable for any advancement. It was impossible for any one to gain any knowledge, save the very rudiments of learning, and in many cases even those were not acquired, especially by the Bohemian speaking element in the town. It was a case of hopelessness, and everything was a school in itself, in as much as it served to give better service to the following generation. Hence from the experience and disadvantages of our fathers, we have profited, to be sure, and so it always is. Later the schools, under the guidance of excellent teachers, have come up at least to the standard, and were able to do more good for the pupils at large. It is well to enumerate the names of some of the boys and girls and those who were interested in their welfare
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