USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 14
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 14
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Boynton Tent, No. 49, Knights of Maccabees. This tent was organized at Owatonna in 1897, with twelve members. It is a fraternal society, carrying insurance for the benefit of its
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members. The order distributed over the states has $9,000,000 in its benefit fund, which guarantees all certificates. The aver- age paid out per day in benefits is about $10,000. The officers of the local order are: William Burghs, commander ; J. L. Ingra- ham, record keeper; F. J. Rions, finance keeper.
C. S. P. S., Lodge No. 67, Bohemian Slavonik Benevolent Society of Minnesota, was instituted at Owatonna by the author- ity of the grand lodge of Minnesota on January 15, 1881, and works under the auspices of the supreme lodge, which was insti- tuted at St. Louis, Mo., in 1854. Its object is to encourage friendship, benevolence and charity. July 16, 1885, the local lodge was incorporated. with Joseph H. H. Soukup, president ; Frank Kovar, secretary. In 1887 the society numbered thirty- one members, viz .: Joseph Kubat, Joseph Kaplan, Joseph H. Soukup, John Dusek, A. L. Simon, Frank Horak, John Pichner, Joseph Waverin, John Svir, Anton Pirkl, L. L. Marek, Anton Belina, Anton Kapser, Joseph Tamshe, K. C. Tamshe, John Slavik, Frank Ripka, V. Mares, Joseph Krejei, Felix Svekla, V. Piehner, V. Kovar, F. Simon, Frank Kovar, V. Suchnaek, V. Jirousek, Albert Kasper, John R. Soukup, V. Martinek, Joseph Martinek. The present officers are: A. R. Stransky, president ; G. J. Kaplan, vice-president ; Anton Stancel, secretary ; Joseph Staneel, treasurer; escort, John Wavrin; watchman, Frank Kovar ; trustees, John Pechner, Sr., Wenel Kovar, Joseph Fisher.
The society has erceted a fine block of elegant proportions on North Cedar street, known as the C. S. P. S. Auditorium, where the lodge has an elegant hall for its own use, and a com- modious auditorium gallery in the upper stories, which is used for theatrical purposes and publie entertainments. The enter- prise exhibited by the society in the erection of this building loudly speaks in its praise.
The Modern Woodmen of America. The local lodge of this order was organized by D. H. Consul and G. F. Mills at Owa- tonna in August, 1887, and received its charter from the grand lodge at Fulton, Ill., August 31, 1887. The charter members were: O. E. Edson, V. C .; J. W. Rowland, clerk; D. B. Shaw and E. Smith, sentries; W. E. Morehouse, W. adviser; W. T. Thompson, escort; E. M. Morehouse, E. B. and Phy .; Henry Dipping and D. R. Grunkle, watchmen. The board of managers were: For one year, O. E. Edson; for two years, E. Smith, and for three years, H. Dipping.
Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month.
From a beginning with twelve members the lodge has had a steady growth till at this date, at the age of twenty-three years, it numbers 328 members in good standing, and has nine social
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members. The present officers are : James Wencel. V. C .: J. W. Rowland. E. B .: Thomas Darington, W. A .; M. J. Parcher, clerk: G. B. Stacey, escort; P. Daniger, watchman; D. M. Mitchell, sentry; II. Daxell, assistant clerk; examining sur- geons, A. B. Stewart and J. W. Andrist. The purpose of the Modern Woodmen of America is not only of a fraternal and charitable nature, for the benefit of its more unfortunate mem bers in times of distress, as a local organization, but it also insures its members, in good standing, against a loss to their families by certain standards of insurance, and is considered one of the most substantial fraternal orders in the country.
Victory Camp, No. 1040, Royal Neighbors of America. This is the ladies' adjunct to the Modern Woodmen of America, and its fraternal and insurance features are of the same character. It was organized June 8, 1898, with the following officers: Mrs. Maggie Woods, oracle; Mrs. Ella Wright, vice oracle; Mrs. Louise Thon, recorder; Mable Snyder, receiver; Mrs. Maria Snyder, chancelor; Mrs. Mary Marquart, inner sentinel, and A. B. Stewart, physician.
The present officers are : Mrs. Louise K. Thon, oracle : Mrs. Martha Thon, vice oracle; Mrs. Anna Davidson, recorder ; Mrs. Mary Marquart, receiver; Mrs. A. M. Belina, chancelor ; Mrs. Rose Anderson, inner sentinel; Mrs. Dora Dezell, outer sentinel, and A. B. Stewart, and Guel G. Morehouse, physicians. There is a membership of ninety, out of which there are forty- nine fraternal, and forty-one who are benefit members through the insurance feature.
Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of Aztecs. This was first instituted at Minneapolis. August 24, 1891, and May 15, 1899, was transferred to the city of Owatonna for its permanent home. It elected and installed the following grand officers: M. F. Smersh, grand commander : A. J. Kubat, grand vice commander ; J. Newsalt, secretary; Robert Denniger, treasurer; Lars Peter- son and C. E. Srsen, trustees. The principal present officers are: F. M. Smersh, grand commander ; S. A. Kubat, grand vice commander : F. A. Alexander, grand solicitor: F. M. Smersh, grand medical examiner.
Tenoch Council, No. 16, Ancient Order of Aztecs. This council was organized May 29, 1893. The present membership is 140 and is both a fraternal and charitable institution having an insurance feature which is proving very advantageous in times of sickness of its members and to the widows and orphans of deceased members. The present officers are: R. F. Ander- son, commander; O. K. Marquart, vice commander ; L. J. Wa- lachka, secretary; S. A. Kubat, collector; Robert Dinniger,
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treasurer; Cy Harding, orator; Chas. Cobb, chaplain; August Monthee, guide; Art Weise, warden; C. I. Sustak, sentry.
CATHOLIC ORDERS
Owatonna Council, No. 945, Knights of Columbus. This council was instituted at Owatonna, December 11, 1904, with J. F. Fitzgerald, grand knight; Jolm Lynard, deputy grand knight; L. J. Mosher, secretary ; J. S. Brick, financial secretary ; and B. J. Meixner, treasurer. The council started out with a fine lot of Owatonna's best business men as its charter members, and has since added to its membership till at the present time it has enrolled in good standing 115 members, which speaks well for the popularity of the organization, the object of which is not only fraternal in character, but through its insurance fea- ture to render mutual assistance in times of need to the families of members. It is an incorporated council and capable of pur- chasing or disposing of realty or personal property. The pres- ent officers are : John Lynard, grand knight ; J. S. Brick, deputy grand knight ; B. J. Meixner, treasurer; T. J. Stransky, secre- tary, and W. H. Liebe, financial secretary. The trustees are J. F. Fitzgerald, George C. Tower and W. H. Hart.
Catholic Order of Foresters. The local lodge of this order was organized at Owatonna, May 7, 1897. It is a fraternal order having the usual insurance feature. As is the case of Knights of Columbus, none but Catholics are admitted to mem- bership, the fraternity being dedicated to the benefit of its large and growing membership and their families, its relief proving to be a great advantage to the families of departed members of the order through the immediate aid received just at a time when most needed. The present membership of the local lodge is 121 and the present officers are: George Tohr, C. R .; Martin Kubia- towicz, V. C. R .; C. F. Ringhoffer, P. C. R .; F. J. Wencel, recorder ; John Hogan, financial secretary ; Edward W. Springer, treasurer; N. J. Batesliek, S. C .; C. M. Lerach, I. C .; John O. Shaney, I. S .; Jos. C. Ripka, N. S .; John Lynard, H. C. R., and F. A. Dunham, speaker. Trustees. William Burzinski, F. Schleman, S. Kubiatwicz.
Division No. 1, Steele County, Ancient Order of Hibernians. This order was organized at Owatonna, February 26, 1891, with the following charter members: George C. Tower, J. E. McLane, Edward J. McGrath, William Hickey, Jolin Deviny, Chas. A. Lonergan, James E. Quinn and C. J. Obrine, formerly a member of the Montgomery division. The first officers were: C. J. Obrine, president; Edward McGrath, vice president; Mike Mc- Grath, treasurer, and J. E. Malone, recording secretary. There
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are now forty-six members in full and regular membership. It is a fraternal order having the insurance feature. The pres- ent officers are : W. H. Liebe, president ; Ed. F. Laughlin, vice president : John Hogan, treasurer, and J. E. Malone, recording, financial and insurance secretary.
WOMEN'S CLUBS
The Ladies' Pioneer Outing Club. This club was organized in October, 1893, by the following ladies: Mrs. Norman Evans, Mrs. W. S. Boice, Mrs. E. E. Bigelow. Mrs. J. N. Niles, Mrs. T. H. Kelley, Mrs. Frank Murray, Mrs. H. K. Tompkins, Mrs. A. E. Southworth, Mrs. Frank Ellis. The club was formerly limited to nine members, but more recently its membership has been increased. A full or unanimous vote of the members is required before a candidate recommended by a member can become a member of the club. In this manner the club is replenished after the death or the removal of one of its members from the city. It was named the Pioneer Outing Club. because it was the first club of the kind instituted at Owatonna for the purpose of visiting nature's beauty spots, through excursions into the country and to pleasure resorts, for the purpose of recre- ation and nature study during the milder months of the year. During the cold and inclement weather, social meetings are held, alternating at the different homes of the members. The club is devoted mostly to social amusement and healthful recreation ; the only thing of a literary nature connected with it is its monthly program. Unlike the more recently organized women's literary clubs, this regular monthly program is carried out in a manner so that the responses are made extemporaneously, the individuals replying not having had an opportunity to make a study of the parts to be assumed. The opening ceremonies are preceded by the club's repeating in concert the adopted creed of the club, viz .: "We believe in woman as God's best creation- nothing nobler can be found; that none of us are angels, yet many saints still tread earth's round ; that all labor is honorable, in kitchen, shop or field; that recreation is commendable, to nature's wooing we should yield; that hearts never grow old, that golden hair is honorable as silver and silver glorious as gold. We believe wherever duty calls that call is ours; that all about us bloom life's flowers for us to gather and with others share. We believe in honest sentiment and dare admit our humanest affection for all created things. from the worm beneath our feet to the bird above that sings in divinest melody; and finally, we do believe that when for us kind nature drops the curtain, with a tear, and our last outing shall be, with ebbing
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tide, out o'er the sea of eternity-then that new life will be enlarged, enriched and glorified by sacred memories of this circle here." The present members are Mrs. Norman Evans, Mrs. W. S. Boice, Mrs. E. E. Bigelow, Mrs. T. H. Kelley, Mrs. H. K. Tompkins, Mrs. J. N. Niles, Mrs. George Holden, Mrs. William Kelley, Mrs. Fred. Church, Mrs. M. B. Price, Mrs. W. F. St. Clair, Mrs. C. E. Cole. Mrs. John Adsit, and Mrs. E. K. Whiting.
The Cosmopolitan Literary Club is the oldest literary club in the city of Owatonna, having been organized in the fall of 1895, before the woman's club movement had become popular, and before it was at all certain that a regularly organized literary club would prove a success. This club was the outgrowth of a Chautauqua circle which had existed several years. Mrs. Norman Evans, of Owatonna, has the honor and credit of originating the club in its present form. The membership of the club is limited to thirty, and at no time during its life of fourteen years has it had less than that number, nor has its interest in advanced work failed in the least to keep abreast with the times. This club enjoys the unique distinction of having one member who has, during the club's existence, missed but one meeting, and that absence was caused by illness.
The average attendance during this time has been twenty- two, which shows the deep interest of its members in the work constantly in hand.
Possibly this devotion may in part be due to the fact that instead of the members being wholly interested in personal im- provement, they are, both as an individual club and as a part of the State Federation of Woman's Clubs, engaged in promoting many movements for the betterment of social conditions and the advancement of every worthy human interest.
The Cosmopolitan club joined the state federation in 1896, holding to the old adage that "in union there is strength," and that by such union a more extensive influence could be brought to bear for the advancement of educational movements along the line of household economics, health and hygiene, child labor, pure food laws, forestry, art, music, library work and all that occupies the attention of the state and national organizations of woman's clubs.
During the early years of the club's existence the history, literature and art of the different countries composed the line of study, three years having been given to the study of America. The past five years have been devoted to the consideration of "Present Day Problems." Through the discussion of these topics an interest has been awakened, not only in this chib, but also in other federated clubs in this city, impelling them through the
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close relationship they bear toward one another to combine for the general improvement and advancement of the home com- munity, among which may be mentioned the furnishing of the children's room in the public library, a liberal contribution to the kindergarten department of the city schools, and furnishing lectures, concerts, etc., for the especial benefit of the young people of the town.
The first officers of the club were: President, Mrs. Norman Evans; first vice president, Mrs. C. S. Crandall; second vice president, Mrs. L. L. Bennett ; recording secretary, Mrs. P. L. Howe; corresponding secretary, Mrs. R. G. Nelson.
The present officers are: President, Mrs. A. H. Muedeking ; first vice president, Mrs. L. G. Nelson ; second vice president, Mrs. J. G. Briggs ; recording secretary, Mrs. Geo. Parrott ; corre- sponding secretary, Mrs. Soren Nilson ; federation secretary, Mrs. Norman Evans; treasurer, Mrs. L. L. Bennett.
The Cosmopolitan club has been honorably represented by one of its members in an official capacity, both in the state and district organizations, and of one as delegate and alternate at various meetings of the national organization. Another member was a very worthy and efficient member of the school board for several years.
The Nineteenth Century Club. Through the influence of Mrs. N. J. Eddy, an invitation was extended to all who would be likely to be interested in such a club to meet at the home of Mrs. A. J. Katz, April 5, 1898, at which time the club was insti- tuted, received its name, and the following officers elected : President, Mrs. J. Il. Candler ; vice president, Mrs. Nichols ; recording secretary, Mrs. R. H. Bach; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Chas. Travis; treasurer, Mrs. Chas. Allen. This club became a member of the Federated Clubs, September 27, 1898, since which time its members have been actively interested in both local and state work, and honored by the state and district organizations ; Mrs. Chas. B. Allen has been district secretary for several years, and in conjunction with other federated clubs this club has liberally rendered financial as well as personal encour- agement to the city library and the children's room connected therewith. Much of the success of this club is due to the able sup- port it has received through its leading members, who have deter- mined to keep it abreast of the times for the uplifting of woman- kind, while at the same time attending to the constant develop- mental improvement of its local membership through the studies of home economics, American and European history, travel and literary pursuits ; not forgetting or neglecting to introduce social features in connection with the regular programs. The member- ship is limited to twenty-six, which is kept full by election as
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soon as a vacancy occurs, so that the club has always had its maximum in size. The present officers are: Mrs. E. J. Eddy, president ; Mrs. E. J. Owen, vice president; Mrs. Guy Clefton, recording secretary ; Mrs. J. F. Rogers, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Chas. Travis, federated secretary ; and Mrs. Edwin Naylor, treasurer.
The F. F. Club. This club was organized in June, 1900. Though not a federated club, its object is similar to those which are, and the members pursue regular courses of study along the lines of literary and economic subjects. Its mottos are, "A little learning is a dangerous thing," and "Drink deep or touch not the Pierian spring." The club color is garnet and its flower is the white carnation. The present officers are: Mrs. O. D. Selleck, president ; Mrs. S. Bell, vice president ; Mrs. T. Rions, secretary and treasurer.
The Ideal Club. This club was organized in 1900, and feder- ated in 1902. Its purposes are similar to the clubs previously mentioned. The membership is limited to twenty, which is con- stantly kept at full complement, the members being deeply inter- ested in the pursuit of the study of the various topics brought before them for consideration and the advancement of a prac- tical knowledge of history, literature, and domestic and political economics. The first officers of the club were: Mrs. H. K. Tompkins, president; Mrs. S. S. Thompson, secretary; Mrs. John Smith, treasurer. The present officers of the club are: President, Mrs. Walter Dynes; corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. F. Chambers; recording secretary, Mrs. E. J. Thompson ; federated secretary, Mrs. J. B. Christgau; treasurer, Mrs. L. R. Van Ornam.
The Delta Sigma Club. This is another club that is exerting itself to improve the standing of woman through the study of the history of all nations and the contemplation of the world's literary and economic pursuits. This club was organized under the leadership of Mrs. George Schultze, September, 1901, and became a member of the federated clubs in February, 1902. The present officers are : Miss Cahill, president ; Mrs. Michael Cash- man, leader ; recording secretary, Cynthia Meixner; correspond- ing secretary and federation secretary, Mrs. Mike Cashman Membership is limited to fifteen, and at all times reaches that number.
The Emanon Club. This club was organized September, 1903, and federated during the same year. Its membership is limited to twenty. Though this is the youngest of the local federated clubs, it is by no means the less active in carrying along its portion of the good works laid out by both the local federation and State Federation of Women's Clubs, and is cast-
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ing its lot with the general movement of women's clubs for advancement of the sphere of American womanhood. The first officers were: Mrs. G. H. Hoffman, president; Mrs. Ellen Mid- daugh, vice president; Mrs. W. F. St. Clair, recording secre- tary; Mrs. John Kendall, corresponding and federation secre- tary; Mrs. James Andrews, treasurer. The present officers are : Mrs. Eunice Turner. president; Mrs. C. W. Adsit, vice presi- dent : Mrs. Emil Zamboni, corresponding secretary and federa- tion secretary: Miss Harriet Howe, recording secretary; Mrs. W. B. Adsit. treasurer.
The Twentieth Century Club. This club was promulgated and instituted by that noble and venerated pioneer lady, Mrs. Emily Winship. who during her life was at all times interested in the consideration and study of topics that might advance thought along the lines of literary culture and social and domes- tic economics, thus making her idealistic sentiments a quite noteworthy feature in the attraction her associates felt toward her. Later, when the women's club work movement was inaug- urated in Owatonna, Mrs. Winship was with the progressive movement in spirit, but owing to advanced age and debility caused by prolonged illness, she was unable to more than give a hearty endorsement to the project.
The Twentieth Century Club had its first inception when Mrs. Winship, though confined to her home, invited a few of her neighbors to meet with her periodically, and thus informally pass a pleasant hour reading together. This little reading circle soon became so popular that new faces began to augment the number at the hospitable fireside, to such an extent that in Sep- tember, 1900. it was decided to form the company into a literary organization and call it "The Twentieth Century Club." Mrs. Winship being made its first president. The club was limited to twenty members and was to hold its meetings every two weeks. Through the passing away of the founder of the club, the members have felt the loss of her guiding influence and have greatly missed her ever cheerful personality at their meetings. Although the club is not federated, the members have kept their deep interest in local work, their study pursuits being along lines similar to those of the other literary clubs of the city. The pres- ent officers are : Mary E. Dunham, president ; Mrs. J. F. Young, vice president ; Mrs. W. H. Montgomery, secretary.
OTHER CLUBS
Iroquois Club. Although organized less than two years, the Iroquois Club is the foremost young men's organization of Owa-
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tonna, and has attractive and well furnished rooms in the second story of the First National Bank Building. The club was organ- ized in April, 1909, with a membership of thirty-five. A limit of forty was placed upon the membership, and this has since been steadily maintained. In addition to this, a number of names are enrolled upon the non-resident list. In the club rooms ten of the latest periodicals and magazines are always kept, and in the music room a piano and other musical instru- ments serve to provide a splendid equipment for those musically inclined. The officers of the club are: Floyd Bell, president ; Eliott Shea, vice president ; S. C. Goff, Jr., secretary; Homer Rugg, treasurer. In addition to this, a board of governors is com- posed of the following: James Cashman, Lewis Winship, Robert Nelson, Arthur Lippert and Hugo Theimer. The club is purely social and has become a leading social body in many respects. Many of the high class dances are given under its auspices and the club at stated intervals holds "get-together" banquets, which serve to bring the members into closer and more fraternal rela- tionship with one another.
The Owatonna Commercial Club, which was organized in April, 1905, is the successor of several civic organizations of earlier days. The club, which has recently absorbed the Iroquois Club, occupies comfortable quarters on Cedar street, over Mork's store, having moved to the present rooms from the Opera House block in 1908. The first officers of the club were: President, Herbert Vinton; vice president, John Brick; secretary, H. A. Lawson; treasurer, Harry Luce; directors, F. A. Dunham, George Schafer. O. E. Williamson, Dr. G. G. Morehouse, Alfred Schmidt, Charles J. Servatius and E. A. Brown. The present officers are : President, C. A. Tincher ; vice president, S. C. Goff ; secretary, C. J. Servatius ; treasurer, A. II. Schmidt ; directors, E. A. Brown, Roy Parrott, Louis Watowa, William Darby and R. H. Gericke.
The Owatonna Business Men's Club has for its object the upbuilding of the commercial interests of the city. It was or- ganized in February, 1910, and holds monthly banquets at which various topics of public interest are discussed. The officers are : President, M. S. Alexander; vice president, W. F. St. Clair; treasurer, P. H. Evans ; secretary, F. A. Dunham ; trustees, M. B. Price, M. R. Cashman, J. F. Fitzgerald, J. C. Jahreiss and G. G. Morehouse.
Steele County Agricultural Street Fair Association. This association, which was originally fostered by the Owatonna Commercial Club, was organized May 19, 1906, with the follow- ing officers : President, Robert Crickmore; first vice president,
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J. R. Morley ; second vice president, J. H. Laughlin ; treasurer, H. H. Luce ; secretary, F. A. Dunham ; trustees, W. F. St. Clair, F. H. Joesting, G. F. Cardoff and George E. Darby. The asso- ciation has held a fair each year in Owatonna, with the usual attractions and exhibits, having done much to promote the agri- cultural and business interests of the county. The present offi- cers are: President, J. R. Morley ; first vice president, J. H. Laughlin ; second vice president, C. P. Sahler; treasurer, M. J. Brown; secretary, F. A. Dunham ; trustees, M. R. Cashman, W. F. St. Clair, W. H. Kilty, F. H. Joesting and G. A. Cedardahl.
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