History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 194

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767

USA > Wisconsin > Barron County > History of Barron County Wisconsin > Part 194

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 1897 the total business was $10,450.75, of which $8,264.76 was paid to patrons; $1,830.99 went for expenses, supplies and improvements; and $355 for dividends. In 1910 the total business was $54,167.05, of which $48,333.25 was paid to patrons; $5.613.60 for expenses, supplies and im- provements; and $220.20 for dividends. In 1920 the total business was $117,078.14, of which $105,504.75 was paid to patrons; and $11,573.39 for expenses, supplies and im- provements.

The Prairie Farm, Ridgeland & Dallas Co-operative Telephone Co. was organized Sept. 15. 1906, and started business a month later. The organizers were C. S. Johnson, J. M. Rassbach, Sever O. Moen, A. L. Best, Arndt O. Lien, Fred Kahl and C. H. Roem- hild. The names of the directors to whom the incorporation papers were issued are: Peter Christenson, A. L. Best, Andrew O. Lien, Arndt O. Lien and S. O. Pribble. The first officers elected in January, 1907 were: President, H. H. Clough; secretary, treas- urer and manager, Andrew O. Lien; vice president, Fred Kahl; directors, S. O. Prib- ble, Ole H. Mickelson and John M. Rass- bach. Mr. Lien was succeeded as secre- tary and treasurer in 1908 by F. S. Wood- ard, who was followed in 1910 by Magnus Larson. The present officers are: Presi- dent and manager, F. N. Roemhild, Prairie Farm; vice president, J. M. Rassbach, Prairie Farm; secretary and treasurer, Magnus Larson, Prairie Farm; directors, Charles Dean, Colfax; Sam Hoveland, Sand Creek; Frank Nicklow, Dallas; William Rassbach, Prairie Farm.

The first telephone service in Prairie Farm was a toll station established in the postoffice under Dan. D. Harmony, by the Barron County Telephone Co., and con- nected with the central at Barron. When the local company was organized the cen- tral office was established over the post- office of F. S. Woodard. Later the company moved to its present building. The ex- change is on the upper floor, and the lower floor, formerly the Breeze newspaper office, is now used for supplies and equipment.

In addition to the Prairie Farm exchange there is one at Ridgeland and one at Sand Creek. The Prairie Farm Exchange at the close of 1920 had 390 phones, the Sand Creek exchange, 238 phones, and the Ridge- land exchange, 176 phones, making a total of 804 subscribers. Of the subscribers, 474 are shareholders, and 330 non shareholders. The company has 2911% miles of poles and 5521/2 miles of wire.

The patriotic orders in Prairie Farm are the August Roemhild Post, No. 237, G. A. R., the Woman's Relief Corps, the Elmer Ho-

Digitized by Google

1130

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

lum Post, No. 259, American Legion and its auxiliary. The Sons of Veterans are well represented but are not organized. The Memorial Day Association is in a flourish- ing condition. The fraternal organizations are the Maccabees, the Woodmen, the Royal Neighbors and the Beavers.

The August Roemhild Post, No. 237, G. A. R., has erected a monument, commemo- rating the Prairie Farm heroes of the Civil War. The names inscribed on the monu- ment are: Dan. D. Harmony, G. Wing, I. Harmon, Noah S. Harmony, C. Quaderer, L. Wert, J. C. Rassbach, A. Baardson, J. P. Hepburn, S. W. Campbell, J. A. Long, I. George, A. Miller, F. Miller, I. Sencerbeaux, August Roemhild. D. H. West, T. West, S. C. Miles, S. T. Best, C. J. Phillips, G. Beiswanger, J. B. Mann, T. Blair, P. C. McCall, Ole Swanson, William Hager, J. R. Cummings, E. R. Cummings and W. Miller.

The Elmer G. Holum Post, No. 259, American Legion, held its first meeting Sept. 2, 1920. The first officers were: Post commander, Martin Larson; vice com- mander, Howard Buck; adjutant, Herman Anderson; finance officer, Melvin Ander- son; historian, Claire Richards; master of arms, Otto Anderson; chaplain, Irvin Spitzer. The organization is a flourishing one and is taking its part in the patriotic life of the village and in the various pub- lic celebrations. Club rooms have been fitted up, which are soon to be enlarged.

The Woman's Auxiliary of the American Legion was organized April 5, 1921. The first officers were: President, Alma Ander- son; vice president, Mrs. C. W. Mau; sec- retary, Geneva Best; treasurer, Mrs. Albert Larson. The executive committee consists of Mrs. A. M. Ingebrigtson, Mrs. John Neck and Mrs. Ole Huseby.

Elmer G. Holum, from whom the Post was named, was inducted into the United States service July 23, 1918, and left Bar- ron with the largest group of draftees ever sent from the county. He served in France with Co. A, 311th Infantry, and was killed Oct. 19, 1918, less than three months . after he left Prairie Farm. While his com- pany was advancing near Ferme des Loges, northeast of Grand Pre, he was struck in the stomach by machine gun bullets, death being almost instantaneous. He was buried on the north side of the road between Grand Pre and St. Juvin, France, about 1,000 yards northeast of Grand Pre.

Victory Tent No. 88, Knights of the Mac- cabees, was chartered Feb. 24, 1896. The

charter officers were: Past

Sir Knight

Commander: J. W. Howard; Sir Knight Commander, E. B. Jackson; Sir Knight Lieutenant Commander, Swen Anderson; Sir Knight Record Keeper, Charles Chris- tenson; Sir Knight Finance Keeper, Con- rad Christianson; Sir Knight Chaplain, Thomas P. Forehand; Sir Knight Sergeant, F. C. Richardson; Sir Knight Physician, E. B. Jackson; Sir Knight Master at Arms, J. O. Kurschner; Sir Knight First Master of the Guard. S. M. Swanson; Sir Knight Second Master of the Guard, Fred Nelson; Sir Knight Sentinel, Peter Christenson; Sir Knight Picket, O. J. Johnson. The first meetings were held in the old Sprague Hall in the Sprague grove in the outermost northern portion of the town and from then the meetings were held in the second story of the Wing building, known as Wing's Hall.

Evergreen Camp, No. 2002, Royal Neigh- bors, Prairie Farm was chartered May 16, 1903. with Mrs. George E. Scott as first oracle. The charter members were: Hattie (Mrs. Daniel) Waite, Eugenia (Mrs. Dr. Olaf) Behrens, Harriet (Mrs. Silas) Bishop. Mary (Mrs. Freeman) Woodard, Lilly (Mrs. Hepburn) Mann, Sophie (Mrs. Carl) Bor- son, Vedda (Mrs. Magnus) Larson, Lena (Mrs. Martin) Olson, Gina (Mrs. Anton) Holland, Eliza (Mrs. Samuel) Campbell, Edith (Mrs. Greely) Richards, Eunice (Mrs. Joseph) Jean, Florence (Mrs. William) Downs, Martha (Mrs. Paul) Vance, Alice (Mrs. George E.) Scott, Ella Sprague, Ovi- dia Larson, Margaret Warren, Jennie War- ren, Lena Rassbach, Charles Rassbach, Dr. Olaf Behrens and Dr. C. W. Blanchard.

The Community Club is one of the active factors in the modern progress of Prairie Farm and vicinity. It was organized Jan. 28, 1921, the first officers being: President, John Rassbach; vice president, Otto Kabl; secretary, Arthur Stromstad; treasurer, C. H. Roemhild. The present officers are: President, Leonard Lindemer; vice presi- dent. P. A. Martin; secretary, Christ Iver- son; treasurer, C. H. Roemhild. Several picnics and social gatherings have been held, a community fair was conducted in September, 1921, a poultry culling demon- stration has been given, a cow testing as- sociation has been organized, lime and seed grains have been ordered and distributed, several resolutions have been passed look- ing to the still further development of the dairy industry, and a number of distin- guished speakers have been brought here.

CHAPTER XXVI HAUGEN VILLAGE.

Haugen is an incorporated vilage with a population of about 430, in the upper part of Section 18, Oak Grove Township, and is on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway. The surrounding country is rolling and is dotted with many fine farms. About a mile to the northwest, in

Bear Lake Township, is the beautiful sheet of water known as Bear Lake, having a length of several miles, on the shores of which are several well patronized summer resorts. Its outlet is Bear Creek, which takes an irregular southerly direction through Oak Grove and Rice Lake Town-

Digitized by Google

1131

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

ships, touching the northeast corner of Hau- gen and finally emptying into Rice Lake. To the northeast of the village, distant a mile or more, is Devil's Lake, a part of which lies in Oak Grove Township and part in Washburn County.

The village of Haugen was platted March 26, 1895. The owner was Karl Rosholt of Eau Claire, an agent for Knapp, Stout & Co. Charles A. Alderman was the surveyor. As definitely described, the site covers the northeast half of the northwest quarter. and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 18, Township 36 North, Range 11 West. The land on which the village stands, and that in the vicinity, was taken up mainly by Bohemians, who, after the timber had been removed, began the development of farms, most of which are now well improved and in a high state of cultivation. Though people of other na- tionalities subsequently came in, the neigh- borhood is still largely Bohemian, and a few of the early settlers are still living in the village or on farms in the vicinity.

Haugen became an incorporated village in 1918. A petition signed by John Macak, Frank Babcock, Rudolph Sykora, Joseph Konop, John J. Vinopal, Ignac Sedy, Simon Hynek, Frank R. Kozlik, Charles V. Bor- kovek, Michael Phelan, Albert J. Olson and Jerry Fenel was favorably acted upon by the court on March 9, that year, and at the election held three weeks later, on April 1, 35 of the 44 votes cast were favorable to the proposition, and the incorporation ac- cordingly became effective on that day. The first village officers elected were as fol- lows: President, John J. Vinopal; trustees, Rudolph Sykora, Jas. Kin, Ant Brunclik, Simon Hynek, Charles V. Brockovek, Ed Beischneider; clerk, John Macak; treasurer, Jos. Vinopal; assessor, Ed Stodola.

The first store in Haugen was opened by James Smith, who also performed the du- ties of postmaster. After a while he sold out to George Kunesh, who then took charge of the postoffice. A man named Smith also started a blacksmith shop. In the summer of 1921 the Haugen postoffice was raised to an office of the third class. The present postmaster is Charles E. Juza, who succeeded George Kunesh on Jan. 4, 1915.

The building of the Omaha railroad, which was completed through the village in the spring of 1883, brought the settlement into close touch with the outside world and it began to grow. For some time it was only a flag station but after a while became a regular stopping place for local trains. Retired farmers and others moved in and social organizations were formed both secular and religious.

The religious sentiment of a considerable part of the Bohemian population, follow- ing old-time traditions, found expression in the establishment of a Roman Catholic Church, now known as Holy Trinity Church. For some years during the early period services were held at the home of Joseph Vinopal. Previous to the year 1893 these

services were conducted by mission priests and after that for some years by Rev. Xavier Till. His successor was the Rev. Ad. Miller, who served the mission in 1899 and 1900. The Rev. J. F. Bromllar came in 1901, and under his pastorate a frame church edifice was erected in the northwest part of the village, which forms a part of the present building, an addition having been made in 1916. The original structure cost about $2,000, and the first mass in the new church was held by Father J. E. Prucha, whose pastorate lasted from 1901 to 1903. After him came the Rev. Anthony Bilik, 1904-05; Rev. J. Smith, 1905; Rev. Joseph Hovorka, 1906; Rev. E. Kostorz, 1907-08; Rev. Tom Malecki, 1908-09; Rev. Ad. Novicki, 1909-1910; Rev. Joseph Olesh, 1910; Rev. Ad. Novicki (second pastorate), 1911; Rev. Van Helden, 1911; Rev. John Gratza, 1911-12; Rev. Joseph M. Hynek, 1912; Rev. Frank Kopecky (two months), 1913-14; Rev. Thaddeus Novacki, 1914; Rev. Adalbert Janda, O. S. B., (the first resident priest), 1914, and Rev. Damian Kvitek, O. S. B., the present pastor, in July, 1915. Under the pastorate of Father Hunek a private residence near the church was pur- chased for $2,450 and has since been the pastoral residence and parish house. The addition to the church in 1916, during the present pastorate, cost about $2,000. Plans are now being considered for a new and larger building to serve the purposes of both church and parochial school, the old church building to be used as a hall for parish meetings. Formerly the mission at Sarona was served from this parish. The altar and furnishings of this church, in- cluding the pews, pictures and statues, were to a large extent donated by members of the congregation, extra expenses being met by collections. The Catholic cemetery, sit- uated about a quarter of a mile from the church, was laid out by Rev. Father Till at the time the church was regularly or- ganized. The ground for both the church edifice and the cemetery was donated by Karl Rosholt. Among the earliest members of this church were Joseph Vinopal, Emma Haveka, Joseph Hajek, Anton Tlutisti, Jo- seph Pekar, Anton Cerni, Bohumil Stodola, Tom Kaska, George Konop, Joe Kovar, Jim Harnak, Joe Vojta, Joe Kadlec, Peter Drabek, Tom Lastofka, Matt Zajec, Joe Sturza, Frank Haneo, Anton Dostal, Matt Douda and Charles Juza.

Not all the Bohemians who settled in or near Haugen were members of the Cath- olic Church, as there were a number of free thinkers among them, who at an early date established a Bohemian Free Thinkers' organization, which has lasted up to the present time, but has now only about fif- teen members. Their meeting place is in the country, about three miles southwest of Haugen.

In 1900 the Bohemians organized a so- ciety known as the Western Bohemian Brotherhood Association and built a large hall in the village opposite the schoolhouse. This society is strong and flourishing and has now a hundred or more members.

Digitized by Google

1132

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

There are also lodges in the village of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of America. About six years ago a Commercial Club was organized and is still active. It has taken an important part in the promotion of local interests.

The water supply of the village is derived from wells, the water being of good qual- ity. Electric light is furnished by the Wis- consin-Minnesota Light & Power Co. Street grading was undertaken and carried out during the summers of 1920 and 1921.

Two attempts have been made to start a newspaper in Haugen, but each failed after the papers had had a brief existence.

The beautiful scenery on Bear Lake, with the fine fishing and boating facilities at- tract many summer visitors and have given rise to several well established resorts, each with its hotel.

The business activities of Haugen now include a bank, box factory, lumber yard, cheese factory, Farmers' Produce ware- house, potato warehouse, four general stores, a flour and feed store, drug store, two billiard halls, a meat market, restau- rant, hardware store, garage and barber shop.

The Haugen State Bank was organized Dec. 22, 1914, with a capital of $10,000. The first officers were: O. G. Kinney, president; John Macak, vice president; W. H. Ryan, cashier. The bank has since enjoyed a very substantial growth. On Dec. 31, 1915, one year after it had started in business, its resources were given as $48,109.42. On Dec. 31, 1916, they were $69,068.60, and by Dec. 31, 1917, they had jumped to $142,- 062.32, more than double what they had been a year before. On Dec. 31, 1918, they were $154,803.04, and by another year, Dec. 31, 1919, they had jumped to $264,104.38, a record which showed that the institution fully enjoyed the confidence of the public. A good modern bank building was erected when building material and labor did not reach the high mark of the present time, and those who organized the bank had an eye for the future and built a structure that would not soon become out of date, the material used being brick and Colfax stone. The interior is finished in the high- est grade lumber and fixtures, and is equipped with a modern burglar proof Dia- bolt safe. As business increased it was found necessary to install a new Burroughs adding and posting machine. This modern system of bookkeeping enables the bank to give any customer his daily balance within a few minutes and adds to the efficiency of the Institution. Courtesy and service, also, have been important factors in its growth. All rural problems have had its

support, as well as all civic and community needs. In 1920 the bank's capital was in- creased to $15,000. At the close of business Sept. 6, 1921, the bank's report of condi- tion showed a surplus fund of $5,000 and total resources of $215,404.62. The officers were: Tom O. Mason, president; John Ma- cak, vice president; W. H. Ryan, cashier, and Nina C. Bates, assistant cashier. The directors were Tom O. Mason, W. H. Ryan, John Macak, O. G. Kinney and W. R. Zabel.

The Farmers Produce Co. was estab- lished about Sept. 1, 1921, by H. G. Nich- olson and A. A. Bergeron, the present man- ager being J. H. Mitchell. The concern buys hay, grain and potatoes from the farmers, having a good warehouse close to the railroad track. In the immediate vicin- ity is a potato warehouse operated during the season by T. A. Penny of Rice Lake.

The Bear Lake Cheese Factory is an im- portant concern owned and operated by Jacob Muller, who in the summer of 1918 built the present plant, which is well equipped and up to date.

A Box Factory was established in Hau- gen three years ago by Ernest L. Bru- nette and proved successful. In May, 1921. Mr. Brunette co-operated with James S. Lee and O. H. Ingram, both of Rice Lake, in the construction and equipment of a new fac- tory that should be thoroughly up to date and provided with the most modern ma- chinery. This factory is expected to begin operations Feb. 1, 1922. The president and treasurer of the company is Orrin H. Ingram, the vice president Ernest L. Bru- nette, and the secretary James S. Lee. The style of the concern is The Haugen Box and Crating Co.

The Haugen Lumber Co. was started in 1915 by A. J. Olson, who operated it alone until February, 1919, when he became as- sociated in partnership with the Chetek Lumber & Supply Co., since which time additions have been made to the plant, a neat office building erected and the capac- ity of the concern doubled. Mr. Olson is now manager. The concern handles all kinds of lumber, cement and general build- ing materials.

Prior to the year 1906 public school was held in a two-room frame building; then, when it became inadequate, the present building was erected. It is a substantial brick structure of two stories and basement and contains four rooms. It was con- structed in the summer of 1906. The school includes all the grades and is accredited as a two-year high school. Four teachers are employed, one of whom is principal. In November, 1921, the enrollment showed the names of about 130 pupils of whom tour- teen were in the high school.

Digitized by Google

1133

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

CHAPTER XXVII

OTHER VILLAGES.

ALMENA

The village of Almena bad its beginning in 1887. In that year Theodore Hamm of St. Paul, who was contemplating opening in this region, persuaded his relatives, Al- bert H. Koehler and S. W. Sparlin, to spy out the land and clear up a townsite. The two men alighted from the "Soo" train at a spur where Almena is now located, on July 17, 1887. Mr. Sparlin says: "The only families that we found dwelling within a radius of about six miles were those of Sever Christensen, John and Chris Retrum and J. E. Mays. Henry Southhall, a colored man, was occupying one of the Knapp, Stout & Co.'s logging camps at Scott's pond."

Messrs. Sparlin and Koehler wandered about for three days. Then they decided to wait for a while before starting work, and accordingly secured John Retrum to guide them through the woods and up Upper Tur- tle Lake to Perley, where they could take the train back to St. Paul.

At Perley they found a busy hamlet, with a large sawmill and monster piles of lum- ber. This changed their plans. They pur- chased two cars of lumber and ordered it sent back to the spur at what is now Almena.

On Aug. 1 Mr. Sparlin and John Retrum started clearing the land at Almena, using axes and saws. A little hamlet was soon established. The postoffice was opened and the place was named that fall. Of this Mr. Sparlin says:

"In September, 1887, we applied to the postoffice department asking for the estab- lishment of a postoffice. He proposed the name of Lightning City, from Lightning Creek close by. But the department sug- gested that we eliminate the 'city'. Mr. Koehler and I therefore suggested a new name. His first name of Albert was short- ened to 'Al', and his wife's name, Wilhel- mina, we shortened to "Mena," the names by which both were commonly called. Put- ting the two contractions together gave us Almena, a truly distinctive name."

The village was platted Nov. 23, 1891, by Homer H. Hoyt and George A. Plummer.

The location of the vilage is on the south half of the northeast quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 24, Township 34 North, Range 14 West, the township and range corresponding to what is now known as Almena Township.

The surrounding country is rolling, well watered and diversified with small timber, the ancient forests of larger growth having been removed for the most part by the lumbermen.

Less than three miles to the west is Upper Turtle Lake, and about the same dis- tance to the southwest is Lower Turtle Lake, the former with a length of about two miles and the latter of about a mile

and a half, whose shores less than forty years ago were dotted with Indian wig- wams. These lakes are now favorite re- sorts of summer visitors and sportsmen. Stock raising, dairying and general farming are extensively followed throughout the neighborhood.

S. W. Sparlin, previously mentioned as one of the founders of the village, estab- lished the first general store here and was also the first postmaster. His successor as postmaster was George Panian, who was also a store keeper. Mr. Panian had charge of the mails until June, 1908, when he was succeeded by Jos. Kurchenmeister, who has remained postmaster ever since. The Al- mena postoffice was elevated to the third class July 1, 1920. It has one rural route connected with it.

When Mr. Kurchenmeister first came here in 1899, the village contained two general stores, operated respectively by George Pan- ian and Theodore Meyer, and a hardware store, the proprietor of which was John Nimmerfroh.

With the increase of population and the growing importance of the village as a sup- ply center, new enterprises of various kinds made their appearance, some of which had but a brief existence, but others have justified the faith of their founders. There are now in Almena about twenty business places, including a bank, special and gen- eral stores, garages, hotel, restaurant, bil- liard hall, blacksmith shop, lumber yard, fur and hide buying house, creamery and cheese factory, feed mill, grain elevator and several potato warehouses. The popu- lation is about 450.

A Farmers Co-operative store was start- ed in the village in 1905, and most of the surrounding farmers became interested in it, but not being properly managed, it failed after an existence of about three years.

The water supply of the village is derived directly from wells. There are no water- works. There is a voluntary fire depart- ment, the apparatus consisting of a chem- ical engine and a hook and ladder.

A private creamery was started in Al- mena about 25 years ago, and was operated for two years, or until it burned down in 1898. In 1900 Charles Kaemmer established another institution of the same kind, under the name of the Almena Creamery, which was located across the tracks northeast of the railway depot. This he operated for sixteen years, or until Feb. 1, 1916, when he sold it to Richard Becker. The latter car- ried it on until the fall of 1917, when, like its predecessor, it was destroyed by fire. Its place was taken by the present building, which stands on the same site, just north of the railroad station, and which was built in 1918 by Herman A. Curt, who is operat- ing it as a creamery and cheese factory. The creamery department has a cream pas-

Digitized by Google

1134

HISTORY OF BARRON COUNTY

teurizing vat with a capacity of 400 gallons, a power churn and butter workers with a capacity of 600 pounds, and other conven- iences. The cheese department has two vats with a combined capacity of 10,000 pounds, a separator with a capacity of 4,000 pounds, cheese presses and the like, while the curing room has a capacity of 3,000 pounds. The plant is operated by electric- ity and steam. The daily intake in the busy season is about 11,000 pounds of milk for cheese, and about 3,000 pounds of butterfat. The butter, which is of high grade, is put up in prints and in tubs, the prints being sold mostly in this and neighboring vil- lages, and the tubs principally in the New York markets. The cheese, which is of the brick variety exclusively, is shipped to supply the wholesale and retail trade in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mr. Curt has had long experience in the dairy products line and employs skilled helpers. His cheese and butter have won a high reputa- tion.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Barron County Wisconsin, Part 194

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1767

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1922
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1767