USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 26
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Following the installation of an electric light plant an agita- tion for a system of water works began in 1890. but owing to the state of the city's finances during that year no move was made to install such a system.
Sparta having maintained a military company for a great many years, being known then as Company I of the Third Regi- ment, Wisconsin National Guard. and the company having occu- pied different buildings during its career and suffered twice from loss by fire, the patriotic citizens of the city got together and formed an Armory Association; George Dunn was elected president and William HI. Blyton secretary; this organization took prompt steps towards the erection of a commodious armory ; stock was sold and money sufficient for the purpose collected, and that year a contract for the building was let to J. W. Blake. of Viroqua, for $4,850; December 18, 1890, the building was opened for use by the public; the dedication was observed by an address by John J. Esch, which was followed by a musica! entertainment, being the production of a "Trial by Jury, " a Gilbert and Sullivan opera given by local people: this building was maintained for a number of years by the Armory Associa- tion. being rented by the military company for its armory, and has at varions times been improved ; it has now passed out of the hands of the Armory Association. as the purpose of this organization has been accomplished. and it is now owned by the Abonita Guard Association, which is the civil organization comprising the members of Company L of the Third Regiment. Wisconsin National Guard, and such members as have served a certain time of enlistment in the company: the society is prac-
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tically free from debt and improvements are under contempla- tion, to be made during the year 1912.
The Seventh Day Advent Church was erected and dedicated by the society on the 31st day of May, 1890.
On August 19, 1891, the corner-stone of the Masonic Temple on the corner of Main and Water streets was laid with impressive ceremonies. Within the stone were deposited articles of his- torical interest which may some day come to light. The building has been greatly improved since then and is owned by the Valley Lodge No. 60, Free and Accepted Masons.
Coming down to the year 1896, an unprecedented growth in the city by the erection of business buildings, public buildings and residences : it perhaps marks the year of the greatest growth that Sparta has ever enjoyed and the cost and number of the buildings erected during that year are worthy of note; a com- plete list of all the money expended in building is not here given, but the following is the list of the buildings erected :
Iligh school, $23,000; grade school, $13,000; boiler house. $850; depot primary. $500; state school buildings, $7,500; First Baptist Church, $5,000; improvements on St. John's Church, $400.
Business Buildings .- W. G. Williams, $8,000; W. C. Hoffman, $3,000; E. E. Olen. $6,000; C. E. Rich, $1,500; Roelston & Rosing, $3,800: Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul warehouse, $2,000; Ira A. Ilill, improvements to Opera block, $2,000.
Residences .- F. W. Swarthouse, $4,000; J. M. Fanning. South Water street. $1.600; E. I. Waring. Jefferson avenue, $700; H. Ranum, Montgomery street, $1,000; Ben Phillips, East Main street, $700; D. F. Jones, Water street, $1,500; C. E. Lake, Water street, $2.000 ; J. E. Broadwell, Court street, $1,000; W. W. Hub- bard, Pearl street, $1,200; B. E. MeCoy, South Water street, $700; Charles Abrahamson, South Water street, $1.200; J. P. Rice, South Court street, $2,000; P. S. Sparling, $2,000; John Smith, North Benton street, $1.200; D. A. Baldwin, $1,800; George II. Chaffee, Long Court street. five cottages aggregating $7,300; George Newton, North Water street, improvements, $1,500.
The total amount which was put into buildings and improve- ments for that year was $115,400.
It is noticeable how low the amounts are as compared with the cost of building materials at the present day.
In the previous year, 1895, the Odd Fellows dedicated their
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new hall and in the following year, 1897, the Baptist Church was finished and dedicated on the 7th day of February, and the year 1896 also saw the dedication of the magnificent new court house erected by the county of Monroe; the exercises took place on the 13th day of March in that year and were attended by representatives from every town, village and city in the county of Monroe; the exercises were followed by a banquet in the evening, with probably more oratory let loose than had ever before been the case in Monroe county, for it was a proud occasion for the citizens of this county; they had erected and completed a court house which is a model both for beauty and usefulness. The excellent arrangement of the business offices and court rooms and the provisions of ample vault space for several long years to come, was a wise foresight of the building committee.
Military circles were astonished by the fact that Company I of the Third Regiment. Wisconsin National Guard, was mustered out in 1895 and the citizens became thoroughly aroused with regard to the necessity of giving more support to a military company ; steps were immediately taken to reorganize the com- pany and a temporary organization was perfected at which T. O. Thorbus was elected captain; F. L. French, first lieutenant, and R. B. McCoy, second lieutenant.
Enlistments were rapidly procured and on July 15, 1896. a new company, known as Company L, Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, was mustered in by Col. Charles King, the adjutant general of the state of Wisconsin, the same official who had mustered out Company I; R. B. McCoy was mustered in as captain ; F. L. French as first lieutenant, and John P. Rice, second lieutenant ; a large audience attended the exercises and the citizens of Sparta felt that they had redeemed themselves in this particular. But there is one thing which this history will not fail to record, and that is that while the citizens of Sparta are patriotic. they have not at all times interested themselves in the military company and it has been hard work for the officers of the company to overcome the opposition which has been offered to the enlistment of young men and it has been difficult at times to maintain the company standard.
Under Captain McCoy the company was rapidly brought to a high state of efficiency, and none too soon, for it was destined to some active service. Trouble had been brewing for some time in Cuba and early in 1898 war being declared by this country against Spain, there were exciting times in Sparta. To the
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President's call for troops Wisconsin quickly responded, and on April 28th, with flags flying, cheered by thousands of friends and relatives, Company L boarded the special train which carried a part of the Third regiment to Camp Harvey at Milwaukee. The record of the company is told elsewhere and is a good one.
Spring, summer and fall passed slowly. The boys at the front were sadly missed. Eagerly the newspapers were read for news of them and a letter from one of the company in Porto Rico was an event. The glad news flashed over the wires the latter part of October that the Third regiment had landed in New York. Great preparations were made to receive the company, and at 10:30 a. m., October 30th, the company arrived, truly having the appearance of veterans. The celebration was elaborate and joy- ful, with a note of sadness for those who had been left behind.
The war over, business once more settled down to its usual routine. Rumors came that the American Cigar Company de- sired to establish a company in this part of the state for the sort- ing of tobacco, and steps were immediately taken to secure the locating of it, and the efforts of the citizens who had the matter in charge were so successful that in May, 1899, assurance was given that the plant would come to this city. Later on ground was purchased and buildings were erected, which were completed and opened for business January 12, 1902; a capacity for the handling of 1,800,000 pounds of tobacco, or about 60,000 cases, and during the sorting season the plant employs in the neigh- borhood of 400 hands.
Other good news came to Sparta in 1899, and that was the purpose of II. J. Heintz to erect a salting station in this city. which was done in that year, and subsequently enlarged, proving a great benefit to the farmers in the vicinity in encouraging the raising of cucumbers for pickles, for which a good price is paid.
What proved to be the most disastrous flood ever experienced in this eity, or even in the county, occurred on the night of June 11th and 12th of 1899. The day had been pleasant up until 6 o'clock in the evening, when a storm gathered and broke over the city. For a time there was a bombardment of hail with it, then it settled down to a steady downpour of rain, which con- tinned hour after hour nearly all night. An immense amount of water fell. The streams, brooks and rivers, especially the LaCrosse river and Beaver creek both ran over their banks and every creek and little rivulet in this part of the country over- flowed, washed out roads, cultivated fields and bridges and caused great damage. The city got the full force of the storm
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and the destruction of the Bacon dam followed the flood which came down Beaver creek. Lumber, boards, and even a hay stack or two were washed in with the torrent and lodged against the Bacon dam, and in spite of all that Mr. Bacon, with what help he could proenre, could do, they were finally compelled to desist and the structure went out and was swept away down the stream. With the rush of this tremendous force against the northwest corner of the Conover building, which stood near the dam, it was seen that the building was in danger. Mr. Conover and his wife, who lived on the second floor of the building, were unaware of the situation, and being warned they took what clothing they could carry and escaped from the building just before it was undermined and swept into the flood. It fell into the flood and the water drove the ruins of the building against the bridge on Water street, and then with a tremendous noise it was hurled under the bridge and strewn all along the stream. Not a vestige of the building was left where it had stood. It was completely swept away and swallowed up by the flood. The C. E. Rich building next to it was threatened for some time, but the flood receded. Forces were organized toward morning and with bags of sand and trunks of trees kept the flood away from the build- ing. Walrath creek rose to a tremendous height and swept out the Miller and Kasen dam, which had just been completed from a former flood. Telephone lines were down and all the bridges in the city except two were out of commission. The road to the Northwestern depot for some time was under two or three feet of water, and the whole river bottom below the paper mill was covered, while the honses adjoining the banks were partially sub- merged. The night of June 11th was a wild night in the city. one long to be remembered. for it seemed for a time as though the tremendous flood would carry away a portion of the business buildings which were situated next to Beaver creek, and Inekily no lives were lost. No estimate has been made of the actual damage, but it reached a large sum.
For the second time within the period of little over a year Sparta experienced another serious flood on the nights of Oeto- her 27th and 28th. Beaver creek, running through the heart of the city, with a reputation for mischief of many years past, rose to the highest point it had ever reached, and owing to the fact that the two dams upon it were in better shape to resist the flood than ever before, no great damage was done. The Bacon and Evans dams, however, both went out eventually without any in- jury to any of the buildings around its banks, but the bridge
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approaches at Montgomery, Main and Oak streets were severely damaged and the abutments of the Oak street bridge were so badly torn that they had to be rebuilt. The LaCrosse river also rose rapidly and flooded the low sections between Railroad street and Court street, which looked so threatening that the fire alarm was rang and the people routed out. The LaCrosse river reached such a height on Long court and the flat in front of it that the sidewalk to the Northwestern depot was carried over to the west side of the street, and some of the dwellings were flooded. Quite serions damage was done at the Newton plant at Angelo, where they were making extensive repairs to the dam. The coffer-dam was carried out and the whole plant had a narrow escape from destruction.
As a result of correspondence conducted in the previous year or two Dr. F. P. Stiles received a letter dated February 8, 1902, from Andrew Carnegie, agreeing to give $10,000 to the city of Sparta for the erection of a public library. The city council ac- cepted the offer, which resulted in the handsome building now oc- cupied by the city library, which has proven to be a great boom to the people of the city.
In 1903 the citizens of Sparta planned and carried out a Fourth of July celebration which is worthy of note. The prepara- tions were elaborate and quite unique. After an immense parade in the morning with the usual exercises, in the afternoon, upon stages which had been erected in the street, free performances were given for the people by artists hired for that purpose, which continued during the entire afternoon and evening. This method was so successful that it has been carried on in many of the large cities of the state in celebrations of this character.
In December, 1903, the city of Sparta took an appeal from the equalization of assessments made by the county board to the eir- cuit court of Monroe county. The board appointed Van S. Ben- nett, of Viroqua ; Chester Lyon, of Manston, and C. S. Van Anken, of LaCrosse, as the commissioners. After a thorough investiga- tion and a hearing at which a large number of witnesses were sworn, the commission found in favor of the city of Sparta and reduced the assessed valuation of the city from $1,957.000 to $1,859,150, a reduction of about $88,000.
The year 1904 marked the passing away of several of Sparta's most prominent citizens. On February 16, 1904, David D. Cheney died at Biloxi, Miss. Mr. Cheney was one of the pioneers in the city of Sparta, a man who had accumulated large wealth by reason of his excellent business ability.
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Soon afterwards the news flashed over the wires from Pasa- dena, Cal., that Ira A. Hill, one of Sparta's most prominent citizens, had died in that city on that date.
An event of some historical importance occurred on June 5. 1904, when the famous Liberty Bell, from the old statehouse in Boston, passed through here, being taken on a trip through the country so that the people might see this famous bell. The spe- cial train carrying it arrived late in the afternoon and halted at the station for about a half hour, giving the thousands of people who had collected ample opportunity to view it. When the train pulled out three mighty cheers were given for the "Old Liberty Bell." It certainly was a lesson to see the reverence with which this object was viewed by the people generally.
On Sunday morning. January 22, 1905. the St. Patrick's Catholic church was totally destroyed by fire. The fire started in the basement and before it could be brought under control the entire church was enveloped in the flames. It was an old wooden building, which had been first erected in 1867 down near the Milwaukee depot and moved to the present location in 1877. In 1883 St. Patrick's congregation was incorporated. The congre- gation Inekily had $1,500 of insurance on the building. so that it was not a total loss. Steps were immediately taken for the eree- tion of the handsome new church, and on Sunday. June 24, 1905. the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid with impressive cere- monies by Bishop Schweboch, of LaCrosse. and on June 5, 1907. the bishop again visited the church and presided at the dedica- tion ceremonies, which were very elaborate. The equal of this beautiful building is hard to find in a city of this size anywhere in the state of Wisconsin. Its magnificent proportions are very sightly and the interior is handsomely appointed and decorated.
On October 26, 27 and 28 the Western Wisconsin Teachers Association held its session in this city. There was an attendance of over 600 teachers. with several prominent educators, among them C. P. Cary, state superintendent of public instruction. This meeting was procured by the efforts of Prof. F. M. Jack, who was then superintendent of the Sparta schools. The sessions of the association were very interesting and instructive and the publie addresses delivered by Mr. Cary and others were greatly enjoyed by the citizens of Sparta.
After a long series of years in which efforts had been made to collect sufficient funds, the soldiers' monument was at last completed. It was placed in the North park, and on May 30. 1905. it was formally dedicated and presented to the city. The
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THIE CITY OF SPARTA
celebration was in charge of John W. Lynn post. Grand Army of the Republic, and a general invitation was issued to the citizens of the county to participate. The Henry W. Cressy post, G. A. R., of Tomah, came over, accompanied by their friends, 150 strong. bringing their drum corps : and a large representation was present from the towns, villages and cities of the county. A dinner was served at the armory from 11:30 to 12:30, and in the afternoon a great parade, led by the Sparta band of twenty-five pieces, headed by Company L and the Grand Army veterans, passed through the streets to North park, where the formal exercises were held. After an address by Mr. Beebe, giving the history of the monu- ment. it was presented to the city by W. H. Blyton, and accepted in behalf of the city by A. J. Carnahan, president of the city council, after which an eloquent address was delivered by Con- gressman John J. Esch. Perhaps to Dr. D. C. Beebe more than any one man is credit due for the success of this great under- taking. He exerted great efforts to bring it about, and it was one of the proud moments of his life that he was able to stand before it and deliver his address, reciting the struggles which had been gone through to accomplish it.
On May 17, 1907, the new Bank of Sparta building was com- pleted and opened for business ; truly a handsome building, one of the best to be found in this part of the state, and reflects great credit upon its builders and the institution.
Sparta has had its full share of fire and floods, especially floods, and another disastrous one was experienced July 21, 1907. At this time, however, the damage which was done was not very serious and confined more to one locality in the city. The old Miller and Kaiser dam at the City mills, near the St. Paul depot. then owned by Bergman Brothers, again went out and the flood swept away the railroad bridge just below it. The bridge on East avenue was also let down on one end and so badly racked that it was some time before it was repaired so that travel could go over it.
October 10th the local camps of Independent Order of Odd Fellows entertained the state grand encampment of Odd Fellows. Many visitors were present and there was a large attendance of delegates from all over the state.
During 1908 a number of municipal improvements were under- taken, especially with regard to the sewer system in various parts of the city, and the year marked also the inauguration of the free letter carrier system by the post office department. This went into operation June 1, the city having been divided into
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three distriets, and as a result of civil service examinations here for the purpose. R. A. Merrill, J. R. Putman and H. G. Angle were appointed carriers.
Dr. D. C. Beebe, who was postmaster at the time the service was inaugurated, lived long enough to see it in full operation when he passed away on Jume 9, 1908, one of Sparta's most pro- gressive and best loved citizens.
This year is also marked by taking from the ranks of its prom- inent men, Rufus S. Dodge, a pioneer merchant, who died July 31, 1908, very suddenly. The business which bears his name is one which has attracted attention to the city of Sparta, and is today its principal mercantile establishment.
An event of unusual interest in musical circles was a band carnival held on September 2 and 3, 1908, which was participated in by two regimental bands, the Third Regiment band from Viroqua and the First Regiment band of Baraboo, together with bands from Reedsburg, Tomah and Sparta. They were consoli- dated into one huge organization, which gave a parade in the business portions of the city, making a volume of tone which sounded like an immense pipe organ. Band concerts, horse rac- ing and various sports furnished amusement and enjoyment to the vast throng of Sparta people and visitors who participated.
The Fair store, opposite the Hotel Lewis, was discovered to be on fire early in the morning of January 31. 1909, and for a time the entire block of business buildings was threatened. The weather was bitterly cold, but the firemen succeeded in confining the blaze in this building, which was completely burned inside, and the stock of general merchandise, owned by Sam Herch, was a total loss.
llenry Esch, father of Congressman John J. Esch, and one of the pioneer residents of the county, passed away early in April at a ripe old age.
Death also claimed T. O. Thorbus on September 28, 1909, after a brief illness. Mr. Thornbus was a very public-spirited citizen and held a prominent place in the community for many years.
December, 1909, marked the forming of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company, under the management of W. T. Jefferson, formerly manager of the American Cigar Company plant in Sparta. The Jefferson company was incorporated and imme- diately secured the Shattuck building on Oak street, where the business of buying and selling tobacco is now conducted on a large scale.
A much-needed improvement was made by the city in the
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THE CITY OF SPARTA
spring and summer of 1910 in tearing up the old cedar pavement on Water street, from Franklin street south for several blocks, and putting in briek pavement with a solid concrete foundation. The work cost about $10,000, the most of which was borne by the adjacent property.
Old residents were made happy in May by a visit of Gov. James N. Gillett, of California, to his boyhood home. Sparta claims Governor "Jim" as its own, and he seemed to enjoy meet- ing old friends and acquaintances immensely and spent several days looking them up. The governor is one of the fine examples of what an American boy, without advantages. can make of him- self, and his autobiography in another chapter should be read by everyone.
On May 25, 1910. at precisely 2:48 in the afternoon, the first spike was driven on the Milwaukee. Sparta & Northwestern Railway at the starting point of this new road in this city. The honor of performing this ceremony was given to William M. Forseman, the agent of the Northwestern company at Sparta, and was accomplished in the presence of several officials of the new company and many citizens, thus marking another epoch in the railway history of the city of Sparta and one which undoubtedly will prove to its advantages in the future.
After long efforts Congressman Esch was enabled to wire to Postmaster Brandt in June, 1910, the good news that he had se- cured an appropriation of $60.000 with which to purchase a site and erect a government postoffice building in Sparta. Later on the postoffice department sent a representative to the city to select a site, and after a thorough investigation this official an- nounced his decision. favoring the lots back of the Warner House on the corner of Main and Court streets, including the Hemstock dray barn property. This site was subsequently purchased and a commodious postoffice building, containing offices for the offi- cials of the government military reservation, will undoubtedly be ereeted within a year or two from the publication of this work.
Two of Sparta's pioneer citizens passed away in 1911. L. S. Fisher, many years postmaster, died March 17th, and John Moffat, one of the earliest settlers, who did much in the upbuild- ing of Sparta, died March 27th.
The year as a whole was uneventful, marked only by the nat- ural growth of business, retarded somewhat by the rather strin- gent financial situation which prevailed for a time throughout the country.
The Sparta of 1912 is truly a beautiful, progressive, modern
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little city, with its 4,000 people busy in various walks of life; its miles of paved streets, with beautiful boulevards in some por- tions : a little city whose inhabitants have given it a reputation not only for business, but as a cleanly and well kept town ; care- fully clipped lawns, well trimmed shade trees, homes neatly painted, all combine in the title so often heard, "Beautiful Sparta. "
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