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 35
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The church was built and opened September 23, 1879, being then situated on Kilbourn avenue, in the north end of town; it was consecrated in October. 1881, and in July, 1892, it was moved to the corner of Kilbourn avenue and Monowau street, its pres- ent location; it was rebuilt and enlarged with a chancel. The church also owns a rectory situated just north and across the street from the church.
Methodist Episcopal Church. This organization was undoubt- edly the pioneer church in Tomah, and it is to be regretted that a complete record does not seem to be available. In 1857 Rev. C. W. Kellogg preached the first sermon ever delivered in Tomah. This was on the first Sunday in July of that year, the meeting being held in a new barn erected by Robert E. Gillett. This gave an impetus to the movement to organize a church, which was accomplished this same year, and during the next year a neat church building was erected, meetings prior to this being held wherever most convenient. The congregation now owns a fine church building situated on the site of the old one, being a commanding position on a slight ridge. The building is well equipped and the congregation large. The church is in a pros- perous condition. Among its ministers have been many men of prominence in the Methodist Church, among them Rev. Chas. E. Butters, who left his church and went into the Spanish-American war from Tomah, enlisting as a private. The Rev. Haskell, the
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present pastor, is a man of broad mind, a thorough student, a man of strong executive ability and an impressive speaker.
The Congregational Church. The history of this organization commenced with the coming of the Rev. Mr. Wells in 1858. At first, as is the case with all pioneer movements, meetings were held at private houses until the little organization grow strong enough to ereet a church building. This was accomplished in 1859, when a frame church was built, the congregation regularly organized as the "First Congregational Church of Tomah." The meeting for the church organization was held in Staysa's hall pursuant to notice which had been regularly given by Rev. W. F. Avery. the pastor of the Congregational church at Sparta, and Rev. F. M. Gams. At that meeting the following trustees were elected : William F. Shaw, Daniel Braman, Robert E. Gillett, John Dodge, Henry W. Cressy, John Howard and S. D. Powers.
In 1861 the Rev. Wells, on account of ill health, was com- pelled to resign the pastorate of the church at Tomah, as he was also in charge of the church at New Lisbon, at which latter place he made his home. From that time on the pulpit has been occu- pied by many ministers, a list of whom it is impossible to give at present. As ministers are called to the service in the Congre- gational church by the congregation, the ministers served various periods.
The church building has of late years been remodeled and considerably enlarged and is well equipped for church purposes. The congregation also owns a parsonage situated next to the church, which is modern and a fine home for the resident pastor. At present the Rev. J. W. Smith is the pastor. having cecupied the pulpit for a number of years ; a strong man in the church and one who has made his good influence felt in the community.
The Catholic Church. The first organization of the Catholic Church of Tomah was in the year 1867. the first priest being the Rev. M. M. Marks, who attended from LaCrosse. During the year a church building was erected at a cost of $2,500. being su- perintended by the Rev. John Casey, who attended from Maus- ton. The first resident priest was Father J. T. Durward, who took charge in 1870 and remained many long years the priest at Tomah. A man of broad education and liberal views he endeared himself to people generally and was highly esteemed by the citizens of Tomah.
The Tomah church has been again fortunate in the services of Rev. Louis Wurst. its present priest, who has been a resident
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for many years. His great executive ability has shown itself in the management of its financial affairs, for under his charge has been erected a fine brick church, equipped with a town clock, a fine residenee for the priest and St. Mary's school has been greatly enlarged and improved. The new Catholic church, erected on a commanding knoll, was formally dedicated on De- cember 29, 1899. The remodeled St. Mary's school was dedicated by Bishop Schwebach, of LaCrosse, on September 17, 1910. The congregation is prosperous and the church property is now one of the finest in buildings and equipment to be found in any city of the size of Tomah.
The German Methodist Church was organized in 1866 and a church building erected in 1870. A parsonage was subsequently added to the church property, the church itself remodeled. The congregation, though small, is earnest and prosperous and much good is accomplished by its members.
LODGES.
Tomah Lodge, No. 132, F. & A. M., was organized and dis- pensation granted April 19, 1861. The charter members were C. W. Kellogg, Noah Maltbie, A. B. Smith, J. P. Thompson, John Dodge, Enoch Baker and S. D. Powers.
The first officers installed were C. W. Kellogg, W. M .; Noah Maltbie, S. W .; A. B. Smith, J. W .; J. P. Thompson, secretary ; John Dodge, treasurer, and Enoch Baker, tyler. The first meet- ings were held in the upper story of an old blacksmith shop sit- uated on the back end of the lot now occupied by Warren's bank. Afterwards it held its meetings in different halls until 1884 when, by an agreement with H. S. Beardsley the lodge became the owner of the upper floor of the brick building so long used as the postoffice and now owned by Harvey M. Sowle. This was the home of the lodge for many years until an opportunity came to get more commodious quarters. The lodge purchased the upper floor of the building situated in the block just north of the old Sherman House, being erected by M. II. Moore, and now has fine lodge and reception rooms, a commodious dining room and kitchen well equipped. The Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Masons and Order of the Eastern Star occupy the rooms.
Tomah Chapter, No. 63, R. A. M. Dispensation was granted for the organization of this chapter of Royal Arch Masons on January 27, 1887, and the charter was issued February 22, 1888. The chapter has a fine set of robes for the work and is steadily
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growing in membership. At present F. S. Narrows, Jr., is high priest : Peter JJohnson, king : John G. Graham, seribe, and C. H. Wicklund, secretary.
There is a strong lodge of the Order of the Eastern Star, which, as has been stated, occupies the lodge rooms of the Ma- sonic Temple.
Tomah Lodge, No. 178, I. O. O. F., was organized under dis- pensation granted March 15, 1870, the charter being issued by the Grand Lodge Jannary 19, 1870. The charter members were: Thomas McCaul. L. S. Benjamin, O. T. Sowle, A. G. Schultz, R. Kinmore, Charles Organ, Charles S. Hubbard, George B. Rob- inson, J. P. Tracy and II. A. Sowle.
The first officers elected under the dispensation were Thomas McCaul. noble grand : II. A. Sowle, vice grand; O. T. Sowle, re- cording secretary; G. B. Robinson, permanent secretary; J. P. Tracy, treasurer. The lodge held its meeting at first in the Ma- sonic Hall until 1881, when their own commodious lodge rooms were built. The lodge home is situated right in the heart of the business district on Superior avenue, has a large lodge hall with ample ante-rooms, a large dining room and finely equipped kitchen, all well furnished and modern in every way. The pres- ent officers are C. F. Fick, noble grand ; J. N. King, vice grand ; H. C. Bongers, secretary. There is also a lodge of Rebeccas, which occupy the same lodge rooms.
Tomah Camp, No. 554, M. W. A., was organized March 21, 1888, with forty charter members, among whom were many of the prominent business men of Tomah: F. S. Barrows, Ernest Bartels, J. J. King. R. P. Hitchcock. II. H. Sherwood, C. K. Erwin, O. J. Eaton, C. E. Quigg, G. R. Vincent. J. H. Mosely. George B. Anderson, L. W. Earle, Peter Johnson. Thomas MeCanl. Robert Schroeder, W. C. Hommermiller, W. H. Schultz. Fred Meinecke and others. I. N. Palmer was its first and only clerk. making an enviable record of twenty-four years' faithful service since the first organization of the camp, truly a testimonial of the strongest character of the confidence and esteem with which he is held by his brother Woodmen. The camp now has its quar- ters in the Odd Fellows Hall, where it meets twice a month ; there are now about 180 members, the camp is in good condition financially and in every other way.
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There is a strong lodge of Knights of Pythias at Tomah, the official records of which were not available for the purpose of this work.
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CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE HELPING HAND SOCIETY OF TOMAIL.
This unique society is one the like of which should exist in every city and village and the example of which has been made by this little organization in the city of Tomah as to what can be accomplished in doing good to your fellow creatures through the broad exercise of diplomatic charity is one which any com- munity, no matter where situated, can well take heed. The society was organized September 8. 1886, as an auxiliary of a Universalist church, which church had planned to establish in Tomah, but the plans were not carried through and the society soon afterwards became a non-sectarian charitable organization.
The following ladies were the original members or joined soon after the organization of the society: Mrs. George H. Warren, Mrs. J. H. Warren, Mrs. W. N. Alverson, Mrs. C. A. Goodyear, Mrs. W. W. Alverson, Mrs. E. M. Hamilton, Mrs. H. H. Aekner, Mrs. C. Stannard, Mrs. Julia Eaton, Mrs. Electa Wilkins, Mrs. D. P. Rockwood, Mrs. A. Soule, Mrs. H. L. Crandall, Miss Jessie Campbell, Mrs. George Graham, Mrs. C. F. Richardson, Mrs. George Thomas, Mrs. H. Doxtader, Mrs. W. Earle, Mrs. N. R. Richardson, Mrs. R. Toombs, Mrs. B. Irons, Mrs. E. W. Beebe, Mrs. L. Richards, Mrs. Addison Cady, Mrs. C. Merrill, Mrs. II. W. Calkins, Mrs. G. R. Vincent, Mrs. L. Cady.
The first officers of the association were: Mrs. A. Cady, presi- dent ; Mrs. E. Hamilton, vice president ; Mrs. Adenzy Irons, seere- tary, and Mrs. George Warren, treasurer.
The object of this society is to relieve the needy, which the members have tried to manage in such a delicate and diplomatic way that their beneficiaries may not be pauperized, but helped in the time of misfortune and whenever possible aided and encour- aged to help themselves. The committees appointed for the sev- eral wards in the city inquire into every case brought to their notice and such assistance as seems advisable is rendered. The society has had the hearty co-operation of the publie and so has been enabled to do much work that it otherwise could not have done, especially at the Christmas season, when it is the object of
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the organization to get a box of clothing, toys and other things to each needy child who otherwise might have none of the sea- son's good cheer; and many are the little hearts who have been made glad through the thoughtfulness and kindness of the Help- ing Iland Society.
In 1898 when the war cloud was dark and threatening and the boys of the local military company were making preparations to go to the front. the Helping Iland Society formed a nuclens around which gathered those who wished to help in preparing bandages and small conveniences that "our boys" could carry with them, and when the company was at Charleston, S. C., the members gathered and sent a box of bedding and many other useful articles and money with which to purchase medicine and other necessities. When the society was first organized it met at the various homes of its members, but in 1887 it purchased what was known as the Central Hall or the old skating rink, selling it a little later and seenring a portion of the armory build- ing as soon as it was completed, in which the society holds a financial interest and have a long lease of rooms on the upper floor consisting of a living room, kitchen and dining room for their use; and under the arrangements with the Armory Asso- ciation the society has the use of the entire building for the cost of opening and lighting it for any entertainments which they may wish to give for the purpose of raising money to go into its treasury.
The present membership of the society consists of the follow- ing ladies : Mrs. G. A. Altenberg, Mrs. W. D. Bosshard. Mrs. William Cassels, Mrs. J. Hancock. Mrs. Thomas MeCaul. Mrs. J. J. King, Mrs. C. Quigg. Mrs. F. K. Talbot. Mrs. F. S. Barrows. Mrs. E. Crocker. Mrs. William Homermiller, Mrs. D. P. Rock- wood, Mrs. Treat. Mrs. A. N. Cross, Mrs. B. Irons, Mrs. C. Max- well. Mrs. J. B. MeMullin, Mrs. C. T. Sipple, Mrs. E. Terry. Mrs. Burlin, Mrs. Alice Eaton, Mrs E. Polifka. Mrs. H. II. Shater- wood. Mrs. G. II. Warren, and the following honorary members : Mrs. L. Burdick, Mrs. II. Boxtader, Mrs. D. E. Miller, Mrs. 1. Cady, Mrs. Sherman.
The present officers are: Mrs. Eaton, president : Mrs. Talbot. vice president : Mrs. Cassels, treasurer, and Mrs. King. secretary.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
TOMAH PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Like the beginning of most institutions of this character, the Tomah Library was instituted through the efforts of a few citi- zens, who believed that such an institution was necessary. Mrs. S. D. Palmer called to her assistance several ladies of the city and in the summer of 1881 organized what was known as the Tomah Library Association; these ladies gave an entertainment. the proceeds of which were used to purchase the first books of the library, and these were afterwards supplemented by the gifts of various citizens. The books were at first kept in the photograph gallery of the late E. N. Palmer, where they remained for about a year. Later the citizens gave to the Library Association the use of a room in the city hall, where it was housed and where it remained for a great many years.
Soon after the library moved into the city building the city appropriated $100 per annum for the purchase of books, and at about this time rules and regulations were drawn by Judge George Graham and an annual fee of $1 was charged for the use of the books, which fund was used for the purchase of books.
The first librarians were Mrs. S. D. Palmer, Mrs. John Boor- man, Mrs. Ida Vincent and Mrs. Rockwood. all of whom served faithfully and long without any remuneration, the latter up to July, 1902. Some years prior to this it was turned over to the city and became a municipal institution and was controlled by a board of trustees, three in number, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the common council, and became known as the "Tomah City Library."
In July. 1902, a change of librarians brought about the reorganization of the institution under the state law, and on December 18, 1902. the board of trustees met in the council cham- ber of the city hall in response to the call of Mrs. F. S. Barrows; three additional members, bringing the board to the legal num- ber, having been appointed by the Hon. W. E. Nuzum, then mayor of the city. it was found necessary to adopt by-laws bringing the library into harmony with the state laws governing publie libraries.
The members present at this meeting were Mrs. F. S. Bar-
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rows, Mrs. Frank Fieting, Mrs. John King, Rev. Father Wurst, Dr. A. R. Bell. Mrs. C. H. Maxon, Mr. A. S. Goodyear and by invitation Miss Cornelia Marvin, of the State Library Commis- sion, who presented a set of by-laws, which, with minor changes, were adopted. The election of officers was then declared in order following: Rev. Father Wurst, president; Mrs. F. S. Barrows, vice president, and Mrs. JJohn Fieting, secretary. The action of the former board as to the appointment of Caroline W. B. Vos- winkel as librarian was confirmed and the purchase of supplies necessary to inaugurate to the new system of changing books. cataloging, etc., was authorized. All the books were called in and the library closed to the public during the reorganization which occupied a period of about two weeks.
The librarian was assisted in the work of reorganization which was under the supervision of Miss Marvin, of the State Library Commission, and by Miss Reilly, of Madison. After the com- pletion of the reorganization the library was thrown open to the publie on January 2. 1903, with 793 books on the shelves, with a registry of 105. The library continued to be housed in the council chamber of the city hall until December, 1903, when through the efforts of the mayor, Hon. W. E. Nuzum. the "Whit- field" property on Superior avenue was purchased and the library moved into its present quarters. The growth sinee 1902 has been steady, the days and hours of opening having been gradually extended from twice a week to daily opening: this last com- mencing November, 1911. The actual number of its borrowers is fully one-third, if not more of the population of the city. At the last annual report dated June 30, 1911, the number of vol- umes in the library was 3,733 and is now approximately 4,000 volumes, and circulation for the year June 30, 1910, to July 1, 1911. was 19,688.
The library is supported by the city and receives an appro- priation beginning with the current year of $1,200, apportioned approximately as follows: One-third for books and periodicals, one-third for the librarian's salary, and one-third for current expenses. The city of Tomah will in a short time have a fine new library building, undoubtedly located on the site of the pres- ent occupancy, a gift from the estate of Dr. Ernest R. Buckley, a former resident of Tomah and a graduate of the Tomah High School, who acquired considerable prominence as an expert geolo- gist and having in mind, undoubtedly. the welfare of his home town, made provision in his will for the building of a library building to be presented to the city of Tomah.
CHAPTER XXXIX. CIVIC IMPROVEMENT CLUB OF TOMAIL.
By Ella D. Goodyear.
It was in 1907 that the members of three exclusive clubs in Tomah came together one day for a joint session of mutual benefit.
The leaven of social service had faintly begun to work in the minds and hearts of a few, so when the suggestion to form a civic club with an unlimited membership came it found a few enthusiastic sponsors, and the club became a reality at that time. Members of the study clubs, who had part in organizing became charter members of the civic club. Mrs. F. S. Barrows was the first president, with Mrs. W. W. Warren as secretary.
It took the entire year to organize, make definite, workable plans and make the club popular, for it had to be popular in order to get into its ranks indifferent women and prejudiced ones. Some were opposed to club work, using the old argument that it took too much time away from their home duties. But the five years' existence has proven the fallacy of this argument, because all the club work carried on has been in the interest of the home and now the most intelligent women in the community belong. The club has been fortunate from the beginning in having the business men's club rooms for meetings. It has added 50 per cent to the interest in the elub.
Standing committees have carried on from the beginning a definite line of work, and taking each in turn I will try to show those plans, and some of the results accomplished. For three successive years the art committee has held in the club rooms an art exhibit, charging a low rate of admission. School children have been admitted always at a nominal price, and have been encouraged to come. The Copley, Turner, and Elson prints have been exhibited, and from these the committee has made wise selections for the walls of the school rooms. These pictures were given by the club. One year Mrs. John B. Sherwood, of Chicago, exhibited colored prints and American oil paintings in the high school, giving special talks to children. She also gave a fine
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stereopticon lecture on Italian art to a mixed audience in the evening. This visit from Mrs. Sherwood, a recognized art lover and critic, was a great inspiration to the community at large. As a result of five years' work, this committee, the personnel of which changes every year, has not only given the city oppor- tunities in art. but each school room in the city has at least a copy of one fine picture on its walls.
The educational committee has done thorough and conscien- tious work in many lines. Visiting committees of club members regularly visit the schools and this has brought teachers and parents into closer touch : occasionally school receptions are held in the different buildings for parents and teachers.
Tomah has always had to its credit a broad-minded school board. Suggestions for repairs and decorations in school rooms. improvements in sanitary conditions or increase in library facili- ties from this committee have always met with a ready response from the board. In the central building a beautiful rest room has been fitted up. Teachers, pupils and the school board cooper- ated with the club to accomplish this. At present the same com- bination is working for play ground equipment for the large and spacious grounds surrounding this same building. Under the direction of this committee also, the club annually gives a recep- tion to the teachers, which is always a pleasant and social affair.
Perhaps the largest task undertaken by the committee was the agitation for music, manual training, and domestic science in the schools. But after the patrons of the school became assured of the benefits to be derived from these branches. the matter was easily and quickly settled at the annual school meeting of 1911. and as a result the Tomah high schools are among the most up- to-date in the state. The music committee furnishes a piano for the club rooms the year around. By this means every meeting has a good program of music. School children under the leader- ship of the music teacher often entertain, and many high school students of talent have been brought before the publie in this way, and also have given much pleasure to others.
The library committee has always been in accord with the library board and librarian. Their active work has been con- fined to substantial gifts heretofore. One year the committee held a double program, calling it Library Day. The afternoon program was given up to a review of the past and an analysis of the present by the librarian. The past was reviewed by some of the founders of the library, who gave a most interesting account
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of the beginning and early struggle of what is today an excellent free public library. The evening was devoted to the possibilities of the future for a library, with an address by Miss Stearns of the State Library Commission.
The civies committee started out with the definite plan of making Tomah more clean and more beautiful. With this pur- pose in view, and with the financial support of the C. A. Good- year Lumber Company, they engaged Mrs. McCrea, a professional landscape gardener of Chicago, to come to Tomah to plant trees and shrubs in all private yards of owners interested. The only expense to the owners to be the cost of the shrubs. Public school grounds, the library lot, and many unsightly places were cleaned up and beautified under the inspiration of Mrs. McCrea. Prizes to the amount of $100 were offered at the end of the season for those private places showing the most improvement. Since that time an annual Municipal Cleaning Day has been appointed by the mayor. On one cleaning day the citizens of one neighbor- hood secured the use of Barrows Grove. a natural beauty spot in the southeast corner of the city, as a pienie ground for the pub- lic. They cleaned it up, and made pienie benches and tables and hung swings. Recently the civies committee has assisted the schools on Arbor Day by arranging for the planting of trees.
The Junior Civic League is a protege of the civics committee organized in the schools. The children buy league buttons to wear and sign a pledge to keep the city clean and to protect the birds and animals. Penny packages of flowers and vegetables are sold to the children in the spring. In September a flower and vegetable show is held, prizes being given for the best.
The Humane Society was organized under the direction of the civics committee, but entirely independent to the club. A campaign against bill boards, agitation for a saner Fourth, rest rooms for county fair week, are some of the proposed reforms now in committee. The club as a whole has raised money for a large fountain for dogs and horses, costing $400. And the latest effort has been a Tomah cook book, gotten up primarily as a means of earning money, and has been successful from every standpoint.
The ways and means committee has always had an important, part to play in the club, for without it no work could have been accomplished. They have given card parties, dances, a ball game between the professional and the business men of the city, and in many ways raised the necessary funds. The social commit-
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