100 years

By Vicky Anderson

From The Daily Journal, Aug. 31 – Sept. 6 1933

Service station in city is robbed

• The Seven-O Service Station on the corner of Washington and Court Street was held up at the point of a gun and robbed of about $25 in cash at 2:30 this morning. This followed closely to the Packing Plant holdup.

• Clarence Anderson, night man at the service station, was the only man on duty, and was sweeping out one of the back rooms when he saw a stranger standing near the cash till in the office.
  

• Anderson asked him what he wanted. The stranger stated he would like a road map of Minnesota. Anderson turned his back momentarily and got a map. When he again faced the stranger, he looked into the barrel of a revolver.

Festival at the Pioneer Home

• The annual Fall Festival for the Pioneer Memorial Home will be held Sept. 3 and friends of the institution are invited to attend and share in the all-day program. The home will furnish coffee to those who bring their picnic lunches.

Free clinic available for children

• Through the efforts of John Henderson, member of the Kiwanis committee on underprivileged children, an orthopedic clinic for crippled children will be held at the Court House on Sept. 30.

From The Daily Journal, August 24 – August 30 1908

Burglars steal from meat market

• Frey Meat Market was entered by burglars late Tuesday night or at an early hour Wednesday morning. Entrance was obtained by cutting through the door in the rear. The burglars took the cash register from the store, carried it out, rifled it and left it on the riverbank in the rear.

• Fortunately, very little cash had been left in it, and they secured only $3.50.

• They also attempted to break into Maire & Bell’s Hardware store adjoining and cut through the screen, but were unable to make their way through the heavy inside door, and failed to gain entrance.

Hanson’s Harness Shop closing

• The Hanson Harness Shop in this city proposes to close out everything at cost, the sale beginning immediately.

• This is an opportunity of a lifetime to secure everything in harness line at bedrock figures. We have a large and up to date stock of all kind of harnesses to be disposed of immediately. Hanson Harness Shop, Lincoln Ave.

Coroner notified

• The coroner was notified Sunday that there was a dead man along side the Pelican track in eastern part of the city. He investigated, and found a stranger. He had been drinking heavily, and had lain down and gone to sleep.

• He was not dead by any means.

From The Daily Journal, August 17 - August 23 1908

Council approves new lighting system

• Fergus Falls is to have a complete new street lighting system as soon as the new dam is completed. The City Council, at its meeting, authorized a call for bids for furnishing the new arc lights, and also for a new switchboard.

• The clerk will publish the necessary advertisement. The new lighting system will be a great improvement over the present system, which has become decidedly antiquated.

• The commission is considering various lights, the most modern of which is something on the order of the flaming arc. It is said to give a splendid light, and the cost per lamp is about $25. The cost of the present lamps was $18.

Landmark torn down

• “I notice that one of the oldest buildings in this city is being torn down-the John Greenagel residence on Bancroft Avenue South.

• This residence was erected back in the pioneer days, about 1868, I believe, and was for years one of the most pretentions pieces of residence property in Fergus Falls.

• Fred Rudinzski is tearing it down and the material will be used for another residence.

• Its disappearance means the disappearance of one of the city’s real landmarks.”
  

• — Fred Balfour

From The Daily Journal, August 10 - 16 1908

The Parker Carnival arrives in Fergus Falls

• The big Parker Carnival arrived over the Great Northern shortly after noon Sunday, having come from Breckenridge and Wahpeton by way of Evansville. The cars were side tracked near the water tank, and the work of unloading began immediately. A large crowd assembled on the station platform and vicinity and watched the work as it progressed.

• The company travels on its own train, and is one of the largest of traveling carnivals. Its tents are erected on Lincoln Avenue from Union Avenue to Oak Street.

Education board approves cooking class

• The board of education of this city has definitely decided to institute a course in cooking in connection with the manual training and domestic arts courses in the schools here.

• It is expected that every thing will be ready at the time of the opening of schools on Sept. 8.

Fountains could grace Lake Alice

• An effort is being made to have the fountains, which formerly ornamented Lake Alice, restored for the balance of the season. The lake was piped for two fountains several years ago, one well out toward the center and the other toward the southeastern corner. Both were in use for a few years, but the flow of water was necessarily shut off during the winter.

From The Daily Journal, Aug. 3 - Aug. 9 1908

Sons of Norway from all over enjoy picnic

• The Sons of Norway picnicked at Battle Lake Sunday, and a very enjoyable time is reported.

• They went down on the morning excursion train, which carried the largest crowd it has thus far handled. Two hundred tickets were sold here for Battle Lake and about fifty for other points, and about 100 people came over from Breckenridge, Wahpeton and Foxhome. The train was crowded to the doors, both going and coming.

Hailstorm damages crops

• Wm. Kronemann was in the city Monday morning and states that the crops on the farms of several of his neighbors were practically ruined. Cornelius Peterson, who resides in section 16, Fergus Falls Township said to have lost practically all of his grain. The storm literally roared, and the wind is said to have whirled, cyclone like, and with a great deal of force.

New electric light station

• The Union Engineering & Contraction Co. is making rapid progress on the new city dam. The concrete work is now up to a point about 12 feet above the surface of the river, and three weeks more will finish it.

From The Daily Journal, July 27- August 2 1908

New church construction well in hand

• Arrangements for the construction of a new church edifice to replace the M. E. Church, which was destroyed here during the spring, are rapidly nearing completion. The building will be erected on what is known as the Baptist Chapel site — that is, on the corner lots at the intersection of Union and Cavour avenues.
  

• The site includes the vacant lots on the corner, together with the lots occupied by the Baptist chapel and parsonage. Architect Orff came up from Minneapolis.

• It was decided to employ him to prepare the plans, and a general outlining was agreed upon.

• The building is to be of brick or brick veneer, and will be of the library type of building.

Perham farmers raising potatoes

• The farmers in the vicinity of Perham are planning to go into potato raising on a large scale, and a company has just been organized there for the purpose of building a potato warehouse.
  

• Potatoes have made many farmers rich, and in fact it has made them independent. What potatoes have done for other places they will do for this country.

• The warehouse will probably be located on the south side of the track on lots west of the Globe mills, and work will be commenced at once.

From The Daily Journal, July 20 - 26 1908

Parker’s animal show is one of largest, best

• The animal show to be brought here by the Parker Co. during street fair week is said to be one of the largest and best of its character that has ever visited this state. It is a drawing card wherever the Parker shows pitch their canvas. The large iron arena, the elevated platform and the ring are all going at the same time. Not a minute in the entire program is idle. The variety of animal performers is so great that it seems strange that an exhibition this large can be placed before the public at such a small price.

Seat filled to capacity

• The Gem theater was crowded to capacity last night to witness the most creditable vaudeville performance ever seen here. Mr. Lahser, the proprietor, is making improvements and has already elevated the floor in the place. He has made arrangements with a large scenic concern for new scenery and intends making his theater second to none in the state.

Dust pans

• Held close to the floor while user is standing upright, the Long Handled dust pan takes up the dirt like an ordinary dust pan. The pan is so constructed that the dust can not be swept over the top, and if not convenient to empty at once it can be hung up by the handle full of sweepings and emptied later. Once given a trial it will always be used.

From The Daily Journal, July 13 - 19 1908

New trend is sleeping outdoors

• Minneapolis Journal: One of the interesting things about the newer houses is that they are all having out-of-doors sleeping rooms and screened-in porches in which beds are placed. One out-of-doors magazine tells of the spread of the practice of sleeping out of doors so enthusiastically that one gains the impression that in that portion of the United States lying south and west of Denver the bedroom has gone out of existence. The practice is rapidly spreading east and north.

Telephone troubles

• Long Prairie Leader: The Northwestern Company has cut the Hewitt & Wrightstown telephone line off the local exchange, and we understand has done so at all stations where the two companies have heretofore co-operated. The order went into effect on July 1 and the action was taken by the Northwestern Company because the H. & W. people did not pay their toll charges.

Clairvoyant in city

• Prof. G. Anfin, the noted clairvoyant and palmist, is in the city at the Hotel Cecil, and may be consulted on all past, present and future. He gives correct advice on business, lawsuits, speculation, love, courtship, matrimony; unites the separate and causes speedy and happy marriage with the one of your choice. He will tell you what trade, business or profession you are adapted for.

From The Daily Journal, July 6- July 12 1908

Soil samplesprove to be very good

• Foxhome Hustler: Some time ago, A. H. Denniston sent three samples to the University of Minnesota for analysis.

• Sample 2 was taken about half a mile southwest of town where no manure had even been put. Sample 1 is the subsoil about two feet under No. 2.

• No. 3 is a sample of the topsoil in the garden.

• By comparing the tables we find that our soil will compare very favorably with the average barnyard manure in its amount of fertility.

• This explains why it is that Philip Heider has raised twenty-one crops of wheat on the same piece of land in twenty-one years with apparently no decrease in the crop on account of the soil.

Current Comment

• J. L. Townley-We now have a first class baseball nine, a nine composed of boys who know how to play baseball.

• If the owners of the grandstand, which stands on the city ball park, could be induced to donated it to the city, some of us would chip in and have it fixed up.

• With the grandstand in proper shape and a good team, we would be in a position to witness some interesting baseball here during the summer.

Good record

• G. G. Matthews was in the city and left for Valley City on the afternoon train. Mr. Matthews is taking his horse Frank M. to that place, where he will be entered in the races this week.

From The Daily Journal, June 29- July 5 1908

Cooperative store opens for farmers

• A movement is on foot here to arrange for a farmers’ co-operative store in this city. The plan is buy one of the stores already in operation here. The company that is carrying on the negotiations has already purchased the store at Wall Lake and expects to have four or five stores in different parts of the county. It is understood that the plan is to sell goods at the same prices as those charged by other stores. After expenses are paid, the new plan will divide the profits with stockholders instead of selling goods at cost, as is sometimes proposed by co-operative concerns.

• Alley conditions deplorable

• It is a fact that the alleys in this city are in a deplorable state. A general order was given to clean up the alleys, and the Board of Health has personally seen several of the owners about this matter. So long as eight or 10 men own a lot of old shacks worth from $50 to $100 each and can rent them for a good price for saloons, restaurants, billiard halls and millinery stores, this nuisance will exist.

North Star restaurant serving customers

• The North Star Restaurant will serve new potatoes, raised by Chas. Haarstick. Also strawberries and cream will be served. The homegrown strawberries were raised by Mr. Winter, and are ripe, juicy, fresh and delicious.

From The Daily Journal, June 22-28 1908

Laborers for the railroad arrive

• Ten Greek laborers arrived here and were taken in charge by Division Roadmaster Hannemann and assigned to work on the section.

• The Great Northern is doing a great deal of work between Melrose and Barnesville, and Mr. Hannemann now has 220 Italians, 156 Greeks and about 100 laborers of other nationalities under his direction at various points.

• Ballasting tile draining and other work is being done, and the company will spend about $100,000 on the 100 miles of track, in addition to the ordinary work of keeping it in repair, during the present summer.

Trophy secured

• The handsome baseball trophy secured by the local league, consisting of the High School, the Park Region College and the Northwestern College arrived and is now on exhibition in F. H. Straub’s store window.

• It is a very large silver cup, handsomely mounted and engraved. The league, at a cost of $86, purchased the trophy.
  

• The Park Region College secures it this year, and the school or college winning three years in succession will secure it permanently.

From The Daily Journal, June 15-21 1908

Gang of Italians working on railroad

• A gang of 45 Italian laborers, employed in improving the Great Northern track in this vicinity, received their monthly paychecks in this city.

• The gang consists almost entirely of young men-the majority of them look like mere boys-and all are very small.

• They do as much work as other men. The company employs them because they are sober and reliable.

• The great objection to their employment is that they send their earnings back to Italy, do not become citizens and return back to their country.

• The road is paying them $1.25 a day.

Summer visitors

• J. L. Townley has received a letter from Dr. E. M. Smith, of Georgetown, Ill., stating that he expects to arrive here with a party of fishermen about June 18. Dr. Smith is expected to bring as many as 200 people throughout the season.

• Mr. Townley and Mr. Ulland will see that the fishing parties will be shown the best fishing ground in the northwest.

• Dr. Smith has become considerably interested in Fergus Falls and has published a pamphlet setting forth the advantages of this vicinity as a fishing resort, and urging his Illinois friends to spend their vacation here.

From The Daily Journal, June 8-14 1908

Fish Lake ditch dam breaks

• Hans Blegen telephones in from the town of Maine today that the dam in the big Fish Lake ditch has given way and the water is pouring into the river. Just how much it is going to raise the stream is problematical. Mr. Layton, who is in charged of the work on the new dam at the electric light station, is of the opinion that such a stream will endanger the old dam.

• If it should give way, the consequences would be disastrous in the extreme. The city would not only be left without lights throughout the summer, but it is probable that other dams would also go.

In search of homesteads

• Martin Pearson and Edw. Buestle, of Erhard and Wm. Benzman, of Fergus Falls town, returned Thursday from an extended trip through North and South Dakota and Montana, where they went in search of homesteads. They filed on claims in the valley of the Thunder Butte Creek, S.D. The land there seems to be promising; the one objectionable feature being that it is 60 miles from a railroad.

Great sale on go-carts

• Through an error of the traveling salesman, we received a double order of Heywood collapsible go-carts with hoods. These cars are all first class, steel construction. We have decided to make a 25 percent reduction sale. At such prices as these, no mother should be asked to carry her baby when she goes down town

From The Daily Journal, June 1-7 1908

Burglars steal from jewelry store

• A daring and very successful burglary occurred in this city Thursday evening, the M. H. Call jewelry store being entered, and nearly $400 worth of jewelry stolen. Frank A. Hanson, who was formerly Mr. Call’s assistant, owns the store and the loss will fall quite heavily on him.

• Adolph Glorvigen, who conducts the restaurant across the street, heard some noise in the direction of the jewelry store at about 11 o’clock in the evening, and it is evident that this was the time that the burglary was committed.

• Three strangers entered his restaurant some time afterwards, and inquired about the night trains.

Millen Bros.’ show coming town

• This is the Jamestown Exposition and Brighton Beach shows combined.

• There will be Indians, cowboys, cowgirls and rough riders, bucking horses and the pick of sharpshooter.

Band will play for Hallinglag

• The Park Region College Band has engaged and guaranteed the cost of a special excursion train on the Northern Pacific for the great Hallinglag, which occurs at Wyndmere, N. D., June 9 and 10. The boys are going to play for two days.

From The Daily Journal May 25-31 1908

Battle Lake Farmers' Company incorporates

• Articles of incorporation of the Battle Lake Farmers' Company incorporate with an authorized capitalization of $25,000, and its purpose is to operate an elevator and deal in grain. It is also authorized to handle livestock and all farm products. The incorporators are K. W. Bondy, Nels Bengtson, Ed. K. Evenson, K. C. Hanson, P. N. Lundquist, Ole Bondy, Alvin Olson and Thore Glende.

Offer made on new church

• The members of the German Evangelical church of this city held a meeting and decided to make an offer of $1,150 for the Norwegian Methodist church property, opposite the Congregational church on Union Avenue. In case this price is not accepted, the church will purchase a site just north of the bridge on the same street and erect a new church edifice there.

Man injured when kicked by a colt

• Wm. Bockman, who resides in the country north of this city, was kicked by a colt and severely injured Friday. Mr. Bockman was leading the animal out of the barn when it wheeled suddenly and kicked him, striking him in the face, splitting his lip, knocking out four teeth and breaking the jawbone. He was picked up unconscious and medical attendance was summoned and he will come out all right.

From The Daily Journal May11-17 1908

Moe a victim of Indiana murderess

• John O. Moe, of Elbow Lake is, without a doubt, one of the victims of Mrs. Gunness, the LaPorte, Ind. murderess. He left for LaPorte Dec. 20, 1906, and since then has not been heard from. Emil Greening, of Oklahoma City, referred to Moe as the young man who became attached to Jennie Olson, the adopted daughter of Mrs. Gunness. Moe told the banker in Elbow Lake he needed money for a land deal and was going to LaPorte, Ind. Emil Greening says Moe soon disappeared from the horror farm, but that no one saw him go. He says further, that Moe’s trunk was still there when he left on July 11, 1907, but it was probably destroyed when the house burned. Moe’s brother, Jens Renden of Manfred, N. D. has been communicating with and will joining relatives here in an effort to identify his remains.

New factory

• The new sash and door factory, which is being erected by P. N. Moen and John Romstad, just south of the East Lincoln Avenue Bridge, will be completed today. Messrs. Moen and Romstad have erected a very substantial factory building and will do business as the Northwestern Manufacturing Company.

From The Daily Journal May 4-10 1908

Grace M.E. Church destroyed by fire

• The worst fire that has occurred here since the destruction of the high school building broke out at 7:30 o’clock Friday evening. It seems that two little boys had secured some matches and set fire to some straw or rubbish close to the barn and in a few minutes that structure was ablaze. The barn is located just across the alley from Grace M.E. Church. Everything was very dry, and the flames soon spread to the church, worked their way under the roof. The roof and steeple were soon ablaze, and the flames shot high up into the air, making a brilliant and spectacular fire. The M. E. church was founded in 1871, the first church edifice being erected on Lincoln Avenue East in 1874.
  

• The church that has just been destroyed was erected during the pastorate of Rev. W. Mayes Martin in 1888, and its original cost was placed at $7,500.

Market Day

• Dalton’s first market day was a Red Letter day in the history of this village. Early in the forenoon teams began coming in and in a short time the streets and stores were full of a jolly crowd of people. Then the band commenced to play good lively music throughout the day. The Minneapolis & Northern Elevator Co. offered a cash prize of $2 to the person bringing in the largest load of oats.

From The Daily Journal, April 27 - May 3 1908

New publication planned

• Rev. Hagerup Nissen was in from Underwood Wednesday, interviewing a number of prominent Danish Americans of this city with a view to securing material for a new publication, entitled “Danes in America.”

• The publication comes in twelve numbers, and is intended to give a complete history of the Danes who have assisted in the building of the United states and particularly in the northwest where they have taken a very prominent part.

Stevens’ saw mill burned

• Vergas- April 28- Saturday morning the inhabitants of our village were aroused from their slumbers by the alarm of fire. The eastern sky was already aglow from the flames which issued from the Stevens saw mill. The fire had gotten beyond control, and the mill was burned to the ground. Thousands of feet of lumber, logs, and cordwood covered the surrounding acres, but if not for the timely assistance, more would have been burned.

Fur factory

• Benj. Beckman, of Ironwood , Michigan, is in the city with a view to establishing a fur factory here. Mr. Beckman is engaged in this line of business, and local parties have written him, pointing out the advantages which this city has to offer.

From The Daily Journal, April 20-26 1908

Fear of fire in schools is minimal

• Fergus Falls has no occasion to fear a fire disaster in any of its public schools.

• The buildings are all fairly well arranged; the exits in all of them are sufficiently numerous, and the doors at all of the exits have all opened outward for years.

• Fire drills have taken place at rare intervals for a long time past, but Supt. MacLean and the board of education have been instrumental in instituting a more systematic system of drills.

• During the past week or two, fire gongs have have been installed in all of the buildings.

Battle Lake school to be built

• Perham Enterprise — The many friends of Contractor Alex Nelson will be pleased to learn that he secured the contract to build a large eight room public school at Battle Lake. The contract price was $14,500. Mr. Nelson is to be congratulated, and so are the people of Battle Lake, as they will have their school built by a reliable and experienced contractor who will give them a first class job in every particular.

Forest fires reported

• Deer Creek, Henning and Vergas report destruction in forest and on the prairie. In Vergas, a great deal of anxiety has been caused the past week on account of forest fires west and south of town. Every man that could possibly leave his regular occupation has armed himself with shovel or spade and gone to the front to fight the flames.

From The Daily Journal, April 13-19 1908

Cinders from train cause fire

• Fire broke out in D. S. Wemple’s barn on Cavour Avenue-directly in front of the Great Northern station-about 5 o’clock Monday evening.

• A heavy freight had just gone west, and as cinders were falling in showers, it is supposed that they caused the blaze.

• The fire started in one of the sills and worked inside the building, destroying a large portion of the interior. Mr. Wemple had two horses and a cow in the barn and these were gotten out safely.

• However the interior wood work, and the hay and feed of which there was quite a quantity, suffered very severely and the loss will be quite heavy.

• Mr. Wemple carried $600 insurance on the building, but nothing on the contents.

Local Elks first social event arranged

• The Brainerd orchestra, will furnish the music and each member of the lodge is privileged to invite one guest.

• It will be the first social event given by the local Elks, and the first big social event at the Grand Hotel under its new management.

From The Daily Journal, April 6-12 1908

Mayor Hille re-elected

• The city election occurred Tuesday and resulted as anticipated. Mayor Hille’s friends claimed his re-election by 100 to 150 majority, and he secured 129.

• Mr. Townley’s supporters were not very confident, especially during the past week. They made no claims as to majorities but expressed the hope that their candidate would be elected.

Work begins on dam

• E. P. Callahan, superintendent of construction at the big Dayton Hollow dam, arrived from St. Paul Wednesday to get matters into shape to resume construction.
  

• Mr. Callahan has spent the winter as superintendent of a crew that is putting in footings for a new bridge which will span the river at Fort Snelling.

Frey’s meat market under new management

• The market has always enjoyed a first class reputation, and promises to be even more popular in the future than in the past, as it will hereafter handle choice meats, all bearing the United States government approval.

• The market will continue to be known as the “Frey’s Meat Market. Arthur J. Frey will act as manager.

From The Daily Journal, March 30- April 5 1908

Arthur Frey to manage packing co.

• The Fergus Packing Co. has felt for some time past that it has not been able to place its products in the hands of the people of Fergus Fall as it ought to do.
  

• The local butchers have all been doing their own killing and curing and have only handled a very small portion of the Packing Co.’s product.
  

• Believing that the public desires to use their product, the Packing Company has bought out the business of Jacob Frey and installed Arthur Frey as manager of the retail store. A full line of Packing Co. products will be carried there hereafter. The products from the Packing House will bear the stamp of the government inspector.

• The public will realize the benefit to them of purchasing government guaranteed pure products. Arthur Frey will take charge of the business Monday, April 11.

Business is brisk

• It is estimated that there are eight thousand cords of wood and eight hundred thousand feet of lumber now awaiting shipment here.

• This has been an exceedingly good season for wood and lumber dealers the only drawback being the difficulty of obtaining workmen.

From The Daily Journal, March 23-29, 1908

Foxhome to have electricity

• The village of Foxhome expects to have an electric light system by fall. The Otter Tail Power Company's line, which is to run from the Dayton Hollow dam to Breckenridge and Wahpeton, will pass two miles south of Foxhome.

• “The Hustler” states that a branch line will be run into the village and an electric light system established there. The company expects to complete the dam in July, and some of the poles for a line across the country have already been received.

Lots for new creamery

• The executive board of the Farmers’ Creamery Association met and purchased the Pelican River Mill Co. lots 3 and 4 in Leistikow Addition in Elizabeth for their creamery plant.

• It will be located about where the old house stood west of the bridge. They have secured Martin Larson, of Casselton, N. D. as buttermaker. His butter test are among the best in this state.

Transfer of lands

• Papers were filed in the register of deeds office here Thursday, indicating the transfer of the Lamprey lands that were purchased by the state bank of St. Paul a few years ago, to John A. C. Leland of Big Stone county.

• The lands transferred to Mr. Leland are in Inman, Effington, Woodside, Rush Lake, Pine Lake, Girard, Deer Creek, Elmo and Homestead.

From The Daily Journal, March 16-22, 1908

Parkers Prairie creamery incorporates

• Articles of incorporation of the Parkers Prairie Co-operative Creamery Co. were filed in Register Anderson’s office in this city Friday. The company incorporates with a capitalization $5,000.

• The incorporators are Andrew Johnson, E. W. Smith, Cronnet Nelson, C. U. Carlson, Chas. Moll, Henry F. Quitmeyer and Loth Holm. The officers are Andrew Johnson, president; E. W. Smith, vice president; Cronnet Nelson, secretary; C. U. Carlson, treasurer; and Chas. Moll, Henry Quitmeyer and Loth Holm, directors.

Dissolved partnership

• Drs. Cole, Drought and Kittleson have dissolved partnership, a formal announcement was made. Dr. Drought and Kittleson will continue in partnership and will occupy the present office rooms of the firm in the First National Bank building, while Dr. Cole will open a separate office in an office room further down the hall.

Punish Minors

• Ald. Boen introduced an ordinance at the city council meeting Tuesday evening forbidding minors to frequent saloons unless accompanied by parent or guardian, and also forbidding them to ask the bartender or proprietor to sell or give them drinks.

• The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of $2 to $25 or imprisonment from 2 to 25 days. The ordinance was given its first reading.

From The Daily Journal, March 9-15, 1908

Fire breaks out at Gem Theater

• Fire broke out in the Gem Theater in F. G. Troppman’s Glass Block Thursday afternoon, and for a few minutes, the blaze was an extremely hot one.

• The alarm was turned in and the department was on the scene within four or five minutes after the fire began. Two heavy streams of water were turned on, and the fire was quickly extinguished.

• W. W. Adams, the proprietor of the Gem, estimated loss at $1,000 to $1,500. His moving picture machine was demolished, three or four hundred chairs were water soaked and blackened, and a valuable piano sustained damaged. The fire apparently originated from the electric wires, as there was no one in the theater portion of the building at the time of the fire.

New phone companies

• Richville is to have a local telephone exchange. One evening last week several of the business men met and organized a company.

• Enough money has already been subscribed to insure the construction of the local exchange and work will commence as soon as weather permits.

• The directors of the Amor and Dead Lake Telephone Co. held a meeting in Richville and placed an order with A. C. Bowe, representing the Kellogg Switchboard and Supply Co, of Chicago, for 40 telephones and 5,000 pounds of wire.

From The Daily Journal, March 2-8, 1908

Lauritzen awarded contract

• The contract for the new arched Mill Street bridge goes to John Lauritzen.

• The bridge will be a handsome arch, full street width, constructed of concrete reinforced by steel. The floor will be covered to the depth of a foot or two with gravel, the same as the ordinary street bed, giving the surface effect of a continuous and unbroken street.

• The present footbridge will have to come down as soon as the work on the new structure gets under way. One half of the cost will be paid by county.

Grades closed

• Henning — The grades in school from first to seventh have been closed on account of diphtheria. One case at Frank Johnson’s developed and the family is quarantined. Wm. N. Nelson’s quarantine was raised. The state board of health reported the case of sore throat at N. Thill’s as not diphtheria. There is no question that Miss Peterson died of the dread disease.

General store is sold

• E. S. Page, one of the leading merchants of Richville has sold out his general store there to Frank J. A. Larson, who has conducted a general store at Battle Lake and his brother, Albert Larson, of Amor.

• This business will hereafter be conducted under the firm name of Larson Bros., and Mr. Page will go to the vicinity of Kent, Minn, to take charge of a large farm which he owns there.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 24-March 1, 1908

County tax collecting tour finished

• County Treasurer Steve Butler finished his annual tax collecting tour and reports the heaviest collections in a number of years. The total amount collected this year was $89,084.08, or about $10,000 more than last year. The commissioners, dominated by Comsr. Vigen, have decided not to send out a tax collector next year, and Mr. Butler says this will prove a great mistake. Farmers find it very convenient to meet the collector personally, instead of making a special trip to the county seat.

New invention

• Messrs. H. J. Fisch and Babst, Barnesville, have invented a machine for sawing out ice from the frozen surface of lakes and rivers. It is a rotary saw, propelled by a gasoline engine.

• With one saw and four horse power engine, they can saw out 5,000 cakes of ice, 24 inches square and 10 inches thick. The men have applied for a patent.

Flats sold

• One of the largest real estate deals that has been made here in recent years was consummated last week. Mr. B. H. Phinney purchased the Riverside Flats from Mr. Vernon A. Wright. The deal was negotiated by F. E. Hodgson and deeds were filed.

• The consideration is not stated, but is understood to have been very moderate for such a piece of property. The building includes several store rooms and a number of the best suites of living rooms in the city. Phinney takes immediate possession.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 17-23 1908

Kidnapped child finds parents

• Mr. and Mrs. Henry Maire, of this city, were reunited with their daughter Nellie, who was 5 years old when she disappeared 26 years ago while playing with other children. She was picked up by a stranger and carried away. Her father was engaged in the harness business at St. Charles. A search was instituted, but proved to no avail. She was taken to an orphan’s home by her kidnappers in Ouincy, Ill., and placed in that institution. She was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Knight.

• Three years ago, she was married to Sherman Van Fossen, a young man who is engaged in the marble business at Macomb, Ill. Her husband was determined to find her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Maire kept searching for her until just four years ago.

Road law

• Under the law prior to 1907, a road overseer was chosen at the annual town meeting for each road district in several townships.

• Chapter 458 of the laws of 1907 provided for the abolition of the office of town road overseer and enacted that the town board should appoint a competent road builder as a road inspector who should have charge under the direction of the county superintendent of highways of the construction and maintenance of all roads and bridges in the township.

• Acting under this law the various town boards last spring appointed such road inspectors.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 10-16, 1908

Police chief against monument

• The effort of certain Southern women to erect a monument to Wirz, the man who had charge of Andersonville during the Civil War, is calling forth some caustic comments from the veterans of the Union Army.

• Former Police Chief of Fergus Falls was interviewed by by the Minneapolis Tribune. “I was a prisoner at Andersonville for eight months, said Sullivan, “and I know all the horrors practiced at the prison by that monster. There is no place on earth or in heaven for such a monument.”

Phone company

• The farmers of Maplewood held a meeting at Worden Hall Feb. 8, and organized a Farmers’ Telephone Company. The line will start from about the center of the eastline of town and run west to Erhard station. President, A. G. Eddy; Secretary, B. G. Emery; Treasurer, Harrison Worden; Directors, Ole Nodsle, Iver Anderson, C. W. West.

Surprise party

• Martin Pearson was given a surprise by all his scholars Wednesday morning, who all came, notwithstanding the heavy snowfall, and presented him with a very handsome fountain pen and silk mufflet as a remembrance from his pupils o f Dist. No. 17, on his 26th birthday.

• Mr. Pearson has an enrollment of 40 pupils with an average attendance of 28.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 3-9, 1908

Agren’s saloon burglarized

• Thos. Agren’s saloon in this city was burglarized Wednesday morning. The thief gained entrance by smashing the panel of the rear door. Reaching through this opening, he had no difficulty in drawing back the bolt and opening the door.

• The cash taken during the evening had been hidden behind the ice box, instead of being left in the till, but the thief was familiar with the premises and knew just where to find it. He secured $15 and made a hasty exit without disturbing as much as a cigar. The police are sure that they know the name of the guilty party, but as he took nothing but cash, it will be difficult to prove anything.

Hotel for sale

• For sale in Henning, the big hotel, “Farmers’s Home,” 18 rooms, livery barn, with stall room for 40 horses. Located near business center of city and does good business. Rents for $50 per month. Will trade for good farm. Address Otto Sorenson, Fergus Falls, Olof P. Peterson, Henning Minn., or the owner. S. P. Sorenson, Staples Minn.

Lyceum theater show

• The Dougherty Stock Co. will be present at the Lyceum theater in a beautiful four act melodrama, “A Gambler’s Wife.” New and up-to-date specialties, moving pictures and illustrated songs between acts. Prices, 10 cents, 20 cents and 30 cents. Don’t forget to secure seats in advance at Smith’s. One lady free with each 30-cent ticket.

From The Daily Journal, Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 1908

Gypsies call Fergus home

• A number of gypsies have been making their home in this city during the winter, and a number of curious looking wagons are now being constructed at one of the local wagon shops for their use next summer.

• The orders of the wagons were placed by H. Wells, who styles himself the “king” of the party. Mr. Wells states that he was given the title of “king” in New York seven years ago, his father having held it among quite a party of English gypsies up to the time of his death.

Norwegian lecture

• Mr. H. Rued Holand, author of “Norwegian Pioneers and Settlements,” will Lecture tonight, Jan 19, in Norden Hall. His subject will be Norwegian immigration, dwelling particularly on the first Norwegian settlement of Otter Tail County and Fergus Falls.

Boat House for sale

• Twenty five dollars takes my boat house and stairs on Lake Alice. This is one-third of what it cost me and anyone who wants a boat house, or would move it off the ice now certainly gets a bargain. It is well built and of good lumber, but I do not use it. J. E. Olson, Manhattan Bldg.

Shirt company

• The Fergus Shirt Factory, which has been owned by Messrs. Tully and Sachs, has been formally incorporated. The factory has been successful since its establishment. With increased capital, it will be in a position to materially enlarge its capacity and extend its business.

From The Daily Journal, Jan. 20-26, 1908

Illinois Surety Company to finish dam

• The city council held a special meeting Friday evening to confer with representatives of the Illinois Surety Company, which furnished the bond for Cortlandt F. Ames, the dam contractor, who is now bankrupt.

• All of the members of the council were present and Mr. J. P. Hopkins, a well known attorney of Chicago, was on hand to represent the bond company. Mr. Hopkins stated that at the time Mr. Ames made application for his bond, he signed an agreement which was to the effect that in case he failed to complete the dam, the Surety Company would have the right to step in and take his place in finishing the work.

Rural phone company

• A rural telephone company has been organized at Battle Lake for the purpose of constructing a new phone system in the country in that area.

• Officers are L. Jensen, president; Aug. Bjorklund, secretary; Knut Hanson, treasurer; A. C. Hatch, Ed. Evanson and J. B. Thompson, directors. New rural phone companies are being organized almost daily. The cost of operating these lines is trifling.

New system

• Erhards Grove — The members of the barbwire system who put in phones last summer, met and reorganized into a telephone company to be know as “The Erhard Telephone Company.” In the spring the company proposes to construct a high or general line.

From The Daily Journal, Dec. 30, 1907-Jan. 5, 1908

Low water creating power problem

• The water in the river is unusually low at present, and the woolen mills are having considerable difficulty in securing enough power to keep running. The dam where the mill is located — the lowest of the five dams — is old and there are some leaks that result in considerable loss of water.

• The woolen mill was compelled to close down one or two days last week on account of a lack of power and will probably have difficulty in this line until the dam can be repaired.

Veterinary surgeon busy

• Veterinary surgeon O. A. Norman must be quite busy and successful. He has treated 145 horses, two cows and two dogs since Nov. 1. None of them died.

• He has been in the veterinary line 18 years and if practice makes perfect he has certainly had the chance. His office in O. D. Leidal’s Jewelry Store, phone number 315 or 301-2.

School district case

• The supreme court handed down a decision in the case of the Wilcox Lumber Co. of Becker County against School District 268, Vergas village.

• The company furnished lumber for a school building and sued the district for its pay, claiming the contractor was insolvent. The Supreme Court decided in favor of the district.

From The Daily Journal, Dec. 23-29, 1907

Miles of film for the holidays at Gem Theater

• The Gem Theater extends to its thousands of patrons a Merry Christmas, and the undersigned wishes to say that he has secured over five miles of moving picture film for the week.

• This is more than four times the largest quantity of film ever seen in this city at one time. I have a seating capacity for 350 people. The Gem has an excellent ventilating system, heated by steam, amphitheater seats, carpeted aisle, besides beautifully decorated for the holiday occasion. Admission 10c W. W. Adams Gem Theater

New alarm system

• The Fergus Falls National Bank gave the public an opportunity to inspect its new burglar alarm system Saturday. The expert in charge explained the system at length and showed the utter impossibility of burglarizing a vault with such equipment. The entire interior is lined with a steel casing, charged with electricity and the slightest touch sets off the alarm.

Ice skating

• The city has cleared off the snow and fixed up a nice skating rink on Lake Alice. Fit the boys and girls out with good skates and let them enjoy themselves. We have the best and lowest prices at Frankoviz.

Christmas candies

• The Christiania Cafe has stocked up with a specially fine lot of candies for Christmas. Funke’s or Kratchwil’s chocolates in bulk are the best made We have them fresh from the factory.

From The Daily Journal, Dec. 16-22, 1907

Certain lands condemned

• The State of Minnesota has begun action in district court to condemn certain portions of Wheeler and Rawson’s third addition and tracts known as Seminary Reserve, City Park and Hazel Park.

• The board of control wishes to acquire this property, which will become a part of the big insane hospital farm here.

More robberies

• The latest robberies are reported at Paddock and New York Mills. At Paddock, thieves are reported to have broken into L. C. Anderson’s general store, and robbed the till, securing several dollars in change that had been left there overnight.

• They also took a liberal supply of groceries including four sacks of flour and a lot of canned goods, indicating that the robbery was the work of local parties. At New York Mills the Almquist store was entered and groceries taken, but nothing of great value.

Holiday shoplifting

• There is shoplifting going on in this city at present. Stores are crowded with Christmas buyers and this gives the sneak thief an opportunity to pilfer. Shop-lifting is one of the most contemptible forms of thieving and is likely to result in some jail sentences in the future.

Buy Fergus shirts

• Made in your own town by home labor. Perfect fit and workmanship guaranteed. All leading stores have a full line of them. Ask for it and take no other.

From The Daily Journal, Dec. 2-8, 1907

Plans made for new buildings

• Judge Leavitt and Peter M. Ringdahl, of the state board of control, and Mr. Johnson, architect of the board, looked over the grounds with a view to locate the new detention hospital and the new building for patients afflicted with contagious diseases.

• These buildings are to be erected here next summer. The detention hospital will be a commodious building, the appropriation for its erection being $65,000. Patients whose sanity is doubtful can be kept there until their mental status is definitely determined.

• The contagious ward will cost approximately $10,000 and it is a building that has been needed for a long time. In addition, extensive improvements are to be made in the kitchen and employees dining room next summer. The building will be remodeled and enlarged, and the appropriation for the work is $26,000.

Board of education

• The board of education held its regular monthly meeting. Supt. MacLean reported the total enrollment to be 1,155 and the average daily attendance 1,097.

• President Grass was authorized to appoint Chief W. P. Burton as truant officer. A large number of children are not attending school. Under the state law, their parents are subject to a fine or imprisonment for failing to send them.

From The Daily Journal, Nov. 25-Dec. 1, 1907

Norwegian explorer entertains

• The opera house was filled to over flowing Wednesday evening to greet Capt. Roald Amundsen, who in the little fishing boat Gjoa sailed through the Northwest passage for the first time and located the magnetic North Pole.

• Capt. Amundsen arrived from the east on the Oriental Limited and was met at the station by the reception committee. The audience that greeted him, while thoroughly representative of the Norwegian nationality, contained prominent Americans. However it was Norway’s day.

Dormitory opened

• The formal opening of the nurses’ dormitory at the insane hospital took place Friday evening, the affair being in the nature of an informal reception, which was attended by quite a number from this city as well as by the hospital employees.

• Guests were received by Miss Alexander, the matron, and Misses Gallagher, Hogan and Slettede. An address was delivered by Judge Leavitt of the board of control.

Attempted robbery

• C. E. Ryden was returning to his home in Orwell Wednesday when he sensed trouble ahead. Two men tried to rob him near Dayton Hallow, where the Aastad road branches off. Three shots were fired, but his lively team could not be overtaken.

• Farmers are carrying large amounts of cash these days as a result of marketing their grain. The crooks were watching for easy money.

From The Daily Journal, Nov. 11-17, 1907

Work on dam has ceased for season

• The work on the city electric light dam came to a close this week. Engineer Feurtado advised that the mixing of cement in freezing weather was unsafe, as it does not set properly at low temperature.

• Contractor Ames accordingly discharged his crew and the entire party returned to Chicago. This means that nothing further will be done on the dam until spring. A good deal of cement has been laid during the past few weeks, and the foundation is now up to within 5 feet of the bed of the river.

Navy recuiter in town

• Chief Yoeman Pratt of the US Naval recruiting station at St. Paul, was in the city Friday to arrange for the free moving picture show, exhibiting pictures of life aboard the great battleships. The exhibition will be given at the High School building on Tuesday evening of next week, and will be free to everyone. The object of the show is to overcome the prejudice against enlistment in the navy, as it is difficult to secure recruits in the Northwest.

Fire at the Bijou

• The film of the moving picture machine at the Bijou theater took fire Friday evening and the flames spread to the curtain and woodwork, doing quite a little damaged before they were extinguished.

• The theater was crowded with people at the time; and while some of them got out as quickly as possible, the panic was not sufficient to result in any injuries. The fire started from the electric wires.

From The Daily Journal, Nov. 4-10 1907

Nitroglycerine used in Herberger’s robbery

• A long distance telephone message to the Journal from Deer Creek today states that the store of E. Herberger was burglarized there last night, the robbers entering by breaking in a front window with a crowbar which they had secured at the local section house.

• Once inside, they blew the safe with nitro-glycerine, but did not succeed in securing any money. The safe was valuable and the cost of repairing it will be considerable. Failing to secure money, the burglars took some eatables and a few other articles.

Bad fire

• Perham Enterprise — M. J. Gans’ drug store and George Schoeneberger’s saloon were burned to the ground Wednesday. The fire started from some unknown cause between the buildings and was making good headway when it was discovered at 1 a. m. by William Lange. The firemen responded promptly but the buildings were both frame and burned like tinder. The contents of both buildings were almost a total loss.

Hunting accident

• Rev. Orvi of Pelican Rapids was hunting ducks on Lake Lizzie Thursday from a boat. He saw a flock coming and in getting ready to shoot, caught the gun in the rushes and it was discharged. Three fingers on his left hand were shot off slick and clean near the second joint so that all the physician had to do was to pull down the skin and sew them up.

From The Daily Journal, Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 1907

New theater a real ‘Gem’

• The new Gem Theatre in the Troppman block was opened to the public Friday. The opening entertainments were attended by an immense audience.

• The theatre was crowded throughout the evening and everyone seemed to be more than pleased. The new electrical apparatus shows the moving picture superbly, and the music and other features were exceptionally good.

Swamp fires

• Parkers Prairie — The worst swamp fires in 13 years are raging in Woodside and Eastern. The fires have been burning since Sunday and are taking a northerly direction, following the Wing River. Hundreds of tons of hay have been destroyed and it is rumored that Edward Davidson, of Woodside, lost all his farm buildings. The heavens are brilliantly illuminated at night by the reflection of the flames.

Creamery burns

• Tuesday afternoon the Campbell creamery was discovered to be on fire. Before the alarm could be given and the engine got to the scene, the flames had made too much headway. No attempt was made to quench the flames, but efforts were directed to keep the fire from spreading through the grass. The fire was started by sparks from a passing train.

‘Lud Fisk’ 6¢ a pound

• I have a supply of Ludfisk ready for customers, all fixed for the kettle. This is prepared according to formula that has made Anderson’s Ludfisk famous. Ed Anderson, Lincoln Avenue Market. Telephone 203 or 276.

From The Daily Journal, Aug. 12-18, 1907

Manuel training established

• The Board of Education held a special meeting and decided to institute a manual training department in the city schools.

• The primary object of an education is to train for citizenship. It is essential that he be able to adjust himself to the industrial and social life of the community in which he lives.

Local strike

• Fergus Falls has a strike. The men employed at the city electric light dam were receiving $2 per day, but decided that in these times of prosperity and high prices, with harvest close at hand, they were entitled to more.

• They accordingly asked for $2.50. The request being refused, they walked out. About 15 or 20 are reported to have quit. The teamsters were not affected by the strike and are still at work and the contractor is looking for men.

Close call

• People in and around the Prinzl block were startled Thursday by a noise that sounded like a terrific explosion. Leonard Eriksson’s big 6,000 pound safe was being moved up stairs.

• The work of drawing it up was all but completed and the safe was almost balancing at the top of the stairs when something gave way and the crash followed.

• Three tons of metal-slid down the entire length of the stairway and came to a sudden stop at the bottom. The accident was due to the breaking of two chains.

From The Daily Journal, Aug. 5-11, 1907

Interesting exhibition comes to city

• Dr. H. W. Darby, of Minneapolis, was in the city with H. A. Jackson. He gave a practical exhibition of the the workings of the new Curtis electric battery.

• The battery was attached to a boat on Lake Alice, a little motor was attached to a small propeller and the boat sped noiselessly over the lake. The battery was placed in the center of the boat, a small quantity of liquid looking exactly like water was put in and electricity was generated to wires leading to the motor attached to the stern. Dr. Darby, as well as Mr. Curtis and others are interested in the invention and are confident it is going to revolutionize the power and light business.

Big picnic planned

• The Aurdal Echo Singing society and the Aurdal band are arranging for a big picnic at Norway Lake on Nels Nelson’s farm next Sunday. The Ljom Singing society of this city is planning to attend and the Aurdal people extend a cordial invitation to everyone to be present.

• Dinner, including romegrot and lefsa will be served for the benefit of those who do not care to take lunch with them.

State school agent here

• Miss Hannah Swindlehurst, agent for the state school at Owatonna, was in the city on her way to the town of Aastad, to see about placing one or two children in homes there. Miss Swindlehurst states that there are about 200 children in the school. The Owatonna school is one of the best institutions the state has ever established.

From The Daily Journal, July 29-Aug. 4, 1907

List of autos owned in this city

• Someone has handed the Journal a list of automobiles owned. Autos have been coming in so fast this summer, it has been difficult to keep track of them.

• Here is the list: J. W. Mason, H. J. Rollings and Dr. Sherping each own two; C. D. Wright, V. A. Wright, D. A. Tennant, Dr. Freeborn, E. M. Miller, Carl Jacobson, Elmer Boen, F. H. Straub, W. L. Parsons, E. E. Adams, F. G. Barrows, Dr. Welch, E. E. Webber., J. W. Robinson, O. O. Vinje, J. P. Anderson, Dr. Kittleson, W. H. McBride, J. Niebles, A. B. Erickson, C. J. Bender, M. T. McMahon, and the Solberg brothers.

Lots of it

• Dent pilot: Talk about excitement. We’ve got it right here at Dent and the surrounding country. During the past 10 days, several thousands of dollars have been paid to farmers in this vicinity for the mineral right on their land.

• Two young men have been here paying out cash for the mineral right to explore and in addition have secured options on several thousand acres of land at prices averaging about $100 per acre.

Dog pound moved

• The dog pound was moved out to the city pest house. The residents in the vicinity of the city hall listened to dogs howling, especially last Sunday morning. It was reported that someone had cut the wire screen at the pound before it was moved, but officials are of the opinion the screen was broken down by the dogs’ pawing and scratching.

From The Daily Journal, July 22-28, 1907

Barnum and Bailey comes to town

• The big Barnum and Bailey’s shows, the largest of circuses, arrived on the Great Northern from Crookston early this morning. The long, heavy train contained a total of 75 cars.

• The work of unloading begun almost immediately, by a small army of workmen, and the tent city crowned the hills in the eastern part of the city early in the forenoon. Some 20 tents, big and little, are pitched by this large traveling circus. The main tent, or “big top,” measured 643 feet in length and seats 15,000 people.

Current comment

• Steve Butler: “Last January I paid a tax on my dog. This year the dog is on the assessment books for $5 and I will pay another tax next January. A day or two ago, the dog catcher came around and demanded still another tax and I declined to pay it. He then killed my dog and came around this morning and demanded $1 for killing the animal. This is putting it on a little too strong. I would like to know who is getting the money that is being collected for killing the dogs.”

Police raid

• The police made a raid on a disorderly house which has recently been established in the eastern part of the city, and arrested Belle McCune, the proprietress.

• The arrest is made under the city ordinance, which provides a maximum penalty of $50 for running resorts of doubtful character.

From The Daily Journal, July 15-21, 1907

Dog pound completed

• Ald. Morrison’s dog ordinance is about to become a reality. The building committee of the city council has constructed a dog pound in the rear of the city hall. All wayward dogs will be confined there in the future.

• Mayor Hille at once announced the appointment of Mr. Wm. C. Gibson as special policeman for the capture of dogs. Mr. Gibson was at the city clerk’s office to obtain a list of dogs on which licenses had been paid. A total of 178 licenses have been issued, and if, as Col. McBride alleges, there are 68 dogs in his block alone, the number in the city must be several thousand.

New band

• A new city band is being organized here, and the outlook is that Fergus Falls will have some first class music in the near future. Martin T. Nelson, Ole Minge and Thorval Thoreson were named managers.

• About 18 members have thus far been secured, and Mr. Nelson requested the city council to turn over the instruments of the former band to the new organization. The request was granted.

Spur track installed

• The spur track has been put in at the electric light station and will be a permanent fixture there. It will be very convenient while the dam is being constructed and will also be convenient in unloading supplies that come in quantities from time to time.

• The dam contract has been signed, and Mr. Aames, the contractor, has five carloads of cement on the way for use in its construction.

From The Daily Journal, July 8-14, 1907

Preserving Norwegian history

Torkel Oftelie is looking up the early Norwegians settlers of Otter Tail County to preserve the history of the Sons of Norway. He is looking for the first Norwegian who located in Fergus Falls. AB Larson, who settled in St. Olaf in 1869, was one of the earliest settlers in that town.

Warrant sworn out

• Wm. Hotchkiss swore out a warrant charging R. S. Feurtado, engineer in charge of the electric light dam, with exceeding the automobile speed limit.

• Feurtado drives a powerful car and Hotchkiss claims he crowded him off the road on the hill leading to Guttenberg.

Springs drying up

• Reports are coming from the town of Friberg that the springs which have been quite famous there have been drying up since the big flowing well was put down on the Hysjulien farm.

• Mr. Hysjulien sunk a well on his premises some time ago and the pipe struck into a subterranean stream of large dimensions.The well has evidently tapped the stream that was feeding the springs and they are now said to be drying up.

Commissioners report

• Martin Hexum and others asked for a county road beginning on the line between the towns of Fergus Falls and Carlisle at the southwest corner of section 7, Fergus Falls, and running thence north on the town line to the northwest corner of section 6 Fergus Falls.

From The Daily Journal, July 1-7, 1907

Ordinance requires dog licensing

• The dog ordinance went into effect Monday. City Clerk Gard reports having issued a total of 117 dog licenses. Some people who did not care to pay a license fee have evidently drowned their dogs.

• The police report finding half a dozen dead dogs in the river during the past few days. The river is no place for dead dogs, and anyone disposing of them is subject to a fine.

• No dog pound has been erected and there have been no executions. Some of the owners of valuable dogs do not hesitate to state that they will go into court and test the ordinance if their canines are molested, taking the ground that after a dog has been taxed and licensed it cannot be shot with impunity; others hold that dogs are a public nuisance and the city has a right to get rid of them. No measure of recent years has caused a sharper division of opinions.

Business change

• Mr. J. V. Matthews purchased the livery business of Matthews and Stringham. Mr. Matthews bought out the interest of his brother G. G. Matthews, and the Stringham estate, and took possession.

• His brother has gone to Casselton ND, where he has entered Frank M. and Fortune Painter, two of the fastest pacers in this part of the state, in the North Dakota racing circuit.

Dedication

• The formal dedication of Our Savior’s Church occurred in this city Sunday. The event was very well attended.

From The Daily Journal, June 17-23, 1907

Jury awards settlement

• The Supreme Court handed down a decision Friday in the case brought by Mrs. Emma Sawbridge against the city of Fergus Falls. The construction of the sidewalk on Whitford Street near Lake Alice cut into Mrs. Sawbridge’s premises.

• She claimed damages on the grounds cutting down the embankment spoiled the appearance of the property and that she had acquired title to the land. The jury gave her a verdict for $100, and the city appealed to the supreme court, which sustains Judge Baxter in his rulings and upholds the decision.

The Contract

• The city council held a meeting to consider the question of accepting the bid of Courtland F. Ames, the Chicago contractor, for the construction of the new electric light dam. Mr. Ames’ bid was $47,235. He specified that gravel and stone found on the electric light premises is to be used in the work, and was to have the use of the old waterwheel for power in running his machinery. The council agreed to this, but specified that the work must be completed by Jan. 1.

New Mill

• A new milling company has been organized at Deer Creek. New machinery has been ordered, and it is expected the mill will be in operation in time to handle the new crop.

Lid at Perham

• Mayor Schroeder notified the saloon keepers that they would be compelled to obey the Sunday closing law. As a result the town was dry Sunday for the first time in a number of years.

From The Daily Journal, June 10-16, 1907

New school for Elizabeth

• A meeting of the voters of the Elizabeth school district to vote on issuing bonds for building a new two story brick school house was held last night.

• Asst. Supt. of Schools, Mr. Adley, was present and stated the present school building had been condemned. He also stated it might be possible that the present building, by extensive repairs, could be made to answer the requirements.

• After some discussion, it was decided to vote by ballot on the question of building a new brick school building. There were 61 votes cast: 38 were favorable. The building proposition was passed.

Saved baby

• Star Lake —While Frank Vogel’s two children were playing at the lake Saturday, the youngest boy, aged 2 years, fell in the water about a rod from shore and could not get up.

• His brother, Clifford, aged 5, realized his danger, and wading out to where he was, brought him safely to land. Both children were thoroughly soaked, but the 5 year old boy saved his baby brother’s life.

Nurses dormitory

• K. F. Rosenberg has been awarded the contract for decorating the ceilings and walls of the new nurses dormitory at the insane hospital. The work is quite elaborate and the contract price is approximately $700. Mr. Rosenberg has nearly completed his painting contract, and will begin the decorating work in a short time. The new dormitory is the handsomest of all the hospital buildings and will be ready for occupancy the latter part of the summer.

From The Daily Journal, June 3-9, 1907

Beautifying courthouse grounds

• Supt. Naubaumer, of the St. Paul Park system arrived from that city Thursday afternoon and was met at the train. The county commissioners met him at the train and showed him about the court house grounds with a view to receiving suggestions regarding improvements.

• “You have beautiful grounds,” said Mr. Naubaumer, “but you ought to make cordwood out of quite a number of these trees,” and he proceeded to mark those that ought to be removed. Mr. Naubaumer, like all landscape artists, urges that the box elder give place to the elm as a shade tree. He has no use for the soft maple, regarding it as little better than the box elder, but believes that some sugar maples should be planted.

New Bank

• The Merchants State Bank opened for business at Elizabeth this week. The bank has a paid up capital of $10,000, which may be increased to $50,000, at the option of the board of directors. The bank is organized by local and outside parties. The bank begins business under highly favorable auspices.

Maine cheese factory

• May 31-The Maine, Minn., cheese factory is now running every day. Cheese making began April 21. Milk received April 8, 750 lbs.; 10 lbs. of milk makes 1 lb. of cheese.

• The cost of making cheese is 1 3/4c per lb. and the farmers received 13 1/2c per lb. for it. The net price for milk was $1.17 per cwt.

From The Daily Journal, May 27- June 2, 1907

Elks lodge planned

• Plans have been under consideration for some time to establish a lodge of the Benevolent Order of Elks in this city. This is the only large order that is not represented by a local organization.

• The order is fraternal and protective, and quite a number of leading citizens are already members of lodges in other places. The plans have finally taken definite form, and with seventy-five charter members pledged to join, a lodge will be organized here on some date in July.

Bid for new dam

• The Menominee Pressed Brick Co., which submitted a bid for furnishing the 5,000 barrels of cement for the new city dam at the council meeting, is to furnish the cement for the new Wright-Barrows dam which Lauritzen Bros., will build. The Wright-Barrows dam will require 6,000 barrels of cement at least l,000 more than the city dam.

Battle Lake Bank

• The First National Bank of Battle Lake, has been organized with $25,000 capital. Henry Olson is president; and Knud Hanson cashier. The bank takes the place of the Otter Tail County Bank, which was organized several years ago.

Potato raising

• From the Battle Lake Review: Potato-raising ought to be gone into as a business by more farmers in Otter Tail county. The soil here is peculiarly adapted to potatoes and money can be made from the business. For instance, last year O. K. Lindelien of Tordenskjold had a yield of 400 bushels to the acre.

From The Daily Journal, May 20-26, 1907

Wooden sidewalks take a hike

• The days of wooden sidewalks in this city are soon numbered. The cost of lumber is so high that the expense of putting in a wooden walk is almost as great as the expense of putting in a cement walk.

• At the council meeting, Ald. Brown suggested the city attorney be instructed to draft an ordinance extending the cement sidewalk area to the entire city.

Current comment

• Hans Bye: “ I am glad to see that we are going to take steps to beautify the city, but this is a waste of money so long as a big herd of cattle is allowed to roam at large and destroy what people are doing to make their places look well. What became of the ordinance compelling people to lead cattle through the streets?”

Re-opening of saloon

• Martin Knutson has made arrangements to open the old Christ Dahl saloon on lower Lincoln Avenue. John Larson, the former occupant, will go out of business for the present.

• As no one has yet opened up Mr. Knutson’s place on Bismark Avenue, Fergus Falls will be with one less saloon.

Wagon still in lake

• Mr. Whitson came very near losing his team in Lake Alice Friday, while delivering ice. The team backed into the lake and there was not much but their heads above water for a time as the heavy wagon dragged them down. The horses were finally released but the wagon is still in the lake.

From The Daily Journal, May 6-12, 1907

Power house, dam planned

• Plans for a business enterprise which will involve an expenditure of $100,000 in this immediate vicinity, have just been completed. Vernon A. Wright and F. G. Barrows, of this city, have decided to build a dam and power house at Dayton.

• Dayton is three or four miles down river southwestward. If there is a sufficient demand for power here, lines westward will furnish light and power to points in Dakota, possibly to Wahpeton and Breckenridge, and if not, to other places in that locality or further west.

New building

• L. A. Rosing of the Board of Control, and Clarence Johnson, board architect, were in the city the last of the week, looking over the insane hospital, partly with a view to selecting a suitable site for the erection of a building for patients having contagious disease.

• This building is to be erected during the present summer. It will be a comparatively small building, the cost being about $10,000. When this building is erected, it is probable that it will be used as a ward for patients afflicted with tuberculosis.

Call for bids

• Engineer Feuratado, who has been in the city for several days examining the site of the proposed dam, found what he considers a very desirable site.

• The location is practically the first location selected, a short distance below the present dam.

From The Daily Journal, April 29-May 5 1907

Supt. Lurton resigns post

• Mr. F. E. Lurton tendered his resignation as superintendent of the schools of the city, to accept a similar position in the schools of Moorhead.

• The resignation was accepted. The superintendency of Moorhead schools came to Mr. Lurton entirely unsought. While Moorhead is not quite as large a city as Fergus Falls, there are a number of reasons why the superintendency there is more desirable than the superintendency of the schools of this city. The salary in this city for the coming year would have been $1,700, which is the salary paid in Moorhead, but the Fergus Falls contract calls for the superintendent’s time during the entire 12 months, while Moorhead contract calls for only nine.

Building purchased

• August Palm has purchased the factory building of the Fergus Sash and Door Co. in the eastern part of the city. The building, while outwardly one structure, is built in several sections and Mr. palm expects to tear down all but one of these and will sell the lumber. The work of dismantling has already begun. The building that remains will probably be purchased for a storage house by one of the local contractors.

Iron excitement

• There is quite a stir through the vicinity of New York Mills about finding iron ore south of town, and also coal. Some are agitating the forming of a company to investigate and get machinery to work a mine.

From The Daily Journal, April 22-28, 1907

Funding for detention hospital

• The appropriation of $65,000 for a detention hospital or a hospital for the insane who are suffering from consumption at the Fergus Falls hospital, passed both house and senate.

• The board of control is authorized to use the money for which ever purpose it deems best. It is thought that it will be used for the erection of a detention hospital, where patients whose sanity is doubtful can be kept under observation for a time. If found to be insane, they can then be committed and if found otherwise can be given their freedom without the possible stigma of having been an inmate.

Gun club

• New officers were elected and new grounds are secured, the Driving Park grounds having been sold. The club made arrangements to lease new grounds for a shooting park in the vicinity of One Mile Lake, on the southeastern outskirts of the city.

• The club house is to be moved to the new grounds today. A new, improved trap will be purchased at a cost of $30. It will enable the operator to throw shells as fast as three men can fire.

Fire at Vergas

• Saturday morning nearly half of the village of Vergas was wiped out by fire. The fire started in the saloon of John Bruhn, burning his saloon building with a hall and opera house on the second floor.

From The Daily Journal, April 15-21, 1907

New shirt factory building

• Messrs. Sachs and Tully, proprietors of the Fergus Falls Shirt factory, have decided to erect a building for their factory during the summer.

• The building will be located on lots purchased from Vernon A. Wright, opposite the Fergus Manufacturing Co.’s establishment on Union Avenue, and will be of cement brick. The dimensions will be 50 x 140 and will accommodate 50 employees at the outset.

• The Fergus Falls Shirt factory has done an excellent business since locating here and has already become an important industry. The demand for its output is steadily increasing and under the present energetic management, there is no reason why it should not develop into one of the largest factories in the state.

Fuel famine

• The city’s fuel supply is very low at present and the Lincoln school had to be closed temporarily and the children sent home Wednesday, as its supply of coal was completely exhausted. It is fortunate that the winter cannot last very much longer.
  

Record runaway

• The team of Herman Olson of Aastad took fright while standing at the Mill Street flour mill Wednesday afternoon. The team established a record run through the streets, considering the fact that they were hauling a farm wagon. They covered six blocks in a fraction over a minute and fortunately no damage resulted, except to the scales at the mill.

From The Daily Journal, April 8-14, 1907

Improvements planned at GN depot

• Plans have been made to widen the platform in front of the station. To widen the platform, it will be necessary to move the tracks, and the main line will be taken up and moved from 15 to 20 feet further north.

• This will give room for a 28-foot platform, which has been badly needed ever since the station was erected. The main track will be moved northward all the way from the Northern Pacific junction to Court Street and the passing track will also have to be moved about the same distance. The water tank is to be taken from its present location and placed at a point 20 or 30 feet further south.

Brewery sold

• John Bauer sold the brewery to Theo. Hubner, of Little Falls Friday for $6,000. Mr. Bauer expects to make his future home in California. Mr. Hubner has already taken possession of the property and will move his family here immediately. He will occupy Mr. Bauer’s residence, which he purchased with the other property.

• Bauer will be missed here, especially in the city’s musical circles, as he has been the head of Bauer’s orchestra for a great many years.

New School

• Henning will have a new eight-room school house. At a special school election held on Saturday it was voted to bond the district for a building to cost at least $15,000. The new building will be completed next fall.

From The Daily Journal, April 1-7, 1907

Creamery relocated

• A meeting of the creamery committee was held Saturday afternoon. It was decided to locate the creamery on some lots west of the Red River mill, a short distance from the hay market.

• The city’s offer of the gravel pit site in the eastern part of the city at $50 was declined, as the new site is considered more desirable, and the land will be purchased from Vernon A. Wright at $200. The plans for the building are on exhibition at Leonard Eriksson’s office. It was decided to employ Mr. Adin Nelson, of Carver, Minn., as butter maker, at a salary of $90 a month.

Deal closed

• The Fergus Falls waterworks system is to become the property of the city today. A telegram has been sent to the bank at Portland to turn $77,250 over to the bondholders and when an answer is received the remaining $613 will be paid over here. The plant will now be turned over to the management of the Water and Light Commission. Bills for water rental for the present quarter will be sent to consumers by the commission.

Surveyors at work

• Vergas — the people of this vicinity are greatly agitated over the report that surveyors are again at work on the line which was surveyed to this village late last fall.

• Two or three weeks ago several engineers were at work south of Long Lake and their work seemed to consist of taking elevations.

From The Daily Journal, March 25-31, 1907

Red River still rising

• The Red River at Moorhead and Fargo is 25 feet above low water mark and is still rising. It is feared the situation will become as bad as 10 years ago. Houses on the river banks are surrounded by water and one hundred families have been forced to move, some of the houses floating off.

• The water from the prairies is still draining into the river and there is much snow in the woods. Fargo is lower than Moorhead and the business streets there are threatened. The Red and Otter Tail rivers are rising rapidly in Breckenridge. A rise of a few inches more and the electric light plant will be inundated. Merchants are moving stock from basements and otherwise taking precautions. If the ice should gorge, a repetition of the high water of 1896, when the streets were flooded, would be experienced.

Creameries

• The co-operative creamery movement is by no means confined to Fergus Falls and vicinity this spring. A meeting was held in Battle Lake Tuesday and a co-operative organization was perfected.

• The village of Vining expects to have a similar association and the business men there have subscribed $600 toward the erection of the necessary building and are to donate two lots for a site. W. L. Wilson, of Maine is planning to establish a cheese factory during the spring.

• The dairy industry is receiving a gratifying impetus, and means prosperity for Otter Tail county.

From The Daily Journal, March 18-24, 1907

Baseball team formed locally

• A number of the local baseball enthusiasts have taken steps to secure the organization of a city baseball team. The city has been without an organized team for several years and as there is an abundance of excellent material with which to begin operations.

• There is no valid reason why a fast team cannot be put into the field this year. Funds are needed to purchase the necessary material to start the team. A dance will in all probability be given in one of the local halls some time in the future to raise the necessary funds.

Duck pass case

• The supreme court handed down a decisionin the case brought by Dr. F. N. Whittaker of this city, to restrain residents of the town of Tumuli from shooting over the famous duck pass at Ten Mile Lake. The case has been vigorously contested. The defendants contended that they had a right to shoot from the lake over the pass, and the plaintiff denied this right. The supreme court holds that in effect that no party has the right to shoot over the lands of another and grants the injunction.

Rothsay fire engine

• The new fire engine and fire apparatus for Rothsay has arrived. The engine is an 18 horse power and is larger and in every way superior to the one recently lost by fire. As a new fire hall has not yet been constructed, the engine has temporary quarters in Stordock’s livery barn.

From The Daily Journal, March 11-17, 1907

Unmanageable travel due to snow

• A few days of genuine warm weather would be welcomed in this locality. It is too late in the season to expect a continuation of sleighing, and the sooner the roads are cleared of snow the better it will be for travel. As it is now, the sleighing is very poor, especially here in the city.

• Country roads still have a foot or two of snow in some places, while in other spots the ground is clear. This makes it difficult to travel with a sleigh and almost impossible to use a wagon.

Battle Lake wants money

• The editor of the Review called at the state auditor’s office recently and learned the state investment board, which consists of the governor, state auditor and attorney general, accepted the proposition of the village of Battle Lake to borrow money from the state for the purpose of establishing a waterworks system and purchasing the lighting plant in this village.

• Because of the heavy demand for loans from the fund, the money will not be available before July 15, 1907.
  

Pest House

• The city “pest house,” which has been vacant for a long time, has two inmates at present.

• A young lady from outside the city was taken ill of what is supposed to be diphtheria and has been taken to the detention station until she recovers.

From The Daily Journal, March 4-10, 1907

City buys waterworks system

• The city council, at its meeting Saturday evening, decided to purchase the waterworks system at the price fixed by the appraisers. This action was generally expected. Since the award was made public, the expressions heard on all sides have been that the figure was high, but that it was better to accept the plant at this price than to institute condemnation proceedings which would mean a long delay and perhaps result in the fixing of a price as high or higher than that agreed upon by the present arbitrators.

The State Hospital

• The legislative committee of the House and Senate visited the insane hospital in this city Saturday, spending the entire day at the institution, and obtaining a number of valuable ideas. They looked over the various wards, the new dormitor, and conversed freely with the patients, attendants and officials of the institution, and expressed themselves as well pleased with the cleanliness and good management everywhere in evidence.

Bad fire

• Rothsay had another serious fire last night. The fire hall, fire engine and all fire apparatus were entirely destroyed. A barn belonging to J. D. Weyranch also burned. The fire originated in the fire hall and was so far along that it was impossible to save any of the fire apparatus.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 25-March 3 1907

Waterworks appraisers give report

• The report of the appraisers appointed to determine the value of the Fergus Falls waterworks system was submitted to the city council at its adjourned meeting Monday and the price named is $77,868.

• The report was read to the council. At the conclusion of the reading, Ald. Brown moved that it be received and filed. There appeared to be no disposition to take immediate action and the motion carried. The council then agreed to adjourn until Saturday evening, when it will be brought up for action. It may be that the council will accept the plant at this figure at that time, or it may be decided to submit the question to the voters.

Dance at Woodman Hall

• The K. O. T. M. is going to give one of their popular old-time dances at Woodman Hall Monday night, March 4. Such dances as the Money-Musk, Virginia Reel, Fireman’s Dance, waltzes, polkas and schottisches are on the program. The entire dance committee is composed of hustlers and wall flowers will be only on paper. Dance and refreshments will be 50 cents. W. G. Hunt, who is especially good as a prompter, has been secured to call.

Violinist gives concert

• Mr. Olav Moe, noted Norwegian violinist who gives his concert here with the assistance of the Ljom singing society tomorrow, will delight music lovers and the general public.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 18-24, 1907

County division plan heard

• Monday evening a mass meeting of the business men of Perham was held in that town for crystalizing sentiment in favor of the county division plan and working out a campaign. Hon. M. Walz, a well known Perham business man and member of the legislature, was present, and he will take up the matter in the legislature. A petition for a special election will be brought forward and every effort will be made to bring the matter to a vote of the people of Otter Tail County.
  

Lost boy is found

• The 8 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto C. Glorvigen wandered out along the Northern Pacific railway track westward Sunday forenoon and, becoming bewildered, kept going west instead of retracing his steps and returning to the city. Later in the evening a conductor saw the boy about three miles from Foxhome. A farmer seeing him on the track took him to Foxhome. The section foreman, Mr. Glorvigen, patrolman Johnson went to Foxhome. He was wet and tired, and his father remained there with him until Monday morning.

Bowling meeting

• At a meeting of the Fergus Falls Bowling Association held last evening, it was decided to discontinue the present league series of games and commence March 1 with a new series and new prizes. This Association is now a member of the American Bowling Congress of the United States and last night authorized a vote and delegate at the coming meeting to he held at St. Louis.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 11-17, 1907

High school team defeated by state team

• The young ladies basketball team of the high school was defeated by the State Hospital team in the most spectacular and interesting game of the season by a score of 17 to 16. The teams as they lined up presented a pretty spectacle. The high school team all dressed in white and the hospital team in red. Every girl on both teams played a star game, but special mention should be made of the spectacular work of Nan Frankoviz of the high school and Miss Light of the hospital.

Explosion at Richville

• M. S. Perkins, Wadena, owns a saloon at Richville, the new town on the Soo south of Perham. He reports the saloon was wrecked by an explosion of gasoline Friday evening. At the time of the explosion, the place was filled with people. The force of the explosion turned pictures around on the walls, tore off the paper, upset things on the back bar, blew out the glass front of the building, knocked down people and started a fire. It was put out and comparatively little damage was done.

Dissolution

• The well known firm of Blyberg & Haugen, Pelican Rapids, dissolved partnership last week. This firm is one of the oldest and most prosperous business concerns in Otter Tail County.

From The Daily Journal, Feb. 4 -10 1907

Dr. Wall new government inspector

• Dr. A. C. Wall, of Chicago, has been appointed government meat inspector in this city, and Mr. Wentworth, of St. Paul, has been tendered an appointment as assistant inspector.

• Both men have arrived and will spend their time at the Fergus Packing Plant, inspecting the products and placing the seal of government approval on everything that is sent out from the plant.

Rural Carriers

• The rural mail carriers, of whom there are a large number in this county, are to receive an increase of $120 per annum in their salaries in the near future.

• This increase will be highly gratifying to the carriers and their friends, and is brought about in very large measure by the efforts of Congressman Halvor Steenerson.
  

Landmark Gone

• In Deer Creek Mr. and Mrs. George Cook’s cozy log cabin home was completely destroyed by fire Thursday morning.

• As the aged couple ate breakfast one of the younger children saw sparks falling outside and went into the yard to investigate.

• The flames on the roof had gained too great a headway, and the home could not be saved.

From The Daily Journal, Jan. 28- Feb. 3 1907

City on verge of fuel famine

• The city is on the verge of a fuel famine. The supply of coal has been rather low for weeks and is becoming steadily lower.

• Some of the dealers have had a supply of soft coal on hand, but even the soft coal was exhausted last Wednesday or Thursday and all of the local yards were reported out of coal of all kinds. Since then one car of coal was received, but on Tuesday morning it was reported all gone.

Jail is empty

• The Otter Tail County jail is without prisoners for the first time in its history. The county jail was erected nearly 20 years ago, and this is the first time it has ever been without prisoners. It was one of the finest first class jail to be erected in western Minnesota, and for a long time, several of the adjoining counties sent their prisoners here. The number of criminals committed in this county seems diminishing, and the new law, which allow prisoners to plead guilty and receive sentence without awaiting the action of the grand jury, results in the final disposal of a great many cases almost as soon as the arrests are made.

Literary Society

• A meeting was held Tuesday at Norden Hall for the purpose of organizing a Norwegian literary society in this city. The project met with enthusiastic approval and initiatives steps were taken. I. Dorrum and T. Oftelie were appointed as a temporary committee.

From The Daily Journal, Jan. 21-27 1907

City’s electric light situation examined

• R. S. Feurtado arrived in the city Saturday to look over the electric light situation here, with a view to preparing plans for the new dam. He is a native of Jamaica, having been born in Spanish Town, 16 miles from Kingston, which has just been overwhelmed by earthquake and fire.

• Feurtado left Jamaica 17 years ago and spent some years in Washington and Montana. He is now located in Chicago, and is one of the successful civil engineers of that city.
  

Worst storm hits

• The worst storm of the present winter swept over this locality Saturday afternoon and night. Railway traffic was completely blockaded Sunday. The storm appears to have been very severe in North Dakota, and it is likely to be several weeks before some of the branch lines can be opened there, as the snow plows will be fully occupied in keeping the main line open for traffic. Early in the night, a freight train stalled in a huge drift in one of the cuts near Rothsay.

Groceries at cost

• Beginning Jan. 28 and continuing for six days, we will sell groceries at cost. This gives you a chance to buy a supply of goods at wholesale prices. Those indebted to us are asked to call and settle without further notice. We must have money. B. Strain & Co.

From The Daily Journal, Jan. 14-20 1907

New iron bridges sought

• The county commissioners have addressed a communication to the Otter Tail county members of the legislature, asking them to use their endeavors to secure appropriations for new iron bridges at the following points:

• A bridge across the Red River in sec 4, Everts, at the outlet of Otter Tail Lake, where an old wooden bridge now exists. A bridge across the Red River at Thomas’ mill, Maine where there is an old worn out wooden bridge that is unsafe for travel. A bridge across East Leaf Lake on a natural sand bar in section 33. A bridge across the lower end of Lake Lida at Stony Bar. A bridge at the outlet of Little Pine Lake in sec. 1, Perham. A bridge across the Red River in Aurdal, between sections 28 and 33.

Municipal Coal yard

• Alderman Boen introduced a new idea at the council meeting Tuesday evening by suggesting that the city establish a coal and wood yard.

• His plan was to have the city purchase coal by the train load and sell it at as low a figure as the wholesale cost would permit; and he held that farmers would come from long distances to purchase their coal here if the city went into the business and made the prices as low as possible.

From The Daily Journal. Jan. 7-13 1907

Largest pine tree downed

• News from Cass Lake: The largest tree ever cut in the west was fell a few miles east of Cuba. It is a white pine and after careful examination was found to be over 425 years old.

• The tree was practically solid and will be cut into five logs. It is estimated that the first log will scale close to 8,000 feet. The tree is 6 feet in diameter.

Two-to-one decision

• The FFHS debate team returned from Ada Saturday morning where they met the Ada High School team in a debate.

• The Fergus Falls debaters were Chas Nyberg, Evelyn Obert and C. E. Christianson. Fergus loses by a divided decision in the debate. The subject discussed was the advisability of enlarging the American Navy, and Fergus Falls took the affirmative.

New meat market

• E. Anderson takes possession of his new meat market, the Eames Market. He expects to make this the leading market of city, choice meats, moderate prices, and the best of treatment. His Bismarck Avenue market will now be known as the “Southside Market.”

Kept open after hours

• Carl Dreschsel, who recently engaged in the saloon business on Mill Street, was taken into custody Friday on the charge of keeping his saloon open after hours.

From The Daily Journal. Dec. 31 1906-Jan. 6 1907

New Year’s fire hits store

• The New Year was ushered in this city with one of the most stubborn fires. The Fritz’ combined grocery store and meat market on Lincoln Avenue West was discovered on fire by W. R. Smith, who was passing by and noticed that the store was rapidly filling with smoke.

• The fire department lost no time responding to the alarm. Firemen were driven back by explosions of oil and gasoline, of which about 85 gallons were being stored in the basement. Mr. Fritz entire stock is ruined. The building was owned by John Lauritzen, and was erected a few years ago, being one of the substantial brick business blocks in the city.

Unfortunate accident

• Bennie Magnusson was knocked down by one of the sleds drawing a hose cart to the fire at the Lauritzen building and was injured. He fell under the runner and was dragged a few feet before the team could be stopped. He was bruised about the hip and it was thought yesterday that his arm was broken, but it is believed that is not the case.
  

The Manhattan

• The firm of Salo Desky & Co., proprietors of the Great Manhattan Department store has dissolved partnership. Mr. Salo Desky buying out the interest of his brother, Mr. Nate Desky, in the business. The purchase became effective Jan. 2.

From The Daily Journal. Dec. 24-30 1906

Creamery vs. cheese plant debated

• At the meeting of the Commercial Club the question of establishing a creamery or cheese factory in Fergus Falls was brought up and discussed in its various aspects.

• It seemed to be thought there ought to be established in a suitable market for milk and cream with sufficient capital behind it so that farmers could get cash for these products the same as grain or hogs.

• It was argued that there was no use in trying to establish a co-operative creamery for the reason that the farmers would not stand together and help make it a success.

Christmas Eve

• The christmas program was the event of the year at the hospital here. The exercises were held in the amusement hall and were opened by the Bijou company with moving pictures illustrations of the story of Ben Hur.

• Other views were also given, and the patients took a deep interest in the exhibition. The second part of the program was a play given by W. C. Searles and R. O. Bailey, two well known members of the hospital force.
  

From The Daily Journal. Dec. 17-23, 1906

Preliminary hearing

• J. G. Haggstrom, accused of draining Pickeral Lake, had his preliminary hearing in court and was bound over to the grand jury.

Agreement being sought

• The possibility of the Northern Pacific railway locating a new freight division headquarters on this division has led to some discussion relative to an alleged agreement with the company to maintain a division headquarters here.

• Some of the early settlers are of the opinion that the company which built the line agreed to maintain a 12 stall roundhouse and a superintendent at this point. This agreement being made in consideration of the granting of right of way through the city and as a partial inducement a favorable vote on the $200,000 worth of bonds which this county issued and paid to secure the road. The records in the register of deeds office have been examined to some extent during the past day or two, but the agreement has not been found.

Serious fire

• A serious fire occurred at Rothsay at an early hour Wednesday morning, resulting in the total destruction of what is known as the Rothsay elevator there. It was apparent from the outset that the building could not be saved, and the fire department, after doing what it could to subdue the flames, turned its attention to the work of saving the Farmers’ elevator, and by hard work succeeded in doing so.

• The elevator that was destroyed was owned by the Rothsay Elevator Co. and was leased to the Melrose Milling Co.

From The Daily Journal. Dec. 10-16 1906

Post card regulations are lifted

• Post cards can be made at home after March 1, 1907. A recent order of the postal department removing nearly every restriction now placed upon the issuance of post cards will go into effect, the Minneapolis Journal said.

• It will also be permissible to paste photographs, newspaper clippings and other imprints on this paper upon the cards. The left half of the address side of the card will be available for messages or pictures, and it will not be necessary to print the words “post card’’ or “postal card’’ upon the card.

• The only remaining restriction is that the cards must be of standard weight pasteboard and not more that 3 9/16 by 5 9/16 inches or less than 2 15/16 by 4 5/8 inches in dimension. Leather and other freak materials are barred.

Name changed

• Mr. S. F. Massey has decided to change the name of his Arlington Hotel on Cascade Street to Hotel Cecil. He is aiming to make this hotel the best $1 per day house in this part of Minnesota and is meeting with admirable success.

• The rooms are bright and clean, well heated and well lighted, and the meals served are the best in the city for the price. Guests who stop there once do not fail to come again.

From The Daily Journal Dec. 3-9 1906

Washout on Pelican Railway bridge

• A winter washout occurred at the Pelican Railway bridge in the eastern part of this city this morning, and the train from Pelican Rapids is still on the other side of it.

• The washout occurred early this morning. Cakes of ice had been coming down the stream, and jammed against the piling of the bridge, forming something of a dam there.

• The stream is deep and the current swift at that point, and the jam in the center of the river caused the water to flow by at the sides with terrific force. The result was that it began cutting into the embankment at the south edge of the bridge, and once the cutting process begun, the earth, gravel and stone were eaten away very rapidly. Before long, eight or ten feet of track had been removed and the ties and rails left hanging in the air.

Wild Cat shot

• D. D. Wemple shot a 3-foot wild cat on the William's farm in Buse. He butchered the day before and it was attracted by the offal.

• These animals are frequently killed in this locality. Not many years ago, Jacob Niebels shot one in a tree back of the Faber residence near the Court Street bridge in this city.

Vicky Anderson is the Research Assistant at the Otter Tail County Historical Society.